From the President
I am pleased to announce the following staff liaisons and presidential appointees to the College Senate for 2011–2012:

Academic Plan: Dennis Ponton
Budget and Staff Allocations: James Thor
Bylaws and Elections: William Benfanti
Curriculum: Rosalyn Lindner
Instruction and Research: Scott Johnson
Professional Welfare: Susan Earshen
Standards for Students: Charles Kenyon
Student Welfare: Timothy Ecklund
Presidential Appointee: Don Erwin
Presidential Appointee: Susanne Bair

From the Vice President for Finance and Management
Buffalo State College will celebrate the official opening of the new Student Apartment Complex with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, September 13, at the building’s main entrance on Rees Street, west of Campus West. The Buffalo State community is welcome to attend.

The ceremony will begin at noon with remarks from campus representatives and guests, followed by the ribbon cutting. A reception will follow on the complex's north lawn (map). Tours of occupied apartments will be available. Refreshments will be served.

To confirm your attendance, please e-mail vpfm@buffalostate.edu by Monday, September 12.

For more information about the Student Apartment Complex or other campus capital projects, please visit www.buffalostate.edu/construction. For questions about the ribbon-cutting ceremony, please e-mail vpfm@buffalostate.edu.

We hope to see you on September 13!

From the President
I am pleased to announce the membership for the 2011–2012 Buffalo State College Commencement Committee:

Chair: Myrtle Welch, Assistant Professor, Elementary Education and Reading
Co-Chair: James Sobol, Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice
Patricia Alessandra, Senior Staff Associate, Academic Affairs
Sarbani Banerjee, Associate Professor, Computer Information Systems
Peter Carey, Chief of Police, University Police
Nancy Chicola, Chair and Associate Professor, Elementary Education and Reading
Thomas Coates, Director, Events Management
Bonita Durand, Chief of Staff, President’s Office
Andrea Guiati, Distinguished Teaching Professor, Modern and Classical Languages
Jennifer Heisey, Director, Alumni Affairs
Kimberly Jackson, Assistant Dean, Strategic and Enrollment Planning, Graduate School
Melaine Kenyon, Director, Instructional Technology
Joseph Marren, Interim Chair andAssociate Professor, Communication
William Raffel, Associate Professor, Communication
Jean Salisbury, Secretary 2, University College
Raquel Schmidt, Associate Professor, Exceptional Education
Jamie Warnes, Assistant Manager, Personnel Operations, Human Resource Management
Gail Wells, Director, Student Life
Amitra Wall, Associate Professor, Sociology
Rita Zientek, Associate Dean, School of the Professions
Joshua Lipka, Student Representative

This committee serves as an advisory committee to the president, reviewing and forwarding recommendations for procedural and operational changes to the Commencement ceremony, as well as other processes involved with Commencement.

From the Provost
The Provost’s Office is again offering an online course development incentive. This incentive is being offered for the development of courses during the fall 2011 semester.

The Incentive

• The incentive is for any course a faculty member wants to develop into an online version.
• An incentive of $500 will be awarded to those who develop a course through the training provided and have the final, completely developed online course approved by the instructional designer.
• An additional $500 will be paid to those who teach the course during summer 2012.
• The incentive will go only to those who have approval from the department chair. The chair must acknowledge faculty expertise and the likelihood of scheduling.
• Priority will be given to those faculty members who have never taught online before, but generally the incentive is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Funds are limited.

The Training

• For this round, the SUNY Learning Network (SLN) will provide the training at Buffalo State.
• To be eligible, faculty members must have their chairs electronically submit the Online Incentive Course Acknowledgment Form to Meghan Pereira in Instructional Resources.
• Once the acknowledgment form has been submitted, Pereira will register faculty members for the SLN training through the SUNY Center for Professional Development. Space is limited for the face-to-face training at Buffalo State. If spaces become filled, faculty may be registered for webinars or the SLN201 online training.
• Each participant must attend all the training sessions and then work with the instructional designer on campus to finalize the course and obtain approval.
• The courses should be completed before the start of the spring semester because the designers will be working with other faculty members during the spring. Faculty may teach the course at any time, but to receive the additional funds, the course must be taught in summer 2012.

