Buffalo State has joined with 290 other college campuses that have implemented tobacco-free polices. A representative from the Erie County Department of Health will attend the New York State Employee Health Benefits Fair on Thursday, December 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in E. H. Butler Library 210 offering support and information to staff and faculty members interested in learning more about tobacco cessation. Sponsored by the Buffalo State Employee Assistance Program.

Last opportunity to purchase that special holiday gift and support Buffalo State students at the same time! Unusual earrings and necklaces, ceramic vases and bowls, and much more. Don't miss out! The annual Student Art Sale continues today from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Czurles-Nelson Gallery in Upton Hall.

If you have any questions, please call Carol Townsend at ext. 4986.

Gifts galore! Don't miss out! Come and discover the handcrafted ceramic bowls, sterling silver earrings, wood items, photographs, and paintings! These are only a few of the items available today, December 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and tomorrow, December 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the 16th annual Student Art Sale. Come to the Czurles-Nelson Gallery and buy that holiday gift and support our art education, design, and fine arts students at the same time!

If you have questions, please call Carol Townsend at ext. 4986.

The New York State Employee Health Benefits Fair will be held tomorrow, December 6, in E. H. Butler Library 210 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Representatives from BlueCross BlueShield of WNY (Community Blue), Independent Health, and the Empire Plan will be there to answer questions about current health insurance plans and anticipated changes in coverage for 2013.

Staff members from the Employee Benefits Office also will be present to assist employees in making changes to health insurance coverage. Attendees may have their blood pressure checked; learn about the benefits of and sample massage therapy; learn how to maximize dental and vision care benefits from a representative of the UUP Benefit Trust Fund; get ideas on how to balance work, home, and life from NYS Balance; obtain information about the Employee Assistance Program and meet EAP coordinators; consult with Fitness Center staff on how to become stronger and healthier; and get informational resources and support on how to quit smoking from the Weigel Health Center staff.

Call Human Resource Management at ext. 4821 if you have any questions.

Don't miss out! Discover a world of handcrafted items just perfect for holiday gifts or gracing your home or office. Held in the Czurles-Nelson Gallery, the 16th annual Student Art Sale begins Wednesday, December 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and reopens on Thursday, December 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Come early for the best selection! Support our students.

If you have any questions, please call Carol Townsend at ext. 4986.

If your department has new employees who will be authorized to sign purchase requisitions, you must complete a new Record of Authorized Signatures form for each department account. You will also need a new Record of Authorized Signatures form if an authorized signatory is on sabbatical and someone else will be the temporary authorized signatory until his or her return. The new form will replace what is currently on file. The form can be found on the Procurement Services website. You can also call the office to request the Record of Authorized Signatures form. Complete the form and send it, with an original signature, to Procurement Services, Cleveland Hall 406, as soon as possible.

Health insurance rates for 2013 have been established and are available at www.buffalostate.edu/offices/hr/benefits.asp#rates.     

Employees who wish to change their health insurance plans for the coming year have until Monday, December 31, 2012. We encourage you to complete and return the option transfer form to Cleveland Hall 410 as soon as possible. This will avoid retroactive premium adjustments and should allow you to receive new health plan identification cards closer to the coverage effective date of January 3, 2013.

"Choices,” a summary of health insurance plans, is now available online. There are two versions: one for settled contracts, and another for unsettled contracts. You may want to review this summary before deciding to change insurance carriers or to remain with your current carriers for your health insurance coverage.

Representatives from BlueCross Blue Shield of WNY (Community Blue), Independent Health, and the Empire Plan will be on campus on Thursday, December 6, in E. H. Butler Library 210 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. to answer questions about current health insurance plans and anticipated changes in coverage for 2013.

No action is required if you wish to keep your current health insurance option.

Please call Human Resource Management at ext. 4821 with questions.

We are aware that many students may have been affected by Hurricane Sandy or may have family and friends who are affected. They may have become even more aware of the devastation after going home for the Thanksgiving break.

It is normal for students to feel strong emotions like anger, sadness, and helplessness as well as experience disturbed sleep and appetite after a critical incident like this. Things that they may find helpful include connecting with friends (rather than isolating), calling family, talking out their thoughts and feelings, and engaging in activities they enjoy.

The Dean of Student’s Office is making available two support sessions for interested students to share coping strategies and self-care suggestions, since many of them will soon be returning home.

The following sessions are scheduled. Please share with students:

Monday, December 3
4:00–5:00 p.m.
Weigel Health Center 203

and

Friday, December 7
2:00–3:00 p.m.
Weigel Health Center 203

These events are cosponsored by the Critical Incident Support Team. If you are interested in participating in future events that provide support to the campus, please contact Kim Jablonski.

NYSHIP will offer the Opt-Out Program to CSEA, NYSCOPBA, PEF, PBANYS, and M/C employees effective January 1, 2013. This program allows eligible employees who have other employer-sponsored group health insurance to opt out of their NYSHIP coverage in exchange for an incentive payment. The annual incentive payment is $1,000 for opting out of individual coverage or $3,000 for opting out of family coverage.

If you are currently enrolled in NYSHIP and wish to participate in the Opt-Out Program, you must elect to opt out during the annual Option Transfer Period and attest to having other employer-sponsored group health insurance. You must complete and return the NYS Health Insurance Transaction form and the 2013 Opt-Out Attestation form to Cleveland Hall 410 by Monday, December 31. If you enroll in the program and you are eligible for dental and vision coverage, your eligibility for dental and vision coverage will not be affected.

If you currently participate in the Opt-Out Program and wish to participate in the program for 2013, you must complete a new Health Insurance Transaction Form, electing the Opt-Out Program for 2013, and the Opt-Out Attestation form. If you do not make the election for 2013, your enrollment in the Opt-Out Program will end and the incentive payment credited to your paycheck will stop. You must elect the Opt-Out Program on an annual basis.

The complete Opt-Out Program description, including eligibility requirements and enrollment forms, is available on the Human Resource Management website.

Please call Human Resource Management at ext. 4821 with questions or for additional information.

Want a meal for only $5? Then stop into the Campbell Student Union Food Court for a WOW Deal! WOW Deals are offered every day from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and are available at every platform.

December WOW Deals:

Train Grill: grilled cheese, fries, and a fountain beverage
Chop'd: garden salad and a fountain beverage
2.mato: two cheese slices and a fountain beverage
Salsarita's: two tacos and a fountain beverage
Bluw: sesame chicken and a fountain beverage
The Strip: snack wrap, mashed potatoes, and a fountain beverage

For more information on Buffalo State Dining, please visit our website.