In many cases depending on the salary band, we will offer a basic relocation package along with a lump sum amount as an alternative to a buyout.

From Relocation Woes, 2008/07/28 at 1:55 PM

In OPUS’s recruiting efforts this past year, we have found it more and more difficult to recruit candidates who are willing to relocate due to their valid concern about selling their homes. As a result, positions are not being filled in a timely manner.

What have you done differently to your relocation package or job offers to overcome these obstacles? Please share these ideas with others in the food industry.

Brian Clark, WSU College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences
(509) 335-3551
bcclark@wsu.edu

Bill Loftus
UI College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
(20 885-7694
bloftus@uidaho.edu

University of Idaho, Washington State University Merging Food Science Departments to Create New School

An academic merger will draw together Washington State University and the University of Idaho food science departments.

The new School of Food Science at the University of Idaho and Washington State University formalizes historic ties that have reached across the seven miles between them for decades.

The partnership, which has been approved by both universities’ governing bodies, will benefit the Northwest’s $17-billion food processing industry, students and consumers through expanded cooperation.

“This merger will combine the strengths of both institutions, increasing the capabilities of both land-grant institutions in food science and related technologies,” said John Hammel, Idaho’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences dean at Moscow.

WSU’s Dan Bernardo, dean of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences at Pullman, agreed.

“A combined School of Food Science broadens the opportunities available to students, expands the research possibilities and offers a wider range of professional expertise to better serve both states,” he said. “It is a smart move at the right time.”

The Northwest Food Processors Association said the region’s food industry generates $17 billion a year and employs an estimated 100,000 workers.

The two universities are searching for a new director for the School of Food Science who will work for both.

The school’s combined faculty will number about 25 and will have an enrollment of about 75 undergraduate and 35 graduate students. Students will take required food science courses at each institution. Their diplomas will be awarded by their home universities.

Faculty members will work together on issues important to both states and the nation. The faculty’s strengths include food safety, processing and chemistry, with a focus on dairy.

Washington State University’s facilities include a commercial-scale creamery, which includes Ferdinand’s Ice Cream Shoppe and produces its signature Cougar Gold cheese.

University of Idaho facilities include the Caldwell-based Food Technology Center, which offers a certified commercial kitchen for those who want to develop their own specialty foods. A pilot plant also assists established companies with research and development.

The universities formally agreed to work together to educate students in 1996. Since then, cooperation between the schools has grown steadily.

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This and other news releases from the WSU College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences and WSU Extension are available on our Web site: http://cahnrsnews.wsu.edu/. Need an expert? Go to: http://experts.wsu.edu/.

Marketing & News Services of the WSU College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences and WSU Extension

Comment by Brian Clark | August 13, 2008 | Edit