Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences

blog posts

• 2012 Photo Contest Winners

  Sep 24, 2012 9:28 pm33 views

  Thank you to all of the students who entered the 2012 NRES Photo Contest. We had some fabulous entries. The following winners were announced at the Online On-Campus Orientation on Saturday, Sept. 22. Congratulations to the following students:  

   

  Overall Best Photo – Sandi Cichorski

   

  Best Student in Action Photo – Amy Cameron

   

  Best Natural Resources/Nature Photo – Jennie Willcox

   

  The winning photos will be available for viewing on the NRES website soon.

   

• 2013 Annual Review is underway!

  Feb 5, 2013 8:34 pm12 views

  The Annual Review is underway! The Graduate College requires that every M.S. student document his/her progress each spring. This week you will be receiving an email asking you to complete this year’s Annual Review Form. This is the perfect opportunity to reflect on your education plan, goals, and timeline for completing the M.S. degree. Please submit your completed form, with the additional supporting materials (current resume and statement of capstone option) by February 25, 2013.

  If you would like to view the archive of the Online Advising Session about capstone options from March 3, 2012, go to https://sas.elluminate.com/site/external/jwsdetect/playback.jnlp?psid=2012-01-24.1529.M.87F36996661A8600209E1FEAD763DC.vcr&sid=407. The recording addresses the annual review process and how to update your Plan of Study.

   

  If you have additional questions about the Annual Review process or concerns about completing the form, please contact Renee at gracon1@illinois.edu for assistance.

  Thank you for your participation!

  Renee Gracon

• 2014 Annual Review

  Feb 14, 2014 5:45 am45 views

  In conjunction with the Graduate College of the  University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences is conducting the 2014 Annual Review. As an online Master of Science candidate, it is our pleasure to help support your education plans and therefore, very important that your most current information is on file. Regardless of whether you are currently enrolled in classes or not, it is required by the Graduate College that you submit the Annual Review.  Today you will receive an email with the Annual Review Form attached. Please take the time to complete the assessment and provide us with the requested supporting materials by March 1, 2014.

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

• 2014 Graduation!

  May 16, 2014 8:30 pm392 views

  We would like to extend our best wishes to all NRES students graduating this weekend! Congratulations on your wonderful achievement!

  Commencement ceremony, May 17, 9:30 am is the official University of Illinois academic ceremony. In long-standing tradition, the Chancellor presides and the President confers the degrees. This ceremony lasts about an hour and a half. For our online students, a streaming video can be viewed at http://commencement.illinois.edu/ beginning at 9:30 am.

  Tassel Turning Reception College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES), Sunday, May 18, from 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm. This is an intimate reception that offers graduates, their family members and friends a chance to gather with ACES faculty, administrators and alumni prior to the College of ACES Convocation ceremony.

  The ACES Convocation Ceremony will take place Sunday, May 18, 5:00 – 6:30 pm, at K C – Colwell Playhouse. Tickets are not needed for family members and friends that want to attend the ACES Convocation Ceremony. For those who want to attend virtually, go to: http://graduation.aces.illinois.edu/.

  Good luck to all of our graduates - and please stay in touch!

• 2014 Photo Contest for Online M.S. Students

  May 16, 2014 8:45 pm14 views

  LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION – NRES PHOTO CONTEST!

  Getting ready to embark on a great summer NRES adventure? Whether you are working on your capstone or just enjoying the wonders of the world this summer, be sure to capture those special moment on film! The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science is hosting its Third Annual Photo Contest for online graduate students.  This is a great opportunity to show your University of Illinois Spirit. Sharing your favorite NRES moment, most memorable internship assignment, or unique research location could win you a great prize!

  The contest will end September 1, 2014.

  PHOTO CONTEST CATEGORIES

  Photography    

  •          You In Action! Photographs in this category must show you at work on course-related work or your capstone project.  Make sure you submit a caption (maximum length 150 words) with your photograph to tell us about your experience.  Please be sure to obtain permission to take photos in the field, lab, or other work area.
  •          Natural Resources/Nature: Photos should capture unusual, remarkable, or surprising things you encounter while working your capstone project or while taking a break from studies. It may be a unique landscape, a surprising species, or just something that amazes you.  Make sure you submit a caption (maximum length 150 words) with your photograph to tell us about your experience.  Please be sure to obtain permission to take photos in the field, lab, or other work area.

  Videos

  •          You in Action! Capture the sites, actions, and sounds of your experience in video. Be sure to include yourself in action! This is an outstanding opportunity for you to tell others of your adventure. Maximum length 2 minutes and only one video per student, please.  Videos may be comprised of moving video, still images presented in a slideshow format, animation or any combination thereof. Be sure to obtain permission to take video footage in the field, lab, or other work area.

  JUDGING

  Entries will be judged on creativity, composition and originality. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of NRES faculty members not previously associated with the online program. All decisions will be final. Winning entries will be announced at the fall NRES Online Students On-Campus event, September 13, 2014.

