Information Technology will test a new desktop emergency alert system, AlertUs, on Tuesday, March 26, at 11:00 a.m. An alert will be sent to all college-owned computing devices connected to the Buffalo State network (wired and wireless), including desktop computers, laptops, and tablets in campus offices, campus labs, and student housing. College-loaned computing devices that are used off campus by faculty or staff members for work-related functions will also receive the alert, provided the device was configured by Buffalo State IT.

What to Expect
At 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, the desktop emergency alert system will launch a window on your computer screen displaying an emergency alert test message. The alert will include a green “Acknowledge” button. Clicking on the “Acknowledge” button will close the window.

Following testing, the AlertUs function will be added as an optional emergency notification method within the Buff State Alert system. Please note: AlertUs does not replace Buff State Alert.

If you experience any issues with your device following Tuesday’s test, please submit a general Software Issue ticket. If you have questions, please contact the IT Help Desk, 878-4357.

For some the years have gone by quickly. Others can recount the many changes that have occurred over the last 25 years. But for all, 25 years reflects a significant degree of dedication, accomplishment, and serious work...

Please follow my blog at http://kateconwayturner.tumblr.com.

Mark Severson will step down as dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences effective August 31, 2019. Dr. Severson came to Buffalo State in August 2008 to assume the position of dean after serving as chair and professor of chemistry at Oakland University in Michigan. During his 11 years of service to Buffalo State, he led SNSS during the development of eight new master’s and two new bachelor’s degree programs, and he had a lead role in the creation of Buffalo State’s Institute for Community Health Promotion. The recently completed review of his performance by the faculty of the School of Natural and Social Sciences shows that he is held in very high regard by the faculty.

Dean Severson has taken on many roles in addition to that of dean, including special adviser to the provost for academic research initiatives, co-chair of the General Education Task Force, and leadership of the development and implementation of the 3+2 bachelor's-master's degree program in partnership with more than 10 universities in China. Dean Severson served first as co-chair and then as chair of the Committee on Undergraduate Retention. He is the principal investigator for a $553,000 SUNY Performance Improvement Fund grant to support retention initiatives, and he served on the planning committee to develop the proposal that led to the $2.2 million Title III grant awarded to Buffalo State, also focused on retention and student success. He took the lead role in implementing the Provost’s Faculty Fellowship program, which provides one- or two-year research and teaching appointments for pre- or postdoctoral scholars from underrepresented groups. His engagement with the community is demonstrated by his service on the boards of local organizations and his role as Buffalo State liaison to a number of cultural organizations.

Dean Severson will continue at Buffalo State as a professor of chemistry and dean emeritus. I thank him for his long and outstanding leadership and service to Buffalo State.

The Fostering Innovation in Teaching with Technology (FITT) Spring Symposium, a signature event of the FITT Academy, is a series of final presentations by the academy's group of inaugural faculty participants. All presentations will take place in Bulger Communication Center 215 (Newman Lecture Hall) unless otherwise noted and are open to faculty, staff, students, and guests. Detailed descriptions of their projects can be found on the FITT Academy 2018 website. 

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Thursday, April 4
12:15–1:15 p.m.
Kathleen McNerney, Assistant Professor of Speech-Language Pathology
Project: The Use of Badges to Increase the Knowledge of Graduate Students in the Speech-Language Pathology Department 

Robin O'Dell, Associate Professor of Mathematics 
Project: Providing Interactive Remediation and Support via Adobe Captivate

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Wednesday, April 17
1:00–2:00 p.m.
Lisa Rafferty, Associate Professor of Exceptional Education 
Project: Increasing Student Engagement and Individualized Feedback in an E-learning Environment

Andrea Nikischer, Assistant Professor of Adult Education
Project: Increasing Engagement and Retention by Adding Gamification to an Online Graduate Course 

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Tuesday, April 23
12:15–12:45 p.m.
Science and Mathematics Complex 263
Nirmala Nutakki, Lecturer of Mathematics
Project: Digital E-learning Modules to Support the Learning of Elementary Mathematics Content by Preservice Teachers

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The FITT Academy is an intensive hands-on project-specific faculty development event sponsored by Instructional Technology Services. This unique opportunity, held on campus for a full week in the summer, is designed to launch a faculty community of practice focused on advancing teaching with technology.

It was my pleasure to bring greetings on behalf of our Buffalo State community to participants of the campus conference “Accessibility: Designing Access for All Learners” on March 22...

Please follow my blog at http://kateconwayturner.tumblr.com.

I cordially invite all Buffalo State faculty and staff members to a Mexican Fiesta on Friday, May 10, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Union Plaza.

