By Tony Astran

Faculty members from the Economics and Finance Department will present a panel discussion, “The Global Economic Crisis and the Obama Stimulus Plan: Will the Obama Plan Work?” on Tuesday, April 7, during Bengal Pause (12:15–1:30 p.m.) in Bulger Communication Center South.

Presenting will be Ted Byrley, chair and associate professor; William Ganley, professor; Joëlle Leclaire, assistant professor; and Ted Schmidt, associate professor. Bruce Fisher, visiting professor and director of the Center for Economic and Policy Studies, will moderate the discussion, which will have a format similar to the September 30 panel discussion on the nationwide economic downturn.

The discussion is open to the public.

From the Chair of the College Senate and the Chair of the Bylaws and Elections Committee
Three at-large Senate positions will become vacant on August 25. A call for nominations and information about candidates’ statements can be found on the College Senate Web site. Candidates may nominate themselves or another qualified person by 5:00 p.m. Monday, April 6.

Faculty members, faculty librarians, and professional and support staff who are eligible to vote in college elections and whose total service in the College Senate would not exceed six consecutive years by the end of this term (September 2009–August 2012) are eligible to run for office. Nominees are asked to provide a short statement about their interest to be posted on the Senate electronic voting site.

Individuals running for a senator position in another election may not also run for an at-large senator or university senator position while the other election is being conducted. If the other election concludes during the period when nominations for at-large or university senator are still being accepted, eligible individuals may self-nominate for either position.

If you are interested in being a candidate, please contactVince Masci, 878-5139. We look forward to your participation in the vital process of campus governance.

From the Chair of the College Senate
As a reminder to all senators, the Senate meeting will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, April 17, in Classroom Building C122. The third Friday date is because Good Friday falls on April 10 this year.

From the Vice President for Student Affairs
The Auxiliary Services Grant Allocation Committee (GAC) is requesting proposals from individuals, departments, and student clubs and organizations for funding of programs, speakers, and events to take place during the 2009–2010 academic year.

An updated application and guidelines are available online. The deadlines to submit applications under this funding cycle are Wednesday, April 15, for summer and fall 2009 program proposals; Wednesday, September 16, for fall 2009 and spring 2010 program proposals; and Wednesday, November 18, for spring 2010 program proposals. Questions about the GAC may be addressed to Daniel Vélez, assistant to the vice president for student affairs, Cleveland Hall 519, 878-5550.

From the Vice President and Chief Information Officer
E. H. Butler Library is participating in a national Web-based survey called LibQUAL +, designed to measure library-service quality and identify best practices. The survey runs through April 17. Please take the survey to help the library improve its services and plan for the future.

Butler Library will award one iPod as an incentive prize. Participation in the prize drawing is strictly voluntary. To be included in the drawing, you must enter your e-mail address at the end of the survey.

More information about the survey is available on theButler Library Web site.

From the Chair of the College Senate
As a reminder to all senators, the next meeting of the College Senate will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, April 17, in Classroom Building C122. The third Friday date is because Good Friday falls on April 10 this year. The agenda can be found on the College Senate Web site.

From the Chair of the College Senate
The election for three at-large senators begins today, Thursday, April 9, and concludes at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, April 23. Biographies of candidates are posted on the College Senate Web, along with the link for electronic voting. All full-time faculty and professional staff identified by their respective schools and Professional Staff Caucus are eligible to vote. If you encounter any technical difficulties or would prefer a paper ballot, please contact Vince Masci, secretary to the College Senate Chair, 878-5139.

From the Vice President for Finance and Management
The Environmental Health and Safety Office is accepting public comments on the Storm Water Management Program Annual Report, which documents campus storm water pollution prevention measures for the reporting year ending March 9, 2009. This report, which is a requirement of the storm sewer system discharge permit issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and instructions for submitting comments can be found on the office’s storm water pollution prevention Web site. A paper copy of this report is also available for viewing during business hours at the Customer Service Center, located in the Clinton Center.

From the Vice President for Finance and Management
Buffalo State met annual certification requirements by submitting its 2008–2009 Internal Control Summary and Certification to SUNY on March 27, 2009. This is a critical submission for the college in two ways. Not only does the annual certification process attest to a year’s worth of internal control activities and reviews at the college, but also the acceptance of the college’s certification by SUNY System Administration is a significant component in continued flexibility for procurement operations at the entire campus.

This past year has been an extraordinary one for internal controls at the college. The renewed focus on the Internal Control Program has been an investment for many individuals, and Buffalo State is a stronger and better organization as a result. As a member of the Buffalo State College community, you are aware that strong internal controls are everyone’s responsibility. We look forward to the continued emphasis on good internal controls as an organization and value your efforts toward this end.

A copy of the campus submission documents is available on the Buffalo State Web site. At this time, staff in SUNY System Administration are reviewing campus submissions and preparing a SUNY-wide response for its report to New York State. We anticipate acceptance of our campus submission without issues of substance. I encourage your review of Buffalo State’s certification package and welcome any questions you may have.

From the Provost
It is my pleasure to announce the following sabbatical leaves for 2009–2010:

Fall 2009
M. Scott Goodman, Chemistry
Curtis Haynes Jr., Economics and Finance
Dwight Hennessy, Psychology
Richard Herdlein, Student Personnel Administration
Michael Niman, Communication
Constance Payne, Fine Arts
John Thompson, Computer Information Systems

Spring 2010
Marianne Ferguson, Philosophy
Yung Kim, Economics and Finance
Dan Kushel, Art Conservation
Michael Lazich, History and Social Studies Education
Terence McDonald, English
Alexander Nazarenko, Chemistry
Raul Neira, Modern and Classical Languages