  LEGAL INFORMATION

  Ownership

  Students submitting photos and/or video files to this contest grant the University of Illinois (UIUC) and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science (NRES) permission to use these photos/videos for promotional purposes.

  Entries are not permitted to violate the rights of any third party. Entries that violate copyright or

  contain copyrighted music or images will be automatically disqualified unless entrant can prove

  authorization from the copyright holder to use said content.

  Disclaimer

  The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science is not responsible or liable for any submission problems, damage or loss arising from, or connected with, this photo contest. Submissions that do not comply with contest rules will not be eligible to win. By submitting photos/videos to this contest you are declaring your understanding of the rules.

  SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

  1.)    Catch those fabulous moments in either digital photography or video format.

  1.  Photos must be high resolution, minimum 300 dpi.
  2.  Photos will be accepted in JPEG, GIF or PDF format, and should be no larger than 3 MB.
  3.  Videos should be in MOV, WAV, or MP4 format, narrated, and no longer than 2 minutes in duration. Large video files can be submitted on disc or via YouTube. Email the YouTube link to Piper Hodson, Student Services Coordinator, at phodson@illinois.edu.

  2.)    Entry must be the original work of the student.

  3.)    Students may submit up to 3 photographs and/or one video entry.

  4.)    Whether doing a research project or an internship, the written approval of a facility manager, employer, supervisor, and/or any other additional person(s) in the photo is required.

  5.)    Provide entry information for each photo and/or video you submit. You must include: your name, NETID, phone number, location of picture, date taken (must be between Sept. 1, 2013 and Sept 1, 2014), category, title of picture, brief caption (150 words max), and whether this photo was edited or altered in any way.

  6.)    All entries must be received by September 1, 2014. Clearly mark your entry “Photo Contest” and  submit it by:

  1.        Attaching an electronic file to your email
  2.       Submitting a disc and the required entry information to the NRES office at N-509 Turner Hall (MC-047).
  3.        Mail the  entry to Photo Contest, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign, N – 509 Turner Hall, 1102 S. Goodwin Ave. Urbana, Illinois 61801.

  QUESTIONS?

  If you have any questions regarding the photo contest, please email gracon1@illinois.edu

  Renée Gracon

• 2015 Annual Review due February 23rd!

  Feb 21, 2015 8:45 am0 views

  All students in the NRES online Master of Science degree program are required to complete the annual review process. Please complete the 2015 Annual Review Form and submit it, along with your resume and a copy of your capstone proposal, to Renee Gracon (gracon1@illinois.edu) no later than February 23rd. If you have not received the Annual Review Form, or need assistance completing the Form, please contact Renee.  

• 2015 Photo and Video Contest for NRES Online Students

  May 20, 2015 11:15 am9 views

  Are you an amature photographer or videographer? Do you like taking selfies? Do you know how to take videos and publish them on YouTube? Are you collecting photos for your capstone project (PowerPoint presentation)? Would you like to help us promote the NRES program? If you said "yes" to any of these questions, would you like to win prizes for your efforts? 

  The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES) is happy to announce the 4th Annual Photo Contest for ONLINE graduate students.   There are three categories this year:

  Photos of Students in Action,

  Photos of Nature as seen through the eyes of a graduate student in NRES, and

  Videos of students or alumni in the form of testimonials and promotional videos for recruiting new NRES students.

  Check out the details, contest guidelines, and entry form available at https://uofi.app.box.com/files/0/f/2717195584/1/f_30372198403 . The deadline for submitting your prize-winning pictures/videos is September 1, 2015, so get busy capturing your favorite NRES-related moments today!

  For questions or further information contact Renee Gracon at gracon1@illinois.edu .

   

   

   

• 2016 Annual Review Due Monday - February 29!

  Feb 26, 2016 7:00 am64 views

  Don't forget the 2016 Annual Review and your supplemental materials (casptone information and resume) should be sent to Renee Gracon (gracon1@illinois.edu) by February 29th. Please attach the completed Annual Review form as a Word document. The resume may be submitted as a pdf. Failure to complete the Annual Review may prevent you from registering for summer/fall courses or delay your graduation.

   

• 2016 GIS Day Conference Information and Registration

  Aug 28, 2016 9:30 am26 views

  On November 15 join the University of Illinois and ILGISA in a celebration of GIS Day, the annual salute to geospatial technology and its power to transform and improve our lives. The event is FREE and includes workshops to provide GIS-related educational opportunities, lightning talk sessions to deliver GIS implementation strategies in the Illinois community, and a late afternoon career panel for students. Registration is free, but space is limited. Proposals for content and competition/exhibition entries are now being accepted. For more information about the conference or for registration information, please go to: http://gisday.illinois.edu/

• 

  2016 Graduation Day Photo of Two NRES Grads

  May 16, 2016 11:45 am127 views

  Best wishes again to all of our 2016 NRES Graduates. 

