October 8th is the deadline to register to vote!

According to the Illinois Board of Elections, the deadline to register to vote is 27 days before the election: Wednesday, October 8, 2014.

See this Pew article on the 'nonvoter' http://www.people-press.org/2012/11/01/nonvoters-who-they-are-what-they-think/

A city council member told a faculty member once when he was an organizer: "if you want to be paid attention to, you need to show that you can get people to the polls."

DeKalb County information

Statewide Information

Application for voter registration, in English

Application for voter registration, in Spanish

Application for absentee ballots

Online voter registration

Please pass this along to colleagues, students, and organizations.

Free webinar on "Funding your Graduate Education"

 Funding your Graduate Education

Join our webinar on Monday, Sept. 29th at 7 p.m. Eastern time.

An experienced panel will share their perspectives on this topic, followed by a Question & Answer period.

 Preregistration is requested.  Please sign up and pre-share your questions with us at:

                         http://www.pathwaystoscience.org/webinarregistration.aspx?eventid=EVE-20140929-01

 Co-hosted by COSEE Ocean Systems and the Institute for Broadening Participation 

Questions about webinar? Please contact: 

Liv Detrick

ldetrick@ibparticipation.org

www.pathwaystoscience.org

White Shark Africa Internship Opportunity

White Shark Africa is now accepting applications for the 2014/2015 White Shark Cage diving internship program.  This internship offers hands on approach to working not only with Great White Sharks, but also other species of sharks in the area. The ultimate goals of the program are shark conservation through research and education.

http://oceans-research.com/company/

http://www.sun.ac.za/english/faculty/agri/genetics/staff-students/students#s=41

U of I Extension Offers Program on Hydroponics at Home

University of Illinois Extension DeKalb County

Michelle Petragallo, Extension Program Coordinator

1350 W. Prairie Drive Sycamore, IL 60178

815-758-8194

web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo/

September 29, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

U of I Extension Offers Program on Hydroponics at Home

 The fall series of University of Illinois Extension’s Four Seasons Gardening program, which focuses on environmental stewardship and backyard food production, will offer its third program, Hydroponics for the Home Gardener, on October 7 at 1:30 pm. The session will be presented via teleconference at the DeKalb County Extension office at 1350 W. Prairie Drive, Sycamore.

This session will provide a brief overview of some of the hydroponic systems that are suitable for small scale production.  In addition, it will provide an outline to success for those interested in starting a small scale hobby hydroponic project.  It will cover aspects such as fertilizer selection, timing, and most suitable crops for use in a home hydroponic system.

Cost per session is $5.  Advance registration is needed by October 6 to ensure adequate space and materials.  In addition, sessions may be cancelled for insufficient registration.   Phone or email the University of Illinois Extension office for more details, 815-758-8194, mpetra@illinois.edu or web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo.  If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact 815-758-8194.

University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences

   United States Department of Agriculture      Local Extension Councils Cooperating

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.

Student Talk: Hydrology in the Rockies

Green Careers Night

Spend your summer interning in Washington, D.C. on the Hill!

In 2009, Northern Illinois University established an annual summer congressional internship program in Washington, D.C. This highly competitive program provides students with the opportunity to live, learn, and work in the heart of our nation’s capital. Four students will intern on the Hill for a member of the Illinois congressional delegation. Each student will receive a $6,000 scholarship to cover the cost of housing and some living expenses. Additionally, students will receive a tuition waiver for six (6) credit hours of political science courses.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long will I be in Washington, D.C.?

The program runs from late May through early August 2015.

Where will I live?

The NIU interns will live in housing provided by George Washington University. George Washington University is located in the center of Washington, D.C., just a short train ride from the Capitol and directly on the Metro. Each student will live in a double room with a private bath and kitchen.  The cost of housing (approximately $3,500) will be covered by the $6,000 scholarship and will be paid directly by NIU. The remaining money will cover additional living expenses, course fees, and travel to and from Washington, D.C.

What will my work schedule be?

Students' work schedules will be determined by the individual congressional office. However, students can expect to work 40-plus hours per week. The internship will be a demanding but rewarding experience.

What courses will I take?

Students will be required to enroll in POLS 490: Internship in Political Science and POLS 496: Independent Study in Political Science. Tuition will be waived for these courses. For more information on the academic requirements of the program, contact Dr. Matt Streb, Chair of the Department of Political Science (mstreb@niu.edu).  

When is the application deadline?

All applications must be received by Friday, October 31st at 4:30 p.m.  Download the application package or get an application from the undergraduate secretary in Zulauf 415.  Download these handy Tips for Submitting Your Application.

