Teaching online has become a common practice in the academic field. We will look at the current state of online teaching, share experiences about teaching in the online environment, and look at some new simple tools that you can integrate into your online teaching. Anyone who is interested in online teaching, wants to share their online teaching experiences, or just wants to talk about teaching online is welcome to join us and share their thoughts. A light lunch will be provided. Wednesday, March 9, noon to 1:00 p.m. in the Professional Development Center, E. H. Butler Library 181B.

Register at http://bscintra.buffalostate.edu/registration/classdetails.asp?class=2451

Please be advised that the Mail Room has two couriers to help with deliveries on campus. Campus couriers can be used to deliver letters and inter-campus mail from one location to another on campus. They do not deliver packages. Their hours are limited due to classes.

Tentative Schedule:
Monday: 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Thursday: 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

To request a delivery please call ext. 5515. Thank you.

Definitions of mental health are changing. Good mental health is not just the absence of mental illness. Generally, mental health refers to our thoughts, feelings, and actions particularly when faced with life's challenges and stressors. Mental health is the foundation of our thinking and communication skills, learning, emotional growth, resilience, and self-esteem.

It includes the way you feel about yourself, the quality of your relationships, your ability to manage your feelings and deal with difficulties, and even your health.

These realizations are prompting a new kind of focus on mental health that identifies components of mental wellness and explores ways to encourage them.

There are many ways to take care of your “mental fitness,” such as exercise, eating well, sleeping adequately, spending time with friends, managing your time, budgeting your money, laughing, self-help books, support groups, relaxation, meditation, counseling, and even medication.

Check out Buffalo State's Mental Health Awareness Week 2011 schedule and join the conversation.

Father Pat, director of Catholic Campus Ministry at the Newman Center, welcomes all faculty, staff, and students to join him on Ash Wednesday, March 9, at 12:05 p.m. in E. H. Butler Library 210, or 6:00 p.m. at the Newman Center Chapel, 1219 Elmwood Avenue, for mass and distribution of ashes.

The Campus Academy for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (CASTL) is accepting applications for three one-year, $3,000 faculty development fellowships to promote the scholarship of teaching and learning on campus. Full-time faculty members, departments, and interdisciplinary groups are all encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to projects that focus on the following subject areas: promoting higher-order thinking, raising expectations, encouraging active engagement, and meaningful learning. Anyone interested should contact John Draeger at ext. 4320 or visit www.buffalostate.edu/orgs/castl. Applications will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, April 4.

Next Tuesday, March 8, at 7:30 p.m. in Bacon Hall 117, students can learn how to spend a semester studying in Siena, Italy. They will witness the Siena experience via a Power Point presentation, hear from former program participants, find out about financial aid and scholarships, learn how courses taken in Siena fulfill requirements at Buffalo State, and sample authentic Italian refreshments. 

Family members and friends are also welcome to learn more about how their students can partake in an experience that has been transforming students' lives since 1961. An abbreviated information session on Siena will also be offered Tuesday at 12:15 p.m. in Bulger Communication Center North 2B.

The 139th commencement is Saturday, May 14. Online marcher and volunteer usher registration is now open! Be sure to select the correct link: either Marchers-Register or Volunteers-Register.

Thank you for supporting the Class of 2011 and welcoming their families by sharing just a few hours of your time!

This session will focus on Interwrite and Smart Technologies interactive white boards. This is not a product demo. Learn how to facilitate student learning by capturing notes, lectures, or student work in class and uploading to ANGEL/web. Presented by Instructional Resources, Monday, March 7, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the Professional Development Center, E. H. Butler Library 181B.

Register at http://bscintra.buffalostate.edu/registration/classdetails.asp?class=2439 

Buffalo State's Jozef Bajus and artist Felice Koenig are featured in the exhibition An Overabundance of Detail at the Burchfield Penney. 

On Thursday, March 10, at 7:00p.m., Jozef will discuss his folded paper constructions and other sculptures. Felice will discuss her multi-dimensional paintings and their motivation. Both artists will present their work in the Peter and Elizabeth Tower Auditorium with Q&A to follow.

Have you considered using service learning in your courses? Participate in the 2011 Service-Learning Faculty Fellows program and join the over 70 Buffalo State faculty who have become fellows since 2003! 

Service-Learning Faculty Fellows will acquire an in-depth understanding of service-learning pedagogy through an intensive three-day workshop facilitated by nationally recognized experts in service learning. Participants are supported through the process of converting an existing course or creating a new course which incorporates service learning. Faculty Fellowship training dates are set for May 17, 18, and 19, 2011.

Applications are due Monday, March 7. Apply now! For applications and information, visit the VSLC website.