Increase your productivity by using the Track Changes feature in Microsoft Office to edit documents or make comments. Track Changes is a collaborative tool that allows multiple users to make revisions, provides access to the original document, and identifies who made each revision. Learn to make your own revisions and comments and to accept or reject those made by others. Presented by Sue McMillen, professor of mathematics and director of faculty development, on Monday, April 29, from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. in E. H. Butler Library 316.

Register at http://bscintra.buffalostate.edu/registration/classdetails.asp?class=3168.

The Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Office is accepting public comments on the draft Storm Water Management Program Annual Report. This report, which documents campus storm water pollution prevention measures for the reporting year ending March 9, 2013, is a requirement of the separate storm sewer system discharge permit, issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation pursuant to the Clean Water Act.

The draft report, along with other information on campus storm water pollution prevention efforts and instructions for submitting comments, can be accessed from the EH&S Office storm water pollution prevention web page. A paper copy of this report is also available for viewing during business hours at the Customer Service Center, located in the Clinton Center.

Because Microsoft will be discontinuing support for Windows XP after April 2014 and Apple will likely be discontinuing support for OS X 10.6 and earlier versions later this year, Computing and Technology Services will be contacting the users of affected devices to discuss options for operating system upgrades or computer replacement. Operating systems that are not vendor supported are a risk to the campus network because of the discontinuation of security patches.

If you are currently using one of the PCs that was not upgraded to Windows 7 because of software or peripheral compatibility issues, CTS will work with you to determine the best option based on your needs.

The Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program will host its fifth biannual Beyond the Bachelor’s Student Professional Development Conference on Friday, April 19, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Bulger Communication Center. This year, more than 150 students from Buffalo State and area institutions are registered to take advantage of this opportunity. The purpose of this one-day symposium is to educate students of the opportunities beyond the bachelor’s degree. This year's conference will feature a mini-graduate school fair and an array of workshops. The keynote address will be delivered by James Pogue, the College Doctor LLC, in the Campbell Student Union Assembly Hall. The conference is a collaborative effort by the Educational Opportunity Program, the Graduate School, the McNair Scholars Program, University College, and the Career Development Center. For more information, please visit the EOP website.

President Barack Obama has directed that flags be flown at half staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the federal government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its territories and possessions until sunset Saturday, April 20, as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on April 15, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts.

The campus community is invited to attend the 56th annual Honors Convocation today, April 18, at 12:15 p.m. in Rockwell Hall Auditorium. Please join us as we celebrate the academic excellence of our honored students. A light reception will immediately follow.

Are you looking for the experience of a lifetime? Would you like the chance to see Justin Bieber, Anthony Bourdain, Tiger Woods, or the New York Yankees in action? Or maybe you desire an exquisite 38-carat topaz and diamond pendant? The Buffalo State Foundation Scholarship Gala—being held this Saturday, April 20, at the Statler—is the place to win the most exciting specialty auction items of the year! A complete list of gala auction items is available on the gala website.

If you are unable to attend the gala and wish to bid on an item, please call ext. 4895 before April 19 to arrange for a proxy bid. And remember, there is still time to purchase your gala tickets. For more information, visit http://giving.buffalostate.edu/gala or call ext. 4895.

Festivities begin with cocktails at 6:00 p.m. and dinner at 7:00, followed by a live auction and dancing. Creative orange tie is optional, and valet parking will be provided. We look forward to seeing our colleagues at this wonderful annual event!

The Buffalo State Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is looking for two or three volunteers to serve as EAP coordinators.

EAP is a free, voluntary, confidential information and referral service available to all New York State employees, their family members, and retirees. EAP provides assistance with many kinds of problems, including family, marital, medical, financial, legal, grief and loss, elder care, and substance abuse. EAP does not provide direct therapy but serves as a link between Buffalo State employees and skilled professionals in the community. EAP is a neutral office, not associated with any disciplinary procedures, whose services are designed to improve the quality of working families' lives.

EAP coordinators are specially trained to assist Buffalo State employees and their family members in finding professionals in the community best suited to help solve problems or address concerns. Coordinators must have a strong commitment to the goals of NYS EAP, excellent interpersonal skills, a history of productive relationships with co-workers, the ability to communicate with individuals and groups, interest in the community and its services and resources, flexibility and willingness to learn, the initiative and ability to work independently, and a strong sense of confidentiality. Coordinators report to and work with the EAP Committee to increase awareness of EAP on site, expand referral services, and help coordinate activities on campus. Coordinators must attend training sessions, including monthly regional trainings, as well as the five-day New Coordinator Institute and campus EAP Committee meetings. Candidates must have supervisory support and approval to assume this role. Faculty members are strongly encouraged to apply.

The EAP Committee is the executive body that administers the EAP. The committee meets regularly to implement and monitor all aspects of the program, including outreach, education, and evaluation.
Please contact Suzanne Johnson, Employee Assistance Program chair, ext. 4436, by Friday, May 17, to apply or for more information.

The 15th annual Student Research and Creativity Celebration is taking place Friday and Saturday, May 3 and 4. The full program, including the final schedule, is now available online, or look for a "Plan to Attend" poster (bright yellow sunburst) and scan the QR code.

For information about printing posters using the "Early Bird" special, use the same link. There are more templates than ever to help students design professional-looking large-format posters. The printing discount expires at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 24.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff today, Wednesday, April 17, in honor of the victims of the marathon bombing in Boston, Massachusetts.

"I join with my fellow New Yorkers and Americans in mourning the loss of the innocent lives that were taken in yesterday’s terrorist attack at the Boston Marathon,” Governor Cuomo said. “I extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the victims, as well as the residents of Boston.”