Check out pictures and NIU Today stories on previous interns here.

The Northern Illinois Renewable Energy Summit and Expo

Edible Roofs: Urbanism & Onsite Food Production

Please join co-hosts USGBC Illinois and CNU Illinois for an informative panel discussion exploring rooftops as an opportunity for urban agriculture - Edible Roofs: Urbanism & Onsite Food Production.

Date & Time:
Thursday, October 30
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location:Kendall College Auditorium
900 N. North Branch Street
Chicago, Illinois 60642

There can be many benefits to rooftop agriculture, including job creation, promotion of local food security, and a reduction on transportation impacts. In addition to being a "cool-roof" building strategy, rooftop agriculture can also contribute to achieving LEED-ND Credit 13 with “on site food production.”

Our three panelists will share their perspectives on achieving successful rooftop gardens at various scales: Urban Habitat Chicago will present the roof garden created for True Nature Foods; Uncommon Ground will share their journey to becoming the first certified organic rooftop farm in the US; and the largest farm-to-fork rooftop garden in Chicago and the Midwest, located on the West Building of McCormick Place, will be discussed by McCormick’s food service provider, SAVOR…Chicago. Food law attorney, Richard Schell, will moderate the panel.

USGBC Illinois and CNU Illinois members, as well as non-members, are invited to attend.

Continuing Education: Attendance at this program qualifies for one CEU from the GBCI as well as one LU from the AIA and also meets CNU-A continuing education requirements.

Agenda:5:00-5:45pm Pre-Program Refreshments
5:15-5:45pm Optional Kendall Facility Tour
5:45-7:30pm Panel Discussion
Registration:

• USGBC-IL & CNU-IL Member Pre-registration $10 ($15 at the door)
• Non-Member Pre-registration $15 ($20 at the door)
• Student Pre-registration $5 ($10 at the door)
• Registration fee includes snacks and soft drinks.

For event fees, online registration and additional information, please click the link below.

REGISTER

BIOS Talk: Jeramie Strickland

Jeramie Strickland, a Wildlife Biologist from USFWS who serves on a few
boards/committees on increasing underrepresented groups in STEM, will be
giving a talk on ornate box turtles and his unique path to become a
wildlife scientist on Thursday.

Thursday 3:30-4:30p in MO 443

Graduate & Professional School Fair

Graduate & Professional School Fair

• Tuesday, September 30, 2014
• 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
• Holmes Student Center, Duke Ellington Ballroom
• Casual dress, no resume or pre-registration needed.  Event is free of charge.
• List of Programs Attending: http://www.careerfairs.niu.edu/careerservices/pdf/fairpdfs/gradschools.pdf

It's never too early to prepare! Freshmen through seniors are welcome!  We especially encourage sophomores and juniors to attend.

Office of Science and Technology Policy Internship Program

Winter-break ecosystem field course opportunity!

Ecosystem Field Studies (EFS) is pleased to announce another session of: Caribbean Ecosystem Field Studies, held over winter-break on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. This course (ENST 391) is approved for 3 undergraduate semester credits through the Environmental Studies Program of the University of Montana at Missoula. This class is open to undergraduate students in an ecosystem related department/major such as yours.
In this course, students learn basic concepts in ecosystem science and engage with a wide variety of hands-on field research methods that includes SCUBA diving. 

If you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding this course please feel free to contact me at steve@ecofs.org. A full syllabus is available at the course website: www.ecofs.org.

Fall Speaker Series

Education Symposium Announcement

This November, the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) and its partners invite educators, both formal and non-formal, and various watershed resource professionals to join in the Mississippi River Watershed Education Symposium. Please help spread your success stories and new watershed initiatives (education and research) by attending our conference, November 14th & 15th in East Alton, IL.

The event will highlight two keynote presentations, one by Sean O’Connor of National Geographic’s education team and another by Chad Pregracke of Living Lands & Waters. Pregracke is the 2013 recipient of CNN’s Hero of the Year Award. Through these keynote talks and presentations/workshops from speakers throughout the Mississippi River Watershed and beyond, we hope to encourage and develop networking opportunities for partnering on unique, science-based watershed education programs.

Registration is only $55 and includes both keynote presentations, concurrent sessions and lunch on Friday and Saturday, and dinner Friday night! You can’t beat that for a two-day conference. Registration is simple and can be done online.  Check out our conference website to see a detailed agenda and learn about area lodging or go ahead and REGISTER NOW!