Along with delicious Mexican food and nonalcoholic beverages, we will also enjoy music from Kevin Doyle and Sol y Sombra and have a Bengal raffle for door prizes as we celebrate the completion of another wonderful academic year at Buffalo State.

All faculty and staff members are automatically entered in the raffle. You do not need to be present to win.

RSVP to Melissa Slisz, staff assistant in the President's Office, 878-4102, by Monday, May 6.

I cordially invite all Buffalo State faculty and staff members to a Mexican Fiesta from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, May 10, in the Student Union Plaza.

Along with delicious Mexican food and nonalcoholic beverages, we will also enjoy music from Kevin Doyle and Sol y Sombra and have a Bengal raffle for door prizes as we celebrate the completion of another wonderful academic year at Buffalo State.

All faculty and staff members are automatically entered in the raffle. You do not need to be present to win.

RSVP to Melissa Slisz, staff assistant in the President's Office, 878-4102, by the close of business today, May 6.

Consistent with efforts across the campus to increase effectiveness and optimize resources, we are making changes to the organizational structure in four Finance and Management units that report directly to the vice president for finance and management. These changes are effective today, April 2, 2019:

Administrative Services
In her new role as associate vice president for administrative services, Lisa Krieger will oversee several areas responsible for campus operations. These are Accounts Payable and Travel Services, the Copy Center, Events Management, internal controls and compliance, Mail Services, Parking Services, procurement and contract services, Property Control and Sustainable Programs, and the Stockroom. Ms. Krieger will continue to manage the operations of the Vice President for Finance and Management's Office.

Campus Planning
Campus planner Sarah Reid, with support from newly named assistant campus planner and arboretum manager Steven Sypniewski, will guide strategic assessment and planning for campus buildings, hardscape, and landscape.

Facilities
As director of facilities, Steven Shaffer will manage personnel responsible for the care of campus buildings and grounds. He will oversee Energy and Minor Critical Maintenance (MCM) Contract Management, Facilities Business Operations and Services, Facilities Design and Construction, Grounds and Garage, and maintenance and repair. Mr. Shaffer will also oversee Custodial Services, with Scott Kent as this unit’s new manager.

Financial Operations
James Thor, named as associate vice president for financial operations and comptroller, will continue to manage Auxiliary Operations and Student Accounts. He will also oversee a newly organized Financial Management Department, with Kelly D’Aloisio as director. This unit will be responsible for resource planning, accounting, financial analysis, and financial reporting.

An organizational chart detailing these changes can be found on the Finance and Management website.

I am pleased to inform you that Lawrence Maheady, Horace Mann Endowed Chair for Exceptional Education, has been appointed Distinguished Professor by the State University of New York Board of Trustees.

This honor is bestowed on faculty members who have achieved national or international prominence and a distinguished reputation within their field through significant contributions to research and scholarship or creative activity.

I am extremely proud of Professor Maheady, who exemplifies all that is Buffalo State through his dedication to the field of children’s disabilities as well as to preparing the next generation of exceptional education teachers. 

Dr. Maheady’s work ranges from peer-mediated interventions to evidence-based and high-leverage practices in special education. He has coauthored three books and more than 100 articles and book chapters, and he’s edited two special journal issues. His newest book, High Leverage Practices for Inclusive Practice, provides practical information for teachers of students with mild disabilities. Dr. Maheady has been honored with the Pearson Excellence in Teacher Education Award by the International Council for Exceptional Children’s Conference, one of the highest international honors given to those in special education.

He is among 18 SUNY faculty members who will be officially inducted into the SUNY Distinguished Academy at a ceremony in Albany in early June. Next fall, we will honor Dr. Maheady on campus at our Faculty and Staff Recognition Ceremony.

In the meantime, please join me in congratulating him on this prestigious honor.

The Career Development Center (CDC) will sponsor the second annual JCPenney Suit-Up Event on Sunday, April 14, from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. at the Walden Galleria. (This event was rescheduled from the original date in February because of inclement weather.) JCPenney will open its doors to host Buffalo State students and alumni for a private shopping event, offering a 40 percent discount on men’s and women’s career dress apparel. This event will help students prepare for their job and internship interviews, as well as teach them about professional workplace attire.

We are encouraging advance registration to ensure that enough support is available for participants. Transportation will be provided for those who register in advance and indicate that they need transportation. The bus will depart campus from the front of the Towers (Tower Road), making stops at the Student Apartment Complex and Neuman Hall. Students and alumni may also travel directly to the store but are still encouraged to register in advance.

This year’s event is co-sponsored by the CDC, Fashion and Textile Technology Department, the Professional Development Schools Consortium (PDS), and the Student Athletic Advisory Committee.

If you would like a CDC staff member to speak to your students briefly about professional dress or specifically about this event, please call the Career Development Center at 878-5811.