Through a collaboration between E. H. Butler Library staff, the Information Services and Systems Office, Computing and Technology Services, and Sodexo, a single card system was launched last month for Buffalo State students, faculty, and staff. The Buffalo State ID card now manages multiple funds such as dining dollars and printing and copy services in the library. And it may soon offer much more.

As soon as next fall, the card could be used in vending machines across campus. And that’s just the beginning.

“We also plan to work with local grocery stores, restaurants, and businesses to install swipe machines at their locations, allowing students, faculty, and staff the convenience of making purchases with their cards,” said Maureen Lindstrom, Butler Library’s associate director for information commons.

Andrew Chambers, application support and training desk supervisor in E. H. Butler Library, also said a Web-based transaction system is in the works. With such a system, “parents could easily add money to students’ cards,” he said.

Chambers, who earned degrees at Binghamton University and the University at Buffalo, saw the “one-card system” successfully implemented at those institutions.

“Before we launched the new system, people would lose their funds if they lost their cards,” he said. “Now money balances are stored on a computer database. So if people lose their cards, they can simply purchase replacement cards to access their funds again.”

The new system also creates cost savings from a support standpoint.

“The switch to the one-card system was, in part, need-based,” said Lindstrom. “The existing card-reader machines we had were old and often jammed up cards, sometimes leading to costly repairs. The new card machines work better and even allow students, faculty, and staff to use a credit card to add more ‘Bengal Bucks.’”

E. H. Butler Library and Information Systems and Services staff members were already investigating a one-card system last year when Sodexo partnered with Blackboard, a card vendor, for dining dollars. The groups connected and worked through Computing and Technology Services to design a one-card system that could streamline funds through Banner.

When the new card launched October 14, the planning team provided a $3 credit to all existing card users to offset remaining balances on old printing and copying cards, which effectively expired with the launch. Lindstrom said students appreciated the credit.

“We made the switch during a busy midterm week to see if it would really work, and it did,” Chambers said.

Lindstrom credits Sodexo’s expertise for the success of the new one-card system. “Students are the primary users right now, but I think faculty and staff will further appreciate the card’s convenience once it offers more services,” she said. “Eventually, we’ll be able to use the card for just about anything on campus and throughout the neighborhood.”

Two machines are available in the library for card users to check balances and add funds. Applications Support Desk staff members are available in the Information Commons for help with card maintenance. Prints are 2¢ a page, copies 5¢ a page, and color copies 50¢ a page. Currently, most of the larger computer labs across campus offer prints and copies through the card. Replacement cards cost $10.

Through a collaboration between E. H. Butler Library staff, the Information Services and Systems Office, Computing and Technology Services, and Sodexo, a single card system was launched last month for Buffalo State students, faculty, and staff. The Buffalo State ID card now manages multiple funds such as dining dollars and printing and copy services in the library. And it may soon offer much more.

As soon as next fall, the card could be used in vending machines across campus. And that’s just the beginning.

“We also plan to work with local grocery stores, restaurants, and businesses to install swipe machines at their locations, allowing students, faculty, and staff the convenience of making purchases with their cards,” said Maureen Lindstrom, Butler Library’s associate director for information commons.

Andrew Chambers, application support and training desk supervisor in E. H. Butler Library, also said a Web-based transaction system is in the works. With such a system, “parents could easily add money to students’ cards,” he said.

Chambers, who earned degrees at Binghamton University and the University at Buffalo, saw the “one-card system” successfully implemented at those institutions.

“Before we launched the new system, people would lose their funds if they lost their cards,” he said. “Now money balances are stored on a computer database. So if people lose their cards, they can simply purchase replacement cards to access their funds again.”

The new system also creates cost savings from a support standpoint.

“The switch to the one-card system was, in part, need-based,” said Lindstrom. “The existing card-reader machines we had were old and often jammed up cards, sometimes leading to costly repairs. The new card machines work better and even allow students, faculty, and staff to use a credit card to add more ‘Bengal Bucks.’”

E. H. Butler Library and Information Systems and Services staff members were already investigating a one-card system last year when Sodexo partnered with Blackboard, a card vendor, for dining dollars. The groups connected and worked through Computing and Technology Services to design a one-card system that could streamline funds through Banner.