  Click on the Post Title to see the attached photo of Morey Bell (Left), Piper Hodson (middle), and Jennifer Turner (right) at Graduation. Congratulations, ladies!

   

   

   

• 2016 Illinois Green Infrastructure Conference - Stormwater and the Urban Ecosystem

  Aug 28, 2016 9:30 am35 views

  We pass along this information from Web Services in Public Affairs

  Illinois Green Infrastructure Conference - Stormwater and the Urban Ecosystem

   

  The Illinois Green Infrastructure Conference will take place on Sept. 15, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the I Hotel Conference Center. The free conference will feature green infrastructure professionals and government leaders who will explore and advance the use of green infrastructure in municipal management. Please register by 9/1/16. Additional information can be found at www.ccswcd.com/MS4.

   

  To register for this event, go to: https://illinois.edu/fb/sec/4389387

• 2016 Illinois Science and Math Conference

  Sep 10, 2016 10:00 am96 views

  2016 Illinois Math and Science Conference

   

  Conference Title: Laying the Foundation for Success

   

  Sponsored by: Illinois Council of Teachers of Math and the Illinois Science Teachers Association

   

  When: October 7 – 8, 2016

   

  Where: Peoria, Illinois

   

  For more information: go to http://www.ictm.org/ or https://ilscience.org

   

  For registration:  individuals can register through Eastern Illinois University at the following link:

   

  https://sce.eiu.edu/CourseStatus.awp?&course=16ICTMCONF or from the

  Illinois Science Teachers Association website at http://ista.wildapricot.org/Conference

   

• 2016 Illinois Water Conference

  Sep 27, 2016 7:45 pm26 views

  We are happy to pass along this information:

   

  2016 Illinois Water Conference

  October 26-27, 2016

   

  Attend this conference sponsored by the Illinois Water Resources Center, at the Illini Union at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for plenary and technical sessions highlighting the latest research on issues affecting the state's water resources and systems. Illinois Water 2016 will also include a student poster session and professional development events tailored for undergraduate and graduate participants. The full conference registration includes all meals and Tuesday night's reception. One-day registration and speaker-only options are also available.  ​

  Before September 30: $195

  After September 30: $245

  Students: $85 

  ​

  For more information, go to: http://www.ilwaterconference.org .

   

  To register for the conference, go to:

  https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/default.cfm?RegistrationID=14896

• 2017 Annual Review

  Feb 1, 2017 9:15 pm23 views

  The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences is conducting the 2017 Annual Review. As an online Master of Science candidate, it is our pleasure to help support your education plans and therefore, very important that your most current information is on file. Regardless of whether you are currently enrolled in classes or not, it is important that you submit the Annual Review.  Earlier today you should have received an email with the Annual Review Form attached. Please take the time to complete the assessment and provide us with the requested supporting materials by February 17, 2016.

   

  An online Advising Session will be held on Thursday, February 9, 2016, at 6:00 pm(Central) for further online assistance. To join the session, please go to: https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?password=M.19C11EA0056D5D3BC3797830F6AFA1&sid=407

   

  If you did not receive an email with the Annual Review information, please contact Renée Gracon (gracon1@illinois.edu).

   

  We look forward to hearing from you soon.

   

• 3 Capstone Presentations This Week!!!

  Apr 1, 2018 9:15 pm2 views

  You are invited to attend the following capstone presentations this week.

   

  Title: Improving floristic quality through the removal of invasive species in degraded forest wetlands in an Illinois State Nature Preserve

  Student: Mark Krivchenia

  Date: Apr 2

  Time: 1:00 pm, on campus and virtual

  Room: N-527

  Virtual Access: https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/456d5be72aea44f8ae8e7e5023b4cba6

   

   

  Title: Pollinator Habitat Restoration Tools: Testing varied planting and herbicide application dates on imazapic-tolerant wildflowers.

  Student: Eleanor Schumacher

  Date: Apr 3

  Time: 5:30 pm, on campus and virtual

  Room: N-509, Turner Hall

  Virtual Access: https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/e1f1c11262994da586b3e2121a3088c4

   

   

  Title: Using Scanning Electron Microscopy to compare the pollen grain morphology of Physaria kingii subsp. kaibabensis and its congeners to assess hybridization

  Student: Catherine Wallace

  Date: Apr 6

  Time: 10:30 am, on campus and virtual

  Room: 1005 Plant Science Lab (PSL)

  Virtual Access: https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/cc2684fe59c14387b05b0fd29f3892b6

   

• 3 Important Reminders for NRES online students

  Apr 29, 2014 9:15 am4 views

  Join us tonight, April 27, at 5:30 pm for the online advising session  – Course Offerings for Summer and Fall 2014. You can join the broadcast by going to: https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?password=M.19C11EA0056D5D3BC3797830F6AFA1&sid=407

   

  Attend Josh Yellin’s capstone presentation on the efficacy of using Artificial Floating Islands (AFIs) to enhance fish populations in the Chicago River. You can attend the live presentation at Shedd Aquarium, 3:00 pm, May 9^th, or attend virtually via the Virtual Advising Office link (provided above).   

