SFM grad student resources

Sustainable Forest Management graduate student resources

OSU Office of Graduate Education resources
Sustainable Forest Management graduate program funding and scholarship information

In addition to the information provided above, funding and scholarship information specifically related to the College of Forestry is available.  

Sustainable Forest Management advising guides + degree checklists

 

Graduate student forms
  • Find all the forms you need through the Office of Graduate Education including change of term or major, leave of absence, petition for change in program, transfer credit request and more.
  • Program of Study information and deadlines
  • Petition for late change of registration
  • Department of Forest Engineering, Resources and Management (FERM) Annual Evaluation forms
    • Graduate Students and Graduate Employees (GRA/GTA) should complete annual evaluation forms with with their major professor or supervisor. Contact the graduate program coordinator for the latest version. Students who are employed on GTA and/or GRA appointments must complete at least one of each form annually. Graduate employees who TA should receive an evaluation from each supervisor for each term of work. In instances where performance does not meet expectations, additional paperwork may be required in the form of an Academic Performance Improvement Plan, a document signed by the student, their supervisor, and the department head.
Graduate Advisory Committee information

In consultation with their major professor, we recommend students establish a graduate advisory committee and develop a program of study during their second (M.F./M.S.) or third term (Ph.D.).

Program Assessment + Exam Rubrics

All graduate programs at Oregon State University report annually on their Graduate Learning Outcomes in an assessment report. Completion and review of exam rubrics is one measurement that the program uses to analyze student performance and learning.

At the preliminary oral exam (PhD only) and at the final exam (MF, MS, and PhD), the student's graduate committee will evaluate the achievement of program learning outcomes using the degree-specific rubric. Rubrics are to be returned to the FERM graduate program coordinator by the student's major professor following the exam.

NOTE: PhD students in the Sustainable Forest Management program have two options for the assessment of learning outcomes at the preliminary oral examination:

  1. The student and their committee may decide to conduct one meeting consisting of both the research proposal and preliminary oral examination. At the combined meeting, all preliminary exam program learning outcomes (1-9) are assessed. Committees should use the following rubric: Ph.D. Preliminary Combined Oral Exam rubric
  2. Alternatively, the student and their committee may decide to conduct two separate meetings: (1) Research Proposal Meeting to assess learning outcomes 1-5 and (3) Preliminary Oral Exam to assess the remaining learning outcomes 6-9. Rubrics for the separate meeting approach are provided below:
    Ph.D. Preliminary Exam - Research Proposal
    Ph.D. Preliminary Exam - Oral Exam

PhD students will also be evaluated on their achievement of program learning outcomes (1-10) at the PhD Final Exam. Committees should use the following rubric:

Completion of Sustainable Forest Management graduate program and exit process

Visit the OSU Office of Graduate Education's page for Current Students. 

Navigate to your degree type (Master vs. Doctoral) for a list of completion steps and deadlines.

Clear up any incomplete grades or other residual issues from past coursework or examinations.

Submit a diploma application: Diplomas are issued four times a year, at the end of each term. You must complete a diploma application form to receive your diploma. Your diploma will reflect degree awarded; your transcript will reflect academic major and degree awarded. SFM areas of concentration will not be visible on diploma or final transcript. Diplomas are available from the Registrar's Office approximately six weeks after the end of the term. Diplomas earned Spring term are available at Commencement.

Depending on date of defense in the Spring term, you will be able to participate in the Commencement ceremony, but your diploma may not be presented at the event. Confirm these final deadlines by referencing the Office of Graduate Education webpage or with your SFM Graduate Coordinator if concerned about diploma availability at Commencement.

Submit the digital program of study form to the Graduate School. Should you need to make revisions to your program after submission approval, utilize the Petition for Change in Program form. Finalize your presentation date, time, and meeting location with the SFM Graduate Program Coordinator as soon as possible. Those graduating Spring term should finalize this date at least two months prior to your planned defense date. 

Submit the online Exam Notification Form to the Graduate School no later than two weeks prior to your planned presentation.

Note: you should have your room reservation finalized with the SFM Graduate Program Coordinator prior to completing this online form.

Advertise your defense by contacting the SFM Graduate Program Coordinator for assistance. 

 Thesis and dissertation information

Submit the online electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD) Submission Form following completion of your exam. This requirement applies to thesis and doctoral students only; MF (non-thesis) graduates do not complete this process.

As soon as the defense is scheduled and/or completed, the FERM Department Head will request that the student complete an online exit survey. Responses may be discussed in an exit interview between the student and Department Head, if desired, to elaborate on their program and experiences in the department. This feedback is a critical part of FERM’s commitment to continuous improvement in its teaching efforts. 

Return all office, lab, and/or gate keys to the appropriate location. If unsure of where keys should be returned, check with the FERM Office (PFSC 216).