Fall 2014 Graduate School Prep Seminar

Interested in learning about the graduate school application process?  Register today to attend the Fall 2014 Graduate School Preparation Seminar, hosted by the Office of Student Engagement (http://www.niu.edu/engagedlearning/grad_school_prep/index.shtml) which includes multiple sessions, keynote speakers, graduate student panel, lunch, resource fair and more! 

 

REGISTER TODAY: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GSPS2014

2014-18 McKearn Fellows Call for Applications

2014-18 McKearn Fellows

Call for Applications

OVERVIEW:

The McKearn Fellows Program will allow ten high-achieving students to have a transformative academic and engaged learning experience that will lay a solid foundation for future success and life-long learning. The program encompasses three modules: research and artistry design; leadership development; and civic, social and global engagement. Selection as a McKearn Fellow bestows one of NIU's most prestigious honors and provides an unparalleled educational experience. Over the course of the program, Fellows will be guided to create a distinctive plan of course work and engagement activities that will foster their intellectual curiosity, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to civic engagement as they move down the path towards student career success. Funded by a major gift from John and Cassandra McKearn, the Program will highlight and advance the skills, knowledge, and achievement of some of NIU's top students.

DATES:

· Applications will be available on October 1 and close on October 31 at 12 noon; no late applications will be accepted, for any reason

· Student information sessions, where they can meet former McKearn Summer Fellows and members of the McKearn Administrative Team, are being held September 9, 17, and 25 from 5-6 p.m. in CLB 110 (University Honors Center). Interested students need attend only one of these sessions

· For more information and the application (when available on October 1) visit: http://www.niu.edu/mckearn/

BENEFITS:

· Explore research and artistry; leadership; and civic, social, and global engagement in one's selected field of study

· Enroll in special academic classes and opportunities

· Develop and complete an intensive research or artistry project

· Participate in Undergraduate Research and Artistry Day, University Honors' Senior Capstone Project, and other academically-intensive experiences

· Interact with leading NIU faculty, alumni, and community partners

· Participate in professional and academic enrichment activities; receive funding to present and attend local, regional, national and even international conferences within your field of study

· Receive additional stipends for support of research and artistry, study abroad, and other opportunities as determined by the McKearn Academic Team.

ELIGIBILITY:

· Highly motivated first-year, freshmen students (newly admitted to NIU in Fall 2014)

· Strong commitment to academic and personal excellence, as evidenced by previous involvement and achievement

· Cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above, for fall 2014 (once verified) and for the duration of enrollment in the program

While this is not a program that requires nominations, we are asking you to identify and then encourage any first year, freshmen student who may demonstrate such talent and achievement to apply.

Those who are selected to interview will be asked for a letter of recommendation.

The GREEN Program - Winter, Spring, & Summer dates Announced

The GREEN Program - Now accepting Applications The GREEN Program is the premiere experiential learning program for future clean energy and sustainability leaders. The short-term immersion programs take students on adventures to the epicenters of clean tech, sustainability and innovative industries. Engage in hands-on, experiential education with industry experts and professionals Behind the scenes access to innovative clean energy facilities and sustainability projects Supercharge your resume with a global perspective and unique cultural experience Network and develop relationships with powerhouse student leaders and professionals Bridge the gap between traditional "textbook learning" and real-time industry insight World-class "Bucket list" adventure excursions Earn transferable credit with a transcript during our 8-10 day programs Take a step out of the classroom and experience the clean energy and sustainability industries, while having the adventure of your life with The GREEN Program. Be sure to check out program footage from this Summer!   8-Day Winter & Spring: Renewable Energy + Sustainability + Extreme Climate 10-Day Summer: Renewable Energy + Sustainability   World-class educational environment Bucket list adventure excursions Epicenter of renewable energy Student driven innovation Credit available with transcript ​View program vitals Winter & Spring. View Program vitals Summer.         9-Day: Sustainable Design + Urban Regeneration + Thought Leadership Crossroads of design and industry Corporate, NGO, and Governmental collaborations Fusion of global markets and sustainability Credit available with transcript ​​ View program vitals.     10-Day: Water Resource Management + Sustainable Practices Explore ancient Inca technologies Evaluate Peru's natural resource policy Implementation of water sanitation technology in the third world Credit available with transcript View program vitals.       Casey Heier, Biological Systems Engineering, Stanford University: "Every single student who is interested in the environment, renewable energy or sustainability should not hesitate for a second to attend this program. The world needs more GREEN Alumni" View Testimonial Archive   Step out of your comfort zone and apply today!   Applications are rolling and competitive, there is not an application deadline. Let this be the year you become a part of a network of student change-makers and innovators. Have a life defining experience. Apply Today!

