From the Chair of the College Senate
Congratulations to Mark Warford, associate professor of modern and classical languages, and David Carson, SUNY Distinguished Service Professor of history, on winning the two at-large faculty seats on the College Senate. Their terms will run from 2012 to 2015. Congratulations as well to Lisa Hunter, assistant dean of intellectual foundations and first-year programs, on winning the at-large seat with a term of 2012–2014. Thanks to all who participated in this year’s election!

From the Chair of the College Senate
The electronic voting booth for electing two faculty at-large senators and one at-large senator is now open. Polls will close at 11:59 p.m. Friday, April 6. Anyone wishing to vote by paper ballot should contact the College Senate Office at ext. 5139 or collegesenate@buffalostate.edu, or stop by Cleveland Hall 211.

All members of the campus community are cordially invited to attend President Podolefsky’s annual State of the College address at 12:15 p.m. today in the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall. A live webcast of the speech will be available.

President Aaron Podolefsky will deliver his annual State of the College address to the Buffalo State community at 12:15 p.m. Thursday, April 5, in the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall. All are encouraged to attend.

From the Interim Vice President for Finance and Management
New York State Education Law Section 661 requires that a student be matriculated in an approved program (major) to be eligible for state financial aid (includes TAP and all grants and scholarships enumerated in Articles 13 and 14 of the law). Pre-majors do not qualify as approved programs under Education Law.

To be eligible for TAP, students must:

• Be accepted into a major prior to their completion of 60 credit hours
  > Pre-major and undeclared status are unacceptable for TAP purposes once a student has earned 60 credit hours
• Enroll full time each semester only in courses that apply to the program of study or major
  > Minimum of 12 new credit hours required
  > Enrollment in course(s) previously failed or withdrawn from is allowed as part of the minimum 12 credit hours
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress according to this published TAP chart.

Academic advisers: please have this important information available when advising your students.

From the Chair of the College Senate
Three at-large College Senate positions will become vacant on August 27. Two seats are for three-year terms and are open to all faculty and librarians. The remaining seat is for a two-term and can be held by a faculty or professional staff member (in keeping with the last year’s amendment of the Senate bylaws). Nominations are closed; elections will begin on Monday, April 2, and continue through Friday, April 6. Candidates’ statements can be found on the College Senate website.

From the Chair of the College Senate
The next meeting of the College Senate for the spring 2012 semester will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, April 13, in E. H. Butler Library 210.

From the Interim Vice President for Finance and Management
For all emergencies on campus, call University Police directly at 6333. Calls to 911 will be redirected by the City of Buffalo 911 operator to University Police and could increase valuable response time. The blue-light phones located throughout the campus and in most campus parking lots are a direct link to University Police and will ensure an immediate response. Call University Police at ext. 6333 with questions or concerns regarding campus safety.

From the Interim Vice President for Finance and Management
This policy describes the assignment, use, and management of desk and cellular telephones and mobile devices for employees of Buffalo State College.

Policy
Desk and cellular telephones and mobile devices are to be used for official business-related activities only. Personal use of telephones should be limited to emergency calls. Payment for reimbursement of personal desk or cellular telephone calls should be forwarded to the IFR and Recharge Accounting Office. Personal use of laptops and other mobile devices should be kept to a minimum.

Cellular Telephones and Broadband Service Plans
Cellular telephones and broadband service plans may be assigned only to employees whose duties and responsibilities require immediate or remote communications capabilities. The assignment of cellular telephones and broadband service plans must be approved by the vice president for finance and management, who will review assignments annually to ensure compliance with this policy.

Each employee assigned a mobile device shall be primarily responsible for its security and maintenance, and must immediately report any theft, loss, damage, or vandalism of the unit.

New York State law prohibits the use of handheld cellular phones while driving.

Questions about this policy may be directed to the Vice President for Finance and Management's Office, ext 4311.

From the Interim Vice President for Finance and Management
College resources, including equipment, supplies, services, and facilities, shall be used for official college business only. Use of college resources for commercial purposes or for personal gain is prohibited. Any loan of college property (other than library materials) to any party for personal use is prohibited.

Direct any questions regarding this policy to James Thor, associate vice president and comptroller, at ext. 4312.