As an employee of SUNY, you are eligible to participate in the SUNY tax-deferred Voluntary Retirement Savings Program. This program provides a way for employees to save extra money for retirement through payroll deduction; there is no employer contribution.

Thanks to Buffalo State students, instructor Kim Truesdell, associate professor, Elementary Education and Reading Department, and Wegmans’ hospitality, children are traveling the globe in time-honored tradition—by book.

Give the gift that gives all year long—membership to the Burchfield Penney Art Center. Family memberships start at $60 and benefits include unlimited admission to the museum, membership in the Empire State Museum Reciprocal Program, discounts on art classes and special events, and 10 percent off in the Museum Store.

Come catch the holiday giving spirit this Friday, December 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in the Flexible Theatre (Donald Savage Theater and Communication Building).

The Asarese Youth Center is in need of Windows-based computers and splitter/router boxes in good working condition. The youth who come to the center often do not have access to computers for homework and other projects. There is also a need for volunteers with computer expertise who would be willing to provide maintenance on the computers on a regular basis amounting to no more than a few hours each semester. Please contact Gary Welborn at welborgs@buffalostate.edu or by phone at ext. 6428.

Only seven days remain to nominate a qualified student for the prestigious President's Medal and/or SUNY Chancellor's Award. Nomination materials are being accepted in Cleveland Hall 519 until 4:00 p.m. Monday, December 20, 2010. Information and nomination materials for these awards may be found online. Please contact Daniel Velez, assistant to the vice president for student affairs, via e-mail or call ext. 5550 with questions.

The Twelve Days of Burchfield continue at the Museum Store through December 24. Gift wrapping is always free and all purchases benefit the Burchfield Penney.

Are you looking for a high quality preschool program for your 3- or 4-year-old? The Buffalo State Child Care Center is a nationally accredited early childhood program conveniently located on campus. If you would like information on how to register your preschooler for the spring 2011 semester, call ext. 5335 or e-mail siwulajj@buffalostate.edu.

Are you looking for a gift that is different, educational, and fun? The Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium is offering gift shop items individually or as a value gift pack. Please contact Kevin Williams before noon on Monday, December 20, to shop or order.

The IRS announced effective January 1, 2011, the new standard mileage reimbursement rate will be 51 cents per mile. This is up from the standard mileage reimbursement rate of 50 cents per mile for 2010.