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With the advent of tax season, we’re seeing an increase in the number of phishing emails received, and urge caution when clicking on links contained in emails or responding to requests for account information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details.

• Do not open any attachments or click on any links in emails unless you were expecting to receive them–particularly about financial matters. When in doubt, double check with the department sending the email.
• Read carefully!
• Be on the lookout for a new scam where the scammers disguise their email and make it appear as though the email is being sent from an executive of the organization. They frequently request that an HR or payroll employee send a list of all employees and their Form W-2s and thereby gain access to this sensitive information about employees. It is easy for a scammer to make an email appear like it is from a person you know—always use caution.
• Phishing websites often look exactly like official OSU login pages. If you did happen to click on a link in an email, do not enter your account info into that site.
• Use the “hover” technique to see where a link goes. Hold your cursor over a link but don’t click. (On mobile devices, touch the link and hold it.) The address where that link is really going will show on your screen. Inspect that address carefully. Be wary of URL shortening services such as tinyurl.com and bitly.com.

We would encourage anyone receiving a phishing message to report it. This will help us try to block or disable the phish.

To submit a phish, send the email as an attachment to phishing@oregonstate.edu.

As students, we focus on our education in the classroom, but do not spend enough time expanding our professional development in order to obtain a job. Although school may keep us busy, it is important to include time for job workshops. By attending job workshops you will:

1. Increase your communication skills
2. Gain contacts for future use
3. Practice speaking with employers and researching companies/organizations
   • This can help you determine what you are looking for in an employer and narrow down what you wish to do in the future
4. Meet with like minded people to discuss topics of interest
5. Ask questions about professional pathways
6. Find a JOB!

By meeting face to face with employers you will have a better chance because they will remember you and you won’t just be another name on a page.

Events to attend:

• Federal Job Employer Panel and Networking Event on February 3rd from 1-3 pm in the Valley Library Willamette East and West Rooms
• How to Apply for Federal Jobs/Internships: US Forest Service Job Seeker Workshop on February 7^th  4-6 pm in the Valley Library, Willamette West Room
• Winter Career Convention on February 15th and 16th from 11 am-3 pm in the LaSells Stewart Center
• Employer Information Night: Sierra Pacific Industries on February 28th from 5-6 pm in Strand 262
• How to Apply for State Jobs/Internships on March 3rd from 12-1 pm in the Valley Library Willamette Rooms East & West
• How to Negotiate Job Offers on March 9th from 12-1 pm in Strand 148

 

Other resources to find a job include our College of Forestry Jobs Page and Employer Information Nights. Make sure to make yourself known in the industry you wish to be involved in!

 

The 2016-2017 school year is almost over! Graduation is just over a week away for seniors. But first, we have to survive finals week.

During this stressful time of the year it is important to make time for all of your work, but still maintain healthy habits.

1. Get plenty of sleep. Staying up to study may seem like the only way you can do well, but pulling an all nighter can be harmful and your brain will not be able to retain as much information as you become fatigued. Don’t be like Buddy.
   
2. Exercise. Exercising your brain does not count for this one. Make sure you are staying physically active and not sitting all day long in a desk chair. Take short breaks every hour or two if you are working on a computer. Even a short walk or some jumping jacks can help stimulate the brain and boost energy levels. The warm weather is here on most days, take advantage of it! Try and take a friend too.
3. Avoid social media. I promise that nothing exciting will happen when you are gone. If it does, it will still be there once finals are over. Rewarding yourself with funny videos or cute cats may be another technique for study breaks.
4. Stay organized. Clutter and messiness will only add tension and anxiety to your stress filled finals week. By keeping on top of your tasks and schedule you will be able to focus on what is truly important.
5. Eat well. Although time is limited because of studying, it is imperative that you make time for healthy food options. Eating three balanced meals and having snacks throughout the day will help you maintain energy levels, stay focused, and perform better on your finals. Do not skip meals because you do not have time, it will only drain your brain and reduce retention rates.
6. Breathe. I know it may seem like you will not be able to make it through, but YOU CAN! Stay strong and positive. If you feel overwhelmed make sure you take a break and go for a walk, play a game, or talk with a friend.

