Students

Feature: SCEP — Bringing Students and Careers Together

—by Emily Thomas

Florence, OR
OSU College of Forestry grad Jennifer Wade has been 'affianced' to the USDA Forest Service for more than a year and seems to have no doubts about the commitment she is making. She happily gives a tour of her new 'home' at the Ranger District, including the grounds outside, where sand dunes rise on the edge of the parking lot.

"But what about students who are less sure of a permanent career choice? Is SCEP a good option for them?"

Wade came to the Forest Service through a matchmaker of sorts: the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP), which she participated in while at OSU. SCEP is a way for the government to hire qualified employees in an efficient manner. Students apply while they are in school, college, grad school, or, in some cases, high school, and if they are accepted, they work for the government over summers (and during the year if they want) and take courses relevant to their planned career during the year. If they complete the requirements satisfactorily, they will be offered permanent positions with the government when they graduate. SCEP has helped Wade begin her career as a recreation planner with the Forest Service in Florence,Oregon.

The program worked well for Wade, who knew she wanted to major in forestry but hadn't yet decided on a career. She initially applied to SCEP during her sophomore year at OSU but wasn't accepted. She did spend the next summer working at the Deschutes National Forest, Crescent District—where she discovered an interest in recreation as a career.The next year, armed with new experience and more certainty,Wade reapplied to SCEP and was accepted.Timing was important: the Siuslaw Office in Florence was looking for a Recreation Planner and,Wade says,"rather than hiring one, they wanted to grow their own." She began working in Florence during the summer after her junior year and continued part-time with the Forest Service during her senior year. After graduation, she moved to Florence to begin full-time training. It seems to be going well; it looks as if Wade is fitting right in, and she hopes to be with the Forest Service for a long time.

But what about students who are less sure of a permanent career choice? Is SCEP a good option for them? Maria Nelson, the area recruiter in Corvallis and one of the people who interviewed Wade for SCEP, answers this question. She explains that because these internships are designed to prepare people for specific jobs, interns really can't change fields. In order to complete the program and get a career, students have to stick with their original plans. However, by the time students get into the program, usually sometime before senior year in college, they're required by their schools to declare a major anyway, so they have a good idea of their areas of interest.And there are literally hundreds of internship choices; there are jobs for journalists, math majors, and most other major areas of study.Nevertheless, students do drop out of the program. Nelson says that about half of SCEP participants end up leaving the program for one reason or another, interest changes, location problems, or not completing the requirements.The only problem with this comes if students have received tuition assistance from SCEP, in which case they either have to continue the program through the period they've received assistance for, or pay back the money.

The bottom line is that the SCEP program may not be for everyone, and there wouldn't be enough room for everyone even if it was. But for those, like Wade who know what they want to do, it is literally the opportunity of a lifetime. "I really, really wanted this," she says, thoughtfully. "I knew this was what I wanted to do."

Wade concedes that for people who aren't as certain about their careers, this program may not work out."But I was on a path. I definitely see myself making a career with the Forest Service," she says,"and the SCEP program is the best way to get into the Forest Service with a career position."

As Wade finishes up the interview by pointing out attractive spots for scenic photos and giving directions to her favorite local beach, one thing is clear: SCEP has made a successful match. She is really in love with this area and with her job — and it looks as though they'll have a happy future together.

Two Fellowships for WSE Student

Adam Taylor, PhD student in Wood Science and Engineering, just returned from 6 weeks in Japan on an NSF Fellowship where he studied naturally durable woods and termite biology at Kyoto University.These highly competitive fellowships are designed to allow U.S. students to obtain valuable international experience in their research area. (See related story, Page 15).Taylor was also awarded a Sports Lottery Fellowship this summer.

Enrollment Trend Finally Changes

After a few years of flat growth, undergraduate enrollment is up this year. The College has enrolled 362 undergrad and 136 graduate students for the upcoming school year, for a total of 498. Seventy-four graduate students are pursuing a masters degree and 62 are in a PhD program. Undergraduate enrollment figures by major are as follows: Forest Engineering/Civil Engineering, 27; Forest Engineering, 35; Forest Management, 100; Forest Recreation Resources, 62; Natural Resources, 89; Wood Science & Technology, 31; Outdoor Recreation Leadership & Tourism, 5; and Undecided Forestry, 13.

