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University of Idaho Schedules Regional Listening Sessions on Research and Extension Centers
Aug. 24, 2009
Written by Tania Thompson
MOSCOW, Idaho – The University of Idaho has scheduled a series of four regional listening sessions in September focused on its College of Agricultural and Life Sciences’ Research and Extension centers. The public is invited to attend the meetings to listen and offer comment or input.
The college is dealing with a legislatively mandated $3.2 million, or 11.5 percent, reduction in its FY10 budget; the FY11 budget situation is unknown.
In January 2009, college Dean John Hammel outlined for the state’s Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee that the potential impact of state-mandated budget reductions likely would include closure or consolidation of some of the college’s Research and Extension centers.
In March, a statewide committee of 19 members formed to review and analyze the current and future status of the college's Research and Extension centers; that group returned recommendations to the college and university.
In June, stakeholders and others voiced concerns about the proposed future of specific programs and centers.
In July, university President M. Duane Nellis and Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter jointly agreed to take additional time to conduct a more thorough review of the Research and Extension system and to build upon earlier analysis done by the statewide advisory committee. The university is engaging the agricultural industry, other partners and the general public in this review phase.
The public listening sessions are scheduled:
Tuesday, Sept. 8, 6 p.m.: Idaho Falls, Idaho State University campus, 1770 Science Center Dr., CHE Bldg., Room 211
Wednesday, Sept. 9, 6 p.m.: Twin Falls, College of Southern Idaho campus, 315 Falls Ave., Taylor Bldg., Room 277
Thursday, Sept. 10, 6 p.m.: Caldwell, Caldwell Complex, 1904 E. Chicago St., Conference Center
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 6 p.m.: Sandpoint, Bonner County Extension office, 4205 N. Boyer, Conference Room.
Hammel and others will attend the regional listening sessions to hear comments and be able to respond to questions.
The university has established a Web site that includes the listening session schedule, information on the Research and Extension system used by the advisory committee in its review and analysis and more. Visit the site at www.uidaho.edu/cals/listeningsessions.
Comments also can be submitted via e-mail to agcomment@uidaho.edu.
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About the University of Idaho
Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state’s flagship higher-education institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. University researchers attract nearly $100 million in research grants and contracts each year; the University of Idaho is the only institution in the state to earn the prestigious Carnegie Foundation ranking for high research activity. The university’s student population includes first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars. Offering more than 130 degree options in 10 colleges, the university combines the strengths of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu.
Media Contacts: Tania Thompson, University Communications, (208) 885-6567, taniat@uidaho.edu; or Bill Loftus, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, (208) 885-7694, bloftus@uidaho.edu.
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