The Buffalo State Alumni Association is thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of its new website on Monday, June 27. One feature of the new site is that it will be responsive. Whether you’re viewing it on your desktop computer, phone, or tablet, it will automatically adjust—and look great! Search the alumni directory, register for alumni events, and more from a desktop computer or on the go. The URL will stay the same: alumni.buffalostate.edu.

Other updates include a new alumni profile section called “Bengal Tales” and a Bengal Business Directory of alumni-owned businesses. Alumni will be able to submit their Bengal Tales and information about the businesses they own.

Please note that online account information from the current website will not be transferred; therefore, alumni must re-register for an account on the new website beginning Monday, June 27. It’s quick and free!

Questions or concerns? Contact the Alumni Association at alumni@buffalostate.edu or (716) 878-6001.

The faculty grading window for 2016 Summer Session I closes Wednesday, July 20, at 9:00 p.m. Banner will be unavailable on July 20 from midnight through 7:00 a.m. Faculty members will not be able to enter grades during this time. Once Banner is back online Wednesday morning, faculty members will be able to enter grades through 9:00 p.m.

The faculty grading window for Summer Session I opens tomorrow, July 14, at 9:00 a.m. and closes Wednesday, July 20, at 9:00 p.m. Banner will be unavailable on July 20 from midnight through 7:00 a.m. Faculty members will not be able to enter grades during this time. Once Banner is back online Wednesday morning, faculty members will be able to enter grades through 9:00 p.m.

As part of the International Professional Development Schools (IPDS) Zambia program, seven teacher education candidates have arrived in Lusaka, Zambia, and have begun sharing their experience through personal online blogs. The students participating in this three-week program will engage in field experiences in Zambian schools, conduct educational research, and enjoy cultural activities. This year's program is led by Elementary Education and Reading faculty members Hibajene Shandomo and Wendy McLeish.

Please follow the students’ blogs and leave a comment on their pages to encourage their efforts. Visit our program page to learn more about the unique IPDS experiences offered through the School of Education.

Learn how to analyze business financials during this workshop presented by Excelsior Growth Fund in conjunction with the Small Business Development Center on Tuesday, June 14, from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. in Butler Library 210. Get tangible tools for evaluating the financial health of your company. Learn how to make informed financial decisions for your business. The workshop is free and open to all. To register, please call the SBDC at 878-4030.

The New York State Teachers’ Retirement System will hold its summer 2016 Pension and Retirement Education Program seminars on Wednesday, July 13, and Wednesday, August 10, at the Holiday Inn Buffalo Airport. The seminars will include information on NYSTRS benefits; financial planning; Social Security; estate planning; retirement: a new beginning; filing for retirement; and retirement income. Seminars run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. Seminars are free, and spouses and partners may also attend, but advance registration is required. Seminars fill up quickly, so book early. Visit NYSTRS.org using your My NYSTRS account (“my tools” tab) or call (800) 348-7298, ext. 6180, to register. When calling, you must provide your Employee ID or Social Security number, e-mail address, and phone number. 

Please note: Seminars are not designed for one-on-one retirement counseling. Individual benefits consultations may be scheduled year-round online or by phone through NYSTRS.

The Buffalo State International Center for Studies in Creativity will host a summer camp for middle and high school students on campus August 1–5. Young people will benefit from challenging, fun, and educational activities designed to boost creativity—whether they are interested in science, the arts, or sports. Programs features small student-to-teacher ratios with highly qualified teachers. Middle school camp will run from 9:00 a.m. to noon, and high school camp will run from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. For more information, please e-mail Pamela Szalay or visit the ICSC website.

Join faculty and staff colleagues from across campus in a weeklong series of workshops on research for publication June 13–17. The series includes presentations on identifying pertinent research topics, finding print and online resources, using statistics for a purpose, and determining where to send finished products. Presentations will take place Monday–Thursday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in Butler Library 181B. Friday is reserved for individual follow-up sessions, by appointment.

Seminars
Monday, June 13
The Research Process, presented by William White, professor of social and psychological foundations of education and director of faculty development; and Reva Fish, associate professor of psychological foundations of education

Tuesday, June 14
SPSS: Useful Tips and Tricks, presented by Peter Yacobucci, associate professor of political science

Wednesday, June 15
Finding Resources and Other Library Help, presented by Marc Bayer, interim director of Butler Library

Thursday, June 16
Write On, presented by William White

Friday, June 17
Individual follow-ups with William White

The Buffalo State Fitness Center and the Employee Assistance Program invite you to participate in our Summer Boot Camp. Please complete this brief survey to let us know what works for you.

Remember that the Fitness Center is open all summer, and we are now offering a three-month summer membership to our faculty and staff members for just $50. Stop in and see us for more information, and enjoy a workout in the AC!

Join the Small Business Development Center for a free workshop for small businesses and entrepreneurs on how to measure and improve social and environmental impacts, and begin to “measure what matters,” on Friday, June 24, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in Cleveland Hall 205. In Social Enterprise 201, we will assess how your business performs against best practices on employee, community, and environmental impact; see how your company stacks up against thousands of other businesses; and create a plan to improve your company’s practices and help your staff implement them easily with Best Practice Guides.

Optional: Bring your laptop to participate in taking the Quick Impact Assessment. You are also welcome to attend without one, and follow along with the presenter.?

Social Enterprise 201 is free and open to students, staff, and the public. Register by phone at 878-4030 or by e-mail.