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CEO's
COMMUNIQÚE
October 2007
Ken Davies, PAg
So
many changes have been taking place with the business of this professional regulatory organization...implementing
new legislation, taking on new designations, changing our systems to a completely new internal and external software
and servers...and it's all come crashing together at the same time.
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Practice
Permit Fee Renewal Dates
Our new Act brings with
it a high level of accountability to ensure that those who are qualified and practicing are registered and in good
standing with the Institute. The term "practice permit" is used in the new legislation and signifies
that those who have a current practice permit are in good standing in the Institute's registry.
This is to advise members that the 2008 Practice Permit renewal fees are due in this office, or paid online, or
postmarked by Canada Post by December 31, 2007.
Only Permit fees accompanied by late fees will be accepted if they are paid (i.e. in our office, online, or postmarked)
during the month of January 2008.
Failure to renew by January 31, 2008 will result in dismissal! In essence, this will mean that a member is unable
to practice until they are reinstated as a registered member.
If dismissed, an individual must apply for reinstatement which will cost a $150.00 reinstatement fee. The reinstatement
will be subject to the approval of the Board of Examiners.
I realize that this is a tough stance. However, our transition to a profession with mandatory registration will
require some hard lines.
We'll do all we can to advise and remind members of the renewal and pending deadlines. We've also worked to provide
alternatives for payment (e.g., using your credit card to pay online). In short, we're going to make every effort
to ensure that members have access to usable payment processes.
Having said that, members need note that they are responsible to make their payments on time. If your employer
pays your fees, you are still accountable to ensure that the fees are paid by due date.
Look for your renewal notice later this month via Canada Post. Reminders will be sent via email.
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Applications Opening for Agrology Technologist in Training
Throughout the process in
which the provincial government revised the Agrology Profession Act, we discussed the inclusion of a new designation
within the AIA registry. With the coming into force of the new Agrology Profession Act and Regulations, the designation
Registered Technologist in Agrology or RT(Ag) and the entry level designation Agrology Technologist in Training
or ATT are now regulated designations of AIA.
AIA Board of Examiners Chair, Ron Weisenburger, P.Ag. and I have been at work the past few months meeting with
college representatives to understand the diploma programs they offer. That information has been shared with the
Board of Examiners which in turn have determined a set of academic standards for the Agrology Technologist in Training
designation. In short, we're ready to accept new diploma applicants into the Institute.
The application process launches this month.
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In-Training
Program Launching Soon
Our new Act requires that we replace the designation Articling Agrologist (AAg) with the term Agrologist in Training
(AIT). Those that have been in the profession long enough will recall that we used to use the AIT designation and
switched to the AAg designation when we launched the mentoring program.
With the exception of the name, there is not much in common with the old AIT designation. The introduction of this
new designation brings a new Syllabus. Each AIT will complete a series of learning modules that will ensure that
they are versed in the key competencies of professional conduct.
Completion of the modules will include a testing process, so that we have a high degree of confidence that an AIT
understands their duties as a regulated member of this Institute.
Of course, we will still continue to screen applicants for their academic qualifications, and there will continue
to be a mandatory period of agrology related experience (minimum of three years), prior to the individual attaining
PAg status.
Mentoring is not a thing of the past, but will take a new shape. Rather than expecting mentors to cover a syllabus
of items in their work with the AITs, mentors and AITs will determine what they need to work on together. This
allows the mentoring process to focus on the specific needs of the AIT (which may not fit within our syllabus)
and will take the onus off of mentors to attest to the candidate's knowledge as required in the syllabus. Instead,
our learning modules and testing processes will cover those prescribed areas.
Mentoring will also become optional. With mandatory registration and the addition of new Technologist designations,
we will be hard pressed to find mentors for all new entrants. Still, there will be an ongoing need for mentors,
and I encourage all PAgs to step up and offer their services in that regard.
Those entrants aspiring to the new Registered Technologist in Agrology Program will also be subject to the same
AIT program including the related examinations.
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And
Now for Something Completely Different!
Visit our website at: www.aia.ab.ca
and you will find a completely revised site. From the navigation, to the colours and font, to the functionality,
to the new logo...this is a whole new system.
The changes aren't just cosmetic. The content has been updated to reflect our changing reality. We've structured
the site to explain what the practice of agrology is and the role of the Institute.
We've improved the Members' Only area. You can still access and change some of your data. But now, you can also
change the way you sign in (username and password) and you can set up a question for yourself in the event that
you forget your password. You can also join any of the Networks (when they come into being), just by the click
of your mouse.
Speaking of Networks, we've set up a system so that each Network will have the ability to keep their own Network
area of the website. The look and feel will be the same as the rest of the site creating a cleaner more consistent
image. Network members will also have the opportunity to discuss issues in their online Network Forum. Using a
communications module in the new system, Network Executive will be able to connect with the most current list of
Network members.
We've gone to great lengths to improve the application process. The academic requirements for entry into Institute
membership are clarified. New and reinstating candidates will be able to apply and pay online. (And from an administrative
perspective, it should reduce some of the increased workload anticipated with an expected surge in applications)
The Member Registry Search has been expanded to allow you to post your résumé. We've also set the
system such that all practicing members are listed. This is to fulfil our commitment within the Act to ensure that
the public can check to determine if you are a member and if you are currently in good standing.
You'll still find the Jobs Posting section which continues to provide employers with the opportunity to post online.
The calendar of events provides both the main Institute events and the Network events.
Over the next few months, we'll be providing tips for using the site, beginning with the "Log in " article
in our soon to be released Bulletin. In the meantime, feel free to browse around the site, check out the new features,
and update your data.
As always, your feedback, particularly constructive comments, is welcome.
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Logo
Changes
For the past several years, the logo for AIA has been PAg letters over a provincial map. As you will see in the
new web site, that has now changed.
The addition of the RT(Ag) and the ATT designations means that the Institute's identity has become broader than
the PAg designation. Our new logo is designed to provide an inclusive image for AIA as the professional regulatory
organization whose primary purpose is that: "the public is protected and served in matters related to agrology".
Focusing on PAg alone doesn't accomplish that.
What about the PAg brand?
During the discussions with members leading to our new Act and Regulations, concern was expressed that there could
be confusion in the mind of the public regarding Professional Agrologists and Registered Technologists in Agrology.
It's a serious concern. The public, particularly employers and clients, should understand those distinctions.
In that regard, we (AIA and the other western provinces) are continuing to focus on the branding of the designations
across the western provinces. Branding isn't just a logo or a slick advertising campaign. Its really about the
promise associated with the product (in this case, the practitioner). In that regard, we'll work to make the distinction
clear in the Institute's electronic and printed materials.
For those who are using, or who wish to use, the AIA PAg logo, we'll continue to make it available. Electronic
versions are available from our office upon request.
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Changes
in Application Fees:
As of October 1, 2007, the
fees for application for registration as a regulated member of the Institute will increase to $150.00. This will
also apply to reinstatement fees (as noted in my first article above).
The new fee structure is as follows:
Application fee: $150.00
Assessment fee: $150.00
Reinstatement fee: $150.00
Transfer fee $75.00
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Year
End Changes for Reporting Your Professional Development
The new Agrology Profession
Act creates a mandatory continuing competence program. This will become an integral part of the practitioner's
annual permit renewal process (i.e., no report, no permit). The policy and system are not yet in place; however,
members are encouraged to continue to report voluntarily, as you have done in the past.
When we launch the new program, we will be using a September 1 to August 31 reporting period. Please consider this
is an adjustment year. When reporting your professional development for this coming permit renewal, report your
professional development activities for January 1 to August 31, 2007.
Thanks.
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