Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology : Pre 1998 EEO Committee Plans

CMAVE/ARS GAINESVILLE LOCATION
EO/CIVIL RIGHTS/WORKFORCE DIVERSITY REPORT
1997-2002
Herbert Oberlander - Center Director

EO/Civil Rights Mission: The Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology is committed to serving the American public by employing an educated, diverse workforce to develop new knowledge and methodology for insect detection and control.

Implementation Structure: The Center Director and the Gainesville EEO Committee, chaired by Dr. Richard Mankin, centrally plan and implement EO/Civil Rights/Workforce Diversity activities for the Location. Two EEO subcommittees assist in planning and carrying out career development and science education outreach programs.

Outreach: The "SCIENCE" (Scientists Cooperating in Enhancing and Nurturing Children's Education) Subcommittee is responsible for coordinating and planning voluntary programs that introduce students to research and agricultural career opportunities. The Location EEO committee coordinates seminars for National History Month and Women's Equality Day, and training sessions for career development with the Location Federal Women's Program committee. In addition, committee personnel and other scientists at the location have maintained extensive contact with officials at local, state, and national institutions to increase the diversity of the recruitment pool. These organizations include public school systems, the Florida Foundation for Future Scientists, Ag in the Classroom, 1890s colleges and universities, and the Foundation for Science and Disability.

Career Development and Workforce Diversity: The Career Development Subcommittee is responsible for determining the level of workforce diversity at the location, for identifying policies and actions that can be taken to improve workforce diversity and career development of technical and administrative staff, support scientists, and Category 1 scientists, and for developing training programs to assist supervisors and employees in addressing workforce diversity and career development issues. At the Gainesville Location, administrative staff, technical staff, and support scientists have expressed concerns about career development and workforce diversity.

There is limited diversity among Category 1 scientists and research leaders. The primary focus of the Location EO/Civil Rights/Workforce Diversity effort will be to increase the opportunity of employees in all categories to further develop their careers, and to increase the diversity of the recruitment pool for all employment categories. In keeping with this focus, the activities planned for the next five years include the following: a variety of educational outreach programs, summer training positions for pre-collegiate and college students, research experiences for teachers from schools with high minority enrollments, and increasing workforce diversity through fair, nondiscriminatory recruitment of technical personnel, graduate students, and postdoctoral scientists. There will continue to be an annual series of commemorative seminars (Federal Women's Program, Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month), educational programs, training programs, and efforts to increase workplace accessibility to disabled persons as part of the overall EO effort.

FY98: The Center Director will provide leadership in the EO/Civil Rights/Workforce Diversity area by setting an example of fairness in all interactions with CMAVE personnel, and through direct participation in related activities. The Director will advise all supervisors on the importance of EO/Civil rights/Workforce Diversity issues, and ensure that their annual performance includes substantive contributions to these areas. The Center Director's office will provide for a location funded summer research apprentice and for an 1890s college student summer stipend to be assigned as recommended by the EEO Committee. Workforce diversity will be enhanced through encouragement of training for personnel, open and well-publicized recruitment efforts when there are vacancies for permanent positions, and direct participation in all EEO related commemorative events at the Center. In addition, the Director will participate in the annual county-wide job fair for all high schools. The Director will take training in EO/Civil Rights/Workforce Diversity issues, and ensure that appropriate training is provided for supervisors and support personnel at the Location. The Director will provide location support for the activities of the EEO Committee, including resources for training, commemorative events, and participation in science fairs, and periodically meet with the EEO Committee to learn of their concerns. In addition, travel funds will be provided to the Chair of the EEO Committee to support his involvement as head of a AAAS-affiliated committee on career development of scientists with disabilities. With the creation of the CMAVE and the appointment of the Center Director as Location Coordinator, there is now a single place for all EO/Civil Rights/Workforce Diversity issues and programs to be considered and acted upon. This organization will provide a focus and centrality for all such activities.

FY99-02: The programs discussed above will be assessed and continued as appropriate, while additional efforts will be undertaken as recommended by the EEO Committee and individual staff initiatives.

The following report includes projections for each Research Unit at the Gainesville Location for planned EEO related activities for 1997-2002:

I. Behavior and Biocontrol Research Unit

II. Chemistry Research Unit

III. Imported Fire Ant and Household Insects Research Unit

IV. Mosquito and Fly Research Unit

V. Postharvest and Bioregulation Research Unit

VI. Crop Genetic and Environmental Research Unit

I. Behavior and Biocontrol Research Unit
E. R. Mitchell - Research Leader

E. R. Mitchell

FY98: Supervise an undergraduate or graduate female or minority entomology student in a special problem's course. Apply for at least one summer student apprentice or other summer student or teacher mentor ship program. Attend and strongly encourage attendance by members of the Behavior & Biocontrol Unit at EO, Civil Rights and Workforce Diversity seminars and training sessions. Strongly encourage participation of members of the Behavior & Biocontrol Unit in programs and activities like the Secretarial Advisory Council, Federal Women's Program, local and state science fairs, and similar activities. If opportunities to recruit new employees arise, recruit from the broadest possible pool of qualified minority and women candidates.

FY99-02: Recruit and supervise at least one female or minority undergraduate or graduate student to conduct special problems research or graduate research. Apply for at least one summer student apprentice or other summer student or teacher mentor ship program. Attend and strongly encourage attendance by members of the Behavior & Biocontrol Unit at EO, Civil Rights and Workforce Diversity seminars and training sessions. Strongly encourage participation of members of the Behavior & Biocontrol Unit in programs and activities like the Secretarial Advisory Council, Federal Women's Program, local and state science fairs, and similar activities. If opportunities to recruit new employees arise, recruit from the broadest possible pool of qualified minority and women candidates.

M. S. Mayer

FY98: Active member of CMAVE EEO Committee and co-chair of an EEO committee addressing hiring and promotional equity at the location. Serve as a member of the CMAVE science outreach committee and actively participate in at least one associated program. Advise a minority undergraduate student on a special research project through the University of Florida. Participate in area high school career fairs and judge at least one high school science fair. Apply for one summer student apprentice or other summer student mentor ship program. Continue ongoing research interaction with a colleague at Savannah State University, a historically black institution, and discuss programs for laboratory tours and internship programs with CMAVE.

FY99-02: Continue as active member of CMAVE EEO committees. Participate in area high school career fairs and judge at least one high school science fair. Serve as a member of the science outreach committee and actively participate in at least one associated program. Apply for one summer student apprentice or other summer student mentor ship program. Continue ongoing research/education interaction with colleagues at Savannah State University, a historically black institution.

J. M. Sivinski

FY98: I will recruit and supervise one or more Summer Apprentice Interns. I will take advantage of opportunities to serve on the committees of female and minority graduate students. I will also share, along with colleagues in the Behavior and Biocontrol Unit, in the recruitment, supervision, and reimbursement of an undergraduate student / public school teacher who will be employed by the unit during the Summer. The goal of this temporary employment will be to introduce the minority student / teacher to entomological research. In practice this would mean completing short (~2 week) projects with the various members of the unit. If the employee is a public school teacher, these projects may be used for directed research-university credit.

FY99-02: The objectives outlined for FY 98 will be duplicated to the extent possible for each of the next 5 years.

P. D. Greany

FY 98: Use extramural funds to sponsor a female graduate student in Entomology at the University of Florida.

FY99-02: Serve as a judge in the State Science Fair (zoology division). Serve as sponsor for a summer student in the Center for Precollegiate Training (CPET) Summer Science Training Program (SSTP) at the University of Florida. Agree to serve as a host for a teacher in the Teacher Research Update Experience summer program at the University of Florida. Agree to participate in Summer Apprentice Intern and Teacher Research Familiarization program being proposed by J. Sivinski.

S. M. Ferkovich

FY98: Resources permitting, recruit and supervise summer intern; and/or recruit one or more summer student apprentices or other student or teacher in mentor ship programs. Offer assistance and advice to junior high, and high school students on science project at local schools. Take advantage of opportunities to hire female and minority candidates, and when possible serve on committees of females and minority students and provide information on research opportunities at local schools and participate in local programs for advancement of females and minorities.

FY99-02: Repeat to the extent possible all objectives outlined for FY98.

A. M. Handler

FY98: Utilizing available funds, a post-doctoral research associate will be hired with recruiting efforts directed towards highly qualified minority and/or female candidates. I will recruit and supervise the research of one summer apprentice or student (high school or college). I will participate with other members of the Behavior and Biocontrol Unit in supporting and supervising a female and/or minority member student or teacher each summer to introduce them to opportunities in agricultural research. I will offer assistance and advice where appropriate towards recruitment of minority and/or female candidates for positions available at the location.

FY99-02: Resources permitting, I will hire a post-doctoral research associate and/or a technician with recruiting efforts directed towards highly qualified minority and/or female candidates. I will recruit and supervise research of one summer apprentice or student (high school or college) each year. I will participate with other members of the Behavior and Biocontrol Unit in supporting and supervising a female and/or minority member student or teacher each summer to introduce them to opportunities in agricultural research. I will offer assistance and advice where appropriate towards recruitment of minority and/or female candidates for positions available at the location.

II. Chemistry Research Unit
J. H. Tumlinson - Research Leader

J. H. Tumlinson

FY98: Supervise the honors thesis of an undergraduate female entomology student. Apply for at least one summer student apprentice or other summer student or teacher mentorship program. Attend and strongly encourage attendance by members of the Chemistry Unit at EO, Civil Rights and Workforce Diversity seminars and training sessions. Strongly encourage participation of members of the Chemistry Unit in programs and activities like the Secretarial Advisory Council, Federal Women's Program, local and state science fairs, and similar activities. If opportunities to recruit new employees arise, recruit from the broadest possible pool of qualified minority and women candidates.

FY99-02: Recruit and supervise at least one female or minority undergraduate or graduate student to conduct honors or graduate research. Apply for at least one summer student apprentice or other summer student or teacher mentorship program. Attend and strongly encourage attendance by members of the Chemistry Unit at EO, Civil Rights and Workforce Diversity seminars and training sessions. Strongly encourage participation of members of the Chemistry Unit in programs and activities like the Secretarial Advisory Council, Federal Women's Program, local and state science fairs, and similar activities. If opportunities to recruit new employees arise, recruit from the broadest possible pool of qualified minority and women candidates.

R. R. Heath

FY98: Will attend and strongly encourage attendance by research group members at all EEO, Civil Rights, Workforce Diversity seminars and training sessions held at the Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology (CMAVE). Will participate in one of the student mentorship programs with primary interest in the Student Science Training Program which is sponsored annually through the University of Florida Center for Pre-collegiate Education and Training. Will participate in the educational tours of the CMAVE facility by both high school and undergraduate college students which is in support of the location's science and education support group. Will fully support and allocate time for employee that is an active member in the CMAVE EEO committee. Will serve on the Ph.D supervisory committee for a female graduate student.

FY99- 02: Will continue to serve on the female student's Ph.D supervisory committee until completion of her degree which is currently projected for 1999. Will continue to participate in at least one of student mentorship programs sponsored by the location science outreach committe and will mentor at least one student science fair project or judge an area or state science fair in the four year cycle. Will continue to participate as a member of the location science education support group and will conduct laboratory tours and participate in school related career events. Will continue to attend and encourage attendance at all location related seminars and training sessions. Will continue to support employee's active participation in all location EEO committee activities.

P. E. A. Teal

FY98: Serve on the Ph.D. supervisory committee of an African American female student, participate in area or State High School Science Fairs either by supervising the research project of a student or either judging or supporting judging by the category III scientist under my supervision. Attend and strongly encouraging attendance by subordinates at EO,Civil Rights and Workforce Diversity seminars and training sessions held at the Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology.

FY99-02:

Continue to serve on the Ph.D. supervisory committee of the African American female student, participate in area or State High School Science Fairs either by supervising the research project of a student or teacher through the TRUE program and either judging or supporting judging by the category III scientist under my supervision. Attend and strongly encouraging attendance by subordinates at EO,Civil Rights and Workforce Diversity seminars and training sessions held at the Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology.

III. Imported Fire Ant & Household Insects Research Unit
R. J. Brenner - Research Leader

Overview of MU Issues and Goals:

A variety of soft funds projects creates frequent vacancies in temporary employment positions, providing this MU the opportunity to introduce a number of persons to ARS science and administrative activities. The diversity of technical support needs also allows opportunities for permanent support personnel to enhance their careers through cross-training, while providing a more competent and capable workforce for the scientists. Therefore, much of the EEO/ Civil Rights / Workforce diversity activities in this MU will emphasis outreach to young potential scientists, secretarial or program assistant career tracks, and training opportunities for the existing workforce. We would propose providing leadership assistance to the EEO committee in routinely collecting information on term appointment opportunities and specific scope of such research projects.

R. J. Brenner

FY98: The Research Leader will provide overall direction to the Research Unit in EO/Civil Rights/Workforce Diversity areas through encouragement of active participation in related activities, particularly science education outreach and summer training opportunities. The Research Unit will fund at least one summer apprentice directly. Annual performance plans and accomplishments will be reviewed for full support of EEO related activities and practices, ensuring the broadest scope of involvement that is possible within the planned MU research activities. The RL will evaluate technical support positions where responsibilities have changed due to highly technological requirements inherent in externally funded projects to ensure accurate description and appropriate classification.

FY99-02: Continue general activities listed above. Specific individual goals of RL each year will also include funding support for minorities and women in science through Cooperative Education Programs, and/or individual participation in outreach programs (TRUE, SSTP) and/or special training in EEO / CR / Workforce Diversity. The latter will especially address interactions between ARS personnel and cooperators outside ARS.

D.A. Focks

FY98: Maintain an awareness of ARS EO/Civil Rights/Workforce Diversity initiatives at the Gainesville Location and participate actively in these programs. Take EEO training. Serve as liaison / facilitator 'at large' for MU to provide local EEO committee with specific research opportunities in MU for calendar year.

FY99-02: Continue with above general activites, EEO training, and coordinate with RL in participating in at least one of the following activities: judge a science fair, host a student tour group, provide a research project to diversify undergraduate training, be a mentor for a summer apprentice or teacher, or participate in research-related activities with scientists and teachers at HBCU.

S. D. Porter

FY98: Maintain an awareness of ARS EO/Civil Rights/Workforce Diversity initiatives at the Gainesville Location and participate actively in these programs. Take EEO training. Coordinate with RL in participating in at least one of the following activities: judge a science fair, host a student tour group, provide a research project to diversify undergraduate training, be a mentor for a summer apprentice or teacher, or participate in research-related activities with scientists and teachers at HBCU.

FY99-02: Continue with above general activites, EEO training, and coordinate with RL in participating in at least one specific activity listed, or serve as liaison / facilitator 'at large' for MU to provide local EEO committee with specific research opportunities in MU for calendar year. Specific activity should be declared by mid-year review.

R. K. Vander Meer

FY98: Maintain an awareness of ARS EO/Civil Rights/Workforce Diversity initiatives at the Gainesville Location and participate actively in these programs. Take EEO training. Coordinate with RL in participating in at least one of the following activities: judge a science fair, host a student tour group, provide a research project to diversify undergraduate training, be a mentor for a summer apprentice or teacher, or participate in research-related activities with scientists and teachers at HBCU.

S. M. Valles

FY98: Maintain an awareness of ARS EO/Civil Rights/Workforce Diversity initiatives at the Gainesville Location and participate actively in these programs. Take EEO training. Coordinate with RL in participating in at least one of the following activities: judge a science fair, host a student tour group, provide a research project to diversify undergraduate training, be a mentor for a summer apprentice or teacher, or participate in research-related activities with scientists and teachers at HBCU.

D. F. Williams

FY98: Maintain an awareness of ARS EO/Civil Rights/Workforce Diversity initiatives at the Gainesville Location and participate actively in these programs. Take EEO training. Coordinate with RL in participating in at least one of the following activities: judge a science fair, host a student tour group, provide a research project to diversify undergraduate training, be a mentor for a summer apprentice or teacher, or participate in research-related activities with scientists and teachers at HBCU.

D. P. Wojcik

FY98: Maintain an awareness of ARS EO/Civil Rights/Workforce Diversity initiatives at the Gainesville Location and participate actively in these programs. Take EEO training. Coordinate with RL in participating in at least one of the following activities: judge a science fair, host a student tour group, provide a research project to diversify undergraduate training, be a mentor for a summer apprentice or teacher, or participate in research-related activities with scientists and teachers at HBCU.

As guidance to SYs in attaining "exceeds" rating, minimum annual activities will consist of participation in one activity from Group A, one activity in Group B, or 2 activities in Group C.

Group A:

Interactions with 1890's institutions consisting of cooperative research projects or seminars to encourage pursuance of science degrees.

Participation in one of the summer apprenticeship programs

CLOUT

JPTA

SSTP

TRUE

Directing of undergraduates in science projects at ARS

Directing of graduate students in research at ARS

Group B:

Serve as member of the Science Outreach Committee at CMAVE.

Serve as liaison / facilitator 'at large' for MU to provide local EEO committee with specific research opportunities in MU for calendar year.

Group C:

Serves as judge in local or state science fairs.

Conducts laboratory tours for schools and other institutions / groups.

Visits schools to provide information on research opportunities.

Participates in local Career Fairs, providing poster displays and direct interactions at an ARS booth."

V. Mosquito and Fly Research Unit
D. R. Barnard -Research Leader

Dr. Donald R. Barnard

FY98: Create at least one MU140-funded research slot for a summer intern and/or seek to develop scientific and professional partnerships with 1890 Land-Grant Colleges and Universities via contact with the Association of Research Directors.

FY99: Create at least one MU140-funded research slot for a summer intern and/or continue to develop scientific and professional partnerships with 1890 Land-Grant Colleges and Universities via contact with the Association of Research Directors.

FY00: Create at least one MU140-funded research slot for a summer intern and/or utilize scientific and professional partnerships with 1890 Land-Grant Colleges and Universities to recruit an undergraduate already majoring in the biological sciences for the summer intern program.

FY01: Create at least one MU140-funded research slot for a summer internand/or utilize scientific and professional partnerships with 1890 Land-Grant Colleges and Universities to recruit an undergraduate already majoring in the biological sciences for the summer intern program.

FY02: Create at least one MU140-funded research slot for a summer internand/or utilize scientific and professional partnerships with 1890 Land-Grant Colleges and Universities to recruit an undergraduate already majoring in the biological sciences for the summer intern program.

Dr. James J. Becnel:

FY98: Serve as a senior judge for a District Science Fair and/or State Science Fair to stimulate students interest in the sciences.

FY99: Serve as a senior judge for a District Science Fair and/or State Science Fair to stimulate students interest in the sciences.

FY00: Serve as a senior judge for a District Science Fair and/or State Science Fair to stimulate students interest in the sciences.

FY01: Serve as a senior judge for a District Science Fair and/or State Science Fair to stimulate students interest in the sciences.

FY02: Serve as a senior judge for a District Science Fair and/or State Science Fair to stimulate students interest in the sciences.

Dr. David A. Carlson

FY98: Recruit and supervise one summer apprentice or summer student; or at least one school will be visited to discuss entomology and chemistry; or serve as senior judge in at least one District Science Fair and/or State Science Fair to stimulate student interest in the sciences.

FY99: Recruit and supervise one summer apprentice or summer student; or at least one school will be visited to discuss entomology and chemistry; or serve as senior judge in at least one District Science Fair and/or State Science Fair to stimulate student interest in the sciences.

FY00: Recruit and supervise one summer apprentice or summer student; or at least one school will be visited to discuss entomology and chemistry; or serve as senior judge in at least one District Science Fair and/or State Science Fair to stimulate student interest in the sciences.

FY01: Recruit and supervise one summer apprentice or summer student; or at least one school will be visited to discuss entomology and chemistry; or serve as senior judge in at least one District Science Fair and/or State Science Fair to stimulate student interest in the sciences.

FY02: Recruit and supervise one summer apprentice or summer student; or at least one school will be visited to discuss entomology and chemistry; or serve as senior judge in at least one District Science Fair and/or State Science Fair to stimulate student interest in the sciences.

Dr. Andrew F. Cockburn

FY98: Conduct an analysis of Location EEO activities using state of the art sociological research techniques and with an emphasis placed on outcomes. Identify programs to expand, eliminate, or change in focus. Dr. R. Mankin, chair of the location EEO committee, and Dr. A. Cronin, a sociologist with experience in qualitative survey research, have agreed to assist me. In FY98: design the research project by (1) cataloging the Equal Opportunity/Civil Rights/Workforce Diversity activities at the Gainesville location, (2) determining the total ARS resources devoted to the different activities, and (3) determining the criteria (from discussions with Area and location management) for successful/unsuccessful outcomes

FY99: Develop a survey instrument to measure outcome success and contributing factors

FY00: Interview a sample of former participants

FY01: Conduct a cost/benefit analysis (both absolute and marginal) of different activities and make recommendations for a location EEO strategy

FY02: Prepare a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal

Dr. Christopher J. Geden

FY98: Continue to serve on CMAVE EEO committee

FY99: Continue to serve on CMAVE EEO committee

FY00: Judge at least one science fair; or recruit and supervise one summer apprentice or intern

FY01: Judge at least one science fair; or recruit and supervise one summer apprentice or intern

FY02: Judge at least one science fair; or recruit and supervise one summer apprentice or intern

Dr. Jerome A. Hogsette:

FY98: Serve as a senior judge for a District Science Fair and/or State Science Fair to stimulate students interest in the sciences.

FY99: Serve as a senior judge for a District Science Fair and/or State Science Fair to stimulate students interest in the sciences.

FY00: Serve as a senior judge for a District Science Fair and/or State Science Fair to stimulate students interest in the sciences.

FY01: Serve as a senior judge for a District Science Fair and/or State Science Fair to stimulate students interest in the sciences.

FY02: Serve as a senior judge for a District Science Fair and/or State Science Fair to stimulate students interest in the sciences.

Dr. Daniel L. Kline

FY98: Serve on CMAVE EEO committee and/or judge at least one science fair and/or visit at least one high school on behalf of the EEO committee to work with science teachers and/or guidance counselors to identify students eligible to participate in the summer intern program.

FY99: Serve on CMAVE EEO committee and/or judge at least one science fair and/or visit at least one high school on behalf of the EEO committee to to work with science teachers and/or guidance counselors to identify students eligible to participate in the summer intern program. Resources permitting, create a research slot for and/or supervise a summer intern.

FY00: Serve on CMAVE EEO committee and/or judge at least one science fair, and/or visit at least one high school on behalf of the EEO committee to to work with science teachers and/or guidance counselors to identify students eligible to participate in the summer intern program.

FY01: Serve on CMAVE EEO committee and/or judge at least one science fair, and/or visit at least one high school on behalf of the EEO committee to to work with science teachers and/or guidance counselors to identify students eligible to participate in the summer intern program. Resources permitting, create a research slot for and/or supervise a summer intern.

FY02: Serve on CMAVE EEO committee and/or judge at least one science fair, and/or visit at least one high school on behalf of the EEO committee to to work with science teachers and/or guidance counselors to identify students eligible to participate in the summer intern program.

Dr. Jack A. Seawright

FY98: Recruit a highly motivated student who is economically disadvantaged but with superior academic standing and an avowed interest in the biological sciences, to work during the school breaks.

FY99: Recruit a highly motivated student who is economically disadvantaged but with superior academic standing and an avowed interest in the biological sciences, to work during the school breaks.

FY00: Recruit a highly motivated student who is economically disadvantaged but with superior academic standing and an avowed interest in the biological sciences, to work during the school breaks.

FY01: Recruit a highly motivated student who is economically disadvantaged but with superior academic standing and an avowed interest in the biological sciences, to work during the school breaks.

FY02: Recruit a bright, highly motivated student who is economically disadvantaged but with superior academic standing and an avowed interest in the biological sciences, to work during the school breaks.

Dr. Albert H. Undeen

FY98: Serve as a senior judge for a District Science Fair and/or State Science Fair to stimulate students interest in the sciences.

FY99: Serve as a senior judge for a District Science Fair and/or State Science Fair to stimulate students interest in the sciences.

FY00: Serve as a senior judge for a District Science Fair and/or State Science Fair to stimulate students interest in the sciences.

FY01: Serve as a senior judge for a District Science Fair and/or State Science Fair to stimulate students interest in the sciences.

FY02: Serve as a senior judge for a District Science Fair and/or State Science Fair to stimulate students interest in the sciences.

V. Postharvest and Bioregulation Research Unit
H. Oberlander - Research Leader

H. Oberlander

See CMAVE Director's section on page 1

FY98: The Research Leader will provide overall direction to the Research Unit in EO/Civil Rights/Workforce Diversity areas through encouragement of active participation in related activities, particularly science education outreach and summer training opportunities. The Research Unit will fund at least one summer apprentice directly. Annual performance plans and accomplishments will be reviewed for full support of EEO related activities and practices. Scientists in this Research Unit will exercise leadership in the EEO area for the CMAVE and the Gainesville Location, and specifically one Scientist will continue to serve as Chair of the EEO Committee, while a senior technician will head the SCIENCE Committee.

The Chair of the Location EEO Committee, who has been a scientist from this Research Unit for 22 of the past 25 years(K. Vick '72-'73, H. Oberlander '74-'84, J. Coffelt '85-'93, R. Mankin '96-'97), will maintain liaison with Florida A & M University, an 1890 school, for the purpose of providing interactions with prospective student trainees. In addition, the Chair of the EEO Committee for the Location coordinates all summer training programs, commemorative events and cooperates with the SCIENCE Committee in relation to student tours, judging science fairs and linking to non-ARS sources of student and teacher science outreach activities. The programs include the ARS Summer Research Apprenticeship Program, Florida A & M Summer Interns, University of Florida Center for Pre-collegiate education and training, Florida Teacher Research Update Experience, and University of Florida Minority Student Apprentices.

T. A. Arbogast

FY98: Maintain an awareness of ARS EO/Civil Rights/Workforce Diversity initiatives at the Gainesville Location and participate actively in these programs Participate in all CMAVE EEO commemorative events. Participate in at least one of the following activities: judge a science fair, host a student tour group, or be a mentor for a summer apprentice or teacher.. Take EEO training.

FY-99-02: Continue activities listed above.

R. W. Mankin

FY98: Maintain an awareness of ARS EO/Civil Rights/Workforce Diversity initiatives at the Gainesville Location and participate actively in these programs Serve as Chair of CMAVE/Location EEO Committee. Mentor one student from one of available apprenticeship programs. Provide leadership and direct participation in Teacher Research Update Experience. Take EEO training.

FY99-02: Continue involvement with EEO/Science education activities listed above.

P. D. Shirk

FY98: Maintain an awareness of ARS EO/Civil Rights/Workforce Diversity initiatives at the Gainesville Location and participate actively in these programs. Participate in at least one of the following activities: judge a science fair, host a student tour group, or be a mentor for a summer apprentice or teacher. Take EEO training.

FY99-02: Continue activities listed above.

D. Shuman

FY99-02: Continue activities listed above.

D. L. Silhacek

FY99-02: Continue activities listed above.

VI. Crop Genetic and Environmental Research Unit
Prem Chourey - Research Leader

Although it is not the responsibility of the unit to set EO/CR policies, it is the unit's responsibility to develop a strategy to best assure that ARS EO/CR considerations and policies are addressed and adhered to. It is critical that EO/CR considerations be understood at both the supervisory and non-supervisory levels. At all levels, individuals should be sensitive to EO/CR concerns, aware of their responsibilities and their rights, understand their options for inquiries about EO/CR matters, and fully understand the consequences of EO/CR policy violations. From a unit prospective, the goals should be to develop an appreciation for EO/CR issues, to prevent lack of awareness from being a source of potential EO/CR problems, to educate about the EO/CR responsibilities and options of supervisors and non-supervisors, to promote involvement in the EO/CR initiatives, and to have a procedure in place to address EO/CR matters in an equitable and timely fashion. To achieve these goals direct actions have been divided into three areas: Communication, Individual/unit Action, and Review, with annual cycles of action to be taken in each area.

Communication

The roles of the communication component include: improving sensitivity to EO/CR issues; providing information about actions that can be performed to support the EO/CR initiatives; providing knowledge of options available to deal with a perceived EO/CR problem; and providing knowledge of responsibilities of supervisors and non-supervisors with respect to EO/CR. Specific communication actions that will be implemented include:

1. Provide EO/CR information to new employees entering the unit.

2. Require annual awareness training about EO/CR considerations to all employees. Including a review of individual rights and responsibilities and of how EO/CR policies are important in planning of new hires, career advancement and general personnel interactions.

3. Develop information dissemination mechanism that gives all employees access to EO/CR related matters.

4. Develop a process for handling EO/CR inquiries and annually inform staff on how to obtain information related to specific concerns.

Individual/Unit Action

The role of this area is to proactively involve unit personnel in addressing EO/CR initiatives.

Specific Individual/Unit actions that will be implemented include:

1. Each supervisor will develop yearly EO/CR goals that include a list of specific actions to be performed to promote ARS EO/CR initiatives.

2. A review of actions that support the EO/CR initiative will be given during all employee annual reviews. This will include both supervisory and non-supervisory actions.

3. When appropriate, unit-wide action will be taken to support EO/CR initiatives.

Examples include:

- Include groups and institutions that have a high minority and/or female involvement in the distribution of position vacancy announcements.

- Develop support network with a historically black college/university.

Review

A plan will be developed to annually review the units achievements toward the EO/CR initiative. The role of the review component is to analyze the effectiveness of the previous year's efforts and develop an outline for the next year's plan. A critical component of this review will address how well responsibilities within each element (communication, individual action and review) are being implemented. Specific Review actions that will be implemented include:

Communication Review:

1. Analysis of information dissemination: is the proper information being efficiently disseminated and is it in the correct form for complete access and understanding by the entire staff? An example of inappropriate dissemination would be E-mail distribution when not all staff members have direct E-mail access.

