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“According to the 2019 State of Mental Health in America Report, over 44 million American adults struggle with a mental health condition, and the rate of youth similarly affected is on the rise. While this a staggering number, there is some positive news for those prone to depression and anxiety. Recent studies have discovered that spending time in nature can be a powerful tool for improving overall well-being and managing mental health.

The great outdoors has plenty to offer in the form of fun and recreation, but its influence on your overall health and wellness is worth investing your free time and attention in. The returns come in the form of an overall healthier and happier life.” Find out 6 ways to improve your mental health by reading the story below.

Go Outside: Your Mental Health Depends On It

The application for admission to the professional program in OSU’s Forestry, Forest Engineering, and Forest Engineering-Civil Engineering programs is now available!

What is the Professional Program?

Several majors in OSU’s College of Forestry (Forestry, Forest Engineering, and Forest Engineering/Civil Engineering) have a pre/pro model.  The pre-professional courses span the freshman and sophomore years, and the professional courses (or “pro school”) span the junior and senior years.  Anyone can declare a Pre-Forestry or Pre-Forest Engineering major.  Moving to the professional program requires a special application process which is normally completed during spring of the sophomore year.  Admission to the professional program is based upon:

• Completion of all the required pre-professional courses by September 10, 2019
• Grades of C or higher and a minimum GPA of 2.25 or higher in all the pre-professional courses

Who Should Apply?

You should apply to the College of Forestry’s professional program if you meet ALL the following criteria:

• You plan to transfer to OSU’s Corvallis campus for fall 2019
• You plan to major in Forestry, Forest Engineering, or Forest Engineering-Civil Engineering
• You will complete all the required pre-professional courses in your major by September 10, 2019.  You can consult our Transfer Guides to determine how your courses apply to the requirements.

NOTE: students are welcome to transfer to OSU at any time.  If you have not yet completed all the pre-professional courses for your major, you can still transfer to OSU as a Pre-Forestry or Pre-Forest Engineering major and complete them here.  Then you can apply to the Pro-School in a future year.

Application Process

• Apply for transfer admission to OSU’s Corvallis campus.  Declare a major in Pre-Forestry, Pre-Forest Engineering, or Pre-Forest Engineering/Civil Engineering.  If you aren’t admitted to OSU, you won’t be able to complete the application for the College of Forestry Pro-School. Transfer applications for fall 2019 are being accepted now.  If you haven’t already applied, you should do so ASAP!
• Once you are admitted to OSU and have an OSU ID number, you need to complete the College of Forestry’s Pro-School application.  The preferred deadline to apply for fall 2019 Pro-School admission is April 15, 2019 (11:59 pm Pacific).

FAQ’s

• What are the required pre-professional courses for my major?

Consult the Advising Guide for your major to find the required pre-professional courses.  You may find our Transfer Guides useful as well.

• What if I won’t have all the required pre-professional courses complete by September 10, 2019?

Students are only admitted to Pro-School if they have completed ALL the required pre-professional courses satisfactorily.  If you are missing courses, you may need to apply to Pro-School for a future year.  We encourage students to work with their academic advisor (and to contact us at forestry.proschool@oregonstate.edu ) to determine the best timeline for Pro-School application.

• Can I apply to the professional program for a later term (e.g. winter, spring, summer)?

Students can only enter Pro-School in the fall term.  We do not admit students to Pro-School for winter/spring/summer terms.  This is due to the sequential nature of the Pro-School coursework and the need to begin those sequences in the fall.  Entry to the Pre-Forestry and Pre-Engineering majors is unrestricted, and students can begin the pre-professional courses in any term.

• Who do I contact if I have questions?

Questions about the Pro-School application process can be sent to forestry.proschool@oregonstate.edu

• When will I know if I’ve been admitted to Pro-School?

Admission decisions will be communicated via email (to the email address you list on your application) by May 1, 2019.

• When does Field School start?

Field School will be Wednesday, September 11th – Tuesday, September 24^th.