When the new card launched October 14, the planning team provided a $3 credit to all existing card users to offset remaining balances on old printing and copying cards, which effectively expired with the launch. Lindstrom said students appreciated the credit.

“We made the switch during a busy midterm week to see if it would really work, and it did,” Chambers said.

Lindstrom credits Sodexo’s expertise for the success of the new one-card system. “Students are the primary users right now, but I think faculty and staff will further appreciate the card’s convenience once it offers more services,” she said. “Eventually, we’ll be able to use the card for just about anything on campus and throughout the neighborhood.”

Two machines are available in the library for card users to check balances and add funds. Applications Support Desk staff members are available in the Information Commons for help with card maintenance. Prints are 2¢ a page, copies 5¢ a page, and color copies 50¢ a page. Currently, most of the larger computer labs across campus offer prints and copies through the card. Replacement cards cost $10.

Graduate degrees in student affairs and student support services are essential for people seeking to secure or advance careers in higher education. Buffalo State’s student personnel administration (SPA) program is one of just five such programs in New York State.

Founded in 1970, it is one of the largest programs nationwide. Alumni and students often cite its diversity as its most meaningful asset.

The SPA program offers four concentrations: administration, community education, counseling and student development, and research and evaluation. These areas of study prepare students for careers in virtually every aspect of student affairs, including admissions, financial aid, residence life, leadership, student activities, athletics, and advisement. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through internships and assistantships. Many students who work full time are grateful that Buffalo State’s program can accommodate their schedules.

On Saturday, November 15, Buffalo State’s SPA program will present the 13th annual Student Affairs Professional Conference at the Buffalo Marriott Niagara, with the support of the School of the Professions, Academic and Student Affairs, and the SPA Alumni Chapter, which is hosting a post-conference reception.

The chair of this year’s conference, SPA graduate student Danielle Weaver, is among those who appreciate the diversity of the program.

“The students are diverse in many ways, including their interests,” she said. “One of the exciting things about the program is its ability to accommodate individual student goals.”

Weaver cites her own custom-tailored program as an example. Next semester, she will perform an independent study under Professor Wanda Davis and Assistant Professor Kimberly Kline, both in the SPA Department, which will provide Weaver with the opportunity to help create a new leadership course for Buffalo State students. This project dovetails with Weaver’s interest in leadership development. She expects to begin working toward a doctoral degree after securing a professional position. Currently, she is a graduate assistant in the Student Involvement Center at Medaille College.

Right now, however, Weaver’s main focus is on the upcoming conference, which has 140 registrants from about 15 schools across the country. “People are attending from research universities such as the University of Indiana as well as from regional colleges,” she said. “They include not just graduate students but also professionals in the early stages of their careers.”

Presenters, too, are traveling to Buffalo for the conference. “Many different kinds of schools will be represented,” said Weaver. “The conference is growing in reputation as well as in size.”

This year’s keynote speaker is M. L. “Cissy” Petty, vice president for student affairs and associate provost at Loyola University New Orleans, where she has worked in the post-Katrina revitalization of the city.

Kline is faculty adviser to the conference. “It’s a pleasure to be involved with the conference,” she said. “Its growth is a testament to the strength of our program and the students who work so hard on the conference.”

Kathy Wood, a faculty member in the Elementary Education and Reading Department, has been appointed director of the Center for Excellence in Urban and Rural Education (CEURE), effective October 1.

She most recently served as CEURE’s associate director and replaces Warren Gleckel, interim chair and associate professor of educational foundations, who served as interim director since July 2006.

CEURE provides leadership in urban and rural teacher education through more than 35 initiatives in areas such as teacher recruitment and retention, school reform, and staff development. The center partners with 133 schools in nine Western New York counties to improve the quality of education for disadvantaged students and the teachers who serve them.

Buffalo State had been seeking to fill the position for the past two years. After a few unsuccessful searches, the School of Education approached Wood, who had recently earned tenure and promotion to associate professor.

“This is an open opportunity; there’s so much that can be done,” she said. “I’d like to leave a legacy by strengthening our teaching programs. We’re doing a great job, but there’s always room for improvement.”

