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  • UIUC Graduate College - Building an Effective Web Presence: LinkedIn and Beyond

    Jul 1, 2020 9:00 am14 views

  • Time Management, UIUC Counseling Center

    Jun 23, 2020 2:00 pm38 views

  • Writers Workshop Upcoming Events

    Jun 17, 2020 3:45 pm28 views

  • What Makes a Successful Online Student?

    Jun 17, 2020 3:15 pm86 views

  • Graduate College at Illinois - Grad Careers Newsletter

    May 18, 2020 8:00 am37 views

  • Upcoming Advising Sessions

    Apr 29, 2020 10:15 pm12 views

    There are five advising sessions coming up in the next three weeks:

    • What? Capstone Monthly Report Meeting
      Date/Time? Tuesday, May 5th at 7:00 pm
      Where? See your University email. The link has been sent to the students for whom this is relevant.
      Who? Students currently working on their capstone projects.

    • What? Overview of Summer and Fall Courses
      Date/Time? Thursday, May 7th at 7:00 pm
      Where? Register at https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/8516837 to receive Zoom link.
      Who? All prospective and continuing students planning to take courses in the summer and/or fall.

    • What? Capstone Project, Getting Started
      Date/Time? Tuesday, May 12th at 7:00 pm
      Where? Register at https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/23224 to receive Zoom link.
      Who?  Students who hope to begin working on their capstone project within the next six months.

    • What? Capstone Project, Crossing the Finish Line
      Date/Time? Thursday, May 14th at 7:00 pm
      Where? Register at https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/1465115 to receive Zoom link.
      Who?  Students who hope to schedule the presentation and oral exam over their capstone project within the next six months.

    • What? Preparing for the Program Written Final Exam
      Date/Time? Tuesday, May 19th at 7:00 pm
      Where? Register at https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/7728981 to receive Zoom link.
      Who?  Students planning to take the written final exam in August.

  • This morning! Capstone Presentation by Melissa McCabe: An Audit of the Philadelphia Park System

    Apr 22, 2020 9:00 am12 views
    Melissa McCabe
    An Audit of the Philadelphia Park System: How well do the parks serve minority and poor Philadelphia residents?
    Research Advisor: Dr. Michael Krassa
    Wednesday, April 22nd at 10 AM CST
    Join Zoom Meeting: https://illinois.zoom.us/j/97813707926?pwd=S2NvNlBiOTFYMkRZSWhvSXBaS0JGUT09.
    Meeting ID: 978-1370-7926
    Password: NRESonline

    Parks are an essential community resource that can promote the interaction between humans and the natural world. The connection between time in nature and the positive physical and mental health benefits one can reap is being researched in various subjects, including environmental science, medicine, psychology, and city planning. With a consistently increasing urban population worldwide, the incorporation of parks in urban settings is integral in promoting healthy lifestyle choices for residents. This study investigates the equity of park accessibility and quality in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Through the adaptation of public space auditing tools and with the use of Google Earth Imagery, ArcGIS, and United States Census data, this audit suggests non-significant relationships between both the accessibility and the quality of parks and race or socioeconomic status (SES) in Philadelphia. This analysis did reveal a connection between the accessibility and quality of parks, however, regardless of race and SES.

    This institution is an equal opportunity provide.

  • Writers Workshop Upcoming Events

    Apr 20, 2020 12:00 pm68 views

  • Capstone Presentation by Melissa McCabe: An Audit of the Philadelphia Park System

    Apr 16, 2020 11:45 am28 views
    Melissa McCabe
    An Audit of the Philadelphia Park System: How well do the parks serve minority and poor Philadelphia residents?
    Research Advisor: Dr. Michael Krassa
    Wednesday, April 22nd at 10 AM CST
    Join Zoom Meeting: https://illinois.zoom.us/j/97813707926?pwd=S2NvNlBiOTFYMkRZSWhvSXBaS0JGUT09.
    Meeting ID: 978-1370-7926
    Password: NRESonline

    Parks are an essential community resource that can promote the interaction between humans and the natural world. The connection between time in nature and the positive physical and mental health benefits one can reap is being researched in various subjects, including environmental science, medicine, psychology, and city planning. With a consistently increasing urban population worldwide, the incorporation of parks in urban settings is integral in promoting healthy lifestyle choices for residents. This study investigates the equity of park accessibility and quality in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Through the adaptation of public space auditing tools and with the use of Google Earth Imagery, ArcGIS, and United States Census data, this audit suggests non-significant relationships between both the accessibility and the quality of parks and race or socioeconomic status (SES) in Philadelphia. This analysis did reveal a connection between the accessibility and quality of parks, however, regardless of race and SES.