As we all have heard by now, the government did it’s (almost yearly thing…) shutdown. Thankfully at this time a temporary conclusion was met between officials and it is up and running again, but for how long? It was the country’s longest shutdown and thousands of federal workers were effected.  After seeing so many headlines in regards to vandalism, unemployment, debt; I came across a new perspective. Did you know…?

Wes Siler from Outside Magazine has some information in regards to it that maybe you haven’t heard about just yet. 

“The most surprising emotion I’ve encountered while reporting on the partial government shutdown? Fear. Everyone from park rangers to administrators to government lawyers to guides who operate independent businesses on federal land are all too scared to publicly go on the record about how the shutdown is impacting them. And let me tell you, that is anything but normal. “

To finish reading the article, click here: Federal Employees Living in Fear

Words from the CoF SLC:

As I sit warmly with the sun basking through the window, I am grateful that the sun shines and the skies are a glorious blue. It’s chilly outside, students are bundled up in jackets, gloves, and hats. I’ve noticed fresh buds are forming on the bushes on the Corvallis campus along Jefferson Way. Oh Spring… Then it hits me. It’s barely mid-January! Where has Winter gone? Did it arrive? Did I miss it?!

The climate has shifted out of what we have thought was our “normal”. It’s not getting as cold, not getting as wet. Not here in the valley or up to the mountains. Winter is beginning to escape us and our plants are confused, just as much as the people. The closer you get to the mountain passes, you anticipate the fresh snow around the corner, or maybe the next one, and are saddened to see the remnants of storm from over a week ago barely holding on in the shade of the trees. Where did it all go? –Written by: Destiny Pauls

The Herald and News published a brief article about Oregon’s snowpack showing that is below normal again and data shows that the state is reaching historically normal levels less often. “It’s pretty clear that the idea of what’s normal is shifting, and that we’ve just become accustomed to these bad or below average years,” said Kathie Dello, a climate scientist with Oregon State University. If you’d like to know more or read the article itself, click HERE.

Need a few helpful hints to get you back in the saddle at OSU? Here are some ways you can prepare for Winter term and beyond!

Right now is the prime time to be applying for jobs in many different government agencies! What is holding you back? If you are already in the application process, do you feel as if you are adequately prepared? Thinking about applying down the road? Why not get ahead of the game.

Whether you are a freshman, senior, or graduate student- attending workshops, career fairs, and basically taking in as much information and assistance as you can will ultimately help you learn, network, or even get hired (now or someday). Check out a few tips to improve your odds: 9 Federal Job Search Tips That’ll Help You Land that Government Job (The Muse)

Networking is very important in getting your foot in the door. So if you can volunteer, get an internship, or take on a part-time job with a local agency, that’s a great first step! Once you’ve demonstrated your ability to succeed in a government position, you are much more marketable.

Come to one of the career fairs or events at the college with OSU staff and government employers and introduce yourself. Bring your resume and get to know the person and/or agency, then follow up after the fair. 

Register in Handshake for any of the following workshops. They are all coming up very soon!

Are you interested in finding out what you can do with a degree in forestry? The career possibilities are numerous and there are a number of resources available to help you explore potential careers and benefits of a forestry career.

One such resource is an online guidebook that will help you explore forestry careers and internships. It’s available at FireScienceOnline, which began in 2012 to provide quality data and information for students pursuing a career in fire science. It offers tools and resources that help students and professionals make well-informed decisions about their education and training. This site offers information about a variety of careers, training and education requirements, and average salaries.  If you are interested in Fire Science, then take some time to explore FireScienceOnline.

Student Resources & Engagement also provides resources to explore some of the careers available in the fields of forestry, recreation and natural resources. Explore the Employment Opportunitiesweb pages for information about the SAF Job Fair, Job Shadow Program, career information.  Check out the Find a Job or Internship page for current job and internship listings, job search tips and resources and a directory of College of Forestry employers contacts.

Be sure to take advantage of the numerous resources available to explore careers and find temporary and permanent positions.

