Study Abroad

With the finals week here, we all need to start thinking about the study abroad opportunities that are presented during the spring semester and summer.  These trips are normally around seven to 14 days, and offer students a world of culture and experience that will not be found in any classroom setting.  Listed below are the trips and tentative months the trip has been planned during.  Keep posted to the SSC Beat for dates of information sessions on these trips and also deadlines for signing up. 

France                   Spring Break

Honduras               Spring Break

Argentina                May

Brazil                      May

China                      May

Chile                       May

Costa Rica              May

England                   May

Italy                         May

Ireland                     June

Japan/Thailand         May

Mexico                    May

Mongolia                 May

Nicaragua                July

For more information, please visit Dr. David Henneberry or email him at david.henneberry@okstate.edu.

Congratulations New Graduates!

The Student Success Center staff would like to congratulate the seniors graduating on December 18, 2010.    This is a wonderful honor and we here in the SSC are very proud of each and every one of you.  As you look forward to your future, reflect on your days as an Oklahoma State Cowboy.  And remeber, you are now branded a Cowboy for life.

The ceremony will begin for CASNR students at 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning at Gallagher-Iba Arena.



Green for the Journey

Each year the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources awards nearly $1 million in scholarship money to its students; now is your chance to apply for some of the green!  The scholarship application is now online and must be submitted by midnight, January 15, 2011.  By filling out  an application you will be considered for awards on both the college and departmental levels.  For more information or questions, please stop by 136 Ag Hall and talk to Mary Ellen.     

Six Weeks, Politics and $1000--Apply for an Internship

Grab your ticket to Washington D.C. next summer and make a difference with Congressman Frank Lucas. Juniors and Seniors should not pass up the opportunity to apply for the Frank D. Lucas Agricultural Policy Internship that enables students to work directly with the United States House of Representatives on agricultural policy issues for six weeks. Applications are due in 103 Ag Hall by Jan 10.

Students interested in applying for the Frank D. Lucas Agricultural Policy Internship should follow the following steps:

1.  If AGEC 3703 or AGEC 4703 has not been completed, enroll in either course to be completed during the Spring 2010 semester.
2. Develop a letter of interest and résumé for the internship position
3. Secure a copy of your most recent transcript.
4. Provide a written response of not more two type-written pages (12 point, double-spaced) to the following:

In preparing for the next farm bill debate, Congressman Lucas, currently the Minority leader of the House Agricultural Committee, is interested in the effectiveness of the ACRE and SURE programs in protecting farmers from large variations infarm revenue. In addition, he is interested in understanding how consistent these two programs are with crop insurance. Currently farmers have the option to enroll in ACRE or the DCP program, and/or elect crop insurance and be eligible for the SURE program. Some in Congress want to eliminate the DCP program. Broad disagreement on the effectiveness of ACRE and SURE exists among the various national farm and commodity groups. What information will you be able to obtain and where will you obtain information that summarizes the positions of the various national and Oklahoma groups? How can you best use your education at OSU and/or life experiences to assist Congressman Lucas in his deliberations?

5. Submit all application materials (letter, resume, transcript, and written response) to 103 Ag Hall before 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 10, 2011. Candidates will be reviewed and the recipient will be notified.

NOTE: The recipient will be required to attend the annual College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Awards Banquet on Friday, April 1, 2011, during which he or she will be recognized as the recipient of the award.

Need guidance?

Are you curious what you will be doing after college? Have you thought about the endless opportunities the field of agriculture and natural resources can provide? If you are still sorting out your possibilities, we encourage you to enroll in the AG 1111 course in the spring. AG 1111 is taught by the CASNR Career Services Coordinator, Ms. Amy Gazaway. Course objectives include:

* Describe personal interests, skills, abilities, values, life roles, personality and decision-
  making style.
* Explain how personal interests, skills, abilities, values, life roles, personality and
  decision-making style impact career options and choices.
* Describe the career development cycle and identify their current status within that 
  cycle.
* Utilize a variety of sources and techniques to comprehensively research potential careers
  and employers.
* Describe the necessary qualifications/background, occupational areas and
  responsibilities, work environments, and potential employers related to input systems and
  output companies within the agriculture and natural resources industry.
* Explain the projected career growth areas in the agriculture and natural resources
  industries, as well as the demand for related graduates.
* Develop an academic and co-curricular experience plan for their undergraduate
  education that supports their career interests and goals.

Take a view of the syllabus here. Take charge of your career and enroll in this class!

Celebrate-New Graduate Style!

Graduating seniors-it is your time to be celebrated! The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources would like to invite you to the New Grad Celebration to show how proud of you we are. You will have an opportunity to meet with CASNR faculty and administrators as well as enter for a chance at some awesome door prizes and get your free gift from the staff in the Student Success Center. Refreshments will be provided so bring your appetite! This is also the place where you can fill out the Graduate Survey-all of this in 1 place! 

