Blackboard Collaborate Ultra is the new version of the web-conferencing software that provides the functionality to support a synchronous teaching and learning environment. Collaborate Ultra can assist with delivering highly engaging and effective synchronous classroom activities, meetings, office hours, professional development, blended learning, and student support services. Ultra allows you to import PowerPoint slides; share your computer screen; and interact with participants through chat, webcam, and microphone along with recording the sessions for future use. The workshops will be presented by Todd Benzin, classroom technology supervisor, and Meghan Pereira, senior instructional designer, from Instructional Resources. Please register through the CyberQuad Workshop Registration System to participate in these training sessions. All sessions will take place in Bulger Communication Center 104.

Tuesday, February 2, 12:15 p.m.
Friday, February 5, noon
Tuesday, March 1, 12:15 p.m.
Friday, March 4, noon

Students from the fall 2015 Intermediate Photography I and Intro to Photography classes will exhibit their work February 2–12 in the Dr. Margaret Eschner Bacon Student Gallery in Upton Hall. A reception will be held on Thursday, February 11, at 5:00 p.m. The reception will run concurrently with the Fine Arts Student Exhibition in the Czurles Nelson Gallery.

Assistant professor of sociology Lindsey Freeman is offering a study-abroad course, "French Culture, Society, and Everyday Life," in Caen, France, during summer 2016. The 6-credit course is open to students from all disciplines. No previous knowledge of the French language is required. For more information, please contact Professor Freeman.

The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning office (SoTL) will host a series of breakfast conversations focused on general education, starting with a discussion of the article “The Value of Integrative Learning” by Mary Huber and Pat Hutchings on Friday, February 5, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. in Butler Library 181B. RSVP to John Draeger, associate professor of philosophy and director of SoTL.

Future conversations will be held on the following dates. All meetings will take place on Fridays from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. in Butler Library 181B.

February 19
March 4
March 18
April 1
April 15

The Graduate Advisory Council announces a call for nominations for Outstanding Master’s Theses and Outstanding Master’s Projects. The purpose of these awards is to recognize outstanding student research and applied work at the graduate level. Up to three thesis awards and three project awards will be made.  Applications will be accepted for students who have graduated (or will graduate) in J-Term 2015, May 2015, August 2015, or December 2015.

Nominations may be made by thesis or project advisers, or by students themselves. Additional reviews are required from the department chair and one external evaluator. Guidelines and forms are available on the Graduate School website.

The deadline for submission of nominations and evaluation forms to the Graduate School, Cleveland Hall 204, is Friday, February 12. Please direct questions to Marnie Letzelter, assistant to the dean of the Graduate School, 878-5609.

Applications and nominations are requested for the following student awards. The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, February 17. We encourage early nominations to ensure that all deserving students are considered.

Candidates for these awards are leaders in our campus community, participate in civic engagement and service, and demonstrate a commitment to something worthwhile and enduring. These are the qualities that help define Buffalo State as a truly civil and caring academic community. For more information, please visit the Awards and Recognition section of the Dean of Students website.

Nominators for the Mildred Campbell Award, Who’s Who Award, and Student Humanitarian Award are asked to have the students follow these instructions to apply.

Nominators for the Phillip Santa Maria Award for Student Leadership in Equity and Campus Diversity are asked to follow these guidelines.

Student Leadership Awards
Mildred Campbell Leadership Award
Phillip Santa Maria Award for Student Leadership in Equity and Campus Diversity
Who's Who in American Universities and Colleges

Student Humanitarian Awards
Luis Antonetti Humanitarian Award
Minnie and Joe Engel Student Humanitarian Award
Phillip Santa Maria Memorial Award

Please contact the Dean of Students Office, 878-4618, with questions.

Black Active Minds (BAM) will present a "Silent Party with USG" on Saturday, February 6, at 9:00 p.m. in the Campbell Student Union Social Hall. Attending students will listen to music through headphones. Held in collaboration with United Students Government and other organizations, this event is free for Buffalo State students with their student IDs.

Black Active Minds (BAM) will present "Jeopardy: Black Sitcom Edition" on Friday, February 5, at 4:00 p.m. in Technology Building 160. Join BAM to play the trivia game "Jeopardy." The questions will revolve around black sitcoms from the '70s to the present day. A prize will be awarded to the winning team.

Black Active Minds (BAM) will present "Black Women behind Buffalo State" on Thursday, February 4, at 7:00 p.m. in Butler Library 210. Part of Soul Train: BAM Week 2016, this panel discussion will feature black women who have leading positions on campus and how it has affected their lives and career. Panelists include President Katherine Conway-Turner, Janelle Brooks, and Dr. Karen Jones.

Black Active Minds (BAM) will present "15 Seconds of Fame" on Wednesday, February 3, at 7:00 p.m. in Bacon Hall 217. This program, part of Soul Train: BAM Week 2016, will examine music programs like Soul Train and 106 & Park and their effect on music, as well as how social media and music has affected our attention spans.