2015-2017 Biology and Management of Zoo Animals Application Packet Directions
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2015-2017 Biology and Management of Zoo
Animals Application Packet Directions
Thank you for your interest in the Portland Community College (PCC) Biology and Management of Zoo Animals (BMZA)
Program. PCC is a Conservation Partner and Learning Partner of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and our program
is offered in partnership with the Oregon Zoo and other local and global animal facilities. Applications are evaluated on a
points system. More detailed information on the selection process and timeline can be found in our Advising Guide on the
department website www.pcc.edu/zoo. Please read and follow the directions on this page carefully to complete the
application process successfully.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: APRIL 15, 2015. Application materials may not be faxed, e-mailed, or scanned. All
applications and supporting materials must be postmarked or hand-delivered by the application deadline to:
BMZA Applications – RC 7/202
Portland Community College
17705 NW Springville Rd.
Portland, OR 97229
All applicants must also be admitted to PCC. You can complete a free application at www.pcc.edu/admissions or by
visiting any PCC Admissions Office and submitting a paper form.
APPLICANT DATA FORM
List your PCC student ID number, name, address, and phone numbers as they are on file at PCC. If your information has
changed since you began attending PCC, please contact the PCC Admissions Office at 971-722-8888 to update your
information. If your contact information changes after you submit your application, contact the BMZA Office at 971-722-
7018.
List all colleges or universities, including PCC if attended, where you completed coursework. Applicants are responsible
for submitting a copy of official transcripts WITH their BMZA application for every college where coursework was
completed and applicants are responsible for ensuring final grades or degrees are posted to the transcript(s).
APPLICANT CHECKLIST
• All applicants must thoroughly read, complete, check all applicable items, and sign the checklist.
• The PCC Biology and Management of Zoo Animals program requires specific prerequisite coursework in order to
be eligible to apply for the program. Applicants are responsible for properly documenting their prerequisite
coursework on the Prerequisite Completion Chart. Courses completed at institutions other than PCC are subject
to transferability.
Minimum eligibility requirements: Applicants must have completed all required prerequisites with a “C” grade or higher
and other requirements by April 15, 2015. Courses with equivalent descriptions from other institutions must be verified
with official transcripts.
1. High School Diploma or GED (required by June if all other prerequisites met for dual-enrolled students)
2. *Cell Biology for Health Occupations (BI 112) or Principles of Biology (BI 211 AND 212) or equivalent majors
biology coursework (including molecular/cellular/genetics components). Applicants who intend to transfer to a
baccalaureate program should select BI 211 + 212 for transfer purposes.
3. *Preparatory Chemistry (CH 151) or Allied Health Chemistry (CH 104) or General Chemistry I (CH 221) or
equivalent general chemistry course with laboratory. Applicants who intend to transfer to a baccalaureate
program should select CH 221 for transfer purposes. CH 100 taken Fall 2013 or later at PCC does not fulfill this
prerequisite requirement.
4. Introductory Algebra, MTH 63 or 65 or higher: Applicants may use a course for which MTH 65 is a prerequisite or
pass the PCC MTH 65 competency exam. Please note that at PCC you will need to place into or take a higher level
of algebra to qualify for the chemistry prerequisite choices.
5. English Composition I, WR 121: This requirement is waived with documentation by PCC Student Records Office of
the completion of a prior associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
6. Completion of one Additional General Education Course from any category (see PCC AAS degree worksheet):
This requirement is waived with documentation by PCC Student Records Office of the completion of a prior
associate’s or bachelor’s degree. We highly recommend a course be selected from the social science category for
those without a prior degree to assure the completion of your gen ed requirements.
7. Computer literacy at the level of proficiency with email, internet research, and use of word processing and
presentation software (eg. Word and Powerpoint). This level of computer use is required in the program, and
students certify their own proficiency at this level by checking the appropriate box on the application. Those lacking
skills should take Basic Computer Skills (CAS 133) at PCC or equivalent.
8. Documentation of minimum 20 hours of direct animal care (domestic or wild) experience in a professional
environment: Animal care experience documentation form(s). Multiple forms should be used for documentation of
experience at more than one facility, and all additional hours should be accounted for to add experience points to the
admissions scoring.