We are also pleased to announce that the OSU Alumni Association will be attending the event as will OSU Career Services. An update of any other University groups attending will be posted on here as soon as they come available. So, want the details?

When: December 6, 2010
Time: 4-5:30 p.m.
Where: CASNR lobby (in front of 103 Ag Hall)

For a list of other general graduation deadlines and information, visit http://registrar.okstate.edu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32&Itemid=18.

CASNR Career Week: iDream. iLearn. iSuceed

Join the CASNR career liaison team for a week full of career exploration, planning and development, by attending CASNR Career Week, Nov 29-Dec. 3; in addition qualify to win an Apple iPod Touch. As you attend the events listed below, your name will be entered into the drawing.

Career Week Personal Playlist Challenge
Monday, Nov. 29
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
103 Ag Hall

Start the CASNR Career Week on a good note a by stopping by CASNR’s Student Success Center in 103 Ag Hall for a little morning music, a donut, coffee and your copy of the Career Week Personal Playlist Challenge, a self-directed challenge designed for you to learn about yourself, define your future and create a plan of action.  

Be one of the first five CASNR students to complete and return the challenge, and you’ll receive a new set of earbuds. All CASNR students who return the challenge before 5:00 p.m. will be entered into the CASNR Career Week drawing for an Apple iPod Touch.

Shuffle Me Workshop Series
Tuesday, Nov. 30
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Noble Research Center Atrium
(workshops in 106 NRC, 107 NRC, 108 NRC and 207 NRC)

Be ready to learn quickly during the Shuffle Me Workshop Series, an evening of brief, 30-minute "how-to" workshops on the following topics:

• Graduate and professional school preparation panel
• Financial transitions: From Ramen Noodles to Filet Mignon
• How to explore careers for your major
• Convert your internship into a full-time job
• Surviving the first 90 days on the job
• Career Networking 
• Plan B for the Pre’s

All CASNR students who attend two workshops will be entered into the CASNR Career Week drawing for an Apple iPod Touch.

iContribute: The Role of Agriculture & Natural Resources in Solving Global Issues
Wednesday, Dec. 1
6:30 - 8 p.m.
106 NRC

Join CASNR Career Services and the Career Liaisons in welcoming representatives from various agriculture and natural resources industries to the OSU campus to share their knowledge and expertise about emerging technologies and the exciting potential for addressing global issues such as food demand, renewable energy needs and others. Panelists will also discuss workforce development needs related to current and future industry advancements. All CASNR students who attend iContribute will be entered into the CASNR Career Week drawing for an Apple iPod Touch.

Life's Applications Alumni Panel 
Thursday, Dec. 2
6:30 - 8 p.m. 
106 NRC

Welcome our young alumni back to campus to share their stories of Life Applications with you. Learn about the realities of the working world, the challenges of transitioning from student to professional, strategies for making a great impression and impact in your first job and/or internship, as well as suggestions for capitalizing on your opportunities to prepare for Life’s Applications while at OSU. All CASNR students who attend Life’s Applications will be entered into the CASNR Career Week drawing for an Apple iPod Touch

Drawing for Apple iPod Touch
Friday, Dec. 3

Apple iPod Touch drawing to be conducted on Friday, Dec 3. Multiple entries per student allowed according to Career Week event guidelines described above. Winner will be notified via OKEY e-mail before 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3.

Be a Noble Intern

Employers are continually looking for outstanding students to work as summer interns. One employer, the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation is offering paid internships for juniors and seniors in the following areas of expertise: animal science and livestock management, agricultural economics, agronomy, horticulture, range management, soils and crops, wildlife and fisheries.

Students interested in serving on a team of consultants and research scientists should apply online no later than Dec. 15. For more information pick up a brochure in the Student Success Center or contact Mary McMillan.

Fun and travel? Sign me up!

Haha. I would bet that most of you reading this blog thought it would be about study abroad programs...but I am talking about being a Student Success Leader!  The SSL info night will be November 10 from 6-7 PM in Room 201 Ag Hall.  The Student Success Leader team is a student peer education and mentoring group that is compiled of CASNR Ambassadors, F.I.T. S.A.M.s and Career Liasions.  These groups are leaders within the college that help recruit, retain and career inform CASNR students.  All of you interested in serving as a student leader, having fun, representing the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, and traveling to experience other opportunites as well as strengthen leadership skills should come to the meeting and check it out!

Are you talking about Tennessee when you say Go Vol.?

College football season is in full swing! In one particular stadium, fans and those opposing hear the cry "Go Vols!"  While they are talking about the volunteers in the football stadium, the Cowboys are going to be doing their own volunteering.  The annual event, Into the Streets, kicks off on November 13th at 9 AM at the Cordell parking lot.  The event will end around 4 PM. 

