To: Master Gardener coordinators (Extension faculty)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From: Gail Langellotto, (Professor of Horticulture, Statewide\nCoordinator, Extension Master Gardener Program)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Date: March 11, 2020, 12:41pm PST<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coordinators,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you are aware, OSU and OSU Extension are actively engaged in\ncontinuity planning as we prepare for a localized outbreak of COVID-19 in the\nuniversity community and communities we serve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thank you for your efforts during this rapidly changing situation, and\nfor the care and compassion you are showing for each other and your program\nparticipants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Given that older adults\nare both a vulnerable population and an abundant group in the Master Gardener\nProgram, we are recommending that local Master Gardener coordinators carefully\nconsider available options for completing the 2020 Master Gardener training\nseason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are developing\nadditional guidance for large events such as conferences and plant sales, and\nongoing volunteer activities such as plant clinics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are four<\/s> three options to consider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
****This option was removed as a possibility on March 12, 2020, when updated guidance for OSU Extension Master Gardener Programs was issued.<\/a>**** Note that the recommended practices for personal wellness and minimizing the spread of illness is still recommened, for personal use.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Option 2: Postpone and reschedule classes<\/strong> (i.e., after the state of emergency has\npassed or has been revoked). The ability to do this may depend on whether or\nnot you will have access to the training site at a later date, and if students\nand instructors can accommodate a schedule change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Option 3: Consider using the online modules to\ncomplete your 2020 training schedule<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Option 4: If you have met the minimum national\nand state standards for Master Gardener trainings, you can suspend classes for\n2020.<\/strong> If you have questions\nabout the standards, please contact me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind that\ndecisions may differ among coordinators depending on local circumstances.\nExtension decisions made locally should be coordinated through supervisors and\nleadership at the appropriate level. Please contact your regional director and\nme with any questions or concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No matter which options\nyou chose, please prioritize your personal health and wellness. Take the time\nto regularly review updates from the CDC<\/a> and OHA<\/a> websites, as well as OSU\u2019s COVID-19 webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thank you,<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gail<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" To: Master Gardener coordinators (Extension faculty) From: Gail Langellotto, (Professor of Horticulture, Statewide Coordinator, Extension Master Gardener Program) Date: March 11, 2020, 12:41pm PST Coordinators, As you are aware, OSU and OSU Extension are actively engaged in continuity planning as we prepare for a localized outbreak of COVID-19 in the university community and communities we … <\/p>\nOption 1: Continue with classes, but observe recommended practices for personal wellness and minimizing spread of illness<\/strong>.<\/s> <\/p>\n\n\n\n