"Students have responded particularly well to our expanded recruiting efforts, especially in Wood Science and Engineering," says Rebecca Johnson, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Research. "We also have a new major in Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Tourism at the Cascades Campus that is just starting to enroll students. We are very pleased to welcome both new and returning students to the College and are looking forward to another great year!"

photo by Bonnie Johnson
From the top: Royal Jackson, John Tappeiner, Jim Boyle, Brian Kramer, Jim Wilson

Faculty Retirements

Five CoF faculty members have recently retired from the University but are continuing to provide valuable services to the College by teaching classes, mentoring students, and/or pursuing research and service activities.

Royal Jackson officially retired from his position as Associate Professor in Forest Resources on February 1, 2003 after 32 years of service, but continues to teach halftime. Jackson has received numerous awards over the years for teaching and advising, and is particularly active in taking students to locations overseas for study and research.

Forest Resources Professor John Tappeiner retired after 22 years of service on June 1, 2003.Tappeiner also continues to teach half-time and continues to actively work on forest management policy issues. He has received several research awards over the years from the College and professional forestry organizations.

Professor Jim Boyle in Forest Resources retired after 21 years on June 2, 2002. Boyle was the department head in Forest Management from 1981 to 1989, and teaches forest ecology and natural resources conservation. He is a soils specialist and a Fellow in the Soil Science Society of America. Professor Boyle continues to teach part-time.

"Collectively, these three retirees have over 75 years of experience at OSU, not to mention the dedication, enthusiasm, and intellect they've brought to our education and research programs," says Jack Walstad, Forest Resources Department Head. "Each is an acknowledged expert in his respective field, and all have received numerous awards and other hallmarks of professional distinction."

Brian Kramer, Senior Instructor in Forest Engineering for the past 14 years, retired on June 1, 2003. "Kramer's engineering expertise in transportation planning and in the design, construction, and management of forest roads was very valuable to our forest engineering program and students," says Steve Tesch, Department Head. CoF students recognized Kramer twice as the outstanding mentor in the College and once as the outstanding teacher. He will continue to teach two courses this academic year.

Professor Jim Wilson of Wood Science & Engineering retired on May 1, 2003 after 29 years of service. "Jim Wilson is one of those people who is, in a sense, irreplaceable," says Tom McLain, department head."He has developed invaluable connections to the industry over the years and has an ability to relate to students, mentoring them most particularly in career counseling and placement." Wilson is continuing to work part-time on documenting the environmental performance of wood products and in commercializing non-destructive evaluation technology for wood utility poles.

Forestry Cabin—Home to Forestry Club, and Fernhoppers—Needs Your Help

Winter rains, nesting animals, hungry insects, roaring blazes in the fireplace, and year-round student and faculty activities place demands on the hardiest of buildings.The Forestry Cabin is beginning to show the wear of 53 years of steady use. Originally constructed as a student and alumni effort, we plan another joint effort to repair and revitalize the structure, so it can provide another 50 years of service to past, present and future students.

Club members recently prepared a list of needed and desired improvements to increase the life and functions of the cabin.Topping the list was a new roof and repairs to the water damaged bathrooms.The wish list also includes pest control, firebox repairs, replacement of rotting timbers, appliance upgrades, and the addition of userfriendly tables and chairs.

We invite alumni and friends to help refurbish this tradition-rich building. If you are already a donor to the College, you can choose the cabin as on option when you receive an appeal letter this fall. However, anyone can make a gift by sending a check to Marianne Barker at the OSU Foundation, 850 SW 35th, Corvallis, OR, 97333, or you can make a gift online at www.osufoundation.org. Please specify that your gift is for the Forestry Club Cabin.

Forestry Communications Group, Peavy Hall 256
Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 | (541) 737-4271
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