The Great Lakes Center, the Biology Department, and the Great Lakes ecosystem science program invite you to join us for the seminar "Bringing Landscape Ecology into the Great Lakes," presented by Jonathan Bossenbroek, associate professor of ecology at the University of Toledo, on Monday, March 13, from 4:00 to 5:15 p.m. in Bulger Communication Center East 2. All students, staff, and faculty are welcome.

Please join the Great Lakes Center and Biology Department today from 4:00 to 5:15 p.m. in Bulger Communication Center for the seminar "The Battle for Lake Ontario: Native and Invasive Species Interactions in the Great Lakes," presented by Curtis Karboski, fisheries biologist at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. All students, staff, and faculty are welcome.

To streamline inquiries and repairs, all non-emergency building or space access control, as well as video camera and intrusion alarm inquiries and service requests, should be directed to the RITE Support Desk, 878-4357. Security survey requests are also included in the items to be directed to the RITE Support Desk. The security survey request form can be found on the University Police website. As always, University Police responds to all alarms, and emergencies are handled directly by University Police. Please contact UPD immediately in case of emergency at 878-6333 or 6333 from any campus phone.

Many Buffalo State students struggle with textbook costs each semester. Whether you’re wondering how to relieve this burden for your students or you’re already taking steps toward greater affordability, you’re invited to join the provost, Butler Library, and Instructional Design and Training for Buffalo State’s Affordable Learning Materials Initiative (ALMI) semester kick-off meeting on Friday, February 3, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. in Butler Library 208.

This informational meeting will introduce a new award program for faculty members who are using OER (open educational resources) or low-cost learning materials and will also provide information and support for faculty at all levels of experience.

ALMI is a campuswide group with a mission to increase access to high-quality, low- or no-cost learning materials for all students at Buffalo State. Affordable materials might include OER, library resources, alternative versions or editions, or other alternatives to expensive traditionally published textbooks.

Please register via the Workshop Registration System. Contact Leah Galka, academic outreach and engagement librarian, with questions.

?The Chesterfield County Police Department will host an information session today, January 26, from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. in Classroom Building B118 to recruit students and alumni for the upcoming police officer exam. Stop by to find out more about the position and the process to become a police officer in Chesterfield County, Virginia.

Please advise graduate students who will graduate in May 2017 that the deadline to submit applications for graduation is Wednesday, February 1. Students who plan to graduate in August 2017 who wish to have their names printed in the May commencement booklet should also abide by this deadline. (Final deadline is June 1, 2017, but name will not appear in commencement booklet). Students may download the form (PDF, 184 KB) or complete the form in the Graduate School, Cleveland Hall 204.

The spring 2017 Conversations in and out of the Disciplines series begins Friday, February 3, when Robert Warren, associate professor of biology, presents "Competition and Cooperation in the Natural World: No More Mister Nice Guy" at 3:00 p.m. in Ketchum Hall 320. A Q&A and short wine-and-cheese reception will follow the talk. Everyone is welcome.

Please also mark your calendars for the second and third talks of the semester: Ann Emo, chair and associate professor of theater, will present "Finding Mastery: How Tae Kwon Do Informed My Scholarship" on Friday, March 3; and Cynthia Conides, associate professor of history and social studies education, will present "Building the Narrative of an Ancient City" on Friday, April 21. Each of the talks will be at 3:00 p.m. in Ketchum Hall 320.

Students can engage in service outside the classroom during their academic break with the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center's Alternative Break program. Students interested in digging deeper into social issues, getting to know fellow classmates, and volunteering should consider this unique opportunity to make a difference. Detailed information about each trip can be found on the VSLC website, or students can stop by Cleveland Hall 306. Online applications are open until Friday, February 3. 

• Alternative Spring Break: Conserving the Environment at Sky Meadows State Park, Virginia (March 18–24) -- Plant trees, build hiking trails, and assist with other environmental projects at this state park in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
• Alternative Spring Break: Collaborative Approaches to Ending Homelessness in Boston, Massachusetts (March 18–24) -- Volunteer to build capacity with organizations across the city as they work together to end homelessness in Boston by 2018.
• Alternative Summer Break: Food Security and the Environment in New Orleans, Louisiana (May 13–20) -- Focus on issues of food access and the urban and natural environments through service projects with the local food bank and urban gardens.

The Student Life Office will host a new series for transfer students on February 1, 8, and 15 from noon to 1:00 p.m. in the Campbell Student Union Assembly Hall. Each session will feature a different topic, guest, and lunch menu. Transfer students are encouraged to join us and connect with current student leaders and Buffalo State staff members to learn about involvement opportunities and how to make the most of their college experience.

The Student Life Office will host a Commuter and Transfer Welcome Back Event on Thursday, January 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Campbell Student Union Social Hall. Representatives from various campus departments and offices will be present to speak with students about involvement opportunities and services on campus. Please encourage commuter students and transfer students to join us for a light lunch, games, and music.