With a tough economic year ahead, Wood knows that patience will be the key to advancing CEURE’s mission. She said she’ll continue to work through the federal government for operation funding and will pursue grants for programs through the support of the Research Foundation and Buffalo State College Foundation.

At the top of Wood’s wish list of accomplishments is the creation of the Urban Teacher Academy. The program would offer aspiring teachers college credit while in high school; transition them to Buffalo State through the teachers’ learning community, as well as special tutoring and mentorships; offer support to help them stay in urban settings during their careers; and keep them connected to Buffalo State as mentors of future Urban Teacher Academy students.

Wood developed the Urban Teacher Academy concept while in her role as CEURE’s associate director but said the program needs funding. “I would like for people around campus to one day equate CEURE with the Urban Teacher Academy,” she said.

Wood would like to bring back the Curriculum Task Force and Faculty Associate programs that CEURE once offered. She also seeks to redouble efforts for promotion and awareness of CEURE around campus as well as cross-campus collaboration. And she hopes to create a student program, similar to the Urban Teacher Academy, that would offer students professional development opportunities to work with diverse populations during their early undergraduate years.

Wood joined Buffalo State in 2001. She holds a doctorate in philosophy and a master’s degree in education from the University at Buffalo. She is a member of the American Educational Research Association, the New York State Association of Teacher Educators, Kappa Delta Phi, and Sisters of the Academy. Wood also reviews manuscripts for Urban Education and is an editorial board member and reviewer for the Charter Schools Resource Journal.

When it opens to the public on November 22, theBurchfield Penney Art Center at Buffalo State College is expected to be the first art museum in New York State certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program of the U.S. Green Building Council.

Designed by the award-winning international firm Gwathmey Siegel and Associates Architects, the $33 million art center fronts Buffalo’s historic museum district. It is one of the largest regional art museums in the country and is slated for LEED silver certification.

The LEED Green Building Rating System is a voluntary third-party evaluation system where credits are earned for satisfying specified green building criteria, such as sustainable site development, water conservation, reduced energy consumption and atmospheric impact, use of renewable materials and resources, improved indoor air quality, and other innovations in environmental design processes and education.

In addition to its LEED silver certification, the Burchfield Penney will participate in the New York Energy Smart New Construction Program, meeting New York State standards to reduce energy usage and consumption.

“Achieving LEED certification is very challenging for art museums given exacting climate standards needed for art preservation, as well as the volume of visitors to the building,” said Burchfield Penney Director Ted Pietrzak. “These challenges are intensified in Western New York, with its cold winters and hot summers.”

The Burchfield Penney is home to the world’s largest collection of works by famed American watercolorist Charles E. Burchfield (1893–1967), as well as his art studio and thousands of sketches, which provide a rare glimpse into his creative perspective and process. In addition, the collection includes 7,500 works by more than 600 artists, including Frank Lloyd Wright, Cindy Sherman, Susan Rothenberg, Robert Longo, Elbert Hubbard, and Gustav Stickley.

“Our mission is to preserve not only the culture of the Great Lakes region, but also the environment,” said Pietrzak.

Buffalo was recently voted America’s top arts destination by American Style, the magazine for art collectors and travelers. The city continues to experience a cultural renaissance rooted in its historic architecture, supportive cultural organizations, 10 local colleges, five major museums, and nearly 200 independent art spaces.

Although it may be one of the best kept secrets among faculty, staff, and students at the college, the Buffalo State Ice Arena has developed a reputation as one of the best ice rinks in Western New York. Recently named the top ice-skating venue in Western New York by Buffalo Spree magazine, the ice arena hosts nearly 50,000 players, fans, parents, and recreational skaters each year, according to arena manager Jim Fowler.

In addition to serving as home to Buffalo State’s men’sand women’s varsity hockey programs, the arena, which opened in 1991, provides open skating opportunities,skate-n-shoot hours, practice time for local youth teams, and learn-to-skate programs every season.

“On a typical Saturday, a member of my staff will open the arena around 6:00 a.m.,” Fowler said. “It is not uncommon for us to be booked solid until 12:30 or 1:00 a.m. the next morning.”

