We are excited to welcome all new faculty and staff members to the Buffalo State College community. New Faculty and Staff Orientation will begin with a breakfast on Wednesday, August 25, at 8:30 a.m. in Butler Library 318. All new faculty and staff members have been invited and are welcome to attend.

Orientation will focus on informing new employees of the college’s history, our core values, our mission, teaching and scholarship, community involvement opportunities, and campus policies. All new employees are strongly encouraged to attend orientation, and supervisors are strongly encouraged to provide employees with the opportunity to participate.

Please contact Rebecca Eggleston, professional development assistant, if you plan to attend orientation.

Peter M. Carey will retire from his position as chief of university police later this month, after 41 years as an exemplary member of the University Police Department at Buffalo State College.

Please join us for a retirement celebration on Wednesday, August 18, from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. in the LoRusso Alumni and Visitor Center as we acknowledge Chief Carey’s service and many contributions to Buffalo State.  Please note that remarks will begin at 2:15 p.m., earlier than previously announced.

All COVID-19 health and safety protocols in place at the time of the event will be observed. RSVP by email.

Amid evolving guidance related to the pandemic, I am writing to inform you of the current status of Buffalo State College’s protocols related to COVID-19. This update provides guidelines related to health, safety, and administrative services as we resume in-person operations.

This information will be discussed by President Katherine Conway-Turner and members of her cabinet at a virtual town hall meeting on Thursday, August 26. All faculty and staff members are welcome; please register to attend.

The guidance will also be updated throughout the remainder of the summer and will be shared in the Daily Bulletin and posted to the college’s Coronavirus Information website. Questions may be addressed to vpfm@buffalostate.edu.

HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELLNESS

Masks
As announced by President Conway-Turner on August 4 and in accordance with updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Erie County Department of Health, Buffalo State College again requires all campus community members and visitors—regardless of vaccination status—to wear face masks while indoors on campus.

Face masks are not required when faculty or staff members are alone in their personal offices or when students are inside their private residence hall rooms, or for individuals who are actively eating or drinking in a campus dining area.

Unvaccinated individuals are required to wear face masks in all outdoor settings. Face masks are also required for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in all large outdoor group settings of 200 or more people.

Air Quality
Buffalo State follows guidelines from the New York State Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding mechanical ventilation and air filtration. The campus has installed and will maintain high-performance MERV-13 filters within all facilities with air handling unit ventilation systems. Ventilation systems will continue to operate for longer hours, with increased outdoor air being supplied to indoor spaces where possible. Ventilation systems in all student housing facilities and all restrooms will be operated continuously. General purpose classrooms, which are not supported by air handling unit systems and scheduled for use during fall 2021, will be equipped with air purification units. 

There may be areas of the campus that are warmer or cooler than usual as a result of these changes. Individuals are asked to please accommodate these minor inconveniences and dress appropriately, so that the whole community can benefit from these ventilation changes.

Capacity
Workplace capacity is limited only by the space available for individuals to maintain physical distancing, based on vaccination status. For fully vaccinated individuals, no physical distancing is required.

At this time, proof of vaccination status is not required from employees; however, employees are invited to upload their vaccination information to Human Resource Management to be exempted from weekly surveillance testing.

Cleaning and Disinfecting
Buildings have been prepared for a 100 percent return to in-person operations in compliance with CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfection. The custodial emergency response team is trained and equipped with specialized disinfecting equipment and is available to address any area of concern, at any time of day, quickly and thoroughly.

Custodial services has resumed normal cleaning operations and is augmenting these with disinfection of high-touch surfaces in public areas. Faculty, staff, and students should make use of hand sanitizer stations and are encouraged to use the disinfectant wipes and spray provided by the campus to disinfect high-touch surfaces in their work areas.

Health Screening
State agencies and authorities may continue to screen individuals for COVID-19 symptoms, recent close contacts, and recent positive COVID-19 test results prior to or immediately upon arrival to the workplace, regardless of individual vaccination status. Screening may be performed via signage, by email and website, by telephone, or by electronic survey before individuals arrive to work. Temperature checks are no longer required as a part of health screening. Buffalo State will continue to use the daily health screening process for all employees who present to campus for work each day.

Resources for Employee Wellness
During challenging times, it is especially important that we be attend to our mental health and well-being. Here are several resources available to support employees:

• The Employee Assistance Program offers support to employees to promote well-being in and out of the workplace.
• Headspace offers science-backed meditation exercises and mindfulness resources. In partnership with Governor Cuomo, Headspace now has a special New York collection of meditation, sleep, and movement exercises.
• Health.gov provides evidence-based guidance for maintaining or improving health through physical activity.
• The Professional Development Center at Buffalo State provides resources for employees to reconnect to campus and supports employee wellness.
• WellNYS Everyday helps New Yorkers make better choices to be well and stay well.

Social Distancing
Fully vaccinated individuals do not need to be socially distanced, but unvaccinated individuals and those whose vaccination status is unknown need to maintain 6 feet of social distance in accordance with CDC guidelines. In instructional spaces, in lieu of maintaining 6 feet of social distance, appropriate physical barriers may be used as long as they do not present a health or safety hazard. A mask is considered a physical barrier. 

Testing
COVID-19 surveillance testing takes place on Tuesdays from 6:00 to 10:00 a.m. and on Wednesdays from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Campbell Student Union Assembly Hall.

