The Buffalo State Civic Action Plan Workgroup has developed the first draft of a five-year Civic Action Plan to share with the Buffalo State community. Please take the time to read the plan (PDF, 282 KB) and attend an open forum on Thursday, December 1, from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. in Butler Library 210 to provide feedback.

In September, I charged the group with developing a Civic Action Plan for Buffalo State in alignment with our campus mission and strategic plan. The purpose of the Civic Action Plan is to forward Buffalo State’s role as an urban-engaged campus in the city of Buffalo and expand our civic and community engagement efforts in ways that advance citizenship and positive social change.

Please register for this session; a light lunch will be provided. If you are unable to attend the open session, please consider e-mailing your comments to Alexander Means, assistant professor of social and psychological foundations of education, or Laura Hill Rao, coordinator of the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center, on or before December 1.

It is my pleasure to announce the appointment of Daniel C. Vélez as interim vice president for student affairs. Dr. Vélez has served within the Buffalo State division of Student Affairs since 2001, as coordinator of Latino/Caribbean Student Services, as assistant to the vice president for student affairs, as interim associate vice president for enrollment management, and in his current position as associate vice president for student success. He has been an active leader within Student Affairs and the college. He supervises Student Life, Residence Life, New Student and Family Programs, Dining Services, and the Child Care Center, and he leads retention efforts within the division. He coordinates all division-wide assessment activities, and he co-chairs the President’s Committee on Undergraduate Retention. Dr. Vélez brings a significant breadth of programs and keen insights to this interim position. He holds a B.A. in English from the University at Buffalo; an M.S. in student personnel administration from Buffalo State College; and a Ph.D. in educational culture, policy, and society from the University at Buffalo.

Please join me in thanking Dr. Vélez for accepting this interim assignment. A search for the permanent vice president for student affairs will commence in summer 2017.

Now that the strategic plan has been completed and approved, I am pleased to announce the members of the College Planning Council (CPC), who will begin the work of monitoring and assessing the implementation, progress, and completion of all goals delineated within the plan. The new charge for the committee is also listed below.

Membership
Chair: Melanie Perreault, Provost
Co-Chair: Amy McMillan, Chair, College Senate; Associate Professor, Biology

William Benfanti, Associate Vice President for Government Relations, Institutional Advancement
Cynthia Conides, Associate Professor, History and Social Studies Education
Jerod Dahlgren, Public Relations Director, College Relations
David Demers, Chief Information Officer, R.I.T.E.
Bonita Durand, Chief of Staff, President's Office
Jason Grinnell, Chair and Associate Professor, Philosophy
Charles Kenyon, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students
Kimberly Kline, Chair and Professor, Higher Education Administration
Eric "Luke" Krieg, Chair and Professor, Sociology
Lisa Krieger, Assistant Vice President, Finance and Management
Rosalyn Lindner, Associate Vice President for Assessment and Curriculum
Maureen Lindstrom, Librarian, Butler Library
Bettina Martinez-Hackert, Assistant Professor, Earth Sciences and Science Education
James Mayrose, Dean, School of the Professions
Jason Parker, Diversity Program Coordinator, Equity and Campus Diversity
Howard Reid, Professor, Psychology
Sarah Reid, Facilities Planner, Facilities Planning
Amy Rosen-Brand, Associate Director, Student Accessibility Services
Christopher Shively, Assistant Professor, Elementary Education and Reading

Terron Grant, President, United Students Government
David Nielsen, Graduate Student Association

Charge
The charge of the CPC is to monitor and assess the progress and completion of all goals associated with the Buffalo State urban-engaged campus strategic plan (2016–2021).

1. The CPC will review progress on all elements of the goals assigned to members of the cabinet.
2. The CPC will set up a timeline for all cabinet members to report the status of goals under their direction.
3. The details of the report that will be submitted to the CPC will be defined by the CPC but will include a written report; documentation of progress toward completion of goals; when appropriate, efficacy of the project being described; how the goal is meeting the specific goal or element within the strategic plan; and any budgetary issues related to the goals.
4. The CPC will provide a written summary report on or before June 15 of each year to the president indicating the progress toward goals; any recommendations related to specific goals; and any changes related to the goals based on the CPC's review of information provided by the supervising unit. The president will meet with the chair and/or members of the CPC to receive and discuss this summary report.