November 1 marked the start of the always popular learn-to-skate program. The arena offers 10 separate seven-week courses for individuals of various skill levels at a cost of $45. According to Fowler, about 700 people participate in the program each year. While most participants are children, he notes that there is room for beginners of all ages.

“A lot of adults call up and ask if there will be other grown-ups in the program,” Fowler said. “I can never give them a definite answer, but there is always a handful of adults in each class.”

For individuals who already know how to skate, the arena features plenty of open-skating opportunities, including a convenient lunch-hour session Monday through Friday from noon to 1:50 p.m. Faculty, staff, and the general public can skate for just $2, while skate rental is only an additional $2. Open skating is free for Buffalo State students.

Canisius College’s men’s hockey program also calls the ice arena home, playing 12–15 games each year on the Buffalo State campus. “They bring in an additional fan base, giving Buffalo State some great exposure,” Fowler noted.

The arena’s most popular tenants are the Buffalo Sabres, who practice on campus three to four times a year when scheduling conflicts arise at HSBC Arena. The Buffalo State arena, with its 200-by-85-foot regulation-size surface, provides an ideal practice rink for the team. According to Fowler, he typically has only a week’s notice before a visit from the Sabres, but he is always happy to make room on the schedule for the popular NHL franchise.

“It is great for our student-athletes,” Fowler said. “The Sabres typically get dressed for practice at HSBC Arena and then put their skates on in the bleachers at our place, giving our athletes a chance to meet and interact with the team.”

Despite the variety of events and activities offered at the arena, Fowler still encounters a student or two every spring at Commencement who, while lining up for the procession on the arena floor, says, “I never knew Buffalo State had an ice rink!”

But Fowler has been encouraged by the increase in student participation and use of the facility in recent years. He also encourages faculty and staff to take advantage of the open-skating opportunities this winter.

“We have one of nicest arenas in the country,” Fowler said. “It’s here. Why not use it?”

A group of Buffalo State students, faculty, and staff will descend upon nearby streets on Friday afternoon to promote togetherness with neighbors. One thousand door hangers will be distributed to residents to the immediate south and west of campus, informing neighbors how to work with the city, college, and one another to foster a caring community.

According to Charles Kenyon, dean of students, the idea is modeled on a recent University at Buffalo initiative, where 4,000 similar door hangers were distributed in response to incidents of crime near the university’s south campus. Kenyon has worked with University Police, the College and Community Partnerships Office, and the College Relations Office during the past month to craft the information.

“We’re striving for better collaboration with the community and are trying to be good neighbors,” he said. “This is a proactive effort on our part. We want to remind neighbors that we’re in the neighborhood, that we’re partnering with authorities, and that we encourage safety and responsibility.”

One side of the door hanger addresses students who live off campus. The messages encourage students to keep noise down, get to know neighbors, pick up litter, leave an outside light on at night, and report crime. They also promote safety by reminding students to drive sober, travel with a companion, and lock doors and windows.

The other side addresses members of the community by offering city and college phone numbers that can be helpful in the event of an emergency, noise disturbance, parking issue, or other dispute. Phone numbers include the Mayor’s Call and Resolution Line, nearby police and fire departments, Buffalo State College Counseling Center, Dean of Students Office, and more.

The hangers will be distributed along Rees Street between Forest Avenue and Rockwell Road; along Elmwood Avenue between Bird and Potomac avenues; and in the area bounded by Grant Street and Forest, Elmwood, and Bird avenues.

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to help in the efforts by gathering in the Campbell Student Union at 3:00 p.m. on Friday before traveling in groups to nearby residences.

“As a member of this community, we believe—as you do—that everyone is responsible for keeping our neighborhood safe, clean, and vibrant,” the door hanger reads. “Together, as neighbors, we can work to make our communities safer and better places to live.”

A major renovation project in Cleveland Hall 418 was recently completed, and the room was officially dedicated to the memory of the late Carmine Grande, former vice president for institutional advancement and development, in a ceremony held on October 14.

