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SENR

School of Environment and Natural Resources

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FAQs

 Future Students
  1. How do I become a student in The School of Environment and Natural Resources (SENR)?
  2. How can I visit?
  3. I have questions about financial aid and scholarships, who can I contact?
  4. How do I apply for scholarships?
  5. When will I get information on orientation?
  6. When is orientation?
 Undergraduate Students

   Academic Advising FAQs

  1. How do I declare an ENR major?
  2. Is there a required GPA to get into SENR?
  3. How do I calculate/predict my GPA?
  4. How do I transfer my credits to The Ohio State University?
  5. How do I get a copy of my official transcript?
  6. How do I get a copy of my advising report?
  7. Where can I get a curriculum sheet for my SENR major?
  8. How can I run a degree audit?
  9. What is my online BuckeyeLink and what can I do with it?
  10. What is the minimum grade needed in order for a course to count toward my degree?
  11. What is the Grade Forgiveness Rule and am I eligible?
  12. How do I make an appointment with an SENR academic advisor?
  13. How do I make an appointment with my faculty mentor?
  14. What is a faculty mentor?
  15. Why can’t I schedule?
  16. What are add/drop deadlines?
  17. What if a class is full/there is a time conflict/I don’t have prerequisites?
  18. Can I substitute a course in my curriculum requirements?
  19. Who can help me with financial aid questions?
  20. Who can help me with ENR scholarship questions?
  21. How do I apply to the Honors Program, and what are the requirements?
  22. How do I change courses in my honors plan?
  23. Do I have to take Honors courses?
  24. How do I apply for graduation from SENR and what are the deadlines?
  25. What if I change my plan for courses after I submit my graduation application?
  26. How do I get credit for an internship experience?
  27. Where can I get information on SENR Global Education opportunities?
 Prospective Graduate Students
  1. How do I apply?
  2. What is the difference between the ENR Graduate Program and the Environmental Science Graduate Program?
  3. Is there a minimum GPA required for admission?
  4. My GPA is not on a 4.0 scale, am I still eligible to apply?
  5. Do I have to take the GRE?
  6. Do I need to have certain coursework prerequisites before I can apply?
  7. How can I visit?
  8. How many applications do you accept per year?
  9. What kind of financial assistance is available?
  10. How do I know when my application is complete?
  11. When will the Graduate Studies Committee make a decision about my application?
  12. I am an international student; is there a minimum English testing score required for admission?
 Current Graduate Students
  1. How do I get a copy of my official transcript?
  2. How do I get a copy of my advising report?
  3. Why can’t I schedule classes?
  4. What are add/drop deadlines?
  5. What if a class is full/there is a time conflict/I don’t have prerequisites?
  6. Can I earn a graduate minor?
  7. How do I apply for graduation and what are the deadlines?
Student Engagement and Resources
  1. How can I learn more about the kinds of student organizations at OSU?
  2. What student organizations are affiliated with SENR?
  3. Can I reserve a room in Kottman Hall for my student organization to meet?
  4. Is there a printing facility/computer lab open in Kottman Hall for students?
  5. How do I locate a professor's office?
Extension/Outreach
  1. How do I become involved in the Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Program?
  2. How can I join the Environmental Professionals Network (EPN)?

Submit an FAQ 

 

Future Students FAQs
  1. How do I become a student in SENR?

When you apply for admission to The Ohio State University,  indicate one of SENR’s 5 majors (Environmental Science; Environmental Policy and Decision Making; Environment, Economy, Development and Sustainability; Forestry, Fisheries & Wildlife; or Natural Resources Management). Once admitted to the university, you are automatically enrolled into SENR.
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  1.  How can I visit?

There are several ways you can visit ranging from virtual or in-person appointments with Esther DeBusk, our Undergraduate Recruitment Manager, to a full day visit across multiple units. Please view the Visit Us webpage or contact Esther DeBusk for more information on visits. 
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  1.  I have questions about financial aid and scholarships, who can I contact?

Dr. Pat Whittington, Assistant Dean in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences can assist you with any questions related to financial aid or scholarships.
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  1. How do I apply for scholarships?

Incoming freshmen are considered for merit based scholarships based on their admission application.  Incoming students (freshmen and transfer) may also apply for scholarships through the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.
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  1.  When will I get information on orientation?

