Please join the Biology Department for the seminar "Signaling Pathways That Control Morphogenesis in Fungi," presented by Paul J. Cullen, professor and director of graduate studies in the University at Buffalo's Department of Biological Sciences, on Monday, September 16, from 3:00 to 3:50 p.m. in Technology Building 160. All students, staff, and faculty are welcome.

Abstract
Signal transduction pathways regulate developmental transitions by sensing environmental stimuli and coordinating morphogenetic responses. One type of pathway is MAPK pathways, which regulate changes in cell shape and the response to stress in many eukaryotes. In fungal species, MAP kinase pathways control a foraging behavior called filamentous growth. Filamentous growth in many fungal pathogens is required for virulence. We study filamentous growth regulation in budding yeast, which provides a convenient genetic model for understanding the proteins that regulate MAPK signaling. A remarkable feature of the yeast filamentous growth (fMAPK) pathway is that it shares components with MAPK pathways that have other functions in the cell. Specificity of the fMAPK pathway comes from a pathway-specific transcription factor, a pathway-dedicated MAP kinase, and scaffold type-adaptors. Specificity also resides at the cell surface, by activation of a mucin-type glycoprotein and by positional landmarks called bud-site-selection proteins. These proteins converge on a Rho-type GTPase called Cdc42 which is itself a master regulator of signaling and cell polarity (shape). We seek to understand how Cdc42 is directed to the fMAPK pathway and how mucin-type receptors regulate cell differentiation in this relevant model system.

Free tutoring at Buffalo State is in full swing! Please share the following information with students:

• Tutoring and Learning Center (TLC): South Wing 320
• Math Center: Buckham Hall A203
• Writing Center: Butler Library 310
• Science Center: Science and Math Complex 265
• Modern and Classical Languages Center: Buckham Hall B234
• Music Center: Rockwell Hall 203

Please visit the tutoring website for more information, or e-mail Lauren Copeland with questions.

The Buffalo State community is saddened by the death of Francis X. Salvamoser, associate professor emeritus in the Campus School/College Learning Laboratory and the Academic Skills Center, who died September 4, 2019. Mr. Salvamoser joined the college in 1962 and retired in 1997. He is survived by his wife, Diane; five children; and five grandchildren. Services were private. More information is available online.

The Buffalo State community is saddened by the death of Jack C. Love, associate professor emeritus of technology education, who died June 3, 2019. Mr. Love joined the college in 1967 and retired in 1993. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; three children; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Services were held in June in Kenmore, New York. More information is available online.

Please join us for the professional development workshop "Improving Communication Effectiveness with Customers, Colleagues, and Students," presented by Lori E. Miller, president of Developing Professionals, on Tuesday, October 1, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in Chase Hall 109.

The DISC instrument helps individuals better understand themselves and others in a specific work environment improve communication and effectiveness. Each participant will receive a personalized assessment that will reveal that person’s natural tendencies and behaviors when it comes to dealing with others and situations in his or her current work environment. The tool will provide information that will enable individuals to capitalize on their strengths and increase appreciation of different communication styles. Participants will learn how to adapt their communication styles, how to minimize potential conflict with others, and how to enhance relationships with fellow co-workers, colleagues, and customers to get better results.

The DISC instrument will help participants better understand themselves and others; participants will also learn

• about their behavioral communication style,
• how to communicate more effectively with others,
• how to understand human behavioral tendencies to achieve better outcomes, and
• how to accept themselves and others to create healthier relationships.

Please register through the Workshop Registration System. Light snacks will be provided. Participants will be required to take the free DISC assessment to participate in this workshop. Once they have registered, they will receive instructions on how to complete the assessment.

The Buffalo State Community Academic Center will celebrate Citizenship Day with some of our newest citizens and a service project to make welcoming buttons for teachers in the Buffalo Public Schools on Tuesday, September 17, from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. in the Grande Conference Room, Cleveland Hall 418. Faculty, staff, and students are invited. Speakers include Juweria Dahir of the City of Buffalo’s Division of Citizen Services and Louise Sano, owner of Global Villages on Grant Street.

Flu vaccines will be available for faculty, staff, and students on Wednesday, September 18, and Thursday, October 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Cleveland Hall 205.

Vaccinations will be administered by a registered nurse. No appointment is necessary. Most insurance plans will be accepted (Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY, Independent Health, Blue Choice, MVP, and Medicare Part B). Proof of insurance is required. Employees without a participating insurance plan will be charged $30 for the flu shot.

Participation and acceptance of any insurance is not a guarantee of benefits or payment in full. Co-payments or a deductible may apply. Please call your insurance provider’s member services department with questions regarding coverage.

Empire Plan enrollees may obtain their flu shot from an Empire Plan participating pharmacy without a co-pay or at their doctor’s office (participating provider) for their usual co-pay should they wish to do so.

Please call Employee Benefits at 878-4821 or the member services department of your insurance company with questions regarding your health insurance coverage. The phone number should be on your insurance card.

The Weigel Wellness Center offers free prescription delivery for all faculty, staff, and students. Same-day delivery is possible with sufficient notice. Buffalo Pharmacy provides pickup in Weigel during the following times:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 1:30–4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Please contact Paula Madrigal, assistant director of prevention and health promotions, with questions or suggestions. 

Follow Weigel Health Promotions on Facebook and Instagram for more services and program updates.

The Buffalo State community is saddened by the death of William C. Schultz, professor emeritus and former chair of the Computer Information Systems Department. Dr. Schultz joined the college in 1975 and retired in 1997. He is survived by three children and five grandchildren. Services were held Saturday, September 7, in Santa Margarita, California. More information is available online.

All members of the Teacher Education Unit (TEU) are invited to attend the Teacher Education Council (TEC) meeting on Friday, September 13, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. in the Grande Conference Room, Cleveland Hall 418. Please note the meeting time. Executive Committee elections will be held, and current issues in teacher education and assessment will be discussed.