{"id":734,"date":"2018-01-03T12:02:27","date_gmt":"2018-01-03T20:02:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/?p=734"},"modified":"2024-04-02T14:35:47","modified_gmt":"2024-04-02T21:35:47","slug":"dawn-marie-gaid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/dawn-marie-gaid\/","title":{"rendered":"Behind the scenes with Dawn Marie Gaid, environmental sciences academic advisor"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/h2>\n
\"Dawn

Environmental sciences academic advisor Dawn Marie Gaid, pictured above, often uses video conferencing systems to work with online students she advises.<\/p><\/div>\n

A two-time alumna of Oregon State University, Dawn Marie Gaid<\/a> knows firsthand what it\u2019s like to be an Oregon State student. And since 2009, she has enjoyed sharing that knowledge with current students, helping them on their individual paths to success. Dawn Marie works as an academic advisor in the environmental sciences<\/a> online undergraduate program, where she assists distance students with decisions concerning personal educational goals that lead to graduation.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

By\u00a0Heather Doherty<\/a>
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

Briefly describe your role as an Ecampus academic advisor.<\/h3>\n

\u201cIn general, I see myself as a \u2018guide on the side\u2019 in helping students navigate themselves toward their academic\/career goals (similar to the advising maxim \u2018I advise, you decide\u2019). Otherwise, my primary role is to ensure the student meets degree requirements, though I often provide student success and career planning support. As an Ecampus advisor, I also aim to help our online students feel a strong connection to the university, the college and their program, given the nature of distance learning.\u201d<\/p>\n

What made you decide to get into this field of study?<\/h3>\n

\u201cI grew up in the Pacific Northwest with a father who was a professional forester with the United States Forest Service. After many years working in the private sector in cable television sales\/marketing (without a degree), I made the decision to \u2018reinvent myself\u2019 to align my work more closely with my values while also making myself more marketable.<\/p>\n

“Unsurprisingly, I returned to my roots by pursuing an undergraduate degree in natural resources at OSU, and later a Master of Public Policy at OSU with an environmental emphasis. The combination of my academic credentials in natural resources and environmental policy along with my prior work\/life experiences allowed me to gain entry into the professional advising arena. This has opened up many new avenues of interest for me in student services, including distance learning and student success.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Dawn

Dawn Marie’s advice to students: \u201cFind a way to explore or make your major relevant in every course you take. Study abroad if you are able \u2013 it could be a life-changing experience. Connect with faculty in meaningful ways every term. Make yourself notable so reference requests are easy to make, and your name is top of mind when opportunities arise.”<\/p><\/div>\n

How can earning an undergraduate degree in environmental sciences help students in their careers?<\/h3>\n

\u201cThe career pathway an ENSC undergraduate takes may vary depending on their chosen specialization within the major. Careers in the environmental sciences often involve research or support of research activities, as well as regulatory, management, policy and public education activities related to a range of environmental and resource management issues.<\/p>\n

“Undergraduates go on to work in federal, state and local land management and planning agencies or legislative bodies enacting laws\/policies, non-governmental organizations and private firms. Others continue on to graduate school, law school or pursue careers in teaching.\u201d<\/p>\n

Environmental sciences is a very hands-on career path. Describe the ways in which the online learning environment prepares students for hands-on experience in the future.<\/h3>\n

\u201cA number of courses in the ENSC curriculum include hands-on components \u2013 some use computer technology to demonstrate competency with specific instrumentation (e.g. \u2018virtual\u2019 labs in chemistry), others require purchase of \u2018kits\u2019 that allow for experimentation at home (e.g. biology), while others require data collection or sampling in the field locally (e.g. soils course).<\/p>\n

“Additionally, in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, we value experiential learning and have included a 3-credit requirement that requires students apply their knowledge in a real-world setting. An approved internship, research or study abroad experience is preferred, though several online \u2018applied methods\u2019 courses are available for students who have limitations completing one of the other options.<\/p>\n

What would you say is the most fascinating aspect of this field of study?<\/h3>\n

\u201cFrom my perspective, the intersection\/conflict between the science of the environment and the science of people is the most fascinating. For example, policies enacted do not always reflect public demands, and what people say they want is oftentimes not reflected in how they act. With their interdisciplinary training in the natural sciences and social sciences, an ENSC student is uniquely poised to act as a bridge between these two worlds. This could not be more important right now in terms of policies and politics, both nationally and globally.\u201d<\/p>\n

“<\/span>Your advisor is here to assist. Do not be afraid or embarrassed to reach out for help \u2013 it is easier to help when an issue is timely, rather than crisis management after the fact.”<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

How do you build a genuine connection with students who, in many cases, you’ll never meet in person?<\/h3>\n

\u201cI encourage regular interactions as I feel these are key in developing a strong connection. The length of time a student is in the program also has an influence on the depth of the relationship \u2013 some students take five or six years to complete their degree, so you can really get to know them.<\/p>\n

“Since I conduct most of my advising appointments over the phone, I think tone of voice can really make a difference in how a student engages. I oftentimes use humor to put students at ease, and share personal experiences if I feel they are relevant \u2013 this helps them share more openly and, in doing so, allows me to give better advice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Are there any common questions or themes you hear from students? If so, what are they, and what do you tell them?<\/h3>\n

\u201cProbably the two most common questions are, \u2018How do my transfer credits apply?\u2019 and \u2018What can I do with this major?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cMore than 90% of online ENSC students are transfer students \u2013 some who bring in a significant number of transfer credits \u2013 so the first question is usually related to what can be used toward the degree, and the answers vary as each student\u2019s evaluation is unique.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost students self-select into ENSC without talking to someone from Ecampus first. Because there are several science-related degrees in a cluster with ENSC, one of the first conversations we have is about major fit. It is important to make sure they are aligned with the right major from the start, if possible, and a discussion about the basic science and math requirements is central to this \u2013 math in particular \u2013 as this is a \u2018make-or-break\u2019 sequence.”<\/p>\n

What advice would you like to give to students?<\/h3>\n

\u201cYour advisor is here to assist. Do not be afraid or embarrassed to reach out for help \u2013 it is easier to help when an issue is timely, rather than crisis management after the fact.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo slow to go fast. Know the tools and rules early on, so you can respond rather than react in situation. Do not jump ahead too quickly to the \u2018fun\u2019 courses in the major. Focus on building a strong foundation with the basic science and math sequences. Do not avoid your math!<\/p>\n

\u201cFind a way to explore or make your major relevant in every course you take. Study abroad if you are able \u2013 it could be a life-changing experience. Connect with faculty in meaningful ways every term. Make yourself notable so reference requests are easy to make, and your name is top of mind when opportunities arise.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo not avoid your math! (Did I already say that?)\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

<\/span> 5<\/span> minute read<\/span><\/span>\u201cBecause this major aligns with my values, I find it easy to cheerlead any student dedicated to the mission of protecting\/conserving the environment,” says environmental sciences academic advisor Dawn Marie Gaid.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":735,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[673],"tags":[638,288,146],"class_list":["post-734","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-archives","tag-conservation-and-natural-sciences","tag-environmental-economics-and-policy","tag-environmental-sciences"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Dawn-Marie-Main.jpg?fit=638%2C410&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7BNSE-bQ","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2033,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/advisors-help-overcome-doubt\/","url_meta":{"origin":734,"position":0},"title":"As an online learner, self-doubt is no match for your academic advisor","author":"Tyler Hansen","date":"June 1, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"The self-doubt that Ashley Hatleberg felt while pursuing a degree online with Oregon State put her in good company. 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