Study Abroad

As Fall term comes to a close, it is a good time to start thinking about opportunities abroad.  For general information, visit this site:

http://oregonstate.edu/international/studyabroad/students/

An exciting opportunity also awaits students in the College of Forestry.  In Fall, 2011, the College of Forestry will be coordinating a study abroad trip to Scandinavia.  The program will focus on housing production with an emphasis on innovation, conservation, design, and natural resources.  Included in this area of study will be regional sustainability, climate, ecosystems, forest management, and renewable materials.  Instruction will be provided by a faculty team from Oregon State University and the University of Oregon.  For more information, go to this site:

http://fbsg.forestry.oregonstate.edu/study-abroad-scandinavia-experience

Good luck with final exams and safe travels to wherever you may be going for Winter break!

Save the date!

January 20, 2011.

On that day, representatives from Weyerhaeuser will be in Richardson Hall 201Q for a drop-in information session.  Weyerhaeuser is a forest products company with their international headquarters in Federal Way, WA.  They will be on campus to provide you with information regarding their job openings.  Don’t miss this opportunity to get in with a great company that has served our students well.  Make sure to bring questions to ask.  Employers traditionally like to see curiosity in their potential employees.

If you don’t already have one, use Winter Break to work on a resume and cover letter.  Before Weyerhaeuser’s campus visit, the Student Services Office is coordinating a Resume and Interviewing Skills Workshop with the help of Career Services.  Bring your resumes and cover letters on either Monday, January 10 or Tuesday January 11 so workers from Career Services can help you polish them.

Those wonderful, new resumes and cover letters will come in extra handy.  A couple of weeks after Weyerhaeuser’s information session, the Society of American Foresters will be holding their annual job fair on campus.  This is a chance to meet employers from across the country and get your foot in the door with some great companies as well as land a summer job or a permanent job.  The Job Fair will happen on February 1 in the Richardson Hall knuckles.

Paid, Mentored Work Experience Opportunities

The College of Forestry Board of Visitors– a group of College alumni and friends, many of whom represent the “who’s who” in Pacific Northwest forestlands– has provided funds to the College to support mentored work experiences.  We will try to make these funds stretch as far as possible to support the work experiences described below.  First we’d like to determine from you, the students, which work for you.

The process:

1) Read through the work experience descriptions and determine which you are interested in.

2) Contact the faculty member who has proposed the work experience.  I’d suggest calling or e-mailing first, but ultimately you may want to arrange a quick visit to meet in person.  Please meet with these folks before Friday, December 3rd.

The College will try to fund as many of the work experiences as possible– funded work experiences, and the students who will be offered the opportunity to work on them, will receive notice the week prior to the holiday break.

Please consider these Board of Visitors paid, mentored work experiences.  I think you’ll find them to be very rewarding experiences.  We are trying to create as many of these experiences as we possibly can– there are more every year– because students and professors alike find much value in them.

So, here you go!  If you have any questions about Board of Visitors work experiences please call, stop by or e-mail David Zahler, 737-1346; Peavy Hall 250 (next to the SLC); david.zahler@oregonstate.edu.

Board of Visitors (BOV)

WORK EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITIES, 2010-2011

1) Interested in Density Management?

A request from Dr. John Tappeiner regarding well-established BLM silvicultural research: Two students to work with John to visit silviculture study sites and prepare a brochure summarizing objectives and results.  There is a broad range of topics to research and present on, including effects of treatment on understory tree and shrubs, riparian zone microclimate and fish and amphibians, stream-side buffer installation and effects, neo-tropical migrant birds, lichens and bryophytes, and natural and artificial conifer regeneration.  The sites to visit are located near Roseburg, Eugene, Corvallis, Lebanon, and Salem.  Each student could receive up to $1000 in compensation with some travel reimbursement for three quarters of work.

Who to contact about this opportunity: John Tappeiner
How to contact: work phone, 541.737.3055; work e-mail, john.tappeiner@oregonstate.edu

2) Interested in Climate Change and Wildlife Effects Research?