If you are interested in participating in this incentive program, please complete the acknowledgment form as quickly as possible and have your chair submit it to Pereira. This form verifies the course you plan to develop and will serve as the official record of your chair’s acknowledgment of your interest in and ability to teach the course. Once Pereira receives the form, she will verify eligibility and notify faculty about training formats and dates.

Dates for Training at Buffalo State College
All workshops will be held in E. H. Butler Library 318.

Thursday, October 13
Workshop 1, 10:00 a.m.: Introduction to Online Learning
Workshop 2, 1:00 p.m.: Presenting Content Online

Tuesday, November 8
Workshop 3, 10:00 a.m.: Integrating Interaction in Your Online Course
Workshop 4, 1:00 p.m.: Authentic Online Assessment

Tuesday, December 13
Workshop 5, 10:00 a.m.: Teaching and Managing Your Online Course

Questions about training can be directed to Pereira, Instructional Resources, and questions about the incentive can be directed to Kevin Railey, Graduate School, or Margaret Shaw-Burnett, Continuing and Professional Studies.

From the President
At its May 13, 2011, meeting, the College Senate voted to approve and forward to the president for review and action the following Smoking Policy Resolutions:

Student Welfare Committee Smoking Policy Resolution
WHEREAS, New York State has declared public buildings smoke free; and

WHEREAS, smoking near buildings constitutes a health risk for faculty, students, and staff; and

WHEREAS, smoking outside creates unsightly litter and diminishes the quality of life for all at Buffalo State College; and

WHEREAS, Buffalo State College has a vital interest in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, visitors, and others who utilize campus facilities. Research findings show that use of tobacco products in general constitutes a significant health hazard. Under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines, secondhand smoke is a Group A carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) known to cause heart disease, cancer, respiratory issues, and irritation of the eyes and nose. In keeping with Buffalo State’s desire to protect the health of its students, faculty, staff, visitors, vendors, and guests, as well as other campus constituents and the public in general; and

WHEREAS, there is a desire to show respect for other students, faculty, and staff, the policy will include a period of educational training,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that it is Buffalo State’s policy to provide a smoke-free and tobacco-free environment in all university facilities and outdoor areas in full conformance with applicable statutes, including the New York State Clean Indoor Air Act (Public Health Law Article 13-E).

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Buffalo State College administration will develop a plan to implement this no-smoking policy and will share it with the Senate for discussion before it is put into effect.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Buffalo State College will become a tobacco-free campus on January 1, 2012, following a period of education and awareness conducted during the fall semester 2011, during which smoking-cessation programs will be made available to faculty, staff, and students; promotional efforts aimed at smoking cessation and prevention will be actively carried out; and a campaign to inform the campus community of the university’s smoking policy will be implemented. Further, to show respect for other students, faculty, and staff, the enforcement of smoking or any use of tobacco within 25 feet of building entrances will be enforced starting September 1, 2011.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that faculty, staff, and students have a shared responsibility for enforcement of the university’s tobacco-free-campus policy. Individuals found in violation are to be reminded in a professional and courteous manner of the university’s policy. Repeat offenders are to be reported to their respective supervisors, for faculty and staff, and to the Judicial Affairs Office, for students.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that effective January 1, 2012, Buffalo State College reserves the right to initiate progressive disciplinary action against any individual found to be in violation of the university’s tobacco-free-campus policy. Disciplinary action may include verbal counseling and education about the health effects of tobacco use, written warnings, a monetary fine or community service, or other appropriate disciplinary actions in accordance with the Code of Student Rights, Freedoms, and Responsibilities for students and Human Resource Management policy guidelines for faculty and staff. Visitors, vendors, contractors, and other guests will be informed that Buffalo State College is a tobacco-free campus. Any visitors who continue to violate the policy following a warning will be escorted off campus.

I accept the recommendation of the College Senate regarding a smoke-free policy for Buffalo State. I charge the vice president for student affairs with the responsibility of overseeing the implementation of an education and awareness program to begin on September 1, 2011. I further charge the vice president for student affairs with the responsibility of overseeing the development of a policy to be distributed and implemented by January 1, 2012.

