Strategy: Contribute to the solution of society’s most pressing problems locally and around the globe through disciplinary and interdisciplinary research, lifelong education and community partnerships.

Point People: William Lacy and Neal Van Alfen

Narrative Summary of First Year Implementation Efforts:

This strategy is perhaps the most comprehensive, general and broad-based of the three strategies under the Engagement goal. In addition, it is often the least well-documented. The indicators call for increasing the level and quality of research and educational activities across the entire university devoted to addressing key societal issues and improving quality of life. Moreover, the indicators include expansion of the number, nature and impact of researchers and educators involved in disciplinary and interdisciplinary work focused on societal issues and increased recognition for research and educational projects that successfully address societal issues. It is clear that there is substantial overlap with this strategy and the third Engagement strategy, “Provide effective and active support for the economic development and quality of life in the region and state.” We will be coordinating with the point persons for that strategy to avoid duplication.

During the year, we have met to discuss how to document the current status of engagement efforts and the indicators of activities and achievement. We have also been in contact with numerous people with responsibilities for various aspects of outreach education and research, and engagement. The list includes: Dennis Pendleton-Dean of Extension; Barbara Schneeman, Associate Vice Provost for University Outreach; Jeffrey Weidner, Chair of the Academic Senate Committee on Public Service; Nora Moore Jimenez, Director of UCD CONNECT; Pam Stotlar-McAuliffe, Director of Medical Continuing Education. In addition, through the efforts of the University Outreach and International Programs and the leadership of Barbara Schneeman, we have conducted a survey of the UCD faculty (approximately 400 responded) to document the activities that related to engagement or service that utilizes faculty knowledge for policy development, research, dissemination, continuing education, and advancing entrepreneurial efforts. Finally, we convened the University Outreach Advisory Council that consists of representatives of all the schools, colleges and divisions to help define the key concepts and issues in pursuing the Engagement goal and this strategy in particular.

Advances and Ongoing Programs Consistent with Strategy:

• In the recent survey on University Outreach participation, UC Davis faculty (400 respondents) report extensive outreach and engagement including: over 10% serving as president of the their academic association in the past ten years; Nearly 20 having participated in entrepreneurial or commercial activities related to their areas of scholarship in the past 5 years; Over 25% having offered a formal course for non-degree students; 30% participating in Task Forces or Boards for government agencies in past 10 years related to their academic expertise.
• Nearly 70,000 adult professionals and learners were enrolled in more than 4,000 UC Davis Extension programs enhancing the capacity of the professional workforce in the region and state (http://universityextension.ucdavis.edu/).
• A new multi-year multi-million dollar Department of Social Services interagency agreement with UCDE’s Center for Human Services, supporting the state’s Child Welfare Services/Case Management System, addresses the educational needs of more than 19,000 state and county child welfare specialists.
• New developments in telemedicine enable UCDHS to serve California rural communities with specialty medical care through portable satellite terminals.
• Development of the California Center for Preparedness continues campus efforts to coordinate domestic preparedness and security activities.
• The School of Education and the campus Educational Partnerships Steering Committee are exploring new means to more effectively serve northern California K-12 educators (e.g., through the use of online education for professional development).
• New professional masters degree programs, (a relatively recent phenomenon in the University of California) to serve key needs in California are offered in such areas as Forensic Science (http://universityextension.ucdavis.edu/Forensics/index.asp), and Maternal and Child Nutrition, with several new programs in various stages of development.
• Through the Senior Learning Unlimited program (administrative support provided by UCD Extension) and the Lifelong Learning Institute (UCDE with support from the Osher Foundation: (http://universityextension.ucdavis.edu/olli/), arts, humanities and science programs designed for intellectual enrichment of senior adult learners in our region are being developed and expanded.
• Academic Senate Public Service Committee continues to publicize the faculty excellence in public service scholarship through its annual award and this year through its superb publication of award recipients.
• The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences is providing nutrition advice to food stamp recipients throughout California through a program funded by the USDA and the California Department of Social Services.
• Cooperative Extension Specialists in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences work with UC Cooperative Extension Advisors in nearly every county of California to assist local communities in enhancing the quality of life through wise use of our natural and human resources.
• Working with the organization Roots of Peace and funded by the USAID, the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is converting former mine fields in Afghanistan into productive agricultural land.
• Working closely with both Federal and State agencies in the CalFed partnership, UC Davis is working to understand and protect the delta system of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers.

Short Statement of Plans for 2004-05

The plans for 2004-05 include:

• Continue to collect and document the numerous faculty and staff activities in engagement
• Analyze the data from the survey and disseminate the findings
• Convene the University Outreach Advisory Council to review the report and continue to assess next steps
• Document the extent to which colleges and schools:
  1. compile data/information of their outreach/engagement activities, and impact, and public recognition of those accomplishments
  2. build in expectations of outreach/engagement activities in evaluation of research and educational projects
  3. conduct workshops to help people understand outreach opportunities and expectations
• Work with the Academic Senate Public Service Committee to increase awareness and understanding of the goal of engagement

Evaluation of Metrics

The metrics appear to be more of a goal than actual indicators given the level of college and school databases in this area. We will continue to work with the deans and their representatives to refine these indicators of achievement.