Monday, November 25, 2013

Career Planning Class - Spring 2014


Gendered Planet: Ethics, Ecology, and Equity -- Call for Proposals



Call for Proposals

Students, Faculty, Staff, Community Activists!

We invite your participation in the 38th Wisconsin Women's Studies and 9th LGBTQ Conference as it expands to represent a broader Midwestern participation.

Wisconsin and Midwest 
Women’s, Gender, and LGBTQ 
Studies Conference

October 17-19, 2014
University Center 
UW-River Falls


Seeking proposals on the broadly defined theme of
'Gendered Planet:  Ethics, Ecology, and Equity' from across the disciplines addressing research, scholarship, program development, pedagogy, curriculum, creative work and/or community activism in the fields of EcofeminismWomen’s Studies, Gender Studies, LGBTQ Studies, and Sexuality Studies, especially as they as they intersect with such areas as: Ethnic Studies, Disability Studies, International Studies, Poverty Studies, Peace Studies, and Environmental and/or Sustainability Studies, and other inter-disciplines.

Participants are encouraged to draw upon the range 
of perspectives on gender and social justice to examine the present and  future for our planet.  Considering intersections of issues that include (but are not limited to)  human oppression, animal exploitation, ecological degradation,
as we promote ethical responses, solutions, and mindful decisions that create greater equity and sustainability for our humanity, animals, and earth.

http://www.womensstudiesconsortium.org/


Co-sponsors: Alverno College, Beloit College, Marquette University, St. Norbert College, Winona State University, the UW-Madison Division of Continuing Studies, the UW-River Falls Women’s and Gender Studies Program, and the University of Wisconsin Women’s Studies Consortium made up of the 14 Women’s and Gender Studies Programs and Departments in the UW System, the Office of the Women’s Studies Librarian and the Women & Science Program

Friday, November 22, 2013

Student Career Success

Internship Opportunities with Midwest Groundcovers

Midwest Groundcovers Internship Programs!
Accepting applications for 2014 Internships
.
Midwest Groundcovers offers an opportunity for students to experience working in several departments and locations of Midwest Groundcovers.
Customer Service/Marketing Intern
The intern will learn a variety of different aspects of marketing, including creating company promotional materials, assisting with imaging projects, learning and maintaining the plant database. The intern will capture plant and other images as directed by the Marketing department. The student will also perform various activities and learn the inner workings of our Customer Service department and spend some time in our Retail Yard.
Landscape Intern – St. Charles, Illinois
The intern will be doing “hands on” work involving display gardens at the main office and leading the landscape crew on various projects.

Production Intern (Michigan)
The intern will experience aspects of plant propagation including cutting, sticking, misting, and drenching. Additional work experiences may include inventory assistance, record keeping, cultural care, pruning, spacing, aiding in fertilization of plants, tracking degree days, disease and pest identificatio and production scheduling insight.
Production Intern (Illinois)The intern will experience aspects of plant propagation including cutting, sticking, misting, and drenching. Additional work experiences may include inventory, record keeping, cultural care, pruning, spacing, tracking degree days, and production scheduling insight.
Midwest Trading Horticultural Soils Internship
Accepting applications for 2014 Internships.
Over the course of this internship work will be done in the Center for Horticultural Soils Testing and Research running laboratory analysis and collecting data for Soil, Soilless media and their components. This includes Nursery, Greenhouse, Landscape, Green Roof, Bioswale, and other engineered blends. Additionally a research project will be conducted and presented at the conclusion of the internship. This internship involves some physically demanding work in a variety of environments and weather. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel preferred with ability to work independently with attention to detail. This is an opportunity to learn and experience the brown side of the green industry.

There are opportunities for full-time and/or part-time internships lasting from 3-6 months during the spring and summer.
Our goal is to provide a multifaceted and meaningful opportunity for students to experience the day-to-day operations in specified focused work areas.

ALL INTERNS have the opportunity to attend educational and social events such as trade shows, seminars, in house training and our company picnic.

The intern program features an initial goal setting plan at the start of the internship with a review of the program and goal achievement at the conclusion of the program.

http://www.midwestgroundcovers.com/careers/careers.asp


Get your Wildfire Management Certification

Note to wildland firefighter personnel taking a course to fulfill NWCG training requirements:
The NWCG will only acknowledge completion of these courses by those who are affiliated with an NWCG member agency (through direct membership or agreement) or a member of a fire department. To receive credit from the NWCG for completing these courses, do not attempt this training unless you have been directed to do so by a wildland fire agency or fire department, and you are working with a course administrator.

A course administrator is a person responsible for guiding a student through a self-paced course (computer based or paper based). Course administrators must meet qualifications set forth in the Field Manager’s Course Guide for each particular course; have general administrative knowledge of testing, certificates of completion and qualification system of record for the agency or agencies involved; and must be available in person, by phone, or by email to assist the student during the completion of the course.