Illinois Water Resources Center Annual Small Grants: Student Research Awards

Illinois Water Resources Center
Annual Small Grants: Student Research Awards
2015 Call for Proposals

Due: Friday, October 31, 2014

The Illinois Water Resources Center (IWRC) requests proposals to fund promising graduate and undergraduate student research projects addressing Illinois water resources. We are particularly interested in projects that seek solutions for or provide novel identification of pressing water concerns in Illinois. PI's can request up to $10,000. Project duration is March 1, 2015-February 28, 2016.

For more information visit: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/iwrc/pdf/2015%20RFP.pdf

Questions:


Lisa Merrifield
lmorrisn@illinois.edu
217-333-0045

Sierra Club is seeking Interns

Care about the environment? Public health? Consumer protection?

Want to gain skills and experience in community organizing and environmental advocacy?

Apply to intern with the Sierra Club today! Send resume and cover letter to caroline.wooten@sierraclub.org. Want to learn more? Fill out our general interest form and we'll contact you with more details.

The Sierra Club is the nation's oldest and largest environmental organization. The Sierra Club's Illinois Chapter is seeking interns to help with our campaign to address Batavia's expensive and risky contract with a polluting coal plant.

Requirements:

-Excellent communication skills

-Strong work ethic

-Enthusiasm to learn new skills

-Commitment to the environment, public health, and consumer protection

-Ability to transport oneself to and from Batavia

Expectations:

Interns will collaborate with Sierra Club staff and volunteers to build public support to get an attorney general investigation into Batavia's contract with the Prairie State coal plant. Interns are expected to commit 10-15 hours per week depending on availability. Internships are unpaid, but the Sierra Club will cover transit costs and field expenses. 

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.

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

VOLUNTEER ABROAD OPPORTUNITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES STUDENTS!

VOLUNTEER IN NICARAGUA, THAILAND, AND TANZANIA WITH GIVE AND "BE THE ROOTS OF CHANGE"!

Immerse yourself in a foreign culture and help the community make a sustainable change while earning academic credit by joining Growth International Volunteer Excursions (GIVE)! GIVE is having information sessions on Thursday, September 4^th in the Holmes Student Center, Rm 306 about unique volunteer opportunities and our fully accredited academic course in Central America, Southeast Asia, and Africa this summer. We hope to see you there!

Become a part of our volunteer community and empower local villages abroad in Northern Thailand, Nicaragua, and Tanzania. Earn university academic credit by participating in a unique, accredited experiential learning course that will provide you with life changing professional and personal growth!

GIVE is dedicated to create opportunities for community development and service learning overseas through education, sustainable infrastructure projects, and environmental conservation. As a GIVE volunteer, you will build schools out of recyclable materials, implement fresh water projects, teach English, complete marine and environmental conservation projects, and help protect critically endangered species.

In conjunction, you will get the chance to immerse yourself in the culture of your host country and participate in incredible adventure travel within the region. This includes (but is not limited to): overnight safaris in Africa, sand-boarding down an active volcano in Nicaragua, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming with dolphins and sharks in tropical waters, surfing, cave exploration, volunteering at elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, and much more! 

GIVE is committed to using best practices in sustainable development. Our development approach is supported by numerous experts in the field, and is designed to empower our host communities. For example, GIVE volunteers constructed an entire secondary school out of 15,000 plastic bottles recycled straight from the community, and is funding desperately needed technical education initiatives for a fishing village in rural Nicaragua.

Not only will you have a hands-on experience, you will also have the opportunity to learn about sustainable development and cross-cultural relations through our UNIV 304 International Sustainable Development course offered in partnership with Central Washington University!

Now it's your turn to be part of more innovative, relevant, and unique projects that will literally change your life and the lives of the locals you are assisting as well. Make the world your classroom, make an impact overseas, and be the roots of change!

Come meet us to learn more about volunteering abroad for credit!  Meetings are this Thursday, September 4th in the Holmes Student Center, Room 306. Meetings start @ 11:00, 12:30, 2:00 & 3:30! Feel free to stay for the whole meeting or come and go as you please!  You can also visit our website for more information at www.givevolunteers.org. 

Cheers! 

The GIVE Team

Growth International Volunteer Excursions (GIVE)

o (206) 973-7791  I skype: Info.Give

2442 NW Market St. #425, Seattle, WA 98107