For students who have paid their acceptance fee, orientation material is sent out on a rolling basis beginning in the spring. 
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  1. When is orientation?

Orientation dates vary from early June through early August. You will receive detailed instructions on when and where your orientation will be from the Orientation Office.
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Undergraduate FAQs
  1. How do I declare an ENR major?

Students should call (614)292-2265 to set up an appointment with an Academic Advisor regarding transferring into SENR.
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  1. Is there a required GPA to get into SENR?

Students must be in good academic standing (GPA above a 2.0) in order to be eligible to transfer into the SENR.
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  1. How do I calculate/predict my GPA?

OSU GPAs are calculated based on a points system for each letter grade. See our page on Grading for more information.
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  1. How do I transfer my credits to The Ohio State University?

Send an official transcript to the Transfer Credit Center and your credit will be evaluated and posted to your record.
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  1. How do I get a copy of my official transcript?

You can order an official transcript online through the Registrar’s website
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  1. How do I get a copy of my advising report?

Go to your student center (mybuckeyelink), under the “Academics” tab there is a “Generate Advising Report” link.
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  1. Where can I get a curriculum sheet for my SENR major?

Curriculum sheets can be found here.
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  1. How can I run a degree audit?

Go to your student center, under the “Academics” tab, there is a “DARSweb” link. More detail can be found on the Registrar’s website.
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  1. What is my online Buckeye Link and what can I do with it?  

“My Buckeye Link”  is your online "home base" during your academic career, where you can find important academic and financial records, schedule courses, and much more! Visit this link: https://buckeyelink.osu.edu/task/all/ss-ref-guide for more information and tutorials on how to use this page.

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  1. What is the minimum grade needed in order for a course to count toward my degree?

In order for a course to count in your degree program with SENR, you must receive a ‘D’ or higher. However, individual departments can impose stricter grading rules for students (usually ‘C-‘ or better) in order to move onto the next course in a sequence. For example, if you earn a ‘D’ in Math 1148, credit for 1148 will be applied to your degree, but you will not be allowed to enroll in Chem 1210 because a ‘C-‘ or better in Math 1148 is required. You can check a course’s prerequisite requirements by performing a Course Catalog Search through the Registrar’s website.
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  1. What is the Grade Forgiveness Rule and am I elligible?

The University's new Grade Forgiveness Rule (effective since Autumn 2015) permits students to petition to repeat up to three courses in which they originally received a poor grade. The grade received in the repeat of the course replaces the original grade (even if the repeat grade is lower). More information on the Grade Forgiveness Rule, eligibility, and how to petition, can be found HERE. The petition form can be found HERE.
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  1. How do I make an appointment with an SENR academic advisor?

We use Microsoft Bookings to schedule Academic and Career Advising Appointments. To schedule an academic advising appointment click here. To schedule a career advising appointment click here.
You also may all call the main SENR office at (614) 292-2265 to set up an appointment with an academic advisor.

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  1. How do I make an appointment with my faculty mentor?

Faculty handle their own schedules. You can contact them by e-mail or phone to set up an appointment.  The faculty directory can be found here.
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  1. What is a faculty mentor?

Faculty mentors are specialized within your major and can offer valuable guidance. Faculty mentors are typically assigned to students at the end of their first year and only after a specialization has been chosen.  Contact us for more information on being assigned a faculty mentor.
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  1. Why can’t I schedule?

Generally, a student is unable to schedule due to a hold on their account. This could be due to fees, academic warning, an incomplete financial responsibility statement, etc. If you are unsure why you have a hold or how to get it removed, contact us at (614) 292-2265.
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  1. What are add/drop deadlines?

Up until the first Friday of the semester, you can add courses through online registration.  Up until the second Friday of the semester, you can add courses using a course enrollment permission form.  After the second Friday of the semester, courses may only be added through petition and will incur a late fee.

Up until the fourth Friday of the semester, you can drop a course through online registration.  After the fourth Friday, you must come into 210 Kottman Hall in order to drop a course.  You will receive a grade of W on your record for the course, indicating that you withdrew.  After the tenth Friday, courses cannot be dropped.  
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  1. What if a class is full/there is a time conflict/I don’t have prerequisites?

These issues can all be addressed by getting an instructor signature on a course enrollment permission slip.
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  1. Can I substitute a course in my curriculum requirements?