    This institution is an equal opportunity provide.

  • Capstone Presentation by Michael Beaudoin:

    Apr 13, 2020 10:30 pm38 views
    Michael S. Beaudoin
    Developing a Central Sierra Fire-Resistant Landscaping Guidebook
    Advisor: Piper Hodson

    Friday, April 17th at 3:00 PM CST
    https://illinois.zoom.us/j/457678045?pwd=Z1Z1NmVsRmdSeGRPSmlEQ2c1SlI2Zz09
    Meeting ID: 457-678-045
    Password: NRESonline

    Catastrophic wildfires threaten homes throughout California. Understanding what motivates homeowners to prepare for wildfires helps fire managers better understand how to encourage homeowner action. Once homeowners are motivated to act, hardening a residence’s home-hazard ignition zone with fire-resistant landscaping is an effective tool. However, many homeowners lack knowledge about selecting the appropriate plant species to improve their home’s survivability in a wildfire. Many communities lack educational programs and tools to educate their residents on fire-resistant plant materials.

    I examined the most commonly used metrics for determining the flammability of plant materials and developed a rubric to help homeowners select plants that possess the best fire-resistant traits. I also examined the current educational materials available to homeowners and developed a guidebook of fire-resistant plants species. The results provide homeowners and fire managers in the Central Sierra with an educational program and outreach materials to better educate residents about wildfire preparedness and fire-resistant landscaping.

  • Smartphone Apps in Natural Resources – Webinar April 20th

    Apr 9, 2020 11:30 am23 views

    Smartphone Apps in Natural Resources – Webinar

    Kevin Rohling, Extension Forestry Technician, NRES and University of Illinois Extension

    April 20th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Central

    Register at https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=22174. 

    This webinar will discuss a variety of smartphone/tablet applications used in the natural resource field, from field guides to databases and mapping options that are available to private landowners, volunteers and land managers.  This is a 1-hour Zoom webinar.  It is free and open to the public.

  • Annual Review Advising Meeting TONIGHT

    Mar 2, 2020 8:45 am0 views

    Have questions about the Annual Review due March 22nd? Join us for Annual Review Advising Meeting TONIGHT, Monday, March 2 at 6:00 pm central at https://illinois.zoom.us/j/784406545.

  • Upcoming Events and Opportunities

    Feb 28, 2020 11:15 am4 views

  • Working on your capstone? It's time to check in

    Feb 3, 2020 11:00 am2 views

    Those students working on their capstone projects are required to submit monthly reports. You can do this in writing (in the OPEN LEARNING-Capstone Progress Compass page) or verbally on the first Tuesday of the month at 7pm. Since it's the first one of the semester, I encourage you to attend the live session tomorrow at 7pm via https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/e6b5b00032a8447293b08b6c8e89f5fd. I hope to see many of you advanced students there!

    If you have not yet started actively working on your capstone project, you can ignore this message. I hope your classes are going well!

  • Illinois Lake Management Association Opportunities for Students

    Nov 20, 2019 8:15 am13 views

    The Illinois Lake Management Association is seeking applicants for our scholarship programs and Student Posters/Presenters for our upcoming conference in March of 2020.   The organization's scholarship deadline is December 31st. Instructions and the application form are available at https://ilma-lakes.org/scholarship. Details on proposing a poster or presentation for the March 2020 conference can be found at https://ilma-lakes.org/conference.  Abstracts are due December 31.

  • Change of Time for Friday's Presentation: 2pm

    Nov 5, 2019 9:30 am8 views

    Student: Tyler Steury

    Capstone Presentation: Enhancing Quality Assurance/Quality Control: An Internship in a Municipal Water Quality Control Laboratory

    Date and Time: November 8, 2019 at 2:00 pm Central

    Location: N120 Turner Hall or  Online at https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/366a83fbcfd24b51814876c968d770b0.

