The orientation program for NCH extension agents involves an approach that includes several different types of training provided by a variety of individuals within the LSU AgCenter. Inside this guide is individual trainings that make up the overall NCH orientation program.

Section 1: NCH Agent Onboarding

• Welcome Letter from Vice President for Agriculture
• Welcome Letter from Director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service
• NCH Orientation Program Outline
• Professional Development Trainings
• Checklists for Your First Two Years
  • Your First Two Weeks
  • Your First Month
  • Your First Three Months
  • Your First Six Months
  • Your First Six to 12 Months
  • Your Second Year
• Agendas for NCH Regional Coordinator Meetings and Reviews with New Agents
• Protocol for New Agent NCH Orientation
• NCH Mentoring Process
• NCH Agent Performance Evaluation Criteria
• Agent Bio-Sketch
• Getting to Know Your Parish(es)
• Position Inventory

Section 2: Understanding Our Organization

• National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Introduction to the LSU AgCenter
• Who Are Our Leaders?
• Overview of Support Services
  • Accounting Services
  • Communications Department
  • Human Resources Department
  • Information Technology
  • Office of Sponsored Programs
  • Organization Development and Evaluation

Section 3: NCH Agent Essentials

• Basic Office Operations
• Professionalism
• Tips for Success
• NCH State Staff Directory & Information
• Answers to NCH Questions
• Common NCH Acronyms
• Comparison of Standard Nutrition Education Programs
• Potential Community Partners for NCH Programs
• Data and Statistics Resources for NCH Extension Agents

For full guide, please see PDF.