From the President
At its February 4, 2011, meeting, the College Senate approved an amendment to the bylaws that requires a campuswide referendum. The statewide University Faculty Senate (UFS) now allows members of the Professional Staff Caucus (PSC) to serve as university faculty senators. If all seven at-large senators and the two university faculty senators were to be PSC members, our Buffalo State Senate would be out of compliance with Article III, Section C of our bylaws, which state, “Faculty members shall be the majority membership of the College Senate.”

After much debate, the Senate is recommending that two of the seven at-large seats be reserved for faculty (also referred to as “academic staff members”), and that they be elected when university faculty senators are not on the ballot. In other words, the campus has a three-year election cycle, with UFS seats elected two out of the three years. The faculty-only election would occur on that third year. The exact changes are listed below. Voting took place between April 28 and May 6.

Current:

C. Faculty members shall be the majority membership of the College Senate. The College Senate shall include only the following groups: faculty (consisting of the four schools and the library), professional staff members, support staff members, students, and administrators (nonvoting), with specific members as follows:

1. The president of the college, ex officio, nonvoting; and
    
2. The provost and vice president for academic affairs, ex officio, nonvoting; the vice president for student affairs, ex officio, nonvoting; and the vice president for finance and management, ex officio, nonvoting; and
    
3. Seven members of the college faculty (Article II, Section A and B) elected at large by a majority vote of the college faculty; and
    
4. Six members elected at large by a majority vote of the professional staffs of Instructional Resources, Student Affairs, and other professional groups not otherwise represented; and
    
5. Six members elected from each of the approved faculties (School of Arts and Humanities, School of Education, School of Natural and Social Sciences, School of the Professions) and other faculties recommended by the Senate and approved by the president; and one member from the Butler Library faculty. Each of these faculties shall determine how its senators shall be elected; and
    
6. Two university faculty senators elected by the college who must be members of the college faculty (Article II, Section A and B); and
    
7. Twelve students elected by the student body whose terms of office and method of election shall be determined in accordance with the United Students Government constitution; and
    
8. One member of the college support staff elected as determined by the support staff; and
    
9. Two members, ex officio, nonvoting, appointed by the president.

Proposed change:

C. Faculty members shall be the majority membership of the College Senate. The College Senate shall include only the following groups: faculty (consisting of the four schools and the library), professional staff members, support staff members, students, and administrators (nonvoting), with specific members as follows:

1. The president of the college, ex officio, nonvoting; and
    
2. The provost and vice president for academic affairs, ex officio, nonvoting; the vice president for student affairs, ex officio, nonvoting; and the vice president for finance and management, ex officio, nonvoting; and
    
3. Five members of the college faculty (Article II, Section A and B) elected at large by a majority vote of the college faculty; and
    
4. Two members of the faculty (academic staff) elected at large by a majority vote of the faculty; and
    
5. Six members elected at large by a majority vote of the professional staffs of Instructional Resources, Student Affairs, and other professional groups not otherwise represented; and
    
6. Six members elected from each of the approved faculties (School of Arts and Humanities, School of Education, School of Natural and Social Sciences, School of the Professions) and other faculties recommended by the Senate and approved by the president; and one member from the Butler Library faculty. Each of these faculties shall determine how its senators shall be elected; and
    
7. Two university faculty senators elected by the college who must be members of the college faculty (Article II, Section A and B); and
    
8. Twelve students elected by the student body whose terms of office and method of election shall be determined in accordance with the United Students Government constitution; and
    
9. One member of the college support staff elected as determined by the support staff; and
    
10. Two members, ex officio, nonvoting, appointed by the president.

The election has concluded, and the referendum was voted in favor of the proposed change (see items 3 and 4 above).

I hereby declare that the changes to the College Senate bylaws that have been duly adopted by the faculty are effective immediately.

From the Vice President for Finance and Management
Buffalo State College is preparing to initiate several summer-season and longer-term construction and renovation projects. During this time of growth and development, there will be some impacts to the campus population. For a map of construction zones and affected parking areas, please see the summer 2011–2012 exterior construction zones map (PDF). For more information on these projects or to view a PowerPoint presentation with details about these and future projects, visit www.buffalostate.edu/construction.