A request from Dr, Anita Morzillo: A student to work with Anita to gather, categorize and research animal scat samples.  Once work is completed in the laboratory, students may possibly travel with a team to Gustavo, Alaska, for 1-2 weeks (summer commitment) to complete field research near Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.  Once there, students will learn to assess carnivore feeding habits, animal tracking methods, collection of vegetation, and prepare a plant reference collection.  Students could earn up to $3000 in compensation.

Who to contact about this opportunity: Anita Morzillo
How to contact: work phone, 541.737.8433; work e-mail, Anita.Morzillo@oregonstate.edu

3) Interested in Beaver Impact Analysis?

A request from Dr. Mark Needham: A student to work with Mark to prepare and administer a survey examining incentives and tolerances associated with impacts caused by beavers in Oregon.  The student will learn skills to administer a survey, analyze data, and present the findings.  A student could earn up to $2400 in compensation.

Who to contact about this opportunity: Mark Needham
How to contact: work phone, 541.737.1498; work e-mail, Mark.Needham@oregonstate.edu

4) Interested in Silviculture Research?

A request from Dr. Doug Maguire: A student to work with Doug to explore the different aspects of research in silviculture.  Work could include areas in fieldwork, lab work, data analysis, or report writing, and is open to shape to the wants of the individual student.  The student could also work closely with a research team of other students monitoring the soil moisture of different sites.  A student could earn up to $4000 in compensation.

Who to contact about this opportunity: Doug Maguire
How to contact: work phone, 541.737.4215; work e-mail, doug.maguire@oregonstate.edu

5) Interested in CO2 and Fertilization Research?

A request from Dr. Kate McCulloh: A student to work with Kate to help research samples taken from the Duke Forest FACE (Free Air CO2 Enrichment) Site.  Students will conduct measurements for hydraulic conductivity, vulnerability to embolism, capacitance, and anatomical measurements on the xylem.  This project could answer questions about drought resistance and the impact of fertilization on CO2 levels.   A student would work about 10 hours per week for $12 per hour for 30 weeks.

Who to contact about this opportunity: Kate McCulloh
How to contact: work phone, 541.737.4208; work e-mail, Kate.McCulloh@oregonstate.edu

6) Interested in Douglas-fir Beetle Research?

A request from Dr. Darrell Ross: A student to work with Darrell to begin preliminary research on the Douglas-fir beetle.  The student will learn to set traps, collect the data, and analyze the samples.  Students will also explore current readings in hopes to create a publication on the research.  A student could earn up to $5000 in compensation from March 2011-August 2011.

Who to contact about this opportunity:  Darrell Ross
How to contact: work phone, 541.737.6566; work e-mail, darrell.ross@oregonstate.edu

7) Interested in Impact of Fire Research?

A request from Dr. Anita Morzillo: A student to work with Anita and field crew in the Deschutes National Forest near Sisters, OR.  Students will conduct small mammal trappings and collection for vegetation and microhabitat analysis.  After the data collection, if applicable, a student may be asked to help analyze the data in the Morzillo Lab.  Students could earn up to $3000 in compensation for 10-12 weeks of field work in the summer.

Who to contact about this opportunity: Anita Morzillo
How to contact: work phone, 541.737.8433; work e-mail, Anita.Morzillo@oregonstate.edu

8 ) Interested in Rural Studies Research?

A request from Extension Agent (Columbia County) Amy Grotta: A student to work with Amy to prepare a draft report on environmental quality indicators in the rural community of Vernonia.  A student will gather data from public agencies and compose the data into a draft report that they will be listed as co-author.  A student should have strong GIS and writing skills and interest in natural resource policy, watershed management, and rural sociology.  This position would require 10 hours per week for 20 weeks January – June and could earn up to $2000.