  If you are planning to enroll in credit for your capstone coursework, be sure to add your name to the Capstone Request List for Summer or Fall enrollment. Remember, you must request permission for enrollment in order to register.

  For Summer 2014 capstone enrollment, go to: https://illinois.edu/fb/sec/1555962.

  For Fall 2014 capstone enrollment, go to: https://illinois.edu/fb/sec/485691.

   

  For further information on any of these items, please contact Renée Gracon at gracon1@illinois.edu. 

• 45th Anniversary of Earth Day!

  Apr 20, 2015 1:15 pm23 views

  Wednesday, April 22, marks the 45th anniversary of Earth Day! Join with millions of others around the world to celebrate the earth and make a difference. For information about the Earth Day organization and their efforts, go to:  http://www.earthday.org/

  To calculate your eco-footprint use one of the many footprint calculators available through a Google search or go to:

  http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/calculators/    OR

  http://www.ecocamp.us/eco-footprint-calculator

  For a campus calendar of events, go to: http://bit.ly/1Df7FxF

  If you are on campus, remember the East Central Illinois local section of ACS brings “Chemists Celebrate Earth Day” to the Illini Union Ballroom from 4 – 6pm on April 22.

  For those off campus, please let us know what you are doing for Earth Day. Send a brief description of your Earth Day activities and photos to Renée Gracon at gracon1@illinois.edu. Help us celebrate your efforts.

  There is a great need for the introduction of new values in our society, where bigger is not necessarily better, where slower can be faster, and where less can be more.-- Gaylord Nelson

• AAUW Career Development Grant

  Sep 25, 2018 11:15 pm11 views

  AAUW Career Development Grant

   

  Who may apply: Women pursuing a certificate or degree to advance their careers, change careers, or reenter the workforce and whose bachelor’s degree was received at least five years before the award period

  Funding: $2,000–$12,000

  Deadline: November 15

   

  For more information, go to: https://www.aauw.org/what-we-do/educational-funding-and-awards/career-development-grants/

• Accessing Recording of Oral Presentations Advising Session

  Mar 9, 2013 7:34 am34 views

  Were you were unable to join us for the Advising Session on Thursday, March 7? Did you miss the helpful tips about content and delivery of your Capstone presentation?

  If you would like to view the recording of the Advising Session on Making Your Oral Presentation, go to https://sas.elluminate.com/site/external/jwsdetect/playback.jnlp?psid=2013-03-07.1602.M.87F36996661A8600209E1FEAD763DC.vcr&sid=407

  We hope to see you at the presentation on March 14, Avoiding PowerPoint Pitfalls.

  Renee Gracon and Piper Hodson

• Accessing the Advising Services Questionnaire

  Sep 26, 2013 3:36 pm12 views

  Apparently many of you are having difficulty accessing the Questionnaire from the URL embedded in the Blog. If you would please cut and paste the URL   https://illinois.edu/fb/sec/5945658  you should be able to access the Form. Please let me know if you are still having problems.   

  Thank you so much for participating in this Questionnaire. Your efforts are truly appreciated.

  Renee

  gracon1@illinois.edu

• Accessing the Capstone Project Advising Archive

  Jan 25, 2012 4:40 pm1260 views

  If you were unable to attend Tuesday evenings online advising session about the Capstone Course options, you can review the recorded session by going to the link in the message below.

   

  To access the archived recording forom Tuesday evenings session go to:

  https://sas.elluminate.com/site/external/jwsdetect/playback.jnlp?psid=2012-01-24.1529.M.87F36996661A8600209E1FEAD763DC.vcr&sid=407

  If you need clarification on any point covered in that session, or have any additional questions, please contact me at gracon1@illinois.edu.

  Renee Gracon

   

• 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

• ACES Office of International Programs - External Grants and Opportunities

  Jul 21, 2018 6:45 am24 views

  EXTERNAL FUNDING & OPPORTUNITIES - Recently posted by the ACES Office of International Programs (7/20/2018)

   

  The following is a list of some of the external awards and opportunities that are described in the post. For more information, click on "read more". 

       Wildlife Trafficking

       Participatory Science

       Species Recovery

       Marine Plastic Reducation

       Olive Tree Awards (for those under 30)

       Future for Nature Award (for those under 35)

       Tropical Botany and Horticulture

   

• ACES Online - On Campus

  Jul 26, 2011 8:38 am158 views

  Don't Forget to Complete the ACES Online - On Campus Survey by July 29!

• Act Now for Fall Puerto Rico Course and Urban Gardens Group Capstone

  Aug 15, 2012 12:00 am110 views

  Courses begin in less than two weeks, and quick action is required if you are interested in two opportunities this fall.