Good luck! Congratulations to all the graduating seniors. Have a fantastic summer.

Anybody got a good picture of John Sessions riding away on his bike?

 

 

Thanks to the WSE staff who placed two Giving Trees with 60 tags benefiting children via the Vina Moses Center in the FERM Office in Snell and in the FES Office in Richardson. Please consider selecting a tag from a tree with a child’s gender and age and providing gifts and/or clothing to a child in need. Gifts should be placed back under the tree by December 13.

The Student Services Office has also made a “Giving Column” with nearly 40 tags for the Vina Moses Center. Please drop by and pick up a tag!

Each month about 1,000 people come to the Center to select clothing, toys, and household goods for their families.  For the holidays, an array of toys and clothing are displayed, and parents pick out appropriate gifts and clothing for their children. These are the items that you make available by taking tags from our Giving Trees. It is a huge success with Center families and volunteers. This season, the Center looks forward to being able to provide up to 1,200 families with food and/or gifts. Your gifts make a difference to the families in our community.

 

The College of Forestry is also sponsoring an Adopt-A-Family.

Each child will get three gifts; one they want, one they need, and one they can read; see the list below for ideas. Gifts for grownups are optional, but basics like body wash and grooming items are always welcome. The family will receive a holiday meal from Mega Foods; if you would like to provide a gift certificate or cash the cost of the meal is $29.99.

Please let Jessica Fitzmorris know what item or items you would like to purchase so that she can remove them from the list and keep things current. All items should be new and unwrapped. All items need to be delivered to RH 109 in no later than 3pm on December 9^th.

• Garrett (12yrs, boy): hot wheels, size 3 boots, captain underpants, books
• Aiden (2 months, boy): size 1 diapers, wipes, newborn socks, baby books
• Cristina (4 months, girl): rattles, teething chews, size 6/9 month clothes, baby books
• Chance (1 month, boy): newborn clothes, size 1 diapers, wipes, baby books

 

Happy Holidays to everyone! Don’t let finals get you down.

A message from Ron Reuter-OSU Cascades Natural Resources:

We are living in a digital world and the grammar used by media and celebrities is often incorrect; use of grammar has an impact on those listening to you or reading your works. Word selection matters, so select wisely and correctly. Being smart includes the ability to think AND clearly articulate those thoughts in verbal or written form.

As you begin to think about term papers, or your essay questions on midterms, remember that your professor is influenced strongly by what your writing looks and sounds like. Dr. Appleby, a retired crop science professor, has configured a list of common grammar mistakes. Take a look at these to make sure you are using the correct form.

 

 

 

The 2016-2017 school year is now under way. Whether you are a new or returning student the beginning of a school year is always stressful. Don’t forget to attend the great Welcome Week events.

The College of Forestry is hosting two great events next Thursday, September 29th:

 

The College of Forestry has been moving throughout the summer because of the construction project of Peavy Hall into the new Forest Science Complex which should be complete by Spring 2018.

To keep updated with the transition visit: http://oregonstate.edu/ua/ncs/archives/2015/jan/osu-launches-initiative-forest-science-complex

 

Although the college is now scattered throughout campus, you will always be able to reach us. Advisors are located on the 4th Floor of Snell Hall and the Student Services Office is in Snell 133. Self-Learning Centers can be found in Snell 129 and Snell 123.

For college students, group projects are a common assigned task in many classes throughout one’s undergraduate career.  While we like to joke that the above photo is true, sometimes it can turn into the reality if a group project is not taken seriously.  The raw truth of the matter is this: group projects also exist in real life, in our future careers.

There, I said it! What the professors say is true. That being said, here are some tips to help ensure your group project due at the end of the term (that I know you have procrastinated until now) will be a swimming success!

