The original play Dear Me will be performed Tuesday, October 22, during Bengal Pause (12:15–1:30 p.m.) in the Donald Savage Theater and Communication Building's Flexible Theatre. The play is also touring local schools and organizations throughout the 2013–2014 academic year.

Meet Reggie, a popular high school senior who is wrestling with the disturbing reality that his childhood pal, Charlie, has just committed suicide. Ignoring Reggie’s desperate pleas, Charlie had recently come out—and the social impact was disastrous. After Charlie’s funeral, Reggie seeks the refuge of their childhood hideout in the woods. Amidst symbols of their lifelong friendship, Reggie writes a letter to Charlie hoping his unspoken thoughts will somehow reach his lost friend. Reggie’s letter conjures much more than he plans for as souls from the past magically visit him to aid his journey toward self-discovery, turning loss into lessons.

The play will be followed by a workshop.

Faculty members will enter their fall 2013 grades using Banner. The grading window will open Monday, December 9, at 9:00 a.m. and close Wednesday, December 18, at 9:00 p.m. In preparation, faculty members are encouraged to log on to Banner to be sure that all their courses are listed under their accounts. Detailed documentation for entering grades is available at http://buffalostate.edu/banner/documents/grading.pdf. Additionally, assistance is available by calling the Computing Help Desk at ext. 4357 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

If you have any questions about grading, please call the Registrar's Office at ext. 4811. We have provided a grading tip sheet to assist you in successful grading.

All faculty members are strongly encouraged to view and print a copy of the grading tip sheet, which addresses areas where faculty have recently experienced difficulties with grading. It should be used in conjunction with the instructions at http://buffalostate.edu/banner/documents/grading.pdf.

You may also view our video “How to Grade in Banner” and view or print the faculty grading tip sheet, the faculty grading schedule for 2013, and an explanation of grades at www.buffalostate.edu/registrar/FacultyGrading.xml.

The grading window for fall 2013 opens Monday, December 9, at 9:00 a.m. and closes Wednesday, December 18, at 9:00 p.m.

In an effort to support writing across the curriculum at Buffalo State, the College Writing Program will present a workshop on using the common handbook on Friday, October 25, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. in E. H. Butler Library 210. If you would like to reserve a spot, please contact Chris Kessler, ext. 5451. Thank you for your support in this endeavor.

The First Home Club Savings Program workshop, led by Eric Gadley of Evans Bank, will be held on Tuesday, October 29, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in E. H. Butler Library 210. This EAP-sponsored workshop is for anyone who is currently going through or will be going through the home-buying process for the first time. Come and speak with experts who can educate you on what you need to know to make the home-buying process as seamless as possible, including how to get started and what important information and documents you will need along the way. Also, learn about the $4 to $1 matching grant (receive up to $7,500 by saving $1,875) offered by many local banks for down payment and closing costs. Space is limited. RSVP by Friday, October 25, to Laura Sweet, 926-2000. Light refreshments will be served.

If you are one of the faculty members who were not able to complete the Buffalo State Course Content Migration Request form by October 10, the second-round form is now available. Please complete the form and submit it by Thursday, December 5. As always, be sure to schedule your Blackboard training accordingly. You can view available training sessions on the Workshop Registration System. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Instructional Resources at ext. 3036.

Faculty members will enter their fall 2013 grades using Banner. The grading window will open Monday, December 9, at 9:00 a.m. and close Wednesday, December 18, at 9:00 p.m. In preparation, faculty members are encouraged to log on to Banner to be sure all their courses are listed under their accounts. Detailed documentation for entering grades is available at http://buffalostate.edu/banner/documents/grading.pdf. Additionally, assistance is available by calling the Computing Help Desk at ext. 4357 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

If you have any questions about grading, please call the Registrar's Office at ext. 4811. We have provided a grading tip sheet to assist you in successful grading.

On behalf of the Buffalo State Campus Intercultural Communications Committee, the International Student Affairs Office is delighted to invite all internationally minded faculty, staff, and students to attend our well-known weekly International Student Social Hour, which allows all international students, scholars, and their friends to meet informally.

This special get-together takes place every Wednesday from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. in Assembly Hall 1 of the Campbell Student Union.

Coffee, tea, and other light refreshments are graciously shared.

Looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday, October 23.

The International Student Affairs Office has officially established an International Student Orientation Fund that can receive donations at any time. The purpose of the initiative is to have funding that can cover the cost of taxi rides from the Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Buffalo State for international students when they arrive to move into their rooms. (International students will obtain a receipt for reimbursement.)

This program will apply only to those international students who have made prior reservations to live on campus.

The campus community is warmly invited to make donations to this special fund by calling the International Student Affairs Office at ext. 5331 or sending e-mail to Jean Gounard, director of international student affairs.

Students from all over the world enroll at Buffalo State, and an important part of their orientation is the opportunity to learn firsthand about our cultural patterns, economic and political outlooks, and everyday language skills. These experiences can assist them in class discussions and in their social relations with other students. It also gives them a better understanding of the American culture they will take back with them to their home countries.

The American Host Family Program is designed to give an international student a family with whom he or she can visit, enjoy an occasional meal, celebrate holidays, participate in community sporting and cultural events, and gain insight about our country and culture. The program also gives host families the opportunity to learn about another country’s culture, holidays, and language. (It is important to note that it will be up to the host family and the student to discuss when and how often they will meet.)

International students are often far from home and do not see their families for months or even years. Some students may find the transition from their home country to our country very difficult. Being without their families and friends and adapting to a new culture and a new school can be difficult in many ways. The warm support of an American family can help alleviate their fears and frustrations.

We hope that your family will be interested in participating in this program.

Please contact Pat Schindler, graduate intern in the International Student Affairs Office, ext. 5331, to join the Buffalo State American Host Family Program.