Finals Week for fall 2016 will take place Monday, December 12; Tuesday, December 13; Wednesday, December 14; and Thursday, December 15. The purpose of Finals Week is to provide a single class meeting during which faculty and students have an extended period of uninterrupted time to conduct appropriate end-of-course activities. The Finals Week schedule is designed for classes that meet more than once a week during the semester. Classes (evening or day) that meet only once a week have sufficient time for final evaluation; therefore, they follow their regular schedules (exams to be scheduled during Finals Week).

The following regulations govern Finals Week:

A. All instructors are expected to meet their classes at the scheduled time during Finals Week and to choose an appropriate activity that reflects the academic goals of the course and the intent of finals, for example, an exam, review, critique of papers, course summation, or individual presentations or demonstrations

B. Instructors will not schedule a final exam before Finals Week. Instructors may not change the date or time of their final class periods during Finals Week. In case of emergencies, instructors should confer with their appropriate dean and notify University College at salisbjm@buffalostate.edu or 878-5906.

C. Finals are scheduled for one-hour-and-50-minute periods. Instructors are not to increase or decrease the scheduled finals time.

D. In case of an emergency that would close the school, finals scheduled for the time of the closing will be rescheduled, as appropriate.

E. Faculty members must post office hours during which they will be available to meet with students during Finals Week.

At its November 4, 2016, meeting, the College Senate voted to recommend a revision to the DOPS Policy on Student Eligibility for an Academic Minor as indicated in the resolution below:

WHEREAS, the undergraduate general education program was reduced in fall 2014 from 66 to 33 credit hours; and

WHEREAS, some majors do not permit students to declare unless they have earned 45 or 60 credits; and

WHEREAS, college policy does not require undergraduates to declare a major until 60 credits; and

WHEREAS, DOPS IV:05:00 states “an academic minor at Buffalo State is an optional program of study available to undergraduate students and may not be required for graduation from any degree program. A minor may be used to complement the major course of study, broaden and enhance career opportunities, gain expertise in an area of interdisciplinary studies, or provide in-depth study in a subject of special interest”; and

WHEREAS, matriculated undeclared undergraduates are systematically excluded by campus policy (DOPS I:08:00) from reaping the benefits of a minor course of study as described in DOPS IV:05:00; and

WHEREAS, declaring an academic minor may help undeclared undergraduates to identify a suitable major field of study,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Buffalo State College amend current policy (DOPS I:08:00) on student eligibility for an academic minor by eliminating the restriction that “a minor may only be earned simultaneously while completing a major degree program,” effective immediately.

BUFFALO STATE COLLEGE DIRECTORY OF POLICY STATEMENTS
Policy Number: I:08:00
Date: Updated February 2014
Subject: Student Eligibility for an Academic Minor

Buffalo State College academic minors are specifically conceived sequences of courses designed to allow students to achieve important goals. A minor may be used to complement the major course of study, broaden, and enhance career opportunities, gain expertise in an area of interdisciplinary studies, or provide in-depth study in a subject of special interest. While an academic minor is an optional study program, students often find it an excellent way to make strategic use of all college elective courses.

Each minor program consists of 18–21 credit hours of coursework. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required for admission to a minor program and at least three of the courses in each minor must be completed at the college. A minor may include no more than 9 total hours that overlap with the student’s major disciplinary requirements. Students who complete the minor with a minimum GPA of 2.0 will have the minor recorded on their official transcript.

Only matriculated students who intend to seek an undergraduate degree may be accepted into a minor program. (DELETE: A minor may only be earned simultaneously while completing a major degree program.) Students interested in selecting a minor program should contact the coordinating department as soon as possible and complete a Change of Major/Minor form. A listing of all minors and requirements is on file in each department and dean’s office. Only the coordinating department provides advisement on individual minors.

