Graduate Residency:

in Environmental Education, Details

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

We believe that people learn best through active participation. The GREE program is designed to offer students an opportunity to study and learn in small classes which emphasize discussion, not lecture, while being actively involved in the many aspects of a private, non-profit outdoor environmental education organization. The program also utilizes the resources and expertise of the Moab community; it is the individual student's responsibility to take advantage of these varied learning experiences.

CFI’s focus for teaching is that people learn best by doing, and by actively participating in all aspects of a program. This graduate education program is designed to put that philosophy into action — students broaden their own perspectives on how people learn, explore the world around them, and learn to understand how we fit into nature’s grand scheme.

We are committed to maintaining a collegial, tutorial atmosphere. Six to ten students are accepted each fall allowing for a small student-to-instructor ratio. During the first semester, students are mainly involved in classes, with some introductory practice teaching. In the second semester, the class load lightens as practice teaching and program planning responsibilities increase with middle school, high school, and adult groups in a variety of single-day and multi-day land and river programs. An optional Wilderness First Responder course is offered each February (required for those not currently certified).

There are numerous field trips, including trips to Arches, Canyonlands and Mesa Verde National Parks, Navajo Mountain/Rainbow Bridge on the Navajo Reservation in Utah/Arizona; La Sal and Abajo Mountains, and on the Green, Colorado and San Juan Rivers. Graduate students will learn river rafting skills (class I–III rivers) including rescue techniques, guide and outfitter operations, and complete Utah Guide I licensing requirements. Students will attend one professional conference each year.

PROGRAM GOALS

• Develop strong leaders who can promote care of natural and cultural resources through education, tourism and management.
• Train teachers and researchers in environmental education, with specific emphasis on the Colorado Plateau.
• Teach the skills necessary to becoming competent instructors and guides in the backcountry of the Colorado Plateau.
• Explore alternatives to traditional methods of teaching.
• Develop interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Promote understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of the natural environment and cultural heritage of the Colorado Plateau.

FALL SEMESTER

• Colorado Plateau Field Studies (12 credits)
  (Incorporates geologic history, desert ecology, riparian ecology, cultural history, public lands management and issues, river, hiking and van field trips).

SPRING SEMESTER

• The Naturalist Within: Wildlands Values, Literature and Writing (4 credits)
• Teaching and Learning in the Field (2 credits)
• Nature Tourism: Seminar and Practicum (2 credits)
• Teaching in the Field Practicum (4 credits)
  _______________________________________________________

• Wilderness medicine/CPR courses available in regional during scheduled winter and spring breaks from this residency. This time is allowed for students who need to take these courses on own (additional fees). Current CPR and minimum of advanced first aid/emergency response certifications required for spring field work to start March 15.

PARTNER UNIVERSITY

For this residency program, credits are earned through Utah State University. Students do not need to be accepted into a graduate program in order to participate in the GREE program.

To assist in certain types of student loans or other government financial aid through the university, students should be concurrently enrolled at USU, either accepted into graduate school or enrolled for a second baccalaureate degree. For further information on contact our USU liaison below:

Dr. Steve Burr
Utah State University
Institute for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism
5220 Old Main Hill
Logan, Utah 84322-5220
Office: (435) 797-7094
FAX: (435) 797-4040
swburr@cc.usu.edu

WHO SHOULD APPLY

The ideal student for this program will have a background and/or interest to pursue one of the following areas: education, biology, anthropology, archaeology, ecology, geology, or environmental studies. Additionally, he or she will have an interest, or be considering a career in: environmental education; outdoor education; science education; non-profit educational organizations; interpretive work; and/or natural resource management.

We are looking for individuals with leadership potential and a strong commitment towards teaching. We seek students who are emotionally mature and have the ability to do work that is academically, physically, and socially demanding. Generally we receive between 10 and 25 formal applications for a minimum of six positions and maximum of 12 positions per academic year. Our grad students often use their residency to further clarify career goals and actively investigate graduate school options.