Who to contact about this opportunity: Amy Grotta
How to contact: work phone, 503.397.3462; work e-mail, Amy.Grotta@oregonstate.edu

9) Interested in Growth and Development Research on Two-aged Stands?

A request from Extension Agent (Columbia County) Amy Grotta: A student to work with Amy Grotta to conduct field research, then analyze the data to help co-author an article.  Students will take the lead to set up six site visits in Benton and Washington Counties.  Afterwards, students will gather and analyze data for a larger project. Student could earn up to $1200 in compensation.

Who to contact about this opportunity: Amy Grotta
How to contact: work phone, 503.397.3462; work e-mail, Amy.Grotta@oregonstate.edu

10) Interested in Southern Oregon Silviculture?

A request from Extension Agent (Josephine/Jackson Counties) Max Bennett: A student to work with Max to conduct about 40 hours of field research near Trail, Oregon, in Jackson County.  The student will then return and compile and summarize data describing reconstructed stand conditions using Standard Visualization Software (SVS).  Once a report is finalized, the student will be asked to present findings to a local group working on stand reconstructions in Ashland.   The student would work for a total of about 72 hours, with 40 hours in the field, and receive $12 per hour for compensation.

Who to contact about this opportunity: Max Bennett
How to contact: work phone, 541.776.7371; work e-mail, max.bennett@oregonstate.edu

11) Interested in Renewable Materials?

A request from Drs. Jeff Morrell and David Smith: 1-2 students to work with Jeff or David to develop topics to explore in green materials research, such as potential for bioenergy in Oregon, evaluating the effects of water-based treatments on laminated timbers, and use of thermotolerant bacteria.  Students will develop projects with faculty and receive guidance to carry them out.  Students could earn up to $1500 for their project.

Who to contact about this opportunity: David Smith
How to contact: work pone, 541.737.8506; work e-mail, David.Smith@oregonstate.edu

12) Interested in Soil and Fungi Research?

A request from Dr. Dan Luoma and Joyce Eberhart: A student to work with Dan and Joyce to study fungi content in forest soil samples.  This position has a wide variety of activities while helping with laboratory work on samples.  You will receive training in basic laboratory techniques, basic molecular “fingerprinting” techniques for DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, TRFLP, and sequencing, training in microscope work, and learning to morphologically distinguish mycorrhizal roots and sporocarps.  Students are expected to work between 4-10 hours per week and could earn up to $2000 in the winter and spring terms, and $2500 during the summer.

Who to contact about this opportunity: Dan Luoma
How to contact: work phone, 541.737.8595; work e-mail, daniel.luoma@oregonstate.edu

Job Hunting

The time is almost here to be on the lookout for jobs.  Whether you are on the verge of graduating or are looking for experience to put towards your six months of required work, the Student Services Office is working hard to make sure our students find what they need.  The latest effort to get you into the field of forestry is our newly updated jobs page.  You can browse over 70 current job postings to find one that fits you and your needs.  You can find our new jobs page here.

Speaking of the six months of required work experience, have you picked up a green work experience form yet?  Come down to the Student Services Office to pick up and fill out this form.  When you’re done with it, just hand it to Steven and we’ll take care of the rest.  This is especially important to do if you are intending to graduate anytime this year.  Check with your advisor if you have questions on how much work experience you still need to complete.

Before embarking on this search, one of the best things you can do is make sure your resume and cover letter are clean.  One of the best resources for this is right on campus with Career Services.  They offer regular workshops and sessions related to being effective in the job search.  They also hold drop-in hours every Monday through Thursday from 1:00pm-4:00pm.  Go with your resume and cover letter and get instant feedback at 8 Kerr Administration Building.

Go get your planners and write down this date: the annual College of Forestry Jobs Fair is scheduled for February 1, 2011.  Several employers from the field of forestry will be attending to talk to prospective candidates about jobs, internships, and summer work.  Keep your eyes open for more info as we get closer to the Job Fair!

Finals are coming up.

