Student Resources

Student Resources

Western Section supports students through programs:

Western Section Event Volunteer Opportunities:
Are you a student that would you like to attend Western Section workshops and conferences but can t afford to pay the registration? There are volunteer opportunities that will waive the registration fee or offer support for hard-working student volunteers. If there is an upcoming event that you would like to volunteer at contact the Student Affairs Committee Chairs to see what oppotrunities are available.

Student Travel Grants:
In pursuit of the objective to encourage high standards of professional achievement, the Western Section has established an honoraria fund to assist students’ participation in professional meetings, conferences, symposia and other continuing education activities. The Western Section offers Travel Grants up to $300 to eligibile students to attend Wildlife Society events and, on occasion, other wildlife related activities. For more information please see the Scholarship and Grants section.

Wildlife Society 101:
The Student Affairs Committee has recruited representatives to inform colleges about the Western Section and The Wildlife Society as a whole. This includes a presentation called Wildlife Society 101 . This presentation focuses on a general introduction to the Wildlife Society, what services the Society provides for students (i.e. grants and awards), local wildlife issues, and contact information. If you are interested in bringing Wildlife Society 101 to your college please contact the Student Affairs Committee chairs.

Job Application Resources:

Resume Workshops
Resumes are extremely important as it might be a student’s first impression to an employer. Many people new to the application process do not know the differences between government and private resumes, when to apply, or how to find jobs. This workshop brings wildlife professionals and students together. Workshops include a brief presentation focusing on pertinent information, and provide students who sign up for time slots to meet with two local professionals that comment on ways to improve their resumes. Resume workshops are typically scheduled during the Western Section Annual Meeting. Please visit the Events page for more information on upcoming conferences and workshops.

Quiz Bowl
One of the most exciting events for students is the annual Quiz Bowl tournament held at the National TWS Conference. In addition to being a highly competitive event, the Quiz Bowl allows students to socialize and network with other student participants from around the country. The competition is single elimination style, played against other student teams, with questions related to knowledge of wildlife. Questions involve biology, taxonomy, ecology, conservation policies, management techniques, wildlife damage management, geology, biometrics, international wildlife conservation, pathology and general wildlife trivia.  The Western Section is proud to have the Humboldt Student Chapter as a fierce competitor at every National Annual Conference.

Student Chapters:
UC Davis
Faculty advisors:
Dirk Van Vireun, John Eadie

Humboldt State
Faculty advisor: Dr. Mark Colwell
Conclave Advisor: Dr. Rick Brown

UC Santa Barbara
Faculty advisor: Frank Davis

Cal Poly SLO Wildlife Club
Faculty advisor: John Perrine, jperrine@calpoly.edu

Want to start a student chapter at your school?
In order to start a student chapter there must be at least ten, dues-paying TWS members who are full-time students from a college or university, a faculty advisor or advisors, and an approved (by The Wildlife Society Council) set of bylaws created for chapter conduct. Before trying to start a chapter you should seek the support of the Student Affairs Committee and your local chapter.