The Graduate School will hold a meeting on Friday, September 27, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in E. H. Butler Library 210. All graduate faculty members are invited. Coordinators and chairs of graduate programs are especially encouraged to attend.

Blackboard Learn will be the official campus-supported course management system starting with January term and the spring 2014 semester. It is important for the campus to begin preparation, as ANGEL will become unavailable January 17, 2014.

Instructional Resources has created a website listing pertinent tasks to be completed to make this a successful migration. Please call Instructional Resources at ext. 4104 with questions or concerns.

Please join SEFA/United Way Campaign honorary chair Hal Payne, vice president for student affairs, and the campaign committee at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, October 1, in the Campbell Student Union Assembly Hall, when Buffalo State Interim President Howard Cohen will launch the official State Employees Federated Appeal Campaign with assistance from special guests from the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County. Mark your calendars and enjoy refreshments while learning about the needs in our community and the ways that your SEFA contribution can help. Solicitors will gather before the kickoff at 11:15 a.m. to receive their packets, discuss changes to the campaign, and hear words of advice on how to conduct a successful campaign.

Please encourage first-year students to participate in MAP-Works, Buffalo State’s award-winning retention program. MAP-Works is an online assessment designed to provide feedback to help students establish realistic expectations and connect with campus resources. The program will once again help us stay connected to first-year students and support those who might be at risk for dropping out.

All full-time first-year students will begin to receive e-mails to their Buffalo State accounts inviting them to take a survey. They will be asked about their transition to Buffalo State, including academic behavior, financial means, and social connections made so far.

Survey results are reported to faculty and staff members who serve as advisers, first-year course instructors, residence hall directors, and mentors. These faculty and staff members will receive results for their students only, and will have opportunities to intervene if students are reporting high-risk behaviors (e.g., poor study skills, poor support systems, not adapting to college life). The idea is to allow us to spend more time helping rather than diagnosing. Survey results are also reported back to each student in an easy-to-understand online report.

For further information regarding MAP-Works, or if you would like to be connected in the system to a distinct group of first-year students, please contact Eileen Merberg, ext. 4631.

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.

The Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences will host a “Buffalo State Weekend” on Saturday, September 28, and Sunday, September 29. In recognition and promotion of the strong partnership between Buffalo State and the society, the Buffalo Museum of Science is offering a $3 admission discount to all Buffalo State faculty, staff, and students. Simply present your Buffalo State ID at the admissions window to receive your discount. Your discount will also apply to all members in your party.

During your visit to the museum, you are encouraged to see the exhibit Body Worlds VITAL. This compelling exhibit explores the whole body and is different from the 2009 exhibition, which focused primarily on the heart.

The museum has also installed three new permanent exhibits: Explore YOU, presented by Independent Health; Our Marvelous Earth; and In Motion. These science-based exhibits provide hands-on, interactive engagement opportunities. These exhibits are a departure from the traditional science museum experience and set the stage for future renovations and transformations that will continue through October 2015, when the entire building will have been updated.

I hope you will join me at the Buffalo Museum of Science for this special weekend.

Mark Severson
Dean, School of Natural and Social Sciences

Naked knows that a healthy body doesn't mean much without a healthy world to live in. That's why Naked makes sure that all its products make an impact that will enhance your life and the planet's. From its fruit-sourcing partnerships and LEED-certified bottling facility to its 100 percent post-recycled reNEWabottles, Naked makes its juices committed to the belief that wellness is about more than just personal health—it extends to the entire world around us, too.

Celebrate Naked juice and all it has to offer with Buffalo State Dining today in the Student Union Quad from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Enjoy free samples and receive coupons for discounts on your next Naked purchase.

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 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, September 25.

Please join us for a presentation and discussion of the paper "The Journey of Economic and Spiritual Man," by Curtis Haynes, associate professor of economics and finance, during the Economics, Finance, and Social Science Seminar on Friday, September 27, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Campus House boardroom. Seating is limited. RSVP to Tae-Hee Jo, ext. 6933, by Thursday, September 26. The seminar is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) will host a Weight Watchers At Work open house on Thursday, September 26, from noon to 1:00 p.m. in E. H. Butler Library 208. The program is open to all faculty, staff, and students.

The benefits of the “At-Work” program:

• Flexibility – When you sign up for Monthly Pass, you’ll have access to weekly At-Work meetings and unlimited local meetings, as well as eTools and their Internet weight-loss companion.
   
• Convenience – Weight Watchers brings the meetings right to campus, so even the busiest person can still attend.
   
• Daily motivation – Since a majority of our week is most likely spent at work or school, attending Weight Watchers on campus creates a great network for ongoing support and motivation.

RSVP by Wednesday, September 25, to Gina Game, campus coordinator.