    The Bloomington, Indiana Water Quality Control Laboratory analyzes drinking water, wastewater, and water used for recreational purposes. The internship position had three primary goals: to enhance water quality assurance through laboratory contributions, to understand the historic role of water quality policy and management, and to improve water quality management. Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) water quality analysis methods were learned and conducted for 21 water parameters. Understanding national and state water quality policies and the history of water quality maintenance were vital for revising and updating the laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Handbook to be used by current and future laboratory technicians. Standard methods, using current technology to support operations, will enhance laboratory QA/QC, ensure the validity of analysis data, and improve water quality maintenance. The intern is grateful for an opportunity to author the new SOP Handbook as part of this internship.

  • Capstone Presentation by Tyler Stuery

    Nov 4, 2019 10:45 am18 views

    Student: Tyler Steury

    Capstone Presentation: Enhancing Quality Assurance/Quality Control: An Internship in a Municipal Water Quality Control Laboratory

    Date and Time: November 8, 2019 at 1:00 pm Central

    Location: N120 Turner Hall or  Online at https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/366a83fbcfd24b51814876c968d770b0.

    The Bloomington, Indiana Water Quality Control Laboratory analyzes drinking water, wastewater, and water used for recreational purposes. The internship position had three primary goals: to enhance water quality assurance through laboratory contributions, to understand the historic role of water quality policy and management, and to improve water quality management. Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) water quality analysis methods were learned and conducted for 21 water parameters. Understanding national and state water quality policies and the history of water quality maintenance were vital for revising and updating the laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Handbook to be used by current and future laboratory technicians. Standard methods, using current technology to support operations, will enhance laboratory QA/QC, ensure the validity of analysis data, and improve water quality maintenance. The intern is grateful for an opportunity to author the new SOP Handbook as part of this internship.

  • Tonight: Spring Courses Webinar

    Nov 4, 2019 7:00 am23 views

    With graduate student registration opening on November 11th, it's time for our Spring 2020 Advising Webinar:

    Monday, November 4th
    7:00 pm
    Join at https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/f5f68ddcfd4d49888dd4b31fe9b162c7

    To find your registration time ticket (the earliest day and time you can register), log into Self-Service at https://apps.uillinois.edu/selfservice/. If you do not have a time ticket, the most likely explanation is that you need to complete the re-entry process (details found at https://grad.illinois.edu/admissions/apply/reentry under "Re-Entering the same Graduate Program").

  • Tomorrow: Capstone Presentation by Kate Drahota

    Oct 28, 2019 7:00 am4 views

    Student: Kate Drahota

    Capstone Presentation: Conservation Plan Development for Ecological Services Provided by Wet Prairie Land

    Date and Time: October 29, 2019 at 1:00 pm Central

    Location: Online https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/7ff416bac6694c95b39b8750c9b24f02

    As a volunteer for a local Conservation District and in consultation with a private landowner, land management strategies were explored toward the development of a long-term conservation plan. The SWAPA+H model was used to identify the landowner’s resource concerns as per the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s nine-step conservation planning process. Resource concerns include a decreasing duration of meadow saturation and vernal pool presence, beaver reintroduction, habitat for Greater Sandhill Cranes and Mardon Skipper butterflies, and a reduction of native species while invasive species increase. Management goals strive towards the landowner’s vision of a wet meadow sanctuary protected from future development, timber sales, recreation, hunting, and trespass beyond her lifetime.

  • Spring Courses Webinar November 4th

    Oct 23, 2019 4:15 pm17 views

    With graduate student registration opening on November 11th, it's time for our Spring 2020 Advising Webinar:

    Monday, November 4th
    7:00 pm
    Join at https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/f5f68ddcfd4d49888dd4b31fe9b162c7

    To find your registration time ticket (the earliest day and time you can register), log into Self-Service at https://apps.uillinois.edu/selfservice/. If you do not have a time ticket, the most likely explanation is that you need to complete the re-entry process (details found at https://grad.illinois.edu/admissions/apply/reentry under "Re-Entering the same Graduate Program").