The student apartment complex at the corner of Grant and Letchworth streets is near completion. The 225,000-square-foot, 507-bedroom apartment-style student housing complex consists of three wings of various heights. In keeping with the preferences of today’s resident student, each apartment contains four single bedrooms, two full baths, and a full kitchen and living room. Site work will continue through the summer, and the building will be open for occupancy by students for fall 2011; the student apartment complex is fully assigned for fall.

The science and mathematics complex is well under way as construction of the Phase One addition, west of the existing Science Building, continues.

The highly anticipated renovation of Rockwell Hall’s third floor will begin in late June. The space formerly occupied by the Burchfield Penney Art Center will be transformed to create new facilities for the Art Conservation and Music departments, including general purpose smart classrooms and a new recital hall. To accommodate this project, Lot X will be reduced in size through summer 2012.

The new Technology Building will also get under way in late June. The campus will break ground on this two-year project during a ceremony on June 10. (Watch the Daily Bulletin for your invitation!) The new building will provide facilities for the technology, computer information systems, and fashion textile technology programs.

Underground utilities between Moore Complex and Towers 2, 3, and 4 will be replaced this summer. Starting in late May, the roadway between Moore Complex and the Towers will be enclosed for this work for about six to eight weeks. To provide contractors with the necessary staging area, the northwest corner of Lot R will be off-line.

In addition, Tower 4 asbestos abatement will resume this summer. From late May through early August, Tower 4 will undergo this work, and parking at the southeast corner of Lot R will be interrupted.

Roof replacements are scheduled to begin in mid-May on Bacon Hall, Donald Savage Theater and Communication Building, the Sports Arena, the Power Plant, and Ketchum Hall with completion expected in late fall. To accommodate cranes and materials storage, parking at the south end of Lot W, the north side of Lot B, the east end of Lot L-1, the east end of Lot F-1, and the southeast corner of Lot C will be off-line for the duration of these projects.

Three classrooms in Caudell Hall will undergo smart classroom enhancements this summer; four spaces at the south end of Lot T will be off-line during this undertaking. In addition, three classrooms in Houston Gym and three rooms in the Classroom Building will be upgraded to smart classrooms. While this is under way, the small lot on the west side of Houston Gym and the Sports Arena will be off-line.

Rees Street between Coyer Field and Rockwell Road will be repaved from Monday, May 16, through early June. One lane of traffic will remain open at all times, with traffic-control measures in place.

We can also announce that our parking supply will be increased in early August with the restriping of 50 new spaces of the Campus West bus zone in Lot F, at the south side of that building. In addition, 60 spaces formerly used by Campus West staff members will now be available to the campus community, for a total of 110 spaces of additional parking in Lot F.

Your patience is appreciated as Buffalo State continues moving forward with planned capital projects.

Please join us as we launch the first SUNY Report Card on Tuesday, May 17, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. via video and social media live on SUNY.edu.
 
It’s about accountability. Never before has the State University of New York put its goals out on the table and asked New Yorkers to "hold us to it."
 
Until now.
 
As part of Chancellor Nancy Zimpher's five-year strategic plan for SUNY—called The Power of SUNY—we are introducing our annual "report card," which will evaluate and track the progress of SUNY across a spectrum of critical areas.
 
SUNY will not only measure success in teaching and research, we will also embrace our public mission to play a role in the critical issues facing our state, including helping to turn around New York's economy and improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers. To do this, we have identified priorities in alternative energy, “cradle-to-career” education, globalization, diversity, research and innovation, health and wellness, and the impact SUNY students, faculty, and staff can have on building stronger communities statewide.
 
The SUNY Report Card will use both internally and externally validated metrics to track our progress in these areas. More importantly, it will allow the public to hold us accountable for the progress we make as a system.

From the Chair of the College Senate
The final College Senate meeting of the spring semester will be held at 2:00 p.m. tomorrow, May 13, in E. H. Butler Library 210. Please note the earlier start time. The annual Senate Caucus will take place at 12:30 p.m., prior to the Senate meeting, also in Butler 210. College Senate meetings will resume in the fall.

From the President
The next meeting of the Buffalo State College Council will be held at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, in Cleveland Hall 518.

Agenda
1. Call to order
2. Action Items
-- Approval of Minutes: April 19, 2011
3. President’s Report
4. Committee Reports
5. Announcements
6. Adjournment