1.Figure out the best means of communication.

Based on who you are working with, you need to decide what is going to be your primary means of communication throughout the remainder of the project.  With so many different channels of communication (emails, text messages, instant messaging, phone calls, Facebook groups), it is important to figure out which method works best for everyone.

2. Set check-ins and deadlines.

Setting multiple deadlines before the entire project is due helps to break down the tasks into more tangible action items. This also allows the work of the project to be split up among all of the team members.  When assigning action items to team members, consider also assigning a secondary team member to help with that task.  The secondary team member will also be responsible for making sure it is completed in a timely manner if for some reason the primary team member falls ill, has a family emergency, or decides to drop out mid-way through the project. Don’t forget to check-in with members of the group in between deadlines to make sure everyone is on the same page and everyone’s questions are answered.

3. Take the lead.

Anyone can be a leader.  Don’t be afraid to step up to the challenge of doing your share of the group project and help coordinate dates/times for everyone to meet to work on the project together.  They key to being successful in the leadership position is to follow up.  If you say you will do something, make sure it happens.  That will build your credibility and keep the team dynamics more positive.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask your professor for help.

Asking for help does not make you look unprepared, not knowledgeable, or silly.  On the contrary, asking your professor for help on a project shows that you are dedicated to doing the best work possible.  It can also help clarify the overall goals and expectations for the final project. Professors want you to do well, so asking them how you can do well and then doing what they say can only help your group.

5. Stay positive.

Group project take a lot of time, energy, and can cause stress.  During the more difficult times, focus on the positive aspects of the project. This is something that you can discuss with a prospective employer during a job interview about a time that you worked in a team.  Additionally, you are getting to bond with others in your class.  Keep in mind, the people you are going to school with are going to be the future professionals in your field- always leave a good impression.

Group projects don’t have to be scary or stressful; they can be conquered through effective communication, tackling big projects in smaller steps, taking the lead on various parts of a project, asking for help when you need it, and staying positive throughout the entire process.

Good luck finishing up those group projects!

 

Have you ever thought about continuing your education after your undergraduate career?  Is an advanced degree right for you?  There may be many other questions you have about what it is like to be a graduate student at Oregon State University or how to navigate the overall process.

To get your questions answered, come to Furman Hall, Room 101 on Thursday, May 19th from 5:30-6:30 pm!  The OSU Graduate School is hosting a presentation to cover the basics of a graduate education.  Snacks will be provided!

Please call the OSU Graduate School at 541-737-4881 with any questions you have about this event!

National Get Outdoors Day is May 21, 2016 at Peavy Arboretum, north of Corvallis and now is your chance to sign up as a volunteer!  This event is expected to bring out many children and families from our community to explore the outdoors and to become inspired by the natural world through hands-on projects and activities.
Volunteers just like YOU are what make this event a success each year!  Follow the link below to officially register as a volunteer.  After you register and as the date gets closer reminders will be sent with more information.

http://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_eDrid2PH5i7v3ut

If you have any questions about this event or your involvement, please contact Matt McPharlin, Event Volunteer Coordinator at Matt.mcpharlin@oregonstate.edu.

Moms and Family Weekend is NEXT WEEKEND, April 29-May 1!  As a college student, there are many things that we get to experience and Moms and Family Weekend is a great chance to share those experiences with your family!

You’re invited!

The College of Forestry is hosting an open house on Friday, April 29th from 2-4 PM in the first floor knuckle of Richardson Hall.  At the open house, families can learn about the variety of resources and programs available to all College of Forestry students, including advising resources, student clubs & organizations, diverse perspectives in forestry group, forestry ambassadors, international programs/internships, OSU research forests, and the NEW Forest Science Complex!

This is a free event and refreshments will be served.  Bring your family to Richardson Hall to show them all of the exciting opportunities that are offered here in the College of Forestry!

Click here to see a full schedule of all of the events happening on campus for Moms and Family Weekend!