May is blood pressure awareness month, and it is important to know your numbers when it comes to your blood pressure. Once again, Weigel Health Center will offer free ambulatory blood pressure monitor screening through Thursday, June 6.

While blood pressure can change from minute to minute with changes in posture, exercise, stress, or sleep, it should normally be less than 120/80 mm Hg (less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic) for an adult age 20 or over. About one in three (33.5%) U.S. adults has high blood pressure; however, a single high reading does not necessarily mean that you have high blood pressure.

Even if your blood pressure is normal, you should consider making lifestyle modifications to prevent the development of high blood pressure and improve your heart health.

Start now, and do your part by taking an active role in your health care. Call Julie Nichols, a nurse practitioner with the Weigel Health Center, at ext. 6711 to ask any questions you may have or to set up an appointment. Tests will be scheduled Monday–Thursday only, and it is important to wear a loose-fitting shirt the day of testing. A disclaimer form must be completed the day of testing.

Learn more about high blood pressure at the following websites:

http://www.americanheart.org

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov

The Orientation and New Student Programs Office will assist participating departments with Transfer Advisement Day on Thursday, May 30. Students will check in at 1:30 p.m. in the Campbell Student Union. Parking for students will be available in Lot G. Questions should be directed to ext. 5336.

In collaboration with the Continuing Professional Studies Office and the coordinator for military and veterans affairs, the Orientation and New Student Programs Office will offer a military orientation on Thursday, May 30. The event will begin at 7:30 a.m. in Cleveland Hall 205 and run through approximately 5:00 p.m. Student parking will be available in Lot G.

Faculty: This semester, new links have been added to your roster, which connect you to grading explanation sheets on the Registrar’s Office website. Please make use of these handy references to assist you if you need more information on the meaning or use of individual grades. There are separate sheets for undergraduate and graduate grades.

Father Pat, director of Catholic Campus Ministry at the Newman Center, welcomes all faculty, staff, and students to join him for Mass on Thursday, May 9, at either 12:05 p.m. in E. H. Butler Library 210 or 6:00 p.m. in the Newman Center Chapel, 1219 Elmwood Avenue. All are welcome!

The end of the school year is right around the corner, and Buffalo State Catering is here to help. Buffalo State Catering can assist you with your party planning. We will help design a menu to meet your needs—all you have to do is place the order and leave the rest to us!

E-mail Lindsey Syracuse or visit www.dineoncampus.com/bsc to see our available options.

The 141st Commencement on Saturday, May 18, is quickly approaching. Faculty and staff members who wish to participate in Commencement and have not yet registered may still do so until Friday, May 10. Marchers may register online for all three ceremonies. Volunteer ushers also may register online for all three ceremonies; the greatest need is for the 2:00 p.m. baccalaureate ceremony and the 6:00 p.m. master's hooding and C.A.S. ceremony.

Commencement is the most auspicious occasion of the academic year, celebrating our graduating class and welcoming their families and guests. Your participation is critical to a successful event and is most appreciated by all involved. Thank you very much.

Happy Cinco De Mayo from Buffalo State Dining! Celebrate with us Friday, May 3, and enjoy a fresh burrito bar complete with nonalcoholic margaritas from 11:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Also, learn how to make authentic Mexican tamales with Chartwells' executive chef, Ian Woodward.

Enter with a meal swipe, Dining Dollars, Bengal Bucks, or lunch door price of $8.79.

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

Buffalo State Dining is now serving Hershey's ice cream next to Spot Coffee in the Campbell Student Union Food Court. Try one of Hershey's many creamy and delicious flavors in your choice of a bowl or cone. It's the perfect afternoon snack to help cool down.

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

The spring 2013 "Conversations in and out of the Disciplines" series concludes Friday, May 10, as Saziye Bayram, associate professor of mathematics, presents "The Numbers behind the Kidney: Mathematical Modeling of Renal Dynamics," at 3:00 in Ketchum Hall 320. All are welcome. A short, informal wine-and-cheese reception will be held after the talk.