  • Capstone Presentation by Kate Drahota

    Oct 8, 2019 10:00 am12 views

    Student: Kate Drahota

    Capstone Presentation: Conservation Plan Development for Ecological Services Provided by Wet Prairie Land

    Date and Time: October 29, 2019 at 1:00 pm Central

    Location: Online https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/7ff416bac6694c95b39b8750c9b24f02

    As a volunteer for a local Conservation District and in consultation with a private landowner, land management strategies were explored toward the development of a long-term conservation plan. The SWAPA+H model was used to identify the landowner’s resource concerns as per the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s nine-step conservation planning process. Resource concerns include a decreasing duration of meadow saturation and vernal pool presence, beaver reintroduction, habitat for Greater Sandhill Cranes and Mardon Skipper butterflies, and a reduction of native species while invasive species increase. Management goals strive towards the landowner’s vision of a wet meadow sanctuary protected from future development, timber sales, recreation, hunting, and trespass beyond her lifetime.

  • Restoration related activities -- Chicago Area - Oct 26 & 27

    Oct 2, 2019 12:15 pm11 views

    Environmental Restoration Events - Oct. 26 weekend- Chicago Area

     

    NRES online students are invited to join NRES 420 students for an exciting weekend of learning and service, Oct. 26 and 27, 2019, in the Chicago area.

     

    Oct 26 – am – Deer Grove Restoration and Service

    Oct 26 – pm – Morton Arboretum Tour – tour including resource/forest management

    Oct 27 – am – Bluff City Fen (tentative)

    Oct 27 – pm – Tour of Chicago’s Wild Mile and research opportunities for NRES students

     

    Join fellow students and NRES alumni/practioners who are working to restore and revitalize degraded landscapes in and around the Chicago area.  

     

    Transportation to and from all sites and meals will be the responsibility of the student, but carpooling is an option. Admission fees for various activities will be covered by the NRES department. For more information or to indicate your intent to join us for the weekend, please contact Renee Gracon (gracon1@illinois.edu).

     

    We must have a final tally of participants by October 10th, but we would appreciate confirmation of interest as soon as possible. You may RSVP your intent to join us by going to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WVJNSYP.

     

     

    Renee Gracon

    gracon1@illinois.edu 

  • NRES Weekend Field Experience in the Chicago area - Oct. 26 & 27

    Sep 12, 2019 11:00 am13 views

    NRES Weekend Field Experience in the Chicagoland Area

     

    NRES online students are invited to join NRES 420 students for an exciting weekend of learning and service, Oct. 26 and 27, 2019, in the Chicagoland area. The event will include hands-on restoration work at Deer Grove, a guided tour of the Morton Arboretum with an emphasis on resource management, and exploration of the "Wild Mile" - a system of floating islands in the Chicago River intended to enhance wildlife and restore ecosystem function - and much more! Join fellow students and NRES alumni/practioners who are working to restore and revitalize degraded landscapes in and around the Chicago area.  

     

    Transportation to and from all sites and meals will be the responsibility of the student, but carpooling is an option. Admission fees for various activities will be covered by the NRES department. For more information or to indicate your intent to join us for the weekend, please contact Renee Gracon (gracon1@illinois.edu). We must have a final tally of participants by October 10th, but we would appreciate confirmation of interest as soon as possible. You may RSVP your intent to join us by going to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WVJNSYP.

    Renee Gracon

    gracon1@illinois.edu 

     

  • There's Still Time to Register for Fall 2019 Courses

    Aug 21, 2019 4:30 pm60 views

    Fall classes begin on Monday, August 26th. Check out our offerings at https://uofi.box.com/s/x632ni1fu1y6ffwmfvotpad3j5mue0a6. In addition, we've added a field course to the Bahamas that will meet in the second 8 weeks of the semester and travel to the Bahamas January 2-10th.  This course is available to any degree-seeking student. You can learn more and apply at https://app.studyabroad.illinois.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngular&id=11672. If you are considering the Bahamas field course (NRES 499 section BCR), you are invited to attend an online information session next Wednesday, August 28th at 5:00 pm CDT; join the meeting at https://illinois.zoom.us/j/807930049.

  • Reminder! Capstone Presentation by Michael Nosbisch

    Jul 24, 2019 1:00 pm6 views

    In one hour: Michael Nosbisch, Using Nonindustrial Private Forest Owner Data to Further the Understanding of Landowner Behavior and Improve Forest Policy Implementation, on Wednesday, July 24th at 2:00 pm CDT.

    To attend remotely, log in to the Compass Open Learning site or go directly using this link: https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/c2bd413f589e47dbbb9e04874ec5b95e. More details are available here.

    For more information, please contact Piper Hodson (phodson@illinois.edu)

  • Capstone Presentation by Michael Nosbisch

    Jul 22, 2019 10:45 am13 views

    Join us for a capstone presentation by Michael Nosbisch, Using Nonindustrial Private Forest Owner Data to Further the Understanding of Landowner Behavior and Improve Forest Policy Implementation, on Wednesday, July 24th at 2:00 pm CDT.

    To attend remotely, log in to the Compass Open Learning site or go directly using this link: https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/c2bd413f589e47dbbb9e04874ec5b95e. More details are available here.

    For more information, please contact Piper Hodson (phodson@illinois.edu)

  • Reminder: Courses Webinar TONIGHT

    Jul 22, 2019 8:00 am16 views

    This evening at 7:00 pm (CDT), we will provide information about upcoming NRES online Fall Courses. Please join the presentation using this link:  https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/9fdbf4e40b5149e6ac5d505f643a8638 

    For additional questions about registration or enrollment, please contact Piper Hodson at phodson@illinois.edu.

     

     

  • Reminder-Capstone Presentation by Jeff Turner - July 17th

    Jul 15, 2019 11:30 am0 views

    Join us for Jeff Turner's capstone presentation, "An analysis of soil conservation plans: An internship with the Guilford Soil and Water Conservation District in N.C."

    Wednesday, July 17, 2019 1:30 p.m. 

    To attend this presentation virtually, please login at https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/474628b98f2d4ec79076918191b8ec92.

     

  • Fall 2019 Courses Webinar

    Jul 13, 2019 8:00 am24 views

    Monday, July 22nd at 7:00 pm (CDT), we will provide information about upcoming NRES online Fall Courses. Please join the presentation using this link:  https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/9fdbf4e40b5149e6ac5d505f643a8638 

    For additional questions about registration or enrollment, please contact Piper Hodson at phodson@illinois.edu.

     

     

  • Capstone Presentation by Jeff Turner - July 17th

    Jul 12, 2019 3:45 pm26 views

    Join us for a capstone presentation by Jeff Turner, “An analysis of soil conservation plans: An internship with the Guilford Soil and Water Conservation District in N.C.”, on July 17th at 1:00 pm CDT.

    To attend remotely, log in to the Compass Open Learning site or go directly using this link: https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/474628b98f2d4ec79076918191b8ec92. To attend the presentation on campus go to Room N-527, Turner Hall. Please try to arrive at least 5 minutes early. 

    For more information, please contact Piper Hodson (phodson@illinois.edu)

  • July 1st Webinar--Volunteer Monitoring: Connecting Volunteer Data to the Water Quality Portal

    Jun 26, 2019 10:45 am2 views

    The National Water Quality Monitoring Council is offering this free webinar on Monday, July 1st from 2:00 to 3:00 pm EASTERN time. Registration is required; go to the article for full information.

  • In the Chicago area? Join us for 2019 NRES Summer Field Day

    Jun 19, 2019 3:00 pm0 views

    Join us for seed collection, invasives removal and conversation

    Saturday, June 29th
    Deer Grove Forest Preserve (East) in Palatine
    8:45 am-Noon
    Followed by lunch (provided)

    This event is free, but registration is required at https://go.nres.illinois.edu/summer_field_day_registration.

    Our restoration efforts will be led by two graduates of the NRES Online M.S. program, Mark Krivchenia and Jeff Weiss. We'd love to have some online M.S. students, alumni, and prospective students join in. Learn more at https://blogs.illinois.edu/view/6466/798003.

  • Capstone Presentation - June 12th (6:00 pm) - Using Geographic Information to Increase Safe, Sustainable Recreation on the Mississippi River Water Trail

    Jun 7, 2019 2:15 pm15 views

    You are invited to the capstone presentation of Katelynn Dearth, "Using Geographic Information to Increase Safe, Sustainable Recreation on the Mississippi River Water Trail" on June 12th at 6:00 pm.

    Recreation fosters appreciation and stewardship of natural areas. However, many barriers exist between user groups and recreational opportunities. By providing geospatial information of the Mississippi River Water Trail to the public, the Mississippi River Water Trail Association is fulfilling their mission of promoting conservation through recreation. Developing user-oriented geographic information required collecting and interpreting data from many stakeholders, a rigorous decision-making process to define pertinent versus erroneous or irrelevant information. Using these guidelines an interactive online map and twenty-six printable maps were created. The resulting website, included maps, aims to reduce barriers to recreation and promote stewardship of the Mississippi River Water Trail.

    To attend, log in to the Compass Open Learning site or go directly using this link: https://us.bbcollab.com/collab/ui/session/guest/d3208c2312004df5b7161f8657d92186.

  • Live meeting cancelled because of connection issues

    Jun 4, 2019 7:15 pm5 views

    I seem to be having irreconcilable connection issues tonight. It would figure that it would happen on the first night that we are without Renee. Those of you who are trying to do the update at the live session, please just do a voice recording or written summary of your update. You can email the voice recording or the summary to me. If you need a meeting with me please include that in your email, and suggest times on Thursday and or Friday that might work for you. I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.

  • Capstone Progress Report Meeting TONIGHT!

    Jun 4, 2019 8:00 am6 views

    If you are working on your capstone paper and want to be considered a student in good standing currently pursuing the degree, you must provide a monthly progress report due in one of two ways:

    1. By the 1st of each month submit a written report for that month's assignment in Compass (OPEN LEARNING - Capstone Progress) or
    2. participate in the monthly progress meeting that occurs at 7:00 pm on the first Tuesday of each month.

    Since I've received just two monthly reports that were due June 1st, I look forward to seeing many of you there this evening. If you have not yet submitted your monthly goals and accomplishments status report for May/June please take one of two actions before the end of this week:

    • Join us at 7:00 pm this evening (Tuesday, June 4th) via the NRES Virtual Office (https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/da64eb94e2bb41d1a67252fcbda69ac9) or
    • Log into Compass 2g (https://compass2g.illinois.edu), go into OPEN LEARNING - Capstone Progress, and select Assignments in the left menu. At the top of the page, you will find the May 2019 - Monthly Capstone Progress Report where you can type or upload a report that includes the following information:
      • The goals and action items you established for the month of May and the extent of your progress on each;
      • An overall assessment of the quality and quantity of progress you have made this month. Feel free to discuss any triumphs or challenges you experienced.
      • Goals and action items for the upcoming month.

  • Retirement notice

    May 24, 2019 12:00 pm24 views

    I will be retiring from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences on May 31st. It has been a pleasure working with each of you and I wish you continued success in the program and bright, successful professional careers. Starting May 27th, any program-related questions should be sent directly to the Director of the Online Program, Ms. Piper Hodson (phodson@illinois.edu). Personal email will be redirected to me for a limited time. 

    Renee

  • Important Technology Info for Those Not Enrolled for Fall

    May 21, 2019 10:30 am12 views

    If you currently have an active netID and don't plan to be enrolled in Fall 2020, there are steps you should take now to ensure that your email is forwarded and you have backed up files. Follow the instructions at https://techservices.illinois.edu/news/2018/it-services-after-graduation. If you want to continue to have access to the library and other resources because you are working on your capstone paper, you should enroll in capstone credit or, if you don't yet have an approved proposal/GIAF, NRES 512 Making Capstone Progress (CRN 72449).

  • Congratulations to our NRES Graduates

    May 9, 2019 2:00 pm8 views

    Congratulations to our May 2019 Graduates, Peter Parys and Tricia Bethke, and to Dean Maraldo who recently completed the capstone defense. Remember, every ending is a beginning. We wish you a successful future! 

  • Monthly capstone progress meeting tonight

    May 7, 2019 2:45 pm2 views

    If you were unable to submit your monthly goals and accomplishments status report for April/May to the NRES Open Learning – Capstone Progress website a live reporting seesion will be held at 7:00 pm this evening (Tuesday, May 7th) via the NRES Virtual Office (https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/a0e8957a76e64901a192493d39390bd8). 

    If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Renee at gracon1@illinois.edu .

  • ACES International Newsletter - Student Spotlight on Christine LePine (May 2019)

    May 2, 2019 5:45 pm6 views

    Check out the article from the College of ACES International Newsletter about NRES online student, Christine LePine. 

