eFARS Update!

September 2006

Announcements

When will eFARS re-open? It should re-open on Tuesday, September 26, 2006.

I hear that we must each select a USDA Planned Program Area. Why do I have to do this? The USDA is requiring all states to submit Planned Program Areas that describe everything they do. So, you will have to associate a Planned Program Area with each of your workshops, awards, publications, presentations, courses, grants, and other works in eFARS.

When you login for the first time, you will be required to select at least one Planned Program Area and a Knowledge Area, or an Extension Educational Program. Definitions will be provided.
You have to do this only once each year.
If you pick just one Planned Program, then everything you do will be automatically associated with that Program.
If you pick more than one Planned Program, you can use a pull-down menu to associate each of your workshops, awards, publications, presentations, courses, grants, and other works with a Planned Program.

Why do I have to do this?

This will enable us to write the required annual Federal Report to the USDA more effectively. This matters.

You will be helping us portray ourselves in a better light to the USDA - a major funding source for Extension and the Experiment Station. Most of these dollars are used for salaries- perhaps yours.
You will help the Dean with portraying our College positively with stakeholders, including funders. For example, we will be able to document the positive impact of the cluster hires on research, teaching, and extension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the revised eFARS going to be really different? Not for most of you. Extension agents will see an "Extension-friendly" report outline, as requested. This should clarify where to put things. However, the printout will still be in the same format as before. We want a single consistent printout for every faculty member in the CALS system.

Have a question or suggestion?

Ask eFARS Team

Technology resources provided by Agriculture, Human and Natural Resources Information Technology, Virginia Tech


eFARS Update! September 2006 Announcements When will eFARS re-open? It should re-open on Tuesday, September 26, 2006. I hear that we must each select a USDA Planned Program Area. Why do I have to do this? The USDA is requiring all states to submit Planned Program Areas that describe everything they do. So, you will have to associate a Planned Program Area with each of your workshops, awards, publications, presentations, courses, grants, and other works in eFARS. When you login for the first time, you will be required to select at least one Planned Program Area and a Knowledge Area, or an Extension Educational Program. Definitions will be provided. You have to do this only once each year. If you pick just one Planned Program, then everything you do will be automatically associated with that Program. If you pick more than one Planned Program, you can use a pull-down menu to associate each of your workshops, awards, publications, presentations, courses, grants, and other works with a Planned Program. Why do I have to do this? This will enable us to write the required annual Federal Report to the USDA more effectively. This matters. You will be helping us portray ourselves in a better light to the USDA - a major funding source for Extension and the Experiment Station. Most of these dollars are used for salaries- perhaps yours. You will help the Dean with portraying our College positively with stakeholders, including funders. For example, we will be able to document the positive impact of the cluster hires on research, teaching, and extension. Frequently Asked Questions Is the revised eFARS going to be really different? Not for most of you. Extension agents will see an "Extension-friendly" report outline, as requested. This should clarify where to put things. However, the printout will still be in the same format as before. We want a single consistent printout for every faculty member in the CALS system. Have a question or suggestion? Ask eFARS Team
	eFARS Electronic Faculty Annual Reporting System Help Desk: (540) 231-6879 tmack@vt.edu
Technology resources provided by Agriculture, Human and Natural Resources Information Technology, Virginia Tech