Fully vaccinated employees (two weeks after receiving the second dose or two weeks after receiving a single dose vaccine) are exempt from mandatory weekly testing upon the submission of documentation (vaccine card or Excelsior Pass) that shows completion of a full vaccination series (definition subject to change based on final recommendations on booster shots from the Food and Drug Administration and the CDC).

Employees interested in submitting proof of full vaccination are encouraged to complete the Proof of Vaccination form. Employees who do not wish to provide their vaccine documentation via the secure form may call Human Resource Management at 878-3042 to schedule an appointment to provide it in person.

Mandatory weekly testing will continue to be required for any employee who has a physical presence on campus and who has not been fully vaccinated or has not shown proof of vaccination status.

Vaccinations
New York State provides information about vaccinations and appointment availability.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Attestation
Every campus employee reporting to work in person must affirm that he or she has read and understands the Guidance for State Agencies and Authorities during the COVID-19 Public Health Public Emergency. Please follow the link to read the guidance and attest that you understand its provisions and will adhere to its requirements.

Building Access
Buffalo State has returned to the schedule for building opening and closing used prior to COVID-19. Under the normal schedule, all doors on academic and administrative buildings are opened by 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday. Academic buildings are closed at 10:00 p.m. and administrative buildings are closed at 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Any facility that requires opening on Saturday or Sunday will be opened upon authorized request from the Events Management Office.

Events
Hosts and attendees must follow the Buffalo State COVID-19 guidance in place at the time events occur. Events must be registered through the Events Management Office.

Consistent with current guidance, face masks are required at all indoor events for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Masks are also required in outdoor group settings of 200 or more people.

There are no capacity limits specific to COVID-19, but CDC physical distancing requirements for unvaccinated individuals are applicable when space allows.

Hosts should use event-related communications to remind attendees of current campus COVID-19 guidance. Guests should monitor themselves for symptoms on the day of the event and should not attend if they are experiencing symptoms or are otherwise concerned they could be infected with the coronavirus or other illness.

Mail and Parcel Delivery
Mail delivery has returned to normal schedules used prior to COVID-19. Special requests regarding mail and parcel delivery may be emailed to adminops@buffalostate.edu.

Parking
All faculty, staff, student, and visitor vehicles parked on campus are required to display current parking permits appropriate to the lot designation, and according to permit instructions. Parking meters provide short-term parking for visitors and are available in lots R-3, R-4, G-25, and I-30. Vehicles in metered spaces must display a valid meter receipt.

To ensure proper use of campus lots with the return to in-person operations, full parking enforcement has resumed. Questions about parking at Buffalo State may be directed to parkingservices@buffalostate.edu.

Return to In-Person Operations
The Pilot Statewide Telecommuting Program (alternative work locations) has ended. Requests for exceptions involving extenuating circumstances limited to child care, elder care, or specific COVID-19-related medical accommodations should be addressed to the Human Resource Management Office. For those with extenuating circumstances, an extension of telecommuting arrangements may be possible through September 7, 2021.

Spending Controls
In accordance with SUNY guidance and until further notice, all Buffalo State departments should continue to curtail Other than Personal Service (OTPS) spending. The restrictions described in the Procedures for Spending Controls: COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 have been updated to reflect recently publicized changes to travel and personnel procedures and apply to all state, Buffalo State College Foundation, and Research Foundation administrative funds.

Purchases must be limited to those items and services that are urgent, essential, and relevant to Buffalo State’s strategic priorities. Spending down of departmental accounts is prohibited. These procedures aim to provide methods for prioritizing, seeking approval for, and enacting essential OTPS spending at Buffalo State College during and after the COVID-19 impact.

Travel
This guidance pertains to all state, Research Foundation, and Buffalo State College Foundation funds:

International travel continues to be prohibited. Limited domestic travel may be permitted if it is consistent with local health guidance, supports essential business of the college, and relates to

• health and safety,
• instruction and research,
• student-facing experiences (e.g., Athletics),
• revenue generation (e.g., Admissions).

All travel requests must be accompanied by a COVID-19 Travel Attestation Form and require approval from the traveler’s supervisor. With the exception of Research Foundation–sponsored travel, all requests require review and approval at spending thresholds consistent with ongoing spending constraints reviews. Proposed travel valued above $10,000 would be subject to approval of the College Budget Committee. Research Foundation sponsor-funded travel is allowable consistent with New York State and local health guidance.

Travel Cards (T-Cards) will be available for use on approved travel. To reactivate T-Cards, please secure supervisor and respective cabinet member approval and submit to Bonnie Heim, director of non-contract procurement.

I am pleased to announce that the Veteran and Military Services Office now reports to the assistant dean of inclusion and equity, Michael Heflin, under the Dean of Students Office, as of July 1. Veteran and Military Services will continue to be managed by Brad Baumgardner, coordinator of veteran services. Also as part of this change, the office will be located on the fourth floor of the Campbell Student Union, closer to the Veteran and Military Services student lounge. This realignment resulted from a study that involved student-veterans, staff members, and benchmarking with standards established for veteran-serving programs. This study was presented to the provost and me, and we forwarded the recommendations of the group and support for the change to President Conway-Turner. This change will continue to provide opportunities for Mr. Baumgardner and the Dean of Students area to engage with and support students who have served this country, address their needs, and continue to support their success at Buffalo State College.

I am pleased to announce that Student Accessibility Services (SAS) will report to Chief Diversity Officer Crystal Rