Workgroup leadership should be guided by the following principles. Specialists should be encouraged to provide leadership and chair workgroups. AES scientists, CE advisors and other DANR academics should also provide workgroup leadership as needed. Workgroup chairs should be responsible for overall workgroup planning and operation, and preparing reports for the designated Program Leader. Workgroup chairs should provide effective communication and liaison between the workgroup and the Program Leaders.
Leadership is a critical element of workgroup success.
Specialists, because of their unique responsibility for linking campus and county programs, are in the best position to assume leadership roles and chair workgroups. However, some situations require alternative leadership for workgroups. Flexibility is needed, recognizing that any DANR academic may contribute to overall workgroup leadership. The Assistant Vice President - Programs, in consultation with the Program Council, makes final workgroup ratification decisions, ratifying workgroups for up to five years. The Program Leaders and the Assistant Vice President - Programs serve as advocates for workgroups, encouraging the formation of new workgroups as needed and promoting funding for workgroups, as well as overseeing workgroup administration and coordination.