*Contact Department for appropriate substitutions for Biology & Chemistry at other colleges or universities (all other
prerequisite transfer courses must be transfer as equivalent through the Student Records Office)
(OVER )ANIMAL CARE EXPERIENCE DOCUMENTATION FORM
Applicants must submit at least one copy of the attached animal care experience form documenting a minimum of 20
hours of direct animal care experience in a professional environment (eg. volunteer or paid animal care in an animal
shelter, kennel, stables, clinic, research center, wildlife rehabilitation center, or zoo) to qualify for admissions
consideration. Additional hours and experiences beyond the minimum to apply should be documented for discretionary
admission points in the scoring process. Animal care experience hours must be verified by the applicant’s supervisor or a
manager or HR representative. Only hours completed by the date the form was signed will be considered. All animal care
experience forms must be submitted with the application materials by the application deadline for the applicant to receive
points.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICANT ESSAYS
Please include typed responses, no longer than one page each, to the following questions:
1. Explain how you heard about this program and how you believe it will be of benefit for your future plans and
goals.
2. Describe any of your special skills, experience, or training which might be helpful to you in the program. Consider
work with animals and/or areas such as education, fieldwork, teamwork skills, and working with diverse groups or
audiences.
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
Applicants are permitted to include no more than one letter of recommendation from an animal care manager who is
familiar with your experience. Your letter of recommendation will be considered in the awarding of discretionary
admission points in the scoring process.
TRANSCRIPT EVALUATION
If you attended one or more colleges other than PCC, you MUST submit official transcripts directly to the Student Records
office as early as possible once your prerequisite coursework is complete and request evaluation, in addition to those
required for your BMZA application. Your previous coursework will not be evaluated and credited to your PCC record, to
assure the BMZA admissions committee that you have met the requirements, until this process has been completed by
the Student Records office. That office often takes months to complete the evaluation process so we recommend you do
not delay (also be sure to view your “MyPCC” to see when your transcripts appear so that you can continue on to the
“Request Evaluation” step of the process!). Please follow the instructions at http://www.pcc.edu/resources/student-
records/online-transfer.html to complete the transcript evaluation process.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
All applicants are expected to thoroughly review all sections of the BMZA website at http://pcc.edu/zoo to familiarize
yourself with the program, admissions and selection process, coursework, and expectations. We also expect you to
spend significant time investigating this career field prior to applying and interviewing for selection to the program, as you
will be making a very significant two-year time and financial commitment so it is important to first determine that this is
truly what you want.
If admitted, you will be in class at least 4 full (8+ hour) days per week for two continuous academic years, including the
intervening summer and including weekend scheduling. The academic courses are rigorous and require significant
outside study and project time (beyond the 4 days). The practical coursework includes two days per week working one-
on-one with zookeepers while you are assigned to two areas of the Oregon Zoo to practice animal caretaking skills over
the course of a year, and involves significant manual labor. Additionally, you will be matched with one of a wide variety of
our local and global zoological partner facilities for a full-time specialty practical experience course for 5 weeks just prior to
graduation.
Accepted students must pass two background checks (for the zoo and the primate center) prior to final admission.
Students must also pass every course with a “C” or better and maintain a variety of physical, behavioral, and safety
standards in order to remain in the program throughout the two years.
For those who are truly enthusiastic and fully committed to the career field of zoo/wildlife animal management, this
program is a great option to provide you with a tremendous background centered particularly around best practices in
animal care & welfare, as well as a solid introduction to conservation biology and conservation education.2015-2017 Biology and Management of Zoo
Animals Program Applicant Data Form
Student Information (Please type or print neatly in black or blue ink)
Last Name First Name Middle Initial Previous Last Name(s)
Male Female Preferred Email (checked regularly): ________________________________
PCC G# Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
Current mailing address number and street City State Zip
Primary Phone Number (voicemail)
How did you discover the BMZA program? ______________________________________________
Education Information
Please complete the following information about your high school or GED:
GED: ____________________________________________________________________________
Location Year Score
High school: ______________________________________________________________________
Name City State Graduation year
Applicants must submit a copy of all official transcripts from other colleges/universities (and printout of PCC course/grade record)
with their program application to the BMZA Office, even if previously submitted to PCC. Transcripts postmarked to the BMZA Office after
April 15, 2015 will not be considered and will render your application ineligible. Sealed official transcripts must ALSO be sent directly to the
Student Records Office for evaluation as noted in the instructions.
For Office College/University State Dates of Degree Earned
Use Only Attendance
I verify that all statements on this application are complete and true. I understand that falsification of any information may lead to disqualification
or dismissal from the program.
Signature Date
Failure to sign, complete or submit required documents may result in application ineligibility.
This application and all required materials must be mailed or hand-delivered to:
BMZA Applications – RC 7/202
Portland Community College
17705 NW Springville Rd.
Portland, OR 972292015-2017 Biology and Management of Zoo
Animals Applicant Checklist
Please complete this verification checklist as a part of your PCC BMZA Program Application. Applications will be
accepted January 12th, 2015 through April 15th, 2015. Faxed or emailed applications and documentation or materials
brought to the office or postmarked after April 15th will not be accepted.
