Program Planning

What is program planning?

The NDSU Extension Service serves the people of North Dakota through education in the areas of agriculture, family, youth, and communities. To serve the people responsibly, a program development process is used to systematically plan, implement and evaluate our educational programs. The program development process is coordinated within ten teams.  Teams may change as needs and issues emerge.

Why do we do program planning?

• Serve as a strategic plan for each program area and all of Extension
• Address the local needs of clientele in a systematic way
• Collaborate on ideas and work together among state, county, and area staff
• Provide encouragement and a means to engage everyone
• Provide for accountability

Who does program planning?

All staff within the NDSU Extension Service should be involved in program planning on one or more program teams as determined by staff and their supervisors. Staff should be involved in a team(s) that are most relevant to daily work. NDSU Extension currently has ten program teams made up of county, area, and state staff.  The program teams are:

1. Community, Economic Development and Leadership
2. Livestock Management
3. Farm Business Management
4. Crop Management
5. Natural Resource Management
6. Family Economics
7. 4-H Youth Development
8. Human Development and Family Science
9. Nutrition, Food Safety and Health
10. Horticulture and Forestry

Each team has co-chairs that guide the team’s planning process annually. It is suggested to rotate the co-chairs periodically to allow others a leadership opportunity in program planning.   

Team Goals  

• Prioritize emerging needs or issues affecting your county/region/state
• Identify programs or activities to be developed/strengthened
• Create a system of regular input and discussion regarding goals and input for the team and interested staff
• Develop, implement and evaluate programs and activities relative to the respective program team needs
• Provide evidence of excellence in programming for decision makers and funders

Signature Programs

Program teams are asked to highlight larger-scale programs as signature programs. A signature program is a comprehensive team-based program that addresses a priority issue and evaluates the program's impact on the learning, application, or effect with clientele. 

Core Programs and Professional Development Opportunities

Program teams also develop and deliver many valuable core educational programs. Teams are also responsible for identifying events or activities that improve the subject matter competencies of Extension staff. Teams may also plan professional development workshops or tours.