Into the Streets is a community service project that allows students to show thanks to the city of Stillwater through preforming odd and end jobs for community members that have signed up for assistance.  The Student Success Leader team from CASNR will be participating as well as many fraternities and sororities around campus.  There are an estimated 3,000 volunteers expected to participate.

Who runs this house? Oklahoma FFA!

The National FFA Convention was held the week of October 18-23 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  At the convention, new officers were elected, awards were given out, and other business was conducted.  Among the many stars that were recognized, OSU had two national awards that came back to Stillwater.

Riley Pagett, far left in the photo above, was named National FFA President at the convention.  This is an amazing honor for Riley and the state of Oklahoma, as being named President is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a member.  A HUGE congratulations goes out to Riley!  Once again, congrats Riley and best of luck with your upcoming year!  We know you will do great!



Emily McCullough, pictured above, won the National Proficiency Award in Veterinary Medicine.  She won this award out of more than 50 other members that applied.  We would like to say congratulations to Emily on this GREAT accomplishment!  We are so proud of you!  Thanks for making Oklahoma FFA and OSU proud!

Capitol Cowboys

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work at the State Capitol and see first-hand how legislation is decided upon or wonder what it would be like to interact with the men and women who we send to serve in Oklahoma City? The Agriculture Legislative Internship sponsored by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources could provide YOU with that exact opportunity this spring!

The student chosen for this internship would work directly with the Oklahoma State House and Senate Committees on Agriculture. In addition, opportunities to work with the Commissioner and staff of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, food and Forestry would be made available.

If chosen, you must enroll in no more than 6 credit hours for the Spring semester and enroll in AG 3010. You will also be given a $3,500 scholarship for your work at the Capitol.

Any student who is enrolled in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources may apply. Please turn in all applications to 136 Ag Hall no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, November 12. If you have any questions, please contact our office. To access the application, please click here.

Good luck!

Live Orange, Even this Summer

You have the opportunity to become an Orientation Leader for Oklahoma State University.  Orientation Leaders (OLs) are undergraduate students who serve incoming freshmen, transfer students and families throughout orientation and enrollment programs. OLs welcome students and families while serving as role models and engaging participants to create a positive orientation experience. OLs support OSU’s academic mission, understand the system of academic colleges, work well with others, and provide extreme customer service and leadership.  Application materials are due by 5:00 pm., Tuesday, November 23, 2010.

For more information check out this video:  Life as an Orientation Leader

For the application click here:  Orientation Leader Application

Get paid! Intern at Camp War Eagle!

Do you want the opportunity to enhance and enrich the lives of approximately 4,000 students this summer? Camp War Eagle is looking for exactly those type of people to serve on their staff during summer 2011...and get paid for it!

Read below for information on Camp War Eagle from Darrick Seaton, Associate Director at Camp War Eagle:

Camp War Eagle is a Christian Summer Camp for Underserved and at Risk kids ages 7-17 in NW Arkansas. We are looking for college students that Love God, Love Kids, Love the outdoors, and Love making a difference in the lives of others!!!  Most of our kids come from pretty hard homes and really need a positive role model in their lives and that role model could be you.  About 80% of our 4,000 kids get a $2000 experience at no cost.  Pretty amazing!!! This internship is especially for any major dealing with kids, social services, ministry, recreation, nature/ecology, or sports.

Want to know more?
     Video
   
     On Campus:

 Table Locations on campus:  (Oct 25-28^th)

Mon-Thurs morning/afternoon:  North of Classroom Building Outside from 9 am to 1pm—by the temporary Food Court!  (If weather is bad, we plan to be at the Colvin instead from 1 pm to 5 pm)

Monday night:  Colvin 6-9 pm

Wed. Afternoon:  Colvin 1-5 pm

 CWE Video Show: (Attendance recommended)

CWE Video Show that highlights your summer experience and answers a ton of questions:  Thurs. Oct. 28^th @ 7:00 pm—CLB 212

CWE Interviews: 

Interviews will be all day on Friday Oct 29^th from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm in the Willard Living Room (1^st Floor College of Ed) To sign up for an interview, visit our table or come to the Video Show on Thurs. night.  If that is not possible, please call Leslie Seaton at 479-466-8317 to set one up.  It is required to be hired, but does not commit you.

Giving Back

Incoming freshmen of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources have the opportunity to participate in a service project during their orientation class during the fall semester. This is an addition to the class to allow students to actively use their strengths, identified by Clifton's StrengthsFinder, to promote community service to the campus and the city of Stillwater and beyond.

One specific small group used their strengths to help sell, distribute, and support the efforts from Red Shirt, Orange Friday. Emily Frey, an agricultural communications freshmen from Idabel, Okla., was one of the freshmen who got to experience firsthand this unique opportunity to new students in our college.

