Learn quick reading tips that save you time while increasing your understanding of textbooks and academic articles.

Did I Just Read That? Reading in College
Thursday, April 10
2:00–3:00 p.m.
Bacon Hall 217
Presenter: Lauren Copeland

Do you need this information but can't make the workshop? Call the Academic Skills Center (ASC) at ext. 4041 for a free personal session. "Reading Textbooks in College: SQ3R System" and "How to Read Academic Articles: GIST Method" handouts are available on the ASC website and outside the ASC office (South Wing 330).

We are pleased to inform the campus community of some changes in Orientation. We have changed the First-Year Orientation program to a two-day schedule, based on feedback from students, faculty, and staff. The Orientation Advisory Committee reviewed feedback from the fall 2013 orientation program, and based on this data, recommended that the length of the first-year program be changed to two days. This is similar to several of our SUNY counterparts. 

Resident students will move in to the residence halls on Tuesday, August 19. The first event will be First-Year Convocation on Wednesday, August 20, at 9:00 a.m. in the Sports Arena. Realizing the importance of faculty to the success of students, academic departments have been invited to take part in this formal event to welcome our new first-year students. People enjoyed First-Year Convocation last year. This year, students and participating family members may have the opportunity to meet the new president.

On Wednesday afternoon, each school will create time for students to meet with department faculty to discuss what it takes to be effective in their major, and to get to know their peers. Continuing this year will be the “mock first day of class,” designed to prepare students for the start of classes on Monday, August 25. Presenters will cover such topics as how to read a syllabus and use Blackboard. Thursday’s schedule will be filled with sessions to make students familiar with offices that may benefit them during their tenure at Buffalo State. Concurrent with First-Year Orientation, participating parents and family members will attend an optional program. 

Transfer Orientation will continue to be a one-day program on Friday, August 22. We will use centrally coordinated transfer advisement days in the summer to aid students with course selection before Orientation.

For additional information, please visit the Orientation website or e-mail the Orientation Office.

Buffalo State's Employee Assistance Program presents local motivational speaker and owner of KC Fitness Kevin Cunningham for an hour-long workshop, "Mindfulness at Work," on Thursday, April 10, at 1:00 p.m. in E. H. Butler Library 210. If you're one of the more than eight in 10 employed Americans who are stressed out by their jobs, mindfulness may help you feel more in control of your everyday work life. Many corporations and employees are realizing the benefits of mindfulness—or using intentional awareness—practices. Mindfulness has been shown to support overall health and well-being, and even to improve cognitive functioning and lower stress levels. Check out this free inspiration workshop during Mental Health Awareness Week. Open to all.

Come and meet the Counseling Center staff and representatives of other campus departments, student organizations, and community agencies during the Mental Health Awareness Kickoff Fair on Monday, April 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Campbell Student Union lobby and quad. Enjoy the therapy dogs, health fair, drum circle, Zumba session, movie screening, and more.

To see other scheduled events, please visit the Counseling Center website.

The Short Attention Span Festival will be held this evening, April 8, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Campbell Student Union Social Hall. The festival is still looking for acts. Sponsored by the Buffalo State Marketing Club with funding from the Grant Allocation Committee, this rapid-fire entertainment spectacle will feature student acts of all sorts. The twist is that you have only two minutes, no more, to do your act. Comedy, dance, videos, acting, music of all types, fashion shows, poetry, juggling, juggling poets, and whatever else you can think of is what we need. Go for your two minutes of fame. You can sign up on the website or at the table in the Campbell Student Union today during Bengal Pause (12:15 to 1:30 p.m.). Performers and audience members can win prizes. Everyone will have fun.

The Short Attention Span Festival is still looking for acts. Sponsored by the Buffalo State Marketing Club with funding from the Grant Allocation Committee, the festival is a rapid-fire entertainment spectacle featuring student acts of all sorts. The twist is that you have only two minutes, no more, to do your act. Comedy, dance, videos, acting, music of all types, fashion shows, poetry, juggling, juggling poets, and whatever else you can think of is what we need. Go for your two minutes of fame. You can sign up on the website or at the table in the Campbell Student Union on Tuesday, April 8, during Bengal Pause. Performers and audience members can win prizes. Everyone will have fun. The event is Tuesday April 8, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Campbell Student Union Social Hall.

The Short Attention Span Festival is still looking for acts. Sponsored by the Buffalo State Marketing Club with funding from the Grant Allocation Committee, the festival is a rapid-fire entertainment spectacle featuring student acts of all sorts. The twist is that you have only two minutes, no more, to do your act. Comedy, dance, videos, acting, music of all types, fashion shows, poetry, juggling, juggling poets, and whatever else you can think of is what we need. Go for your two minutes of fame. You can sign up on the website or at the table in the Campbell Student Union on Tuesday, April 8, during Bengal Pause. Performers and audience members can win prizes. Everyone will have fun.

Summer and fall 2014 registration begins Wednesday, April 9. As required by the Higher Education Opportunity Act, all required course material information must be available to students at the time of registration. Don't fret! Simply visit the bookstore website and click on "Faculty Resources" in the top right corner and you will be taken directly to FacultyEnlight, the online textbook adoption system. There you can view course adoption history and select your required books.

You may also submit your book information by e-mail to pumalm@buffalostate.edu.

Thank you.

Tutoring in Neumann Hall and Tower 1 for students who live on campus is now available through a collaboration between the Residence Life Office and the Academic Skills Center. The following sessions are scheduled:

Writing and Study Skills
Neumann Hall Lounge or B18
Sunday through Thursday, 7:00–10:00 p.m.

Math
Tower 1, 10th-floor lounge
Sunday through Thursday, 7:00–10:00 p.m.

Economics and Accounting
Tower 1, 10th-floor lounge
Sunday, Monday, and Thursday, 7:00–10:00 p.m.

Students who live on campus but in a building other than Neumann Hall or Tower 1 must call the RA on duty from the key pad at the front door for admittance. A flier (PDF) with this information can be found on the Academic Skills Center website.

April is Counseling Awareness Month. If you are experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression, or are having difficulties with a family member or co-worker, talking to a counselor can help. Counseling professionals can help you identify issues and come up with a plan to address them. A free webinar from NYS-Balance, "Will There Be a Couch? What to Expect from Counseling," will be offered twice on Thursday, April 17: from noon to 12:30 p.m. and again from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. Many people avoid counseling because of misconceptions or even fear. Learn about the counseling process, different types of counseling, what is discussed, and the terminology used.

Please register in advance on the NYS-Balance website. To participate, you will need an Internet-connected PC and a telephone. If the webinar is not scheduled during your break or lunch time, you can view it later online:

Username: nys
Password: balance

You can always call Buffalo State's Employee Assistance Program coordinators at ext. 6699 to leave a message on a confidential voice mailbox, and a coordinator will call you back to assist you with resources, lending library materials, referrals, or other information.