DEPARTMENT MISSION, VISION, CORE VALUES & PROGRAMS

Mission Statement

Our mission is "To extend the knowledge and resources of the University of Wisconsin to Marathon County residents, where they live and work." Local faculty and campus-based specialists deliver educational programs in: agriculture; community, natural resource, & economic development; family living; and 4-H/youth development.

Vision Statement

Marathon County's educational network for engaging people and their communities in positive change.

Core Values

The department developed a set of core values in June of 2004. Read Marathon County UW-Extension's Core Values as well as University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension's Core Values >>>

Educational Programs

Our staff of local educators deliver educational programs on a wide variety of subjects. Go to a specific Program Area (see links at upper left) for more information.

2008-2012 STRATEGIC GOALS

Using a variety of needs assessment processes, strategic goals have been identified that Marathon County UW-Extension staff will address in 2008 through 2012. Each of our staff members are making contributions to these goals in some manner. These broad goals include:

• Protecting Our Natural Resources & the Environment
• Efficient & Coordinated Resource Management
• Focus on a Sustainable Local Economy
• Building Leaders of All Ages
• Meeting the Needs of Underserved Audiences

Read detailed goals developed and contributed by Marathon County staff >>>

PROGRAM RESULTS AT A GLANCE (2006)

Here's a sampling of Marathon County UW-Extension impacts. UW-Extension also has a web-based reporting system that makes it possible to view programming results on a wide variety of topics. Results from specific counties, or statewide can be obtained upon request.

• 11,192 individuals learned to choose, purchase, and prepare healthful food, helping their low-income families manage limited dollars wisely.
• 31,231 teaching contacts were made by agents and educators through a wide variety of innovative teaching methods. This total includes 3,885 southeast asian, and 576 hispanic contacts. Teaching underserved populations is a priority at Marathon County UW-Extension
• The Marathon County UW-Extension web site received more than 1,800 "hits" each day on average. There were 63 unique visitors logged on to sessions at least once per day. It's become an efficient way to reach even more county residents. Surprisingly, about 40% of the internet-based requests for information come on nights and weekends when the office is closed.
• 90 Master Gardeners volunteered more than 2,700 hours of their time to help people in the community better understand horticulture and their environment through programs like UW-Extension's Garden Clinic and Gardenline.
• 1,201 youth and 454 volunteer leaders enrolled in 50 4-H clubs. These groups prepare young people for success in school and life. Marathon County is currently the 3rd largest 4-H club program in Wisconsin.
• The Agribusiness Incubator Project collaborates with the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce to develop support resources and an innovative mentoring program for new entrants to dairy farming. The UCANFARM web site was launched to provide some of those resources.
• More than 30 producers received personal, on-farm consultation regarding the low-cost modernization options for dairy facilities. Some milking parlors and livestock buildings have already been built and are under construction as a direct result. For others, this has provided guidance for future family and business decisions on their dairy operation.

Read more success stories of the Marathon County UW-Extension staff >>>

EXTENSION and EDUCATION COMMITTEE

OF THE MARATHON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

(Note the name change from Extension Education Committee to Extension and Education Committee).

Input on program priorities is obtained from many different agencies, organizations, individuals, and processes. However, it is the Extension and Education Committee of the Marathon County Board of Supervisors that has statutory authority and oversight responsibility for the Marathon County UW-Extension Office. Working with the Department Head, they are the elected officials that set department policy, have budget oversight, provide input on programming, and feedback on educator performance. The Extension and Education Committee is one of the standing committees of the county board and normally meets at 4 pm on the second Wednesday of the month.

Mission Statement (adopted by the Marathon County Executive Committee on 12/13/06)

The Marathon County Extension and Education Committee exists to promote education because we believe it is key to personal and community success.

We do this by:

• Taking/Assuming a leadership role with the County Board and other community partners in preserving and enhancing access to the resources of the public university,
• Assessing future community educational needs,
• Creating policies and strategies that accomplish this in an efficient and cost effective manner, and...
• Sustaining and growing the partnership of the County with the University of Wisconsin.

2008 Committee Membership

• Frank Zebro, Chair
• Jim Brezinski, Vice Chair
• Kelly Michaels-Saager
• Dan Minter
• Kurt Gibbs
• Richard Gumz
• Jean Maszk

POLICY OF NON-DISCRIMINATION & EQUAL ACCESS

The University of Wisconsin-Extension does not discriminate in the treatment of individuals, in the admission or access to its programs and activities, in the provision of services, or in employment, on the basis of race, color, gender/sex, creed, disability, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or parental status, arrest or conviction record, or membership in the national guard, state defense force or any other reserve component of the military service.

UW-Extension sponsored programs insure equal access. Please make requests for reasonable accommodations as soon as possible prior to the scheduled program. If you need instructional materials in another format please contact the program coordinator. UW-Extension provides equal opportunity in employment and programming, including Title IX and ADA requirements.

The Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Programs, 432 N. Lake Street, 501 Extension Building, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, has been designated t coordinate compliance with non-discrimination requirements of Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of Rehabilitation Act of 1973, **503 and 504, and WIsconsin Act 186, *36.12

Persons who need material in an alternate format or other accommodation should write or call the contact person for the specific program or call the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Programs at (608) 262-0277 in advance of the program or event (at least ten working days prior) for which the aid or accommodation is needed.

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