"The purpose of this project was to raise money for care packages that will be sent overseas to our troops at war," Frey said. "Over a thousand shirts were sold at $10 a piece.

Students were asked to identify one strength they will use to complete this project. Frey used her strength of communication to complete the project.

Frey said she "personally attended the meeting discussing the organization and plan for the week and worked out a schedule, so that our group would know when, where, and what day they individually had to work."

Over 400 students and their Student Academic Mentor (SAM) took part in this event. Service projects like the one Frey took part in allowed each student to feel proud and accomplished. It was also a great way to establish links to give back to the community.

Interested in giving back? Check out the OSU Service-Learning Volunteer Center to see how you can make an impact where you are!

Job Seeking: Work Smarter Not Harder

In the times of Google, Yahoo, Bing and Wikipedia, students often believe they have all the information accessible at their fingertips, especially when it comes to researching a potential employer. Yes, it is true, online communications have made researching potential employers easier, but the transition from personal to digital communications can also pose some challenges.

Consider the more than 30 questions one should research before interviewing or accepting a job with a potential employer. Digging for the ALL these answers online can be extremely time consuming. In other instances, searching for specific information on privately owned companies can be impossible--CEOs seek to keep the details of their businesses private in order to protect their information from lurking competitors.

Time and impossible--not exactly the most favorite words in the undergraduate polls. However, a more likeable phrase found among the student population is: "Work smarter, not harder." The adage applies to job seeking as well. Good companies are eager to recruit talented students from excellent universities, like Oklahoma State. In fact, company recruiters visit campus regularly to host information sessions.

Information sessions provide a great opportunity for students to make personal contact with company representatives and ask questions. Most of these sessions are held on campus during a convenient time. In a short hour, students have the opportunity to get a good feel for the company's culture, organizational structure and growth potential. Discovering the same things online could take weeks.

Within the next month, three companies will be visiting Ag Hall:

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)
Farm Credit
Weyerhaeuser

Don't miss your opportunity to mingle with these great employers.

If you have any questions about preparing for information session, please contact a CASNR Career Liaison.

Not Your Typical B.S.

No, not this B.S....

We are talking about the B.S. that all of us are interested in. 

The Bachelor's of Science.  THE Degree.

 

The Student Success Center Beat is designed to keep you informed of upcoming events in the college, as well as scholarship deadlines and career information.  We realize how important being in the know is, especially when it comes to scholarship money and that ever important graduation check.  Look to this blog to keep you up on your toes, and to lessen the "B.S." that fills your email inbox while striving for your B.S.!  Thanks, and have a great weekend! Go Pokes!

Time to Get Involved!

Oklahoma State University College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, more commonly referred to as CASNR, maintains a high respect for academics and research. BUT, we also invite students to take part in college events and student organizations. Involvement with CASNR means professional development, social interactions, conferences, and free food (and what college student passes on free food?), just to name a few! With over 35 student organizations in CASNR alone, we hope you can find one that fits your interests. Click here to learn more about CASNR student organizations.

One of the opportunities for you to get involved is through Homecoming 2010: Cowboy Nation. CASNR has a rich tradition in celebrating the best and being the best. For the last several years, CASNR has taken home the award of Most Spirited College. The cause may come down to the infamous window paintings all throughout Ag Hall during Homecoming Week or it could be the many students who come together and participate in various Homecoming activities. Nevertheless, we invite you to take part in this once a year event! Don't know what to expect? Catch a glimpse of the mania here.

Still want information on events you see here, or don't see? Send us a Tweet, @OSUCASNR, or send us an e-mail at casnr@okstate.edu, or visit us in 103 Ag Hall. In the CASNR Student Success Center, we are here for you! So put your boots on, grab college by the reins and get involved!

Congratulations Sophomores!

The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and the Student Success Center would like to extend congratulations to the following CASNR students for being named Top 20 Freshman Men and Women (Italicized names indicate Top 10 Freshman Awards)

·         Tara Burchfield, Fairview – Agricultural Communications

·         Clairissa Craige, Bokchito – Animal Science

·         Mackenzie Jochim, Broken Arrow – Entomology

·         Shannon Watson, Blairstown, MO – Agricultural Communications/Agricultural Economics

·         Clark Bixler, Waynoka – Agricultural Economics

·         Robby Branscum, Fort Gibson – Animal Science/Agricultural Education

·         Trindle Brueggen, Okarche – Agribusiness

·         Collin Craige, Bokchito – Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

·         Paul Cunningham, Lawton – Animal Science

·         Josh Goff, Mooreland – Animal Science

·         Flint Holbrook, Clover, SC – Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

·         Brennan Lewis, Whitefield – Animal Science

·         Robbie Maples, Okemah – Agribusiness

·         Mark Sims, Elgin – Animal Science

·         Jonathan Wedel, Stillwater – Animal Science