HOGS

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The Horticultural Organization of Graduate Students (HOGS) is the graduate student organization within the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University. We are a collective of students coming together with a wide range of interests, projects, and backgrounds. Our mission is to encourage community and participation of horticulture graduate students in departmental and college affairs, engaging in a variety of professional, social, and scientific endeavors to better enable graduate students throughout their time here at MSU. 

HOGS hosts a multitude of events, such as:

  • Plant Science Graduate Student Research Symposium (PSGSRS)
  • Professional development workshops
  • Annual departmental plant and apparel sales
  • Social outings and activities

HOGS also helps to raise money for a bi-annual travel grant open to all active HOGS members. This money can be dedicated towards any travel for attending academic or industry conferences as it relates to a student's research and professional development. 

View the Horticulture Graduate Students Directory

Schedule of Upcoming Events & Meetings

During spring and fall semesters, HOGS meetings are held once a month in PSSB 279. 

HOGS Leadership 2026
HOGS Leadership Committee, 2026

HOGS Officers (2025–2026)

HOGS members engaged in outreach activities to teach about DNA in Grandparents University in June, 2017.
HOGS members engaged in outreach activities to teach about DNA in Grandparents University in June, 2017.

Hall of Presidents

Throughout the years, the Horticulture Organization of Graduate Students has had many great students serve the organization as an elected officer. The following people have held the position of president since 1989. We are thankful to all of these past presidents for their time and commitment to HOGS and for continuing the HOGS legacy. Click here to view a list of former HOGS presidents.

HOGS Travel Grants

  • Applications for travel grants open two times a year, once in the spring and once in the fall, to be used for the coming semester. 

  • 25% of HOGS total worth (checking, money market, etc.) will be allotted for the travel grants.

  • Each travel grant will be valued at up to $400.

  • The number of awards given may vary from year to year depending on the total net worth. If more applicants apply than money is available, applicants will be voted on based on financial need and club participation.

  • Those students working towards a masters degree will be allowed one travel grant. Those students pursuing a PhD will be allowed two grants.

Financial Supplement for End of Degree 

In an effort to ease the financial burden of printing the first copy of your thesis/dissertation, HOGS has agreed to award a degree completion grant to HOGS members. Graduate students completing a master's or doctorate degree in the department of horticulture will be awarded $95.00 or $105.00, respectively. To be eligible for a degree completion grant, you must be a member of HOGS in good standing ($10 annual membership dues paid).

This application applies to all horticulture graduate students who meet any 2 of the 3 following requirements during any part of their term as a graduate student:

  • Participate in a fundraiser (annual grass sale or other). These duties may include, but are not limited to: ordering plant material, maintenance, advertisements, setup/cleanup, selling plant material, etc.

  • Attend, participate, and/or advertise monthly meetings and/or social events.

  • Hold an appointed position in HOGS.

If you feel that you have met these requirements, after your thesis has been accepted by the Graduate School, please fill out the Financial Supplement for Thesis Printing Form and return to the current HOGS president.

HOGS News

View all HOGS news.

Department Information

Students

Research Focus Areas

Our Gardens