 

Words from Britt Hoskins, COF Career Development Center Assistant Director:

 

I recently visited the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency headquarters in Washington D.C., and wanted to share with you what I learned about careers in intelligence that are well suited to people studying things like GIS, earth/geology/geography, ocean science, climate science, and atmospheric science and really, STEM in general.

First off, OSU is one of the NGA’s 30 priority schools in the U.S. They are building a relationship with us because they want to hire our students. Shouldn’t Oregon students get some of 300 internships nationwide the NGA opens up every year? I think so.

 

Why Work at the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency?

1. 300 intern openings for summer 2019!
2. 80% of interns are hired for full-time positions. Internship is the best way to get your foot in the door with the NGA.
3. The free security clearance you get with NGA transfers to other federal agencies like CIA, NSA, etc.
4. You can repeat the internship at subsequent summers.
5. Access to 1,700+ continuing education courses for NGA employees; paid-for master’s/Ph.D. programs after 2 years of work.
6. Student debt forgiveness after 10 years (any federal employer)
7. Joining a community of other interns with mentorship programs, support, and fun activities like sports leagues
8. 3 hours of paid gym/workout time during every work week
9. Government benefits, including a retirement pension
10. Intelligence is always in demand, no matter which president is in office. Stable jobs and the opportunity to work toward a mission for the U.S.

 

Summer Internship Details:

• Applications for the summer 2019 are open now until Sept. 30. Don’t wait to apply, they start picking people as applications come in. By Sept. the intern openings may be all full.
• Apply through nga.mil. Remember, NGA openings are not something you can apply for and then start right away. You have to plan ahead because security clearance can take many months.
• Requirements: GPA of 3.0, U.S. citizen, enrolled in any level, Associates through Ph.D.
• Paid at an hourly rate based on the level of your degree.
• Housing may be subsidized (not covered) in the summer of 2019, awaiting confirmation. Travel cost is not covered. (But flights from PDX to D.C. are reasonable…)

 

Facts About the NGA:

1. It’s a government agency with 14,500 employees.
2. Military and humanitarian focus. NGA’s specialty is spatial, visual intelligence and using data in really practical ways.
3. Two main locations in D.C. and St. Louis, as well as smaller locations in California, Colorado, and across the globe. 2/3ish of jobs are in D.C., most of the rest are in St. Louis, a few others at other locations. You can mention desired locations in your cover letter.
4. Housed within the Department of Defense. Partners with agencies like FEMA, CIA, NSA, and the President.

 

What Types of Careers Are Available?

Many! For example, a geo-intelligence analyst might use satellites and layers of data to help with hurricane response, firefighting, ebola outbreaks, ice caps melting, and counter-terrorism. (For example, analysts, model makers, and data visualization professionals provided the intelligence in the Osama Bin Ladin raid.) Jobs include: Imagery analysts, geospatial analysts, aeronautical analysts, maritime analysts, cartographers, geodetic scientists, data scientists, engineers, research analysts, info systems security specialists, geodetic orbit scientists, geodetic earth scientists, human geography, information visualization, maritime navigation, bathymetry, photogrammetry, remote sensing, etc.

 

How Can I Stand Out to the NGA?

Depends on the job, examples of desirable skills include:

• Big data savvy, knowledge of tools like GIS, lidar/radar, tableau, SQL, etc. (See job descriptions)
• Adaptability to learn and change and technologies and situations shift
• Ability to identify patterns, leadership
• Team player with a high concern for customer service
• Good writers/communicators
• Global mentalities/international experiences
• Statistical skills, STEM fields

 

How Can I Get My Foot in the Door?

• Like so many federal/state jobs, the buck stops with the application. Fill it out their online resume system incredibly thoroughly. Do not limit yourself to one page!!! More is more with government applications.
• List and explain how you meet all  of the minimum requirements. If you haven’t listed it, they will assume you don’t have the skill. Recruiters scan for keywords as a way to filter people out.
• Use your cover letter to explain how you have met all the minimums.
• Remember that veterans get priority in interviewing, so list relevant military experience.
• It’s difficult to network your way in, but you can run your application materials by OSU’s NGA recruiter: Melissa Johnson, Melissa.s.johnson@nga.mil. Before approaching Melissa, it’s not a bad idea to make an OSU career appointment to brainstorm strategy.