President Howard opened the event with welcoming remarks. Todd Brason, member and past chair of the Buffalo State College Foundation Board, and James Brandys, ’71, ’73, Buffalo State College Council member and chair of the Buffalo State College Planned Giving Committee, also spoke, remembering Grande as an individual who gave unstintingly of his talent and time on behalf of the college. Those in attendance included friends, staff, members of the College Council and the Foundation Board, and family members Rev. Dr. Geri Lyon, Grande’s widow; Kristin, his daughter; Erika, his daughter-in-law; and Rebekah, his granddaughter.

Lyon and John Hoskins, chair of the College Council, unveiled a plaque dedicating the Carmine A. Grande Conference Room “in honor and appreciation of Dr. Grande’s years of dedicated service.”

Grande, DPS, ACFRE, served Buffalo State College as vice president for institutional advancement and development and executive director of the Buffalo State College Foundation from 1997 until his death in 2006. Under his direction, fundraising at Buffalo State increased dramatically. Among the numerous major gifts raised during his tenure was a $2.4 million challenge grant for the college’s esteemed art conservation program. He was also instrumental in securing several million-dollar gifts, one of which resulted in the first endowed chair in the college’s history.

The renovation project, started in late spring, includes a movable instructor’s console designed especially for the project, according to project manager Debra A. Hurley, assistant design and construction coordinator in the Facilities Planning Department. The room will have “smart” technology installed soon, including a ceiling-mounted projector, computer, monitor, and VCR/DVD player.

Bruce Bryski, associate professor of communication, regularly teaches a course on media criticism. But he’s waited four years to switch the focus. And during tonight’s class, he and his students will have an unforgettable discussion.

As part of Bryski’s SPC 424: Media Criticism and Presidential Campaigns class, offered only once every eight semesters, students will discuss the demographics of Tuesday’s historic vote and how they feel about the political system now that voting is over.

Bryski hopes students will learn to become more astute observers, consumers, voters, and critics of presidential and political campaigns by taking the class.

“We study how the media affects the outcomes of campaigns, as well as politics in general,” he said. “We investigate its role in shaping perceptions of the voter and question any bias or favoritism.”

Students examine different genres of political messages, analyze television ads and political cartoons, keep a journal of daily media observations, make team presentations on chapters of the Road to the White House textbook, and complete a 10- to 12-page research paper. Bryski encourages students to ask themselves whether they observe balanced or biased communication in political messages, and whether those messages are meant to be informative, persuasive, entertaining, or any combination of the three.

“There’s a real anticipation that comes with teaching this class only once every four years,” Bryski said. “It’s gratifying to have a full class this year. And it’s indicative of how young people have really gotten into politics.”

Bryski has taught the class since 1996. He remembers the frustration students felt in 2000 when having to wait weeks for the final outcome of the Bush-Gore vote.

But this year, he said, there is renewed energy for the political process. When he asked students last week who planned to vote in the election, all 22 hands immediately shot up.

“There’s a nice mix of students in the class,” Bryski said. “Some are Democrat; some are Republican; some are Libertarian. Two students are working on political campaigns; others want to become better news broadcasters.”

One highlight of the class was a joint appearance from local representatives of both the McCain and Obama campaigns.

“Students engaged in a lively debate with them,” Bryski said. “It was nice for the students to see what politics looks like as opposed to just reading about it.”

Bryski isn’t surprised at how engaged young adults have been with politics this year. He said students have worried about tuition and textbook prices because of the economy, and that many have friends and family serving in the military overseas.

“Besides analyzing media messages, we talk about the political system, the process of electing, public financing, and a host of other issues,” Bryski said.

Bryski thinks media outlets have had a relatively partisan tone during this political year.

“They’re reinforcing what their audiences want to hear,” he said. “And they’ve been quick to pounce on the smallest of issues. We’ll see if these trends continue in 2012. All in all, it’s hard to talk about politics today without talking about the media.”

Buffalo State’s student-run radio station, WBNY-FM 91.3, has announced its broadcast schedule with plans to cover 36 Buffalo State hockey and basketball games live on the air and via Web stream.

Listeners can tune in to 91.3-FM or listen online. More information, including a complete schedule of game dates and times, is available on the Intercollegiate AthleticsWeb site.