  Friday is the application deadline for the group capstone course on local environments and the policy networks of urban gardens. See http://illinois.edu/blog/view/561/77653 for more information about the project and how to apply.

  Dr. Endress is offering Agriculture and Ecology of a Caribbean Island this fall, but it is in danger of being cancelled if enrollment does not increase within the next few days. If you were thinking of taking this course, please contact Dr. Endress immediately at aendress@illinois.edu. Please see the rest of this message for details.

• Advising Session - Course Selection for Spring 2015

  Nov 19, 2014 4:45 pm7 views

  Interested in knowing more about the courses that will be offered this Spring? Curious about what courses will meet core area requirements? Join me Monday, November 24, 2014 at 6:00 pm CST for a look at the online course options for Spring 2015. I will briefly describe the spring courses and answer questions about future course options and capstone enrollment. You can join the broadcast by going to https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?password=M.19C11EA0056D5D3BC3797830F6AFA1&sid=407

  I hope many of you will plan to attend.

  For further information, please contact Renée at gracon1@illinois.edu

  Renée 

• Advising Session - Course Selection for Summer and Fall 2014

  Apr 23, 2014 2:30 pm4 views

  ADVISING SESSION ON SUMMER/FALL 2014 COURSE SELECTION

  Join us Tuesday, April 27 at 5:30 pm for a look at the upcoming online course offerings for Summer and Fall 2014. You can join the broadcast by going to https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?password=M.19C11EA0056D5D3BC3797830F6AFA1&sid=407

  We will briefly describe future course offerings and answer questions about course options and capstone enrollment.  

  For further information, please contact Renée at gracon1@illinois.edu

  We hope you will join us.  

  Piper and Renée 

• Advising Session - Course Selection Summer/Fall 2013

  Apr 11, 2013 9:11 pm13 views

  We have a great lineup of NRES courses for summer and fall 2013!

  Do you need information beyond what is currently available in the abbreviated course description from the course catalog?

  Join us April 18, 5:30 pm (CT) for a comprehensive look at the NRES online 2013 summer and fall courses, including insight into the content, teaching approach, and assessments that will be used in each course. You can join the session by logging in at: https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?password=M.19C11EA0056D5D3BC3797830F6AFA1&sid=407

  For those unable to attend, we will post access to the recording of the session via a Blog on Friday.

  For more information, contact Renee at gracon1@illinois.edu. We hope to see you online!

  Renee Gracon and Piper Hodson

• Advising Session - Making Effective Oral Presentations

  Mar 5, 2013 12:13 pm17 views

  Getting nervous about delivering a presentation in class? Getting ready to present your Capstone Project? Need advice about how to assess your strengths and weaknesses as a speaker? This seminar is designed for all graduate students who will be making oral presentations.

  Renee Gracon, Online Program Advising Specialist, and Piper Hodson, Student Services Coordinator, will discuss the 4 key elements of a powerful presentation and provide some guidelines for designing your presentation. In addition, you will learn important information about what to expect as you stand before the Graduate Committee to present your Capstone project.

  Join us Thursday, March 7 for the next advising seminar -  Making Effective Oral Presentations.The session begins at 5:30 pm (CST) and will last approximately 50 minutes. Join the session by going to: https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?password=M.19C11EA0056D5D3BC3797830F6AFA1&sid=407

   

  For further information, please contact Renee at gracon1@illinois.edu

  We hope to see you Thursday night.

  Renee Gracon

• Advising Session - Reading Scientific Publications

  Sep 26, 2013 12:33 pm10 views

  Successful completion of any graduate degree requires many skills. One of the most fundamental is Scientific Literacy. Interpretation and evaluation of scientific literature is important to all aspects of the NRES degree program, but being proficient at it is especially critical for the capstone project. Join us on Monday, September 30, 2013 at 6:00 pm (CT) for a webinar presentation on Reading Scientific Publications. We will explore how to recognize appropriate articles, use some of the library's resource tools, and develop a reading worksheet to guide the process of consistent reading and notetaking. Don't miss this very informative session! 

  To join the session, go to 

  https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?password=M.19C11EA0056D5D3BC3797830F6AFA1&sid=407

  Contact Renee Gracon at gracon1@illinois.edu for more information.

  Remember, the Advising Office is open EVERY Monday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 pm for your conveneince. 

  We hope everyone will join us on Monday evening at 6:00 pm for Reading Scientific Publications!

   

   

• Advising Session Reminder: Mastering PowerPoint for the MS Degree

  Mar 13, 2013 4:22 pm25 views

  We hope you will join us on Thursday, March 14 at 5:30 (CT) for a webinar on how to maximize the effectiveness of your Capstone Presentation. This is not a tutorial on how to create PowerPoint, but rather a discussion of the important elements of your PowerPoint presentation and tips for designing the presentation to avoid the pitfalls of Collaborate (in case you or one of your committee members is attending virtually). We will share with you slides from several current students and recent graduates of the NRES program.

  Hope to see you there!