For information regarding the development of a proposal for an academic minor, refer to the Directory of Policy Statements, Section IV:05:00.

I hereby accept the recommendation of the College Senate and approve the revisions to the policy Student Eligibility for an Academic Minor. I charge the provost with the responsibility of implementing the revision, communicating revisions to all appropriate faculty and staff members, and ensuring that all campus documents and records where the policy resides are updated as soon as possible.

At its November 4, 2016, meeting, the College Senate voted to recommend to the president an endorsement of the Public Statement of Ethical Principles adopted by the SUNY University Faculty Senate as follows:

WHEREAS, Buffalo State College is an academic institution within the State University of New York system; and

WHEREAS, SUNY’s strategic plan (The Power of SUNY) has articulated SUNY’s commitment to a set of five core values to act as a guide in pursuit of its mission: student centeredness, community engagement, diversity, integrity, and collaboration; and

WHEREAS, the University Faculty Senate has approved a Statement of Ethical Principles; and

WHEREAS, Buffalo State College is a diverse and inclusive college committed to the intellectual, personal, and professional growth of its students, faculty, and staff in a civil and caring environment; and

WHEREAS, each individual at Buffalo State College is integral to the realization of our mission, vision, and core values; and

WHEREAS, Buffalo State College is committed to ethical and professional conduct, and we are each responsible for conducting ourselves with the highest ethical standards,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Buffalo State College endorse and adopt the Statement of Ethical Principles approved by the State University of New York University Faculty Senate and reaffirm our commitment to academic freedom.

Statement of Ethical Principles
The University Faculty Senate of the State University of New York has developed a set of Core Values. Our Core Values of Student-Centeredness, Community Engagement, Diversity, Integrity, and Collaboration underlie the work we do and how we interact with each other, students, and our stakeholders. They articulate the basic elements of how we go about our work.

In addition, the University Faculty Senate of the State University of New York is committed to ethical and professional conduct. We are all responsible for conducting ourselves with the highest ethical standards and to comply with all legal and regulatory requirements, policies, and procedures appropriate to their relationship with the university.

Among the Ethical Principles to which we commit, and that underlie our ethical conduct, are fairness, civility, character, respect, honesty, trust, transparency, and inclusivity. We strive to integrate these values into our teaching, scholarship, business practices, and daily interactions among all members of the university. The increasingly necessary relationships that have evolved between the university and outside entities, including but not limited to governmental agencies, community groups, and business firms, require that we conduct ourselves in a manner that will withstand the sharpest scrutiny.

Fairness: In our relationships with each other, we are fair and just in our decisions and actions by carefully weighing the circumstances in an equitable manner.

Civility: We achieve an open working and learning environment when each community member feels secure enough to participate in the free exchange of ideas. We ensure an honest and supportive climate that serves the interests of the institution and protects the well-being of all individuals.

Character: In order to support excellence in learning, we act in the colleges’ best interests. As a community dedicated to providing education, we demonstrate professional integrity and exemplary behavior in all that we do.

Respect: We demonstrate a high regard for the rights, diverse opinions, and lifestyles of all community members. It is our responsibility to establish a climate of mutual respect to protect the rights and freedoms of others.

Honesty: We demonstrate our honesty by being truthful with others, acting in good faith, responsibly; and with due care, competence, and diligence.

Trust: The development of trust relies on our ability to treat others equitably and in a non-exploitative manner.

Transparency: Transparency of process inspires confidence. In its simplest sense, transparency is a clear, unhindered, honest way of going about the business of the university that includes meaningful and significant representation of its members.

Inclusivity: A diversity of ideas, disciplines, and people is valued. The university cultivates a climate and community where people are welcomed, supported, safe, treated equitably, and valued. The university also strives to ensure not only access to entry but also support in ensuring equity of opportunity in all areas of the community.

