The second annual Fostering Innovation in Teaching with Technology (FITT) Academy will be held June 5–9, 2017, and the call for project proposals is now available. The FITT Academy is a hands-on, project-specific faculty development opportunity sponsored by Resources for Information, Technology, and Education (RITE). Project proposals, which may be submitted electronically, are due by Thursday, January 5, 2017. Additional information on the FITT Academy can be found on the RITE website.

The J-Term and Spring course shells have been created in Blackboard for instructors' use.

Are you trying to transfer content to your new section or make your course available and you just can't remember how? All you need to get ready for the new semester in Blackboard is available on the Instructional Design and Training website.

Please visit these links for answers to the three most frequently asked questions:

• Merge Course Rosters
• Move Content between Courses
• Make Your Course Available in Blackboard

If you need further assistance, please contact Michael J. DiFonzo, Blackboard trainer, at ext. 3036.

The Graduate School at Buffalo State, in collaboration with Open Buffalo and the Institute for Community Health Promotions, will host the second panelist discussion of the two-part public lecture series, "Taking Action on Economic, Environmental, and Climate Sustainability," on Monday, December 5. The event features community experts who will provide information about sustainability issues in our area. The series has been designed to provide an interdisciplinary forum for discussing how to make progress in addressing these issues.

The discussion is open to the public. Online registration is not required, but is strongly encouraged; refreshments will be provided.

Environmental and Climate Justice Panel

Monday, December 5, 6:00–8:00 p.m., Butler Library 210

Eric Walker, Director of Energy Development and Management, Erie County
Harper Bishop, Economic and Climate Justice Coordinator, Open Buffalo
Brittny Baxter, Upstate Legislative Organizer, New York Working Families?
Ulysees Wingo, Masten District Council Member, Buffalo Common Council

Join us in celebrating Computer Science Education Week on Thursday, December 8, during Bengal Pause (12:15–1:30 p.m.) in the Technology Building main lobby.

Encourage your students to stop by to play video games or interact with digital stories, visit multimedia websites, or try out the apps—all developed by freshman students. Recognize the tremendous job growth in the computer industry, which is causing a shortage of computing professionals in the United States. Discover what women and minorities have contributed to computer science and find out how you can get involved with the Women in Computing Club. Stop by for refreshments and enter your name in a raffle prize drawing sponsored by McGraw-Hill.

The latest issue of the Journal of Inquiry and Action in Education (JIAE) is now available online (vol. 8, no. 1).

This issue contains several enlightening articles by authors from various prestigious colleges and universities in the United States, including Mathematics-Literacy Checklists: A Pedagogical Innovation to Support Teachers as They Implement the Common Core, written by Buffalo State’s Pixita Del Prado Hill, professor of elementary education and reading; Ellen Friedland, associate professor of elementary education and reading; and Susan McMillen, professor of mathematics.

The JIAE is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal edited by Buffalo State's Maria Ceprano, professor of elementary education and reading, and Tamara Horstman-Riphahn, executive assistant to the dean of the School of Education. Authors may submit articles to one of four journal strands: Applied Theory/P–12 Educational Research, Collaborative Partnerships/Programs, Promising Practices, and Educational Policy.

All are welcome to join in a conversation about supporting students and colleagues at Buffalo State in response to the election for president on Thursday, November 17, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. in Bacon Hall 115.

Questions to be discussed will include (a) What resources are available on campus to help students and colleagues? (b) How do we address conflict and disagreement in classroom and campus spaces? (c) What action steps can we take to build a campus community that helps students and colleagues cross boundaries in meaningful ways?

Please join us to speak, listen, and plan for action. If you can, please bring food to share. Please contact Pixita del Prado Hill, professor of elementary education and reading, or Drew Kahn, professor of theater, with questions.

Historically known for its visual arts program, Buffalo State's Siena (Italy) study-abroad program is getting a makeover and broadening its curriculum by offering courses for fashion majors. From Botticelli to Versace, the Siena program will bring students to Milan for Fashion Week 2017.

Join us at the Siena Fall 2017 "Fashion in Italy" Launch Party on Thursday, November 17, at noon in the Campbell Student Union Fireside Lounge as we announce the fashion faculty member who will lead this exciting opportunity.

Eligible adult children of NYSHIP enrollees may enroll in the Young Adult Option, and current Young Adult Option enrollees may switch plans during the Option Transfer Period (November 14–December 16, 2016).  The Young Adult Option allows unmarried, young adult children under the age of 30 to purchase their own NYSHIP coverage at the full-cost individual rate. Coverage applies only to medical benefits. Enrollment in the NYS dental and vision plan is not available through this benefit.

For additional information on the Young Adult Option, visit www.cs.ny.gov/yao or call the Employee Benefits Division at 1 (800) 833-4344.

Note: Young adult children of NYSHIP enrollees are eligible to continue coverage as dependents under the enrollees’ family coverage up to age 26.

Today is the last day to enroll in the NYSHIP Opt-Out Program for the 2017 plan year. This program allows eligible employees who have other employer-sponsored group health insurance to opt out of their NYSHIP coverage in exchange for an incentive payment. The incentive payment is $1,000 for opting out of individual coverage or $3,000 for opting out of family coverage on an annual basis.

If you are enrolled in NYSHIP and wish to participate in the Opt-Out Program for 2017, you must complete and return the NYS Health Insurance Transaction Form (PDF, 66.2 KB) and the Opt-Out Attestation Form (PDF, 152 KB) to Cleveland Hall 410, along with a copy of your health insurance card, by the close of business today.

If you currently participate in the Opt-Out Program, you must re-enroll for 2017. If you do not make the election for 2017, your enrollment in the Opt-Out Program will end, and the incentive payment credited to your paycheck will stop. You must elect the Opt-Out Program each year.

The complete Opt-Out Program description, including eligibility requirements and enrollment forms, is available on the Human Resource Management website.

Please call the Employee Benefits Office at 878-4821 with questions or for more information.

The enrollment period for the 2017 NYSHIP Opt-Out Program ends tomorrow. This program allows eligible employees who have other employer-sponsored group health insurance to opt out of their NYSHIP coverage in exchange for an incentive payment. The incentive payment is $1,000 for opting out of individual coverage or $3,000 for opting out of family coverage on an annual basis.

If you are enrolled in NYSHIP and wish to participate in the Opt-Out Program for 2017, you must complete and return the NYS Health Insurance Transaction Form (PDF, 66.2 KB) and the Opt-Out Attestation Form (PDF, 152 KB) to Cleveland Hall 410 by the close of business tomorrow, December 16, along with a copy of your health insurance card.

If you currently participate in the Opt-Out Program, you must re-enroll for 2017. If you do not make the election for 2017, your enrollment in the Opt-Out Program will end, and the incentive payment credited to your paycheck will stop. You must elect the Opt-Out Program each year.

The complete Opt-Out Program description, including eligibility requirements and enrollment forms, is available on the Human Resource Management website.

Please call the Employee Benefits Office at 878-4821 with questions or for more information.