Changes to your curriculum require meeting with an academic advisor and your faculty mentor.  A course change petition form is submitted to request the change.
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  1. Who can help me with financial aid questions?

Dr. Pat Whittington, Assistant Dean in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences can assist you with any questions related to financial aid or scholarships.
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  1. Who can help me with ENR scholarship questions?

Contact Renee Johnston with questions related to your ENR scholarships.
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  1. How do I apply to the Honors program, and what are the requirements?

The process of applying to the Honors program varies depending on how you were admitted to the university, details can be found here.
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  1. How do I change courses in my honors plan?

Changes to your honors plan can be requested through a revision of honors study program form.
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  1. Do I have to take Honors courses?

Your honors study program needs to include a minimum of six honors or honors embedded courses.  Study abroad (at least six weeks in length) may be substituted for an honors course if it has relevance to your program of study.  Upper division courses (4000 level and above) may also be substituted for honors courses.
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  1. How do I apply for graduation from SENR and what are the deadlines?

The SENR graduation application can be found here.

Spring Semester Deadline:  1st Friday of previous autumn semester

Summer Semester Deadline:  1st Friday of previous spring semester

Autumn Semester Deadline:  1st Friday of previous spring semester 

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  1. What if I change my plan for courses after I submit my graduation application?

Please notify Renee Johnston of any changes you make to your schedule of classes after you have applied to graduate.  Changes that are not documented and/or verified could change your eligibility for graduation. 

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  1. How do I get credit for an internship experience?

Students may earn 1-2 semester hours for professional work experience.  These credits may be used as electives or as specialization credits with faculty advisor approval.  Learn more here.

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  1. Where can I get information on SENR Global Education opportunities?

A good starting point for information on Global Education opportunities is Cheryl Walter and check out the Education Abroad page.

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Prospective Graduate Students FAQs
  1. How do I apply?

The application process varies slightly depending on to which degree you determine is the best fit for your goals and interests. See information under Graduate/Prospective Students for more information about our degrees.

When you apply for admission online at the Graduate Admissions website, you will be asked to select a term for admission and then you may select one of the three degree programs in the ENR Graduate Program (MENR, MS, PhD).
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  1. What is the difference between the ENR Graduate Program and the Environmental Science Graduate Program?

The Environment and Natural Resources Graduate Program (ENRGP) is a multidisciplinary program administered by the Graduate Studies Committee made up of faculty representing the seven areas of specialization in the School of Environment and Natural Resources (SENR) with students from a wide variety of undergraduate majors. Each of the three degree programs has a small number of core courses with most of the coursework being at the discretion of the student and advisor. While most ENRGP students primarily take graduate coursework in SENR, any graduate level course in the university that is appropriate to the project/research interests, subject to the advisor's approval, may be included in the Program of Study or taken in addition to the coursework listed on the Program of Study.

The Environmental Science Graduate Program (ESGP) is an "interdisciplinary" graduate program not housed in a particular department or school and is administered by the Graduate Studies Committee made up of representative faculty from over 22 departments and colleges including the School of Environment and Natural Resources.  Applicants are expected to have taken at least one course in calculus, physics, biology, and chemistry.  Students take a core course from each of the following three areas:  (1) engineering and physical science, (2) biological sciences, (3) social science and policy.  ESGP students advised by SENR faculty take coursework in SENR as well as other graduate level courses in the university that is appropriate to the project/research interests, subject to the advisor's approval.  See the ESGP website for more information.
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  1. Is there a minimum GPA required for admission?

The Graduate School requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale to qualify for regular admission; conditional admission for low GPA is considered by individual graduate programs subject to the approval of the Graduate School. The ENR Graduate Program considers all applicants individually and does not have a minimum “automatic cut off” for a particular GPA.

Funding is a separate decision from admission. Funding is very competitive and varies by individual. In order to be considered for fellowship nomination, the  cumulative undergraduate GPA should be 3.6 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

When you apply for admission online at the Graduate Admissions website, you will be asked to select a term for admission and then you may select one of the three degree programs in the ENR Graduate Program (MENR, MS, PhD).
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  1. My GPA is not on a 4.0 scale, am I still eligible to apply?

Yes, the Graduate Admissions Office evaluates all scales and often can determine a rough estimate to a 4.0 scale for the Graduate Studies Committee to consider when reviewing applications.
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  1. Do I have to take the GRE?