  To join the session login at: https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?password=M.19C11EA0056D5D3BC3797830F6AFA1&sid=407

  For further information, contact me at gracon1@illinois.edu

  Renée Gracon

  NRES Online Program Advising Specialist

• Advising Session - Summer/Fall Course offerings - Apr 29

  Apr 23, 2014 8:00 pm5 views

  Sorry for the misprint. The Advising Webinar on Summer and Fall Course Offerings will be Tuesday, April 29 at 5:30 pm. Login to the session by going to: https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?password=M.19C11EA0056D5D3BC3797830F6AFA1&sid=407.

  We hope you will join us.

  Renee

• Advising Session Topics: Please give us your feedback!

  Oct 9, 2012 7:13 pm31 views

  Hi NRES Students,

  We would like to evaluate the level of interest in presentation topics for upcoming NRES Advising Sessions. In order to create and offer sessions which meet your needs, we need your input. Please complete a brief questionnaire - it's only 4 questions! It will take you less than 3 minutes to complete. Provide us with your valuable feedback by going to https://illinois.edu/fb/sec/4168997 . Make your voice heard - please do it today!

  Thank you for your participation,

  Renee Gracon, Online Program Advising Specialist

  gracon1@illinois.edu

• Advising Session: Winning the Second Half- a playbook for your capstone experience and graduation!

  Sep 28, 2012 7:43 am29 views

  Join us Thursday, Oct. 4, at 5:30 pm for a discussion of informative topics such as: how to select a capstone option; what courses to schedule to complete your degree; and how to wrap up the graduation requirements. This session is especially tailored for students who have completed at least 12 hours in the NRES program, but all students are welcome to attend. If you have specific questions you would like us to address during this advising session, or would like to recommend topics for future advising sessions, please send them to gracon1@illinois.edu by 3:00 pm, Wednesday, Oct. 3rd.

  We hope you will plan to attend!

  Renee and Piper

   

• Advising Webinar - Course Selection Spring 2014

  Nov 21, 2013 7:21 pm9 views

  Join us for the informative session, Course Selection - Spring 2014, Monday, Nov. 25 at 6:000 pm. We will be discussing upcoming course options, Core Course requirements, and strategies to optimize your Graduate Plan of Study. You can access the session by going to: https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?password=M.19C11EA0056D5D3BC3797830F6AFA1&sid=407

  If you are unable to attend, but would like to view the archive of the session, we will post the URL via a Blog later this week.

  For questions, contact Renee at gracon1@illinois.edu

  We hope to see you there!

  Piper and Renee

• Advising Webinar May 1- Summer and Fall Course Offerings

  Apr 30, 2015 8:00 am5 views

  NRES will host an Advising Webinar on Summer and Fall 2015 Course Options for online students in the M.S. program on Friday, May 1 at 6:00 pm via Collaborate. To join the session go to: https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?password=M.19C11EA0056D5D3BC3797830F6AFA1&sid=407 

  For more information, contact Renee Gracon at gracon1@illinois.edu

• Advising Webinar Monday Night - Course Selection 2014

  Nov 24, 2013 10:14 pm21 views

  Join us on Monday, November 25 at 6:00 pm to learn more about the courses being offered for the Spring 2014 semester. The link to join the session is 

  https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?password=M.19C11EA0056D5D3BC3797830F6AFA1&sid=407

  We hope you will attend.

  Renee

• AG ED Day and Public Lands Day Information

  Sep 22, 2015 2:00 pm1 views

  National AG Education Day is Sept 24th. Check out the great teachers’ materials, including grant information, lesson plans, games and promotional materials at:  http://www.naae.org/teachag/tools.cfm .

  More than 175,000 volunteers are expected to participate in National Public Lands Day - Sept. 26. Will you be one of them? Find a site near you by going to: http://www.publiclandsday.org/ .

• All NRES online students - Annual Review 2014 Reminder

  Feb 21, 2014 3:45 pm61 views

  The 2014 Annual Review Form and accompanying letter were emailed to all NRES online M.S. students on February 14, 2014. If you have not received the email containing this information, please contact me immediately.

  It is important that you complete the annual review process on or before March 1. Return the form along with a recent copy of your resume/CV and your capstone proposal to me at gracon1@illinois.edu. For those who do not have an approved capstone proposal, please identify the capstone option of your choice and provide a short paragraph explaining the type of project you would like to do and your proposed timeline.  If you have any questions about the process please contact me for assistance.

  The Annual Review is required by the Graduate College for all degree-seeking students whether they are currently enrolled in classes or not. Thank you for submitting the necessary documents at your earliest convenience.

  Renee Gracon

  NRES Online Program Advising Specialist

   

• All Students Please Read and Reply - NRES On-Campus day in Fall

  Apr 16, 2015 9:00 am4 views

  Hi Everyone,

  The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES) invites all online graduate students to a day-long, fun-filled event  on campus each fall. This event is designed to orient new students to the program, provide an opportunity for everyone to meet NRES faculty and learn about their areas of interest, learn more about capstone expectations, receive tips on navigating the program from recent NRES graduates, answer your questions about the program, and much more!