    Christine Lepine participates in 2019 Next Generation Delegation

    Christine Lepine, an M.S. student in the Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences, had the honor of being selected as a 2019 Next Generation Delegate for the annual Global Food Security Symposium hosted by the Chicago Council of Global Affairs. The delegation consisted of 20 students from across the globe, ranging from those working on bachelor’s degrees to Ph.D. candidates, representing colleges and universities from five countries. Recipients had backgrounds in agricultural and environmental science, post-conflict peacekeeping, entrepreneurship, international law, economic and sustainable development, and global health and development. Lepine noted that the greatest strength of the delegation was the diversity brought to the table, resulting in an enthusiastic and passionate discussion on the future of water. Click the link below to read more of her reflections. https://aces.illinois.edu/news/aces-student-christine-lepine-participates-2019-next-generation-delegation

  • Monthly Capstone Status Report due May 1

    Apr 29, 2019 1:15 pm6 views

    Remember that your capstone status report including previous month’s accomplishments (April) and upcoming month’s (May) goals is due no later than May 1st. Please submit your brief summaries to the Compass 2G -  Open Learning -> Capstone Progress site. These reports are a vital record to verify your current progress and active involvement in capstone work. If you will be unable to post during the month(s) of June and July, please be sure to reveal anticipated accomplishments for that time as well. If you prefer, the live reporting meeting will be held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, May 7th via the NRES Virtual Office (https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/a0e8957a76e64901a192493d39390bd8).

    We are looking forward to hearing from you!

    If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Renee at gracon1@illinois.edu.

  • Written Final Exam - August 2019 - Register now

    Apr 26, 2019 7:15 am3 views

    Students who have completed at least one course from each of the four Core Areas are eligible to take the written final exam. The next distribution will be August 14th. If you intend to take the exam in August 2019, and have not already done so, please add your name and pertinent information to the Distribution List at: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/5283479. A meeting will be held on May 16th to provide study tips and other pertinent information.

    For more questions about the exam, please contact Renee at gracon1@illinois.edu.

  • Summer enrollment for capstone credit

    Apr 26, 2019 7:00 am3 views

    For those who are eligible for capstone credit, be sure to request authorization for enrollment by going to: https://illinois.edu/fb/sec/485691

  • Important information for August Graduation

    Apr 26, 2019 6:00 am3 views

    Students planning to graduate in August 2019 should be aware of the following information:

    Step 1: Now is the time to have your complete and polished paper reviewed by your Research Advisor or the Advising Specialist (for those doing Internships). Revisions, based on their comments, should be made as soon as possible. (It often takes several iterations to get to this point. Please plan accordingly.)

     

    Step 2: Once the paper has met the initial screening and is approved (Step 1), it should be sent to NRES Program Director, Piper Hodson, for further review/approval. Please note that it may take two or more weeks for this step.

     

    Step 3: When the paper has met the Director’s approval (Step 2), you will be invited to select your presentation date and send your paper to your Evaluation Committee, if you haven’t already done so. At least 2 weeks should be allowed between the distribution of your paper to your committee (following Step 2) and the presentation date. You will be asked to complete a document (we will provide you with the template) for advertising your presentation. Please note, all students planning to graduate in August 2019, must complete their capstone presentation on or before June 28th! 

     

    Step 4: At the time of the presentation, you will receive feedback from your Evaluation Committee regarding any additional revisions. These comments must be addressed and the final paper returned to the Committee for further review as soon as possible.

     

    Step 5: Approximately two weeks before the Deposit Deadline (by no later than July 5th) all changes (from Step 4) should be completed and the paper should have received final approval by your Committee.

     

    Step 6: The finished paper (Step 5) must undergo a final format check (please send to Karen Claus no later than July 5th) and be approved by the Department Head (Karen will arrange this for you) no later than the deposit deadline of July 19th, in order to graduate in August. If any of the above deadlines are not met, the student will continue to pursue completion but will not officially graduate until December.

  • Reminder - Capstone Presentation by Dean Maraldo - Apr 30

    Apr 25, 2019 8:45 am29 views

    Join us for a capstone presentation by Dean Maraldo, “Accelerated Retreat of Coastal Glaciers in the Western Prince William Sound, Alaska”, on April 30th at 2:00 pm CST.

    To attend remotely, log in to the Compass Open Learning site or go directly using this link: https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/60529694b36542ff9c641d1ee40c049b .

    To attend the presentation on campus go to Room N-527, Turner Hall. Please try to arrive at least 5 minutes early. 

    For more information, please contact Renee Gracon (gracon1@illinois.edu). 

  • Upcoming Water Monitoring Webinars

    Apr 22, 2019 11:45 am3 views

    Sharing information from the National Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring List-server for those interested in Citizen Science water-related webinars. 