GRE scores are not required for a final admissions decision or for competitive funding. For MS and PhD applicants, individual faculty members who find GRE scores useful may request to see these scores when deciding whether to commit to be an applicant’s advisor, and applicants are welcome to share their scores with prospective faculty advisors if desired. However, GRE scores are not considered in nominating students for competitive funding.
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  1. Do I need to have certain coursework prerequisites before I can apply?

Students enter the program from a wide array of undergraduate majors. While undergraduate coursework in college math or statistics, physical sciences, biological sciences, social sciences, English or communication, and humanities classes are strongly encouraged, it is often at the discretion of the individual faculty advisor to determine if prerequisite coursework is needed prior to beginning or is taken during the graduate program.
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  1. How can I visit?

Visits are strongly encouraged! Graduate program visits are arranged individually.

Depending on which degree you plan to apply to and the timing of your visit, it is best to include at least one member of the faculty, as well as current graduate students in your area of interest, sitting in on an appropriate graduate level class, and meeting with the SENR Graduate Program Coordinator. Due to faculty teaching, research, and travel schedules, it is best to directly contact the faculty member you wish to meet with in order to find a mutually agreeable date and time. Once the date is determined, contact the SENR Graduate Program Coordinator to assist in planning the rest of your visit. 
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  1. How many applications do you accept per year?

The ENR Graduate Program does not have cap on admission for any of its degrees. The MENR admits an average of 2-30 students per year. The MS and PhD admission varies depending on the availability of faculty to take on new advisees (varies by faculty member and year).
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  1. What kind of financial assistance is available?

Funding available varies widely by individual student and time of year. Depending on which degree you plan to apply to, funding may come from The Ohio State University, the student, or an external source, such as an employer, scholarship opportunities, educational loans, or sponsors like governments and Fulbright. Some funding covers both tuition costs and a monthly stipend but not necessarily other costs of graduate education such as research, study supplies, and travel. Only admitted students are eligible to be considered for funding from The Ohio State University.

Most university and SENR funding is very competitive and often awarded to only a small percentage of applicants. April 15 is the national deadline for students to consider and accept or decline funding awards from most graduate programs at US institutions. Students are strongly encouraged to request notification and details of funding awards in writing since not all institutions offer identical funding.

MENR students should seek out external sources of funding; occasionally Graduate Administrative Associate (GAA) positions at university offices like the libraries and the RPAC become available. Funding for costs of the final project are available from SENR.

All admitted MS and PhD students are considered for university fellowships, SENR Graduate Teaching Associateships (GTA), and/or Graduate Research Associateships (GRA) within SENR. The Ohio State University fellowships and SENR GTA positions are very competitive, often awarded to the top 10% of applicants depending on GPA, GRE scores, and mutual fit between the student, advisor, and the graduate program. The deadline for priority consideration for The Ohio State University fellowships and SENR GTA positions is January 7. Between January and April, faculty may receive grant funding for GRA positions that they can award at their discretion depending on availability of funds and skills/experience needed. Funding for research and travel may come from the faculty advisor and/or competitive grants. Depending on availability of funds, approximately 20-40 incoming MS and PhD admitted applicants are awarded various funding “packages.” If funding is not available, MS and PhD students should seek out external sources of funding.
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  1. How do I know when my application is complete?

When you check your Applicant Center at http://appstatus.osu.edu/ "incomplete" items have not been received and logged in yet; "completed" items have been received and logged manually by OSU staff. Please note that only the Graduate Admissions Office has control over the transcript and GRE checklist items; they receive a high volume of items and may take several business days to process items. The SENR Graduate Program Coordinator has control over the letters of recommendation, statement, and resume. If you are concerned about the receipt of any items, please check your Applicant Center first and then contact the SENR Graduate Program Coordinator.
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  1. When will the Graduate Studies Committee make a decision about my application?

After all application materials are submitted, SENR faculty member(s) preview the materials. For MENR applicants, it is the MENR program director; for MS and PhD applicants, it is the potential faculty advisor. If acceptable, the faculty member(s) inform the SENR Graduate Program Coordinator to submit the completed application materials to the ENR Graduate Studies Committee for review and a decision.

