The College of Forestry has funding for undergraduate and graduate students who would like to participate in domestic* programs or activities which support their College of Forestry education, professional development and/or leadership experience. This includes conferences, workshops, seminars, or similar activities related to their area of study.

• Experiential learning awards are based on available program funding.
• ELF awards range between $500-$750.
• Funds can be used to cover expenses related to travel, lodging, and registration.

 Eligibility:

1. Must be enrolled in a College of Forestry undergraduate major** or graduate program of study.
   1. Proposals for the summer period (July 1 – September 30) do not require full-time enrollment, but students should be enrolled in at least 3 summer credits and 6 fall credits to be considered.
   2. Fall, winter and spring term applicants should be enrolled in at least 6 OSU credits.
2. Students from all OSU campuses (including Ecampus) are eligible to apply.
3. Students are eligible to receive one (1) Experiential Learning award per academic year (summer through spring).
4. Graduate students who apply for funding to attend a conference or convention must be presenting, either verbally or at a poster session, etc., This requirement is waived where presentations are not possible/applicable.
5. Please note that Experiential Learning Fund awards could impact financial aid. Student Services reports ELF awards to the Financial Aid office. It is a student's responsibility to contact the Financial Aid Office about the effects of accepting ELF awards before accepting.
6. You are encouraged to submit a propsal even if you have not yet been accepted to your program/activity or are not 100% sure you will participate. You are able to decline funds awarded to you, but late applications will not be accepted.

Post-award requirements:

1. Students selected to receive funding are required to sign a travel funds agreements, waiver of liability forms, and discuss disbursement options with the College of Forestry Student Services Office.
   1. Funds will be disbursed either through the Concur Travel and Expense system or directly to a student account with a zero balance.
2. Students who receive Experiential Leaning funds are required to:
   1. Submit a written statement within one month of the end date of the event/activity that addresses how the experience was beneficial to your education and professional development.
   2. Be willing to talk about your experiences with stakeholder groups, prospective students, and others members of the College.

How to apply:
For each participation period listed below, Student Services will announce a competitive proposal submission process and deadlines via an email to student ONID accounts. Complete and submit an Experiential Learning Program proposal form by the due date (see deadlines below). Incomplete, inaccurate, poorly developed, or late proposals will not be considered for funding. A sample budget is available here (xlsx).
 

2024-25 Experiential Learning Funds have been awarded and the appication is now closed.

Funds are awarded on a first come, first serve basis. Please submit a proposal form to be considered.

Please stop by or call Student Services (116 Peavy Forest Science Center; 541-737-1593) if you have questions or need additional information.

*We are able to fund domestic experiences only; please work with the CoF International Programs Office for study abroad, faculty led programs, or international internships.
**We are sorry that students with only a minor in the College of Forestry are not eligible for this funding.
*** The participation date or first day of formal participation occurs during this period. Please note your experience may extend beyond this period; however proposal due dates are based on when the FIRST day of participation occurs.