  To better serve our students, we have found that weekends are the best time for this on-campus experience. For the past four years, we have held the event on a Saturday. Some years it has coincided with a home football game and other years it has not. To include as many people as possible, we would like your input scheduling this year’s event. In all cases, the event would be held from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

  Your participation in this survey will only take about 2 minutes, but it will help us schedule the event to accommodate the greatest attendance.

  Whether you are planning to attend, or not, please respond to the Doodle Poll at: http://doodle.com/i397wcfxzqw4kf8m

  Here are the options for the NRES Online Students’ On-Campus Day:

  Saturday, Sept. 5th - (Attendees do not intend to attend the home football game.)

  Sunday, Sept 6th - (Attendees would have the option of coming the day before to attend the Saturday game individually or as an NRES group.)

  Saturday, Sept 12th - (Attendees do not intend to attend the home football game.)

  Sunday, Sept. 13th - (Attendees would have the option of coming the day before to attend the Saturday game individually or as an NRES group.)

  Saturday, Sept. 19th- (Away game does not interfere with event.)

  Sunday, Sept. 20th – (Away game does not interfere with event.) Unable to attend all dates

  More information about the Online Students’ On-Campus Day will be sent via Blogs. Please look for future announcements.

  Your participation in this survey is appreciated. We hope that many of you will join us in September for a day on campus!

  For questions, please contact Renee at gracon1@illinois.edu. 

  Piper Hodson and Renee Gracon 

• All Students will need 2FA

  Oct 1, 2018 10:45 am9 views

  During the month of October, the University will be switching to a 2-Factor Authorization (2FA) system to protect University assets and student access. What does that mean to you? You will need to log in as usual, and then use a second authorization to access things like Compass 2 G, Self-Service for registration, and use Collaborate for attending online classes. Please read the information available on the Tech Services site: https://techservices.illinois.edu/content/two-factor-authentication-2fa and follow the instructions to register your computer and your mobile devices. 

  Thank you,

  Renee

• American Association of University Women - Grants for Master's/Professional Students

  Oct 22, 2017 5:45 pm6 views

  American Association of University Women – Grants for Master’s/Professional Students

  Application deadline: December 15, 2017

  Are you a woman pursuing a master’s or professional degree in order to change careers, advance professionally, or reenter the workforce? If you received your bachelor’s degree on or before June 30, 2013 and have not yet earned a graduate or professional degree, the AAUW offers Career Development Grants from $2,000 to $12,000 for educational expenses, living expenses, dependent child care, and professional travel. Primary consideration is given to women of color and women pursuing credentials in nontraditional fields. For details, visit the AAUW Career Development Grant listing in the Graduate College's Fellowship Finder database.

• American Wetlands Month

  May 11, 2014 6:00 pm13 views

  I thought some of you might be interested in the following information from the EPA:

  "EPA Celebrates American Wetlands Month: Learn! Explore! Take Action!

  EPA and partners are announcing a number of events to celebrate American Wetlands Month this May. Here are a few highlights: On May 14th, the EPA will hold a webcast on living shorelines-a strategically natural approach erosion control. To register, go towww.epa.gov/watershedwebcasts.

   

  In addition to posting “Wetland Trivia” to its Facebook page, the Association of State Wetland Managers will hold a webinar on best practices in designing, building and operating wetland education centers. For more information, visit http://aswm.org.

   

  For information on other activities happening this month, visit: http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/awm/ or share and embed EPA's American Wetlands Month widget available athttp://developer.epa.gov/american-wetlands-month-widget/. Contact Kathleen Kutschenreuter for additional information: Kutschenreuter.kathleen@epa.gov or (202) 566-1383."

• Announcement: Orientation to Collaborate V.12 for all ACES Students

  Jan 3, 2013 2:56 pm23 views

  Online & Continuing Education Instructional Designer, R. Scott Wennerdahl, will lead a live, online orientation to Collaborate v.12 for all students in the College of ACES. In the session, he will present an overview of Collaborate as well as go over participant tools and software updates. You are invited to attend the session:

   

  When: Thursday, January 10^th (2013)

   

  Time: 6:30 – 7:30 pm (CST)

   

  Where: Scott’s Virtual Office (Go to: http://go.illinois.edu/rscott)

   

  Note: Please enter your Name (first and last) during the session login.

   

   

   

  If you are interested but unable to attend the live orientation, please contact the Anna Mehl, ACES Online Program Coordinator, at annamehl@illinois.edu to be sent a link to the archived recording.  

   

  This will be a valuable session especially for recently admitted students. We hope to see you there.

   

  Renee Gracon

   

   

   

   

   

• Announcing 3 Free Swarovski Waterschool Mississippi River Workshops - East Alton, IL

  Jun 7, 2017 8:30 am5 views

  Posting this information does not indicate an endorsement of the program or affiliation to the workshop by the University of Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. We pass along this information as a service to our students.