TUITION IS $9,000

Upon acceptance into the program, a non-refundable $1,000 deposit is required. Balance of payment is due the first week of classes in September. Fees include instruction costs, some materials, academic credit at Utah State University, field trips, river skills and rescue training and participation in one professional conference. Students make their own arrangement for housing in Moab and provide most of their own meals. Textbook fees are additional.

FACULTY

Members include:

Karla VanderZanden, Director
Ms. VanderZanden cofounded CFI in 1984. She has worked as a resource specialist/instructor, environmental education specialist, field naturalist, river ranger and freelance river guide. She holds an M.S. in Recreation Resources/Education from the College of Natural Resources at Utah State University and undergraduate degrees in Education and Recreation. She has extensive experience in program design, outfitter operations, business administration and marketing and takes an active, personal role in mentoring each GREE student.

Tim Graham, Ph.D.
Dr. Graham is currently a research ecologist with National Biological Service in Moab. He has worked as a biologist on the Colorado Plateau for twenty years, and taught desert and pothole ecology with CFI since 1985. He holds a Ph.D. in ecology and biology from Utah State University.

Tamsin McCormick, Ph.D.,
Dr. McCormick received a Ph.D. in geology from Arizona State University in 1984. Prior to joining CFI as faculty with the river program in 1995, she had ten years of experience in research and teaching at the University of Colorado at Boulder. She also serves as Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Forest Resources, Utah State University.

Richard Valdez, Ph.D.
Dr. Valdez has worked in the Colorado River Basin since 1968. He recently completed a six-year study in the Grand Canyon and is a contributing author in Embracing the Colorado River. He has worked with the Upper Basin Recovery Program since its inception in 1989. He also has authored over 100 publications and reports on streams and rivers of the western United States. Dr. Valdez is a frequent lecturer and has taught riparian courses for CFI over the past 10 years.

Steve Burr, Ph.D.
Dr. Burr is currently an Associate Professor of Recreation Resources and Director of the Institute for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism at Utah State University. Before receiving a Ph.D. in Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Studies from Penn State University in 1994, Dr. Burr worked professionally for many years in organized camping and outdoor education. Current areas of interest and research include natural resource-based recreation and tourism, community tourism development, and sustainable tourism development. CFI's Utah State University Contact.

GUEST FACULTY include well-known Colorado Plateau authors, naturalists, anthropologists, agency managers, eco-tour business and Native American leaders.

GREE ALUMNI

A glimpse at a few of our graduates demonstrates how the GREE program can launch your environmental education career or studies.

Martha Allen
• Completed a master’s in Environmental Studies with emphasis in Creative Writing at the University of Montana and now working as a Biologist for the Shoshone-Paiute tribes in Nevada.

Derrick Baldwin
Began work for the Bureau of Land Management in Colorado as an Environmental Education specialist; following a year with CFI as lead instructor and marketing coordinator.

Jill Baxter
• Purchased forested acreage in Canada and has started her own Environmental Education retreat center.

Greg Benton
• Completing a master’s in Park and Recreation Management and teaching certification at Indiana University.

John Geiger
• Completed a master's degree in Natural Resources at Utah State University and has returned to work as CFI's Program Coordinator.

Pat Mangan
• US Forest Service Educator of the Year 2003 for the Alaska Region and is completing a masters degree in Agricultural Education in Montana.

Cari Militano
• Completed a master's degree in Natural Resources at Utah State University and now works as Director of the non-profit organization, Youth Garden Project, in Moab.

Heather Scheel
• Works as Program Manager for Utah Society for Environmental Education.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can the credits earned be applied towards a master’s degree?
Graduate credit for courses in the GREE program are awarded through Utah State University, Logan Utah. Students earn 24 graduate-level semester credits during their two semester program at CFI. Acceptance into the GREE program does not imply acceptance into USU, and students must apply directly to USU and plan on spending additional time attending the University to complete their degree. Approximately 21 of the credits earned in the CFI program may be applied towards an M.S. degree in USU's Department of Environment and Society. For universities other than USU, students must apply separately to the university of their choice in order to complete the requirements for a master’s degree.