 

What is the SMART Scholarship Program?

Also, check into the SMART Scholarship program for a full tuition reimbursement scholarship. This is a highly competitive program that pays for your schooling in exchange for a commitment to work for the NGA during school and for a period after graduation. Great for someone who knows they want to work in the intelligence community after graduation.

 

WHY PEACE CORPS?

• Work and learn in 60 possible countries. Use your major and experience to impact communities across the globe.
• Housing and a living wage provided in your country + $9,450 when you finish your assignment to reestablish in the U.S.
• A leg up on federal jobs after you finish the program. You get extra application points to help you get noticed by a great gov. agency.
• Many volunteers are hired on in their respective countries after their term.
• A 3-month training program prepares you to serve + you’ll have a partner in your assigned country.
• Access to apply for a special fellowship that pays toward future graduate studies.

 

Agricultural/Forestry Majors:

The Peace Corps is competitive. The good news is that agricultural and forestry majors are desired. Actually having a degree in your fields is not common among applicants. So you can stand out! With your background, you may be selected for an educational position, usually with small farmers around the world. Duties could include helping with sustainable farming practices, food security, irrigation in dry climates, and income supplementation. You may help with everything from crops, to bees, to livestock.

o   E.g. You may help tackle deforestation, understanding economic forces that drive it and how communities can begin to recover.

 

Environmental Sciences/Natural Resources:

STEM fields are greatly desired in the Peace Corps. An important tip, if you plan to apply, is to get some educational experience outside of the classroom. You may have research and fieldwork (like sampling/trail maintenance) on your resume, but showing you can communicate with and teach others is a big selling point for you on an application.

o   You may work on climate change and how it is affecting an arid region. Showing a community how to recover and address their farming practices or soil erosion.

o   You may tackle issues like poaching or introducing eco-tourism to preserve wildlife. Or work on a nature preserve.

o   It is also very common for hard science students to teach math or science in high schools across the globe.

 

HOW CAN I STAND OUT?

• Knowing a foreign language is a big deal, especially Spanish or French. Even some introductory courses count.
• Education experience. Consider volunteering to teach English or getting together with international students to practice conversation.

 

WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP?

• Reach out to Scot Roskelley, the Peace Corps recruiter for Oregon State. He can help you strategize about how and when to apply: sroskelley@peacecorps.gov or 503-290-4024.
• Note that there is a 8-10 month gap between when you apply and when you go. For graduates in June 2019, apply by Oct. 1.

Commencement is only TWO weeks away! Graduating seniors: are you struggling to come up with ideas to decorate your mortar board? Don’t worry, we got you covered!

Each student is unique and should individualize their mortar board accordingly. Many students choose quotes, pop-culture references, celebration of their accomplishment, career dreams, college/university pride, graduation year, ode to the parentals, and many more creative ideas.

Drop by the 2nd floor knuckle in Richardson on Thursday, June 15th from 9:30-4pm for a mortar board decorating party. Snacks and supplies will be offered. This way you can collaborate with students and save money on supplies! Come prepared with ideas that fit YOU.

A few ideas are displayed below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whatever style you choose, it will be PERFECT for YOU! Congratulations graduates of 2017!

Many students find it more useful to take notes on their computer as opposed to typical handwritten notes. It often is easier to keep up with the professor, you can obtain more information, and sometimes do a little side work.

A recent study actually determined that students using a laptop scored between 0.27 and 0.38 grade points lower on a four-point GPA scale than their classmates who took notes without a laptop. That is half a letter grade!

Students who used laptops to “take notes in class” spent over a third of class time browsing the internet for nonacademic reasons. Even in the cases where students were using their laptops to look up academic information to supplement the course work—something that many instructors think of as a benefit—the study found no improvement to final exam scores.

Rethink your note-taking techniques! Handwriting your notes can be much more beneficial for the outcome of your grade.

For more information visit here.