The faculty-staff workroom in Butler Library 310 will be off-line starting Friday, February 9, in preparation for the Butler Library renovation project. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding during our transition. Please contact Ken Fujiuchi, head of Information Commons, with questions or concerns.

The following Blackboard faculty development workshops are upcoming. These workshops can be taken independently or as a part of the Blackboard Specialization Certificate:

Introduction
Assessments
Grade Center
Collaboration Tools
Rubrics
Retention Center
Achievement Badges

Please register online through the Workshop Registration system.

Detailed descriptions of each workshop session are available on the RITE website. All sessions will be held in Bulger Communication Center 122. 

Earning a Blackboard Specialization Certificate will demonstrate your ability to enhance student learning and foster better engagement, interaction, and quality learning. This certificate is suitable for instructors teaching face-to-face, hybrid or blended, or online courses.

To earn your certificate, you must self-enroll in a Blackboard organization called RITE Professional Development Certifications. Follow the directions on how to self-enroll, attend the workshops, and post in the accompanying blog.

Applications are being accepted until Friday, February 16, for three of the Civic and Community Engagement Office's Alternative Break 2018 service trips. The Alternative Break program provides students with an opportunity to engage in hands-on learning and service, critical reflection, and team building. Each trip is focused on a social issue that students investigate before and during the trip experience through conversations with community members, community organizations, and volunteer projects that meet community need.

Any Buffalo State student is welcome to join us on any of the following service trips:

• Alternative Spring Break: Taking Steps to Conserve the Environment at Sky Meadows State Park, Virginia
  Assist with environmental conservation projects with this state park, such as hiking trail restoration, tree planting, and habitat restoration. 
• Alternative Summer Break: Strategies to Combat Human Trafficking in Baltimore, Maryland
  Learn how human trafficking affects every community and assist organizations as they care for community members who have been affected by the issue. 
• Alternative Summer Break: Community Actions in Food Justice in Detroit, Michigan
  Spend a week of summer break collaborating with urban farms, food banks, and nonprofits working to end food deserts and bring healthful, affordable food to residents.

More information can be found on the CCE website.

Buffalo State College faculty and professional staff are invited to register for and participate in free UUP spring semester 2018 activities to engage members. An array of educational, social, family, and community engagement opportunities are available for collegial interaction and information. Please register online for the  events and activities that you are able to attend. Buffalo State's UUP chapter looks forward to faculty and professional staff participation. Any questions may be directed to UUP steward for professionals Jude Jayatilleke, 878-6028. Participants also may win raffle items at events.

Please inform all matriculated graduate students of the following deadlines. More information can be found on the Graduate School or Graduate Student Association websites.

Friday, February 9: Deadline to apply online for the Graduate Student Association Merit-Based Scholarship

Wednesday, March 21: Deadline to submit a nomination for the 2018–2019 Graduate Student Association Executive Board or College Committee

Sunday, April 22: Deadline to register for the Graduate Student Association Research Fair and 4-Minute Thesis Contest

Please inform all matriculated graduate students of the following deadlines. More information can be found on the Graduate School or Graduate Student Association websites.

Thursday, February 1: Deadline to apply online for May 2018 graduation or August 2018 graduation and have their names appear in the Commencement booklet

Friday, February 9: Deadline to apply online for the Graduate Student Association Merit-Based Scholarship

Wednesday, March 21: Deadline to submit a nomination for the 2018–2019 Graduate Student Association Executive Board or College Committee

Sunday, April 22: Deadline to register for the Graduate Student Association Research Fair and 4-Minute Thesis Contest

Brent Peterson, Fidelity director of retirement planning, will be available to meet with Buffalo State faculty and staff members regarding their individual retirement needs on Tuesday, February 6, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. in Caudell Hall 110. Appointments are required.

Fidelity understands that you are busy managing multiple financial priorities, which can make planning for retirement a challenge. As a leading retirement provider to higher education institutions, Fidelity is committed to helping you plan for a future that’s unique to you.

Let Fidelity assist you in making sure you are on track toward a future that’s unique to you. Ensure you are saving enough for retirement and make sure that you are investing properly and on track with your retirement savings. Find out how to bring your retirement savings together.

To schedule your free one-on-one appointment, please call (844) FOR-SUNY or visit the Fidelity website.

Fidelity has built its reputation on helping people create the future they envision. Put their experience to work for you. Schedule an appointment today.

Schedule an appointment today.

Brent Peterson, Fidelity director of retirement planning, will be available to meet with Buffalo State faculty and staff members regarding their individual retirement needs on Tuesday, February 6, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. in Caudell Hall 110. Appointments are required.

Fidelity understands that you are busy managing multiple financial priorities, which can make planning for retirement a challenge. As a leading retirement provider to higher education institutions, Fidelity is committed to helping you plan for a future that’s unique to you.

Let Fidelity assist you in making sure you are on track toward a future that’s unique to you. Ensure you are saving enough for retirement and make sure that you are investing properly and on track with your retirement savings. Find out how to bring your retirement savings together.

To schedule your free one-on-one appointment, please call (844) FOR-SUNY or visit the Fidelity website.

Fidelity has built its reputation on helping people create the future they envision. Put their experience to work for you. Schedule an appointment today.

The Travel Services Department will begin its 2018 spring semester training on Tuesday, February 6. In addition to travel policies and procedures, we will also discuss NYS Travel and NET cards. Please consider joining us and bring your questions.

Light refreshments will be served. Please contact David Lysiak, office assistant in Accounts Payable and Travel Services, to RSVP.

Please see our website for more available training dates.

Semester-long passes to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery for Buffalo State students are on sale now at the Rockwell Hall Box Office and the Student Union Box Office. The pass allows for unlimited visits to the gallery for the entire semester for only $10. The Rockwell Hall Box Office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Student Union Box Office is open from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.