Individual/Unit Action Review:

1. Analysis of individual annual supervisory action plans. Are they being properly developed and followed?

2. Analysis of unit responsibilities. Has the unit made appropriate efforts at minority/women outreach (i.e. educational outreach, contacts with minority institutions, and broad dissemination of vacancy announcements)?

Review Process:

The following items will be annually reviewed:

1. Assure that input is being sought from all supervisory and non-supervisory personnel.

2. Determine if the review is equitable in addressing all concerns.

EO/CR/WORK FORCE DIVERSITY STRATEGIC PLAN

Prem S. Chourey

FY98: I will actively involve myself into all three phases, Communication, Individual/Unit Action, and Review, of the activities of the CGERU Unit members.

As and when possible, participate in Science Education Outreach and Summer Research Apprenticeship Student Programs.

New initiatives will include establishment of contacts with at least two historically black institutes, Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, Mississippi and Albany State University, Albany, Georgia. Efforts will be aimed to seek opportunities for possible Cooperative Grant funds to recruit students and faculty for summer apprenticeships in the CGERU laboratories for the subsequent years.

FY99-02:

Annual cycle of activities will be continued. Collaborative grant projects with the above two initiatives will be continued and submitted to the appropriate Agencies. Future activities on new initiatives will be dependent upon the availability of grant funds.

L. Hartwell Allen, Jr.

FY98: Continue ARS Outreach Program with ARS Research Associate. Serve on Graduate Committee of Minority Student.

FY99: Serve on Graduate Committee of 2 female graduate students. Conduct research faculty tours for undergraduate students and 4-H students.

FY00-01: Supervise summer apprentice or other summer student..

FY02: Volunteer to judge a high school science fair.

Daryl R. Pring

FY98: Visit at least one primary or secondary school to introduce students to plants and careers in science. Consult with personnel and EO/CR staff prior to hiring part-time summer assistants. Apply for one summer student apprentice or other summer student mentorship program.

FY99-02: Annual cycle of activities will be continued.

Robert G. Shatters

FY98: Active member of CMAVE EEO committee and co-chairman of an EEO subcommittee addressing hiring and promotional equity at CMAVE. Serve as a member of the CMAVE science outreach committee and actively participate in at least one associated program. Advise a minority female undergraduate on a special research project through the University of Florida. Participate in area high school career fairs and judge at least one high school science fair. Apply for one summer student apprentice or other summer student mentorship program. Continue ongoing research interaction with a colleague at Savannah State University, a historically black institution, and discuss programs for laboratory tours and internship programs with this institution.

FY99-02 (annual cycle of activities): A continued active member of CMAVE EEO committees. Participate in area high school career fairs and judge at least one high school science fair. Serve as a member of the science outreach committee and actively participate in at least one associated program. Apply for one summer student apprentice or other summer student mentorship program. Continue ongoing research/education interaction with colleagues at Savannah State University, a historically black institution.

Thomas R. Sinclair

FY98: Assure full compliance with all guidelines and suggestions for achieving EO/CR/Workforce Diversity goals.

Participate in the University of Florida's Student Science Training Program for high school students.

Present a lecture to all participating students and host a student for research if a suitable candidate is available.

Provide responses to any questions or inquiries about teaching manual titled "Investigating Plants" that was prepared for use by middle school science teachers. This manual is being made available to science teachers through the National Association of Biology Teachers and through USDA's Ag in the Classroom program.

FY99-02: Assure full compliance with all guidelines and suggestions for achieving EO/CR/Workforce Diversity goals.

Continue participation in the University of Florida's Student Science Training program for high school students. These activities include presenting lectures and hosting students.

Continue to provide responses to any questions or inquiries about the teaching manual titled "Investigating Plants".

Joseph C. Vu

FY98: Will serve as volunteer instructor to teach two, evening-sessioned, 5-credit Vietnamese courses, which will be offered by the Department of African & Asian Languages and Literatures with the University of Florida College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, during the Fall and Spring semesters. From past experience, the majority of people taking the courses are students attending the University of Florida. They are of Vietnamese originality, who either came to the U.S. at a very young age or were born here, and want to learn/gain understanding of the language and the social/political/economic nuances of their heritage. A few others are American students or professionals (medical doctors) who would like to go to Vietnam under some special missionary or health-related programs.

FY99-02: Same as for FY98. Will also continue to supervise one summer research apprentice student and participate in judgement of a local science fair.

8/24/98 Richard Mankin