To obtain a course administrator, Federal and State government employees must go through their agency or state fire training staff. If you are part of a local government agency please contact your State Forestry office to request their "sponsorship" for NWCG training. Contract employees must go through their company.
All students are encouraged to keep their NWCG online course certificates as proof of successful completion.

Other
Firefighter Math
Note: this program may not display correctly in "IE8 Compatibility View", please switch your IE browser mode to "Internet Explorer 8" for the best display.

Investigating Railroad Caused Wildfires 
- Note: The audio on a few screens may not play the beginning of the narration. Please review the "Notes Tab" for missed audio.

Friday, November 15, 2013

NIU Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week




NOV.
21




Eat for a CAUSE!
NIU Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week

Eat pizza. Make an impact.
Thursday, November 21 11:00am - 1:00pm



CAUSE is excited to partake in NIU's Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week initiative with its Eat for a CAUSE fundraiser for the Northern Illinois Food Bank. CAUSE will donate all of the proceeds from our weekly pizza sale to the Northern Illinois Foodbank. Our goal is donate 1,000 meals to those in need. Just by purchasing and eating one of our delicious pizzas on Thursday, November 21 (11:00am -1:00pm), you will be providing meals to those in need in DeKalb County. As always, all of our pizzas are deep dish, with at least two toppings, made by CAUSE members. On Thursday, November 21, we will be making deliveries to those that order at least one whole pizza. If you'd like to order a whole pizza and Eat for a CAUSE, please click on the link above and fill out the form. If you don't want to order an entire pizza, we will be selling in the Barsema Hall atrium from 11:00am - 1:00pm. Prices are one pizza for $20, two slices for $5, or one slice for $3.  
  • Each slice purchased will provide 9 meals to those in need
  • Each pizza purchased will provide 72 meals to those in need
  • Each extra dollar donated will provide an additional 6 meals to those in need











Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week

November 16 – 22, 2013 

Northern Illinois University students and faculty/staff groups are teaming up with community and student organizations to present a week of events in recognition of Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week (HHAW)! Each year, one week before Thanksgiving, the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness co-sponsor National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week. 
National HHAW Logo
The goal of HHAW is to educate NIU students about hunger and homelessness in our local,national, and global community while introducing them to the variety of ways they can help end hunger. During this week, hundreds of universities, colleges, high schools, and community and religious groups held Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week activities, according to the National Coalition for the Homeless.
Contact communityservice@niu.edu if you have any questions about HHAW 2013. 

Schedule of Events
  • Winter Coat Collection DriveRegister to host a winter coat collection drive and compete against other teams across campus! There is a prize for the team who collects the most coats.
  • Fast-a-thon RegistrationSign-up to participate in the fast-a-thon at tables hosted by the Muslim Student Association. Monday, Nov 18th Dusable 1-4 pm. Tuesday, Nov 19th Dusable 11-4 pm. Wednesday,...
  • Laura Vazquez Documentary and Civic ReflectionJoin fellow students as they watch two 20 minute documentaries produced by NIU's own Laura Vazquez. The films cover childhood homelessness as well as adolescent homelessness...
  • Northern Illinois Food Bank PackHelp re-pack food that is donated to the Northern Illinois Food Bank! This food is distributed locally and benefits our neighbors in DeKalb County. *To register for the...
  • Hunger and Homelessness in DeKalb County: The Problem and SolutionsJoin in an open dialogue on hunger and homelessness, with a focus on the problems in DeKalb County and what can be done about them. Connect local issues and problems, as well...
  • Feed My Starving Children Manna PackAs a part of Project R.E.D and Housing & Dining, Grant North will be taking a group of students and staff to Feed my Starving Children location in Aurora to volunteer and pack...
  • Eat for a CAUSE Pizza SaleThe Collegiate Association of Unreasonable Social Entrepreneurs (CAUSE) is selling deep dish pizza slices to help raise money for the Northern Illinois Food Bank (NIFB). Every...
    Location:Barsema Hall
  • Nov 22 5:30amFast-a-thon
    Fast-a-thonFrom sun-up until sun-down get a glimpse of what it is like to live without food for a day. Students can sign-up to fast or donate to our local homeless shelter, Hope Haven,...
  • Breaking of the Fast Dinner & DiscussionCome together to break the fast with other students, faculty, and staff who fasted during the day. Dinner will be provided while the Muslim Student Association, STAND, and the...

