The Department Chair Institute is a short, hands-on, "nuts and bolts" session that is designed for new or experienced first-level academic leaders. Participants will explore ways of leading and managing academic departments. Get the skills and insider information today's department chairs need to better manage the services they provide and are accountable for. You'll quickly see the benefits offered by a positive and supportive learning environment that affords you the opportunity to network with experts and peers.

On Tuesday, September 9, at 12:15 p.m. in Bulger Communication Center West, students can learn about a faculty-led program on Chinese culture and business practices to be offered in Beijing, January 2–17, 2009. The program will be taught in English. Students will also find out how financial aid and scholarships apply to costs associated with this exciting program.

Faculty and librarians may now access the 2008-2009 edition of the Handbook for Faculty and Librarians at www.buffalostate.edu/facultydevelopment. The 2008-2009 Adjunct Faculty Guidebook also is available. Hard copies of the handbook were distributed at the New Faculty Orientation and to the deans’ offices and department chairs in mid-August. Departments may request hard copies of the Adjunct Guide for any new adjuncts by e-mailing chambepa@buffalostate.edu.

The College and Community Partnerships Office, Cleveland Hall 211A, has a bulletin board located outside its office. By prior arrangement, college and community information can be posted on the bulletin board. Next to the bulletin board are slots for take-away information.

The Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall presents the popular PBS series for pre-schoolers Raggs live on stage Saturday, September 20, at 10:30 a.m. Get ready to “wag and wiggle” with your favorite canine kids’ band, The Raggs Band! See your favorite dogs from the public television series Raggs for their 90-minute interactive, high-energy show—Raggs LIVE Dance Party!

Due to demand, two additional ANGEL Introduction workshops have been added to the training schedule. They are Monday, September 8, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and Tuesday September 9, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. To register for one of these workshops, go to http://bscintra.buffalostate.edu/registration/default.asp.

The 2008 election provides an opportunity for Buffalo State to fulfill its mission to empower a diverse population of students to succeed as citizens of a challenging world. University College is proud to co-sponsor a series of town hall discussions related to the election. Using our Academic Theme of Inconvenient Truths, we invite our campus community to explore specific issues affecting the presidential race and the potential impact of particular policy platforms advanced by the candidates on these issues. We invite faculty and students to submit original pieces to be considered for presentation at these discussions. Each meeting will feature a facilitator/discussant, three student presentations and one faculty presentation. The floor would then be open for conversation. The student presenters at each session will receive $100 for spring books. Students may submit individually or as part of groups. Submissions may be done for classes or a student organization. Faculty who either teach the course or serve as adviser to the group will receive $250 for travel or supplies.

The Undergraduate Research Office and the Psychology Department are conducting an evaluation of critical research thinking skills in students and are seeking the participation of faculty advisers and one advisee from each adviser. The project will require about an hour of time at both the beginning and end of the semester. Advisers and advisees will each receive a $50 gift card for their time. For more information, contact Professor Jill Norvilitis in the Psychology Department.

The Equity and Campus Diversity Office will receive applications for Equity and Campus Diversity Minigrants to provide financial assistance for projects, workshops, and activities to strengthen excellence in diversity as described in the college mission, strategic directions, and core values. 

Awards of $800 to $2,000 will be awarded to student organizations, academic clubs, departments, programs, and/or individual faculty or staff members. The average minigrant is expected to be $1,000; however, projects of superior merit that are directly related to diversity in the curriculum may be funded for up to $2,000. Awards are contingent on available funds and approval by the president. 

Projects MUST include issues related to race, ethnicity, gender, persons with disabilities, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or other areas related to diversity, in curricular and extracurricular offerings, programs, and activities. 

For more information, contact Dolores E. Battle, senior adviser to the president for equity and campus diversity, ext. 6210. Additional information and application forms are available at http://www.buffalostate.edu/equity/x725.xml

As the college's electrical substation project continues, workers plan to begin re-paving Iroquois Drive Tuesday, September 2. One lane will remain open at all times with flagmen directing traffic through work areas. Please call Campus Services at x6111 with any questions.