Please contact our Utah State University liaison listed above under "Partner University" for specific information on degree and certificate options and the process for applying for graduate school.

Other universities will allow students to petition for some of the credit earned at USU to be transferred and applied towards their course requirements for a graduate degree. Since this depends on university policies, and commonly on approval by the student’s graduate advisory committee, students should work directly with their school of choice to determine the number and type of credits that can be transferred. Typically, students have been able to transfer an average of 9-12 credits.

What transportation needs will I have?
There is no public transportation in Moab and very limited transportation between Moab and Salt Lake City. The nearest city with a well-served commercial airport is Grand Junction, Colorado, approximately 100 miles from Moab. Although a bicycle will get you around Moab, you will need a car to travel to some practicum teaching sites near town.

What stipends and financial aid are available?
All GREE students will be enrolled in work study and paid as employees. Pay is taxed and allows for workman’s compensation insurance coverage.

CFI has some limited tuition waiver scholarships, awarded on a merit basis (typical scholarship waivers are $500). Students in work study positions will earn approximately $200-300/month during fall semester, and $300-500 in spring semester.

Students are advised to apply for other grants if they have financial need. US Bank offers loans for non-traditional programs. Student federal loans are usually available only to matriculated students. Students wishing to apply to Utah State University Graduate School should initiate the process six to nine months in advance including the taking of Graduate Record Exams. (Note: GRE exam scores are NOT required for application to the CFI Graduate Residency program). Students may enroll for a second bachelors degree to qualify for federal student loans.

What computer and library facilities are available?
CFI has some PC’s available for student use, with Windows-based word processing and office software, Internet access and email. However, students may wish to bring their own if they want computer access at their residence. CFI maintains a modest library, and students can also obtain library materials from the main USU library in Logan, through Interlibrary Loan.

What about housing?
Students are responsible for providing their own room and board in Moab. There are usually a variety of roommate, apartment, small house or trailer rentals available. Average costs range from $200–$300 per bedroom per month. Students provide for their own meals in their living quarters except when on CFI programs.

What about health insurance?
Students need to provide their own health/accident insurance coverage. While on CFI duties, students are covered for work related injuries.

Can I get a job in Moab?
The schedule for the GREE program during the fall and spring is variable and demanding. Having outside employment on a regular basis would be difficult.

What about pets?
Pets are not allowed on CFI programs or property with the exception being the Navajo Mountain hiking/packstock support service trip. You will need to make arrangements to care for your pet while you are in the field on overnight trips (mostly in April and May).

What about alcohol and smoking?
CFI operates in smoke-free environments including our facilities, camp and on trips. Alcohol is not allowed while working on student programs; moderate alcoholic consumption is allowed on CFI adult and family trips. Illegal drugs are not allowed at any time while on CFI program status or on property (carried on person, stored or used) which includes marijuana. Graduate students are expected to meet performance requirements of their academic and work regimens and to adhere to all CFI personnel policies which are available for review once an application has been submitted.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications are accepted on an on-going basis. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY MARCH 1 each year. Applicant review, phone interviews take place in March and April with selection notification made in May. A minimum of six students are required for each session. Early applications are encouraged; candidates are not required to interview in-person but a visit to CFI in person is highly recommended for all parties concerned. Late applications may be accepted; please inquire. A $25 non-refundable application fee must accompany the application.

CONTACTING CFI

Canyonlands Field Institute
ATTN: GREE Program/Karla VanderZanden, CFI Director
P.O. Box 68
Moab, UT 84532
Phone: 435/259-7750 or 800/860-5262
Fax: 435/259-2335
Email: info@canyonlandsfieldinst.org

Come visit us! Arrange to have a tour of the facilities, our field camp, and meet with the office staff and faculty. Please contact us in advance to schedule a meeting date.

GREE Applications available online
This PDF file contains the printable application forms. They require the free Acrobat Reader browser plug-in, or, the Acrobat Reader application must be installed on your computer. If you have difficulty, please contact us.