   

  Swarovski Waterschool Mississippi River Teacher Workshop

   

  Be among the first to participate in the official launch of the Swarovski Waterschool USA Mississippi River program!

  This program joins the team of global programs along the major rivers of the world through the Swarovski Waterschool program as the first of its kind in North America. We are looking for fifth and sixth grade teachers who want to educate their students about water and river systems and engage them in a community action project. After attending one of the 2-day workshops, teachers will receive a free educator tool-kit, learning materials aligned to Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards, and other benefits such as professional development hours and access to funding for projects and field trips. Best of all, you will have the opportunity to connect your class with students from another global Swarovski Waterschool program in Austria, Brazil, China, India, Thailand, or Uganda!

   

  Dates: We are offering three, 2-day workshops.

  1)      July 18-19 (Tuesday & Wednesday)

  2)      July 25-26 (Tuesday & Wednesday)

  3)      Aug. 2-3 (Wednesday & Thursday)

   

  Time: anticipated 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. each day (final schedule currently being finalized)

   

  Place: The National Great Rivers Research & Education Center, One Confluence Way, East Alton, IL 62024

   

  Cost: FREE!! Includes:

  free educator tool-kit learning materials aligned to Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards professional development hours access to funding for projects and field trips

   

  Who: 5th and 6th grade educators* teaching in districts immediately adjacent to the Mississippi, Illinois, or Missouri rivers in the following counties:

  Illinois - Alton, Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, Madison, or St. Clair; Missouri - St. Charles, St. Louis, or St. Louis City.

   

  *Priority will be given to teachers who can commit to leading their students in a community engagement project during the 2017-2018 academic year. and

   

  To Register: https://tinyurl.com/SWS-USA-MR2017Teachers

  For More Information:  Email (eflotte@lc.edu) or call (#618-468-2781) Elizabeth Flotte, Swarovski Waterschool Educator.

• Announcing two new Science Teacher Awards from NSTA

  Jun 24, 2013 4:26 pm15 views

  Introducing Two New NSTA Teacher Awards

   

  The DuPont Pioneer Excellence in Agricultural Science Education Award recognizes excellence and innovation in the field of agricultural science education. Applicants must be K–12 classroom teachers whose responsibilities include implementing agricultural science in their classroom. The awardee will receive a $5,000 grant for their classroom/program, paid travel expenses to attend the NSTA national conference on science education, mentoring with a DuPont Pioneer scientist, classroom resources from DuPont Pioneer, and access to a DuPont Pioneer product plant or research facility.

   

  The Robert E. Yager Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes six full-time K–12 teachers of science who successfully use innovation and excellence in their classroom. Awardees will receive $1,000 plus $1,000 toward expenses to attend the next NSTA National Congress on Science Education, which is held each summer. An identified Yager Scholar from the six awardees will be given additional support of up to $1,500 to present at a future NSTA National Conference on Science Education.

  For more information on these and other awards go to: http://www.nsta.org/about/awards.aspx

   

• ANNUAL NRES Meeting for ALL Online Students - Oct. 11

  Oct 5, 2018 1:30 pm106 views

  Hi Everyone,

  The Annual Online Event is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 11, from 7 – 9 pm. There will be two faculty member panels eager to share with you their perspectives on being successful graduate students and doing Master’s level research. Some of the topics to be covered include how to be successful in upcoming courses, managing and optimizing time, skills that work best for online learning, how to approach a faculty member with potential capstone project ideas, faculty expectations for graduate researchers, and much, much more. Check out more information about the evening, how to access the webinar, and the agenda by clicking on "READ MORE".

• Annual Review 2016 - Thank you for your participation!

  Mar 7, 2016 1:45 pm0 views

  Thank you to everyone who completed the 2016 Annual Review. We are reviewing the forms and will get back to you to confirm that you have completed the process or request additional clarification or supplemental documentation. Your responses on the survey questions will help us to examine our current advising strategies and improve our services. We appreciate your timeliness and your efforts.

   

  If you have not completed the 2016 Annual Review and need the form, please contact Renee Gracon (gracon1@illinois.edu). It is a Graduate College requirement that the process is completed by all students (active and inactive) in the spring of each year. Failure to submit your Annual Review will result in an academic hold being placed on your file. You will not be able to enroll in future courses until the hold is released, so please submit your Annual Review now!

• Annual Review 2019 Past Due

  Feb 18, 2019 12:30 pm18 views

  All NRES online students, regardless of whether they are currently enrolled in classes or not, are required to complete the Annual Review each spring. If you have not already submitted your review materials, please do so this week. Failure to successfully complete the Annual Review process will put a "hold" on your academic files which will inhibit your ability to register for classes and access your transcripts. If you have questions about the process or need an additional copy of the Annual Review form, please contact Renee Gracon at gracon1@illinois.edu.

   

   

• 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.