Friday, November 8, 2013

A nice chart of Spring 2014 ENVS and Online courses


Summer Environmental Internships at SERC

Summer Environmental Internships at SERC

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Edgewater, Maryland offers undergraduate, recent graduates (less than 12 months of start date) and beginning graduate students a unique opportunity to gain hand-on experience in the fields of environmental research and education. The program enables students to work on specific projects while getting experience in valuable lab techniques all under the direction of the Center's professional staff. The program is tailored to provide the maximum educational benefit to each participant.

SERC is focused on understanding the causes and consequences of environmental change for marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. Interns at SERC conduct independent projects over 12 -16 weeks utilizing our 2,650 acre research site on the shores of Chesapeake Bay to provide novel insights into some of the most profound  issues challenging our world today, including habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species. The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center has maintained an REU site since 2001 and those students sponsored have used our professional-training programs as a stepping stone to pursue advanced careers in the environmental sciences.

Application to the SERC Internship Program consists of a registration form, transcripts, personal essay, resume, and two letters of recommendation using the Smithsonian On-line Academic Appointment (SOLAA) system at: https://solaa.si.edu/solaa/SOLAAHome.html 

For more information please visit our web site: http://www.serc.si.edu/pro_training/internships/internships.aspx 

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Under-represented minorities are strongly encouraged to apply

Daniel E Gustafson, Jr.
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
Professional Training & Volunteer Coordinator
PO Box 28
647 Contees Wharf Rd
Edgewater, MD.  21037
443-482-2217
gustafsond@si.edu

Spring Classes Available Online

This spring semester there are online courses that you might be able to use towards your degree in ENVS.  Please contact Melissa Lenczewski if you have questions about how this might substitute into your courses.  Contact the home department if you are having problems registering for these courses.

BIOS 442 Evolution and the Creationist Challenge section YE1
GEOG 256 Mapping/Fundamentals of Mapping section YE1
GEOG 303 Water Resources and the Environment section YE1
GEOG 306 Severe and Hazardous Weather section YE1
GEOG 359 Intro to GIS section YE1
GEOL 425 Engineering Geology
POLS 307 The U.S. Congress section YE1

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Leadership Academy Workshop

The last Leadership Academy workshop of the semester entitled "Becoming a Servant Leader" is November 12th. This program will be presented by Student Involvement & Leadership Development's Assistant Director for Community Service Destiny McDonald and Graduate Assistant for Community Service Elizabeth McAllister.

Please feel free to attend this workshop and/or spread the word about this very informative leadership opportunity with students you work with. Below are the logistics for this workshop:

Tuesday, November 12th, 2013
Workshop Title: Becoming a Servant Leader
3:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. (students only have to attend one of these sessions)
Campus Life Building, Room 100


If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the Leadership Academy, please visit the website at http://www.niu.edu/studentinvolvement/leadership/academy.shtml or contact Kelli Bradley at kbradley3@niu.edu or her graduate assistant Brandon Hunter at bhunter1@niu.edu.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Internship: Sierra Club

Care about the environment? Public health? Building a clean energy economy?
Want to gain skills and experience in community organizing and advocacy?


The Sierra Club is the nation's oldest and largest environmental organization. The Sierra Club's Illinois Chapter is seeking interns to help promote renewable energy in Boone County.

Requirements:
-Excellent communication skills
-Strong work ethic
-Enthusiasm to learn new skills
-Commitment to the environment, public health, and building a clean energy economy
Interns must be able to transport themselves to and from Boone County

Expectations:
Interns will collaborate with Sierra Club staff and Boone County citizens to build public support for renewable energy in Boone County. Interns are expected to commit 5-15 hours per week depending on availability. Internships are unpaid, but course credit may be available.

Interested in learning more? Fill out our general interest form and we’ll be in touch with more details.
Questions? Contact Caroline Wooten. Caroline.wooten@sierraclub.org or 781 835 8185.

To apply, send resume and cover letter to Caroline Wooten. Caroline.wooten@sierraclub.org or 781 835 8185.

Monday, November 4, 2013

ENVS Spring Class, International Education Week, and Hunger & Homelessness in DeKalb County Talk




More information on Study Abroad in Mexico











Study Abroad

This summer there are 3 opportunities for ENVS students to take a Study Aboard opportunity and have it count towards your ENVS degree program.  I have attached flyers for the 3 programs.  If you want more information on any of them, please contact the faculty member or Melissa Lenczewski. 
Indonesia- Global Health  June 1-21, 2013 with NIU ENVS professor Tomoyuki Shibata
Madagascar- Biodiversity, Extinction and Conservation May 31-June 29 with NIU ENVS professor Mitch Irwin
Mexico- Earth Friendly Technologies ($1500+ airfare) July 2-19 linked with NIU ENVS professor Melissa Lenczewski

You can also see the Study Aboard office for more information.  The cost for the Indonesia and Madagascar trips are not set yet.  Study Aboard does have scholarship opportunities and ways to pay for them.