It’s hard to believe that the term is almost coming to a close.  With that in mind, you can never start preparing for finals too early.  There are several campus resources available for you to use at no cost.  For more information, links are provided at the very bottom of this post.

Academic Success Center

The ACS encompasses a wide range of services.  Academic Success Coaching is available for those who wish to do better as students.  It is not directed towards success in a single course, but focuses more on strategizing to be a successful student in general.  Other general resources they provide are planning calendars and study tips.

The Writing Center

The Writing Center is a part of the Academic Success Center.  They provide assistance to anyone who is at any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming to partial or full drafts.  Call them to make an appointment with a writing assistant or visit their website for their online tips and handouts.

The Mathematics Learning Center

Located in 108 Kidder, the MLC provides students with access to drop-in tutoring.  They are open 9am-5pm Monday through Thursday and 9am-4pm on Fridays.  Aside from the tutoring services, they also provide a general studying area, solution manuals, and math software assistance.

The Collaborative Learning Center

The CLC is provided by the OSU Valley Library.  Located in the Learning Commons, the Valley Library coordinates a schedule of different departments that come to the library to provide assistance to students.  Regular attendees are the Writing Desk, the Chemistry Mole Hole, the Mathematics Learning Center, and the Physics Worm Hole, among a few others.

Counseling and Psychological Services

CAPS can provide you help in managing the many stresses you may be under.  You can call to make an appointment if you wish to talk to an unbiased party about practically anything going on.  From relationships to general stress to depression, CAPS can help you be healthier.  One of the unique programs they have is the Mind Spa.  You can relax and re-center yourself in a full body massage chair, explore biofeedback, or meditate.

Links

Important Deadlines!

P/N Grading

Contrary to popular belief, you CANNOT elect to take a class Pass/No Credit.  This class grading system is determined by the university for enrichment or skill-building courses such internships and FOR 353.  P/N classes do not affect your GPA.  If you are concerned about a class that you are may be doing poorly in, the following options will help to preserve your GPA.

S/U Grading

S/U stands for Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading.  The last day to change your grading status in a class from the standard A-F grading to S/U is November 12.  If you want to do this, visit the Student Services Office and request a Change of Grading Basis form.  Fill it out and take it to your advisor for the required signature.  You CANNOT take a class for your major on the S/U system.  Also remember that if a Baccalaureate Core class is counted towards your major, that can’t be taken on an S/U basis either.  There is a university limit of 36 credits that can be taken  S/U.

Withdraw by Web

The last day to withdraw from a class is November 12.  You are able to withdraw using web registration through online services.  Withdrawing from a course results in a “W” on your transcript for that class and it will not affect your GPA.  While there is no limit to the amount of withdraw credits you can have, it is best to withdraw only when necessary because the Forestry programs are more prescriptive and ordered.  Consult with your advisor if you are concerned about your GPA, extending your time at the university, taking too many withdraw credits, or how a “W” might affect your financial aid and scholarships.

Get a jump on your Winter 2011 Schedule!

Phase 1 registration will begin on November 14.  Sign up for a meeting with your advisor (your advisor will email you instructions on how to sign up for an appointment) to check on progress towards graduation and what classes you need to take in the coming term.  The Winter 2011 course schedule can be found here.  Meeting with your advisor will allow you to get your registration PIN.  If you don’t remember who your advisor is, use this list of majors to help you out:

  • Forest Engineering: Loren Kellogg
  • Forest Engineering/Civil Engineering: Marv Pyles is on leave at this time; please visit the FERM Department in Pvy 204 for information on which advisor will help you during Marv’s absence.
  • Forest Management: Kama Luukinen
  • Forest Operations Management: John Sessions
  • Natural Resources: Connie Patterson
  • Natural Resources – Distance Education: Marge Victor
  • Recreation Resource Management: Connie Patterson
  • Renewable Materials/Wood Science & Technology: David Smith

Set up an appointment or stop by their office during drop-in/office hours for more information.