I have been admitted to Portland Community College. (Students can apply online at www.pcc.edu/admissions or in person at
any PCC campus.)
I have verified that my contact information and mailing address on file with PCC are correct. (Students can update their
name or contact information by mailing in the Student Records Change of Information form found at
http://www.pcc.edu/resources/student-records/documents/change-form.pdf )
I have completed and signed all required documents in the 2015 – 2017 PCC BMZA Program Application Packet. Failing
to complete and sign all required documents may render my application ineligible.
I have completed the Prerequisite Course Completion Chart below, indicating all courses completed and the institution,
term, and grade for each required course. I understand that these requirements must be met prior to submission of my
application, which is due in person or postmarked by April 15, 2015.
PREREQUISITE COURSES Courses Completed
Course Quarter or
1. SCIENCE REQUIREMENTS Institution
number Semester?
Term / Year Grade Credits
Example PCC BI 112 Quarter FA /08 A 5
BI 112 OR BI 211+212 OR BMZA department
approved substitution
/
CH 151 OR CH 104 OR CH 221 OR BMZA department
approved substitution
/
2. MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT:
Quarter or
Institution Course Term / Year Grade Credits
semester?
MTH 63 or 65 Introductory Algebra or higher /
OR Institution Date passed
PCC MTH 65 Competency Exam PCC
3. ENGLISH COMPOSITION REQUIREMENT: Requirement is waived with PCC documentation of previous Associate’s degree or higher.
Quarter or
Institution Course Term / Year Grade Credits
semester?
WR 121 English Composition I /
4. GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Requirement is waived with PCC documentation of previous Associate’s degree or higher.
Quarter or
Institution Course Term / Year Grade Credits
semester?
Specify course from PCC AAS degree worksheet
If courses taken at other colleges besides PCC: I have submitted requests for official transcripts to be sent to PCC Student
Records and have already or will follow the instructions at http://www.pcc.edu/resources/student-records/online-transfer.html
as soon as they are received to have them evaluated by the college. Note that transcripts should indicate degree
completion if you are using this to fill prerequisites.
I have included with my application a copy of official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended other than PCC (and
a printout of PCC course/grade record), even if previous transcripts have already been sent to Student Records for evaluation.
Note that transcripts should indicate degree completion if you are using this to fill prerequisites.
I understand that computer literacy is a requirement for admission to PCC’s BMZA Program. I have met this competency
through previous experience with computers at the level described in the “minimum eligibility requirements” OR by completing a
computer skills course. (Recommended CAS 133)
I have attached a minimum of one Animal Care Experience Documentation form certifying at least 20 hours of direct animal
care experience in a professional environment, completed and signed by my direct supervisor, HR representative, or other
manager, and provided all information required on the form. Additional forms and documented hours should be submitted for
discretionary points.
I have attached typed responses, no longer than one page each, to the two supplemental essay questions.
I have attached a letter of recommendation from an animal care manager who is familiar with my experience (optional but
highly recommended for discretionary points).
I have thoroughly reviewed all sections of the BMZA website, investigated the career field, and read the “Program Overview”
section in this application packet.
I have read and understand the admission criteria for the BMZA program at Portland Community College. I understand that it is my
responsibility to meet all program and application criteria. I verify that all statements on this application are complete and true.
Signature Date2015-2017 BMZA Applicant Animal
Care Experience Documentation Form
Student Name Student G # Date
Name of Company/Facility: _______________________________________
City: ____________________________ State: __________________
Job Title: __________________________________________
Employment Status: Full-time Part Time Volunteer
Employment Beginning Date: _______________ Employment Ending Date:_________________
Total Number of Hours Completed ________ OR Average Weekly Hours Completed __________
Attach a current position description OR provide a detailed description of the position duties in the space provided below:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please provide the following information. Contact information will only be used to verify information provided on this document.
If the applicant’s supervisor is unable to sign this document, an HR representative or other management staff may verify the applicant’s animal
care experience.
Supervisor name and title: _______________________________________________________
Telephone number: ____________________________________________________________
E-mail address: _______________________________________________________________
Supervisor signature: ___________________________________________________________
Thank you for taking the time to verify the information our program applicant has provided on this form. All animal care
experience documentation forms and other documentation must be submitted by April 15, 2015 for applicants to receive
experience points. If you have any questions regarding this form or the PCC Biology and Management of Zoo Animals
Application process, please contact the BMZA Office at 971-722-7688.You can also read