     

    Building a Bridge from Monitoring to Action: How to turn observations into actionable projects in your watershed. Tuesday, April 23rd from 2pm-3pm EST. Presenters: Jeff Allenby and Emily Wiggans, Chesapeake Conservancy Summary of Webinar: This webinar will walk participants through how you can turn your data into informed, actionable steps to solve challenges in your watershed by combining water quality data with geospatial analysis. We will guide partici- pants through an example analysis demonstration and show how this type of work can help address a variety of challenges monitoring programs face across the nation. Registration Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4376083064289754881

    Conquering Your Data Management Monster: Best-practices and tools for every skill-level and every budget. Tuesday April 30th, 1- 2:30pm EST Presenters: Adam Griggs, River Network and John Dawes, Chesapeake Commons Summary of Webinar: Data management doesn’t have to be complicated and scary. This webinar will walk participants through best practices, key elements, and helpful tools that will ensure data is structured, machine-readable, and interop- erable for many different use cases. This webinar is targeted at a wide audience from novices to data experts working to ensure their data enterprise can immediately be leveraged for creating actionable information. Registration LInk: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6928210081031096076

  • Interested in Conservation Incentive Programs?

    Apr 22, 2019 11:00 am4 views

    As part of the Graduate Seminar Series, on April 26th, Dr. Tara Grillos (Purdue) will be speaking on The Social Components of Conservation Incentive Programs. If you are on campus and would like to attend the presentation at 3:00 in W-109 Turner Hall, you are invited. If you would like a link to the recording after it is available, please contact Renee Gracon at gracon1@illinois.edu. 

  • Summer Registration Reminder

    Apr 22, 2019 10:30 am10 views

    The summer semester starts May 13th… Register for your summer courses today!

    You can preview the schedule of upcoming courses by going to: https://uofi.app.box.com/s/wn8b0pqb0x7m0mo349qw . 

    NRES 416 – Forest Biology. Ecosystem approach to understanding forestry.

    NRES 472 – Environmental Psychology. Please note that there is an instructor change on NRES 472. Dr. Matt Browning will be teaching for us this summer.

    NRES 594 - Professional Orientation. Required for all new M.S. students.

    NRES 598 – Environmental Toxicology. Note - an advanced level of chemistry is NOT needed for this course.

    To register for classes, go to: https://apps.uillinois.edu/selfservice/. Please make sure you register in time to acquire any required texts.

    For those who are eligible for capstone credit, be sure to request authorization for enrollment by going to: https://illinois.edu/fb/sec/485691

     

    For more information or assistance with registration, please contact Renee at gracon1@illinois.edu. 

  • Requesting Capstone Enrollment for Summer or Fall 2019

    Apr 17, 2019 5:00 pm1 views

    Students interested in capstone enrollment for summer or fall 2019 and who meet the eligibility requirements (i.e. have completed at least 20 hours of graduate credit and have an approved capstone proposal) should add their name to the Enrollment Request List which is located at: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/485691. Be sure to include your name, the capstone option, and other vital information that is prompted on the form.

     

    If you have any questions about eligibility, capstone responsibilities, or the capstone process, please contact Renee Gracon for support (gracon1@illinois.edu).

     

  • Capstone Presentation - April 30th - Accelerated Glacier Retreat in Prince William Sound

    Apr 15, 2019 2:45 pm33 views

    You are invited to the capstone presentation by Dean Maraldo, “Accelerated Retreat of Coastal Glaciers in the Western Prince William Sound, Alaska”, on April 30th at 2:00 pm CST.

     

    Presentation abstract: Analysis of historical maps and multi-temporal Landsat imagery suggests most coastal glaciers in the western Prince William Sound have retreated since the end of the Little Ice Age, with an unprecedented period of accelerated retreat after 2004/06.  Area measurements for 43 glaciers were derived from digitized outlines, and lengths were calculated using a semi-automatic, GIS-based algorithm.  From 1950 to 2018, the total area of all glaciers decreased by 316 km2, with 32% of the loss occurring after 2004/06.  Declining winter precipitation before 2004/06, followed by increasing summer precipitation and annual temperatures, may have facilitated accelerated melting.

     

    To attend remotely, log in to the Compass Open Learning site or go directly using this link: https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/60529694b36542ff9c641d1ee40c049b . To attend the presentation in person, on campus, please contact Renee Gracon or Karen Claus for complete details.