SUNY is committed to maintaining its reputation for the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct. We rely on each community member’s commitment to these values. Each member represented by the University Faculty Senate should operate in good faith, demonstrate respect for the rights of others, and strive at all times to maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in all situations and all relationships.

These values and their descriptions are designed to be principles for SUNY agencies to consider when developing their own Ethical Principles statements, policies, and procedures, and as such do not supersede or invalidate any existing documentation in any SUNY agency. This document is not intended to be used as a policy for compliance or enforcement.

I hereby accept the recommendation of the College Senate and declare that Buffalo State College endorses and adopts the Statement of Ethical Principles approved by the State University of New York University Faculty Senate as a reaffirmation of our commitment to academic freedom. I charge all members of my cabinet with the responsibility of communicating this statement throughout their respective areas and ensuring that the statement is also communicated broadly and widely throughout the campus and our extended community.

Faculty members, please remember that Friday, December 9, is a regularly scheduled class day, and there is no scheduled reading day. This change has been implemented to ensure compliance with SUNY policies regarding the number of class sessions each semester.

At its April 8, 2016, meeting, the College Senate voted to forward a recommendation to the president to revise the college Leaves of Absence Policy as indicated in the motion below:

WHEREAS, Buffalo State College currently has three ways—unofficial leave of absence, leave of absence, and medical leave of absence—for a matriculated undergraduate or graduate student to be absent from the college for up to two years; and

WHEREAS, the same outcome is achieved through three processes—do nothing, fill out a form to be signed by the dean, fill out the same form to be signed by the director of the health center upon receipt of medical documentation and then signed by the dean—which creates process confusion for students, faculty, and staff; and

WHEREAS, the same outcome is achieved through three processes, but there is a different form to fill out for a leave of absence and a medical leave of absence depending on whether a student is an undergraduate or graduate student, which creates process confusion for students (especially those who completed their undergraduate degrees at Buffalo State and encounter a different process as a graduate student), faculty, and staff; and

WHEREAS, the current policies prevent probationary students from taking leaves of absence when they are, perhaps, the students most in need of a leave from school in order to not further damage their academic progress,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Buffalo State revise its three Leaves of Absence policies into the following consolidated policy, to be implemented in a process consistent for undergraduate and graduate students, effective fall 2016:

Leaves of Absence
Matriculated undergraduate and graduate students who wish to leave the college for academic, financial, medical, military, or personal reasons may be granted leaves of absence of one full calendar year. Leaves may be renewed one time, for a maximum absence of up to two full calendar years. Students who do not either renew their leave of absence before its expiration or register for courses for the semester after their leave expires will be deactivated as students and must apply for readmission to the college when they are interested in resuming their progress toward a degree. Upon return from a leave of absence, students will be allowed to complete the program requirements in place at the time they took the leave of absence. Students who change their majors when they return will be required to meet the curriculum of the new program in place at the time of their return. Students should seek financial aid eligibility consultation and academic advisement before registering for courses for their return semester.

If a student wishes to take a leave of absence during a semester already in progress, a Leaves of Absence form must be received in the Registrar’s Office no later than the last day of classes in that semester. A leave of absence will begin on the date a student initiates the leave of absence request; this date will be used to calculate financial aid eligibility.

I hereby approve the revision to the Buffalo State College Leaves of Absence policy as recommended by the College Senate and authorize the revised policy to take effect with the fall 2016 semester. I charge the provost and the vice president for student affairs with the joint responsibility of implementing the revisions, notifying all individuals under their supervision who are responsible for leave decisions, and communicating the revisions broadly and widely throughout the campus community.

The Equity and Campus Diversity Office is happy to announce the annual Martin Luther King Jr. 2017 celebration. Please download the flier (154 KB) featuring the keynote speaker, Michaela Angela Davis, activist and writer, who will visit campus Thursday, February 2, 2017, in the Burchfield Penney Art Center. Please stay tuned for details and save the date.

On campus, the month of December is characterized by the rapid move to the end of the fall semester. Faculty members are busily preparing the final lectures, discussions, assignments, and exams that mark the end of a semester...

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