The ENR Graduate Studies Committee meets every few weeks during Autumn and Spring semesters and regularly reviews applications. Once a decision is made, applicants are informed by the SENR Graduate Program Coordinator via email; the Graduate Admissions Office follows up with the official letter of admission which states conditions or provisions of admission, if any, that may need to be met.

International applicants can only be recommended for admission. The admission is not finalized until all financial documents are received and reviewed by the Graduate Admissions Office.
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  1. I am an international student; is there a minimum English testing score required for admission?

Yes, please see the minimums stated under Prospective Graduate Students. Only applicants who meet the specified exceptions are permitted to waive the English test requirement. Strong applicants should have TOEFL IBT scores in the high 90s or 100s. Occasionally applicants who fall below the minimum scores are conditionally admitted with the requirement that they must apply, be admitted, and attend an intensive English program and meet the minimum scores prior to beginning the graduate program.
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Current Graduate Student FAQs
  1. How do I get a copy of my official transcript?

You can order an official transcript online through the Registrar’s website
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  1. How do I get a copy of my advising report?

Go to your Student Center, under the “Academics” tab there is a “Generate Advising Report” link.
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  1. Why can’t I schedule classes?

Generally, a student is unable to schedule due to a hold on their account. This could be due to fees, academic warning, an incomplete financial responsibility statement, etc. Click the links under the “Holds” section in your Student Center to see which office you should contact to resolve the hold on your account. If you have questions, contact the SENR Graduate Program Coordinator.
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  1. What are add/drop deadlines?

Up until the first Friday of the semester, you can add courses through online registration. Up until the second Friday of the semester, you can add courses using a course enrollment permission form.  After the second Friday of the semester, courses may only be added through petition and will incur a late fee.

Up until the fourth Friday of the semester, you can drop a course through online registration. After the fourth Friday, you must come into 210 Kottman Hall in order to drop a course. You will receive a grade of W for the course, indicating that you withdrew. After the tenth Friday, courses cannot be dropped.

It is strongly recommended that you add before you drop. If you have questions, contact the SENR Graduate Program Coordinator.
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  1. What if a class is full/there is a time conflict/I don’t have prerequisites?

Using your Buckeyemail, contact the course instructor to request permission to enroll. Once received, forward the instructor’s email to the SENR Graduate Program Coordinator for assistance with manual enrollment.
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  1. Can I earn a graduate minor?

Yes, degree-seeking students may pursue an approved graduate minor that is outside of their graduate program. SENR students are encouraged to consult with their faculty advising after reviewing the listing on the Graduate.
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  1. How do I apply for graduation and what are the deadlines?

Graduation forms and information are available under Current Students and on the Graduate School website. Please contact the SENR Graduate Program Coordinator for assistance.
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Student Engagement and Resources FAQs
  1. How can I learn more about the kinds of student organizations at The Ohio State University?

The Ohio Union is the heart of student organizations here at the university.  You will find a listing for every student organization on their website here.  You will also find information about Greek Life and other great resources for getting involved in agriculture and natural resources related organizations here.
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  1. What student organizations are affiliated with SENR?

The School of Environment and Natural Resources hosts a variety of academic related student organizations that will help you build your technical skills as well as giving you an opportunity to network with professionals in the field.  You can find a list of the SENR student organizations here..
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  1. Can I reserve a room in Kottman Hall for my student organization to meet?

Yes, call SENR's front desk at (614) 292-2265 to identify and reserve a meeting space.  Student organizations also have a large number of resources available through the Ohio Union.  Registered organizations can participate in officer training, apply for funding, reserve meeting space in the Union, and more.  Ohio Union resources can be found here.
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  1. Is there a printing facility/computer lab open in Kottman Hall for students?

There is a computer lab, but use of it is restricted to scheduled classes.  One of the nearest printing facilities is the Agricultural Administration library.
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  1. How do I locate a professor's office?

SENR maintains a directory of current faculty, staff, lecturers and graduate student offices and phone numbers on its' website.  View the directory here.
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Extension/Outreach FAQs
  1. How can I join the Environmental Professionals Network (EPN)?

To join the Environmental Professionals Network (EPN) first first complete the user account Registration Form. You will receive an email with a password and one-time login link. Once you login, you can update your profile from the username link in the upper-right corner. Choose My Account, and then Edit my profile from the right sidebar.  Learn more about Getting Started here.  

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