Mission

The mission of University of Vermont Extension is to improve the quality of life of Vermonters by providing research-based educational programs and practical information concerning Vermont communities, families and homes, farms, businesses, and the natural environment.

Values

Extension's guiding values comprise the following:

• Deep respect for people and their diversity--those served and those within the organization.
• Dedication to the stewardship of Vermont’s natural resources and the working landscape.
• Commitment to high quality research and outreach education.
• Regard for the essential role of good communication--personal and technical--within Extension and with every audience served.
• Commitment to the most efficient use of Extension’s resources to meet the educational needs of Vermont citizens and their communities.

These values underlie Extension’s goals, and provide focus and inspiration for carrying out our mission.

Vision

In the 21st century, Extension will be future-oriented, have effective leadership, and achieve the following:

• Provide timely, credible information to Vermonters for decision making, problem solving, community engagement, and public policy development.
• Effectively cooperate and collaborate with other agencies and groups that share common goals.
• Encourage creativity at every level.
• Adapt to the state’s changing needs while maintaining our programmatic emphases and fulfilling our mission.
• Optimize the use of state-of-the-art technology to communicate and educate.
• Effectively use the research capabilities of the University of Vermont as well as the whole Land Grant System.
• Be respected by the people of Vermont and a source of pride to the University of Vermont community.

This vision underlies Extension’s goals, and provides focus and inspiration for carrying out our mission.

[From Extension in the 21st Century – A Plan for University of Vermont Extension, Fall 2003]