Faculty and staff members are invited to submit information on their achievements for the January-February 2005 issue of the Buffalo State Insider. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, December 8. Use the online form at http://www.buffalostate.edu/insider/index.asp?sub=achform or send e-mail to collrel@buffalostate.edu with “achievements” in the subject field. Please include your name, title, department or office, e-mail address, and a brief description of the activity, including the time frame.

The State of New York/United University Professions Joint Labor-Management Committees announced the allocation of funds for Individual Development Awards for activities commenced on or after September 1, 2003 and completed on or before June 30, 2005. The maximum award is $1,000. Applications and guidelines: www.buffalostate.edu/offices/hr/ida.asp. The committee strongly encourages the electronic submission of applications/vitas to Deborah Daly at dalydf@buffalostate.edu as well as application process questions to her at ext. 6210.

The campus community is invited to attend Academic Convocation on Thursday, September 23, 2004 at 12:15 p.m. in Warren Enters Theatre. Should we reach seating capacity in Warren Enters Theatre, video viewing will be available in Bulger Communication Center - South. Broadcast journalist Garrick Utley will deliver the Academic Convocation address. Please join us as we recognize the accomplishments of our faculty and staff colleagues. A reception will follow on the front lawn of Upton Hall.

The Art Conservation Department invites you to our annual Open House on Friday, October 29th from 2-4pm in Rockwell Hall 230. The event will provide an opportunity to view works of art in various stages of conservation. Faculty and students will be on hand to explain and demonstrate various aspects of conservation principles and practice. Please join us!

Shirley Spriegel, Buffalo State professor of Elementary Education and Reading, and author of "Getting Ready to Read", will be signing her new book, "Math Practice for Beginners". The book signing will take place at the Barnes & Noble Buffalo State Bookstore, Wednesday, November 17, 2004 from 12:30pm - 1:30pm. Please join us.

Is one word better than another? Why say "genius" instead of "nerd," or "disposition" instead of "tude," or "patriotism" instead of "jingoism"? Do you see a movie, a film, or a flick? Do you smoke cigarettes, butts, or cancer sticks? Word choices may convey what we mean, but they can also reflect who we are and how we think. The Academic Skills Center (878-4041) is sponsoring a workshop for students to make them more aware of the extraordinary power of their words. Please alert them to this helpful session. Thank you. Date: Tues., Nov. 9. Time: 12:15 p.m. (Bengal Pause). Where: Twin Rise 201.

Fr. Pat, Director of Campus Ministry at BSC Newman Center, will be offering a special All Saints Day liturgy on Monday, November 1 at noon in the Student Union Assembly Hall.

NYS Employee Health Benefits Fair will be held Thursday, December 2, 2004 from 11:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. in Butler Library 210. Representatives from Community Blue, Independent Health, Univera, and the Empire Plan will be available to answer questions about your current health insurance plan and changes anticipated for 2005. Employee Benefits staff will also be present to assist you. Maximize your dental and vision care benefits by speaking with representatives from the CSEA and UUP Benefit Trust Funds. Obtain information about the Employee Assistance Program and meet our new EAP Coordinators.

Please join the SEFA Campaign Committee at the Day of Sharing, the kickoff to the 2004 SEFA/United Way Campaign, on Thursday, September 16 from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. in the Butler Library 210.
At the kickoff, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to visit with representatives from local not-for-profit agencies and learn how the State Employees Federated Appeal helps strengthen the community. Refreshments will be served. Please join us!

Please join the BSC Volunteer and Service-Learning Center (VSLC) in the Burchfield-Penney Art Center, North Gallery on Thursday December 2, 12:15-1:30 when we will be celebrating the service of students, faculty and community partners. Over 400 students, 14 faculty, and dozens of community organizations have participated in BSC's second semester of service-learning courses, volunteer efforts, and community work study partnerships this fall. Please help the VSLC recognize the dedication and service efforts of these individuals by joining us for this event. Refreshments will be served.