We encourage student attendance at the 2018 conference and offer the following resources to support student participation.
Poster Presentations
Students are encouraged to show posters as part of an early evening “poster pub,” held Friday Oct 12th, which enables interaction between poster presenters and the other conference attendees. No talks will be held during the poster session. To show a poster, submit an abstract by September 15th.
Student Awards
Prizes will be awarded to the top student poster and presenter, selected by judges for the oral presentations and by a people’s choice award for posters.
Conference Volunteering
Volunteering is an opportunity to interact with the conference organizers and attendees. Working as a volunteer is also a way for students to qualify for a grant (see below). There are a number of positions available for student volunteers such as registering attendees, assisting session moderators, or setting up rooms. Contact Jenn Anziano if you are interested in volunteering.
Grants
Student grants are available to help defray the cost of attending the conference. There are two categories of grants: registration fee waiver grants and travel grants. Eligible students may apply for and receive both grants. To be eligible, an applicant must be both: (1) a full-time student in the past or upcoming year, in high school, undergraduate, or graduate studies; and (2) contributing to the conference by presenting a talk/poster or by volunteering. Additionally, student membership of SER or CFE is required for grant awardees, but membership is not required to be considered for a grant. Contact Denise Burchsted if membership poses a financial hardship.
Many colleges and universities also provide funding for their students to attend conferences, especially if presenting a talk or poster. We encourage students to explore this additional avenue of support.
Click here to apply for one or both grants. The grant application will open on August 3, 2018. Applications received by September 15, 2018, will receive full consideration. Applications received after that date will be considered on a rolling basis until all funds have been awarded.
Lunchtime Discussion: “Demystifying the Profession”
We will have a panel discussion with a diverse group of restoration professionals and community advocates. The discussion will focus on the current profession of ecological restoration such as: the nature of the jobs currently available, ways that people have entered and currently are entering the profession, skills and credentials that are useful to pursue this type of work, and other suggestions for current students and other emerging professionals. Tools and resources will be provided such as those used for job searching, developing credentials, and growing a professional network.
If you have further questions on student involvement at the conference, please contact Denise Burchsted or Derrick Alcott.