About Us

What is the EGSO?

The Ecology Graduate Student Organization (EGSO) was formed in December 1999 to provide a forum for graduate students in the Penn State Ecology Program to engage in activities related to:

  • academic aspects of the program
  • recruitment, mentoring and professional development
  • special activities and events
  • outreach to other groups at PSU and the broader community.

Since its founding, the EGSO has prepared recommendations for changes to the program’s required curriculum, formed a committee to help new students cope with academic and social challenges of the graduate program (i.e. collating information on faculty and courses), and taken on major roles in planning the program’s orientation, picnic, seminar and field-trip events.

The EGSO actively cooperates with the Ecology Program Director and faculty to make the program the best for all participants.  The EGSO offers the support of graduate student ambassadors who are available to answer questions and meet with prospective students at all stages of the application process. The Organization also provides support to new students after their arrival on campus, helping to make their transition into the program as smooth as possible.

Read the EGSO bylaws for more information about the organization.

Who can join?

All students currently enrolled in the program automatically have voting-member rights in the EGSO. General meetings are held once a month and are open to all members.  Committees meet as needed to handle follow-up work and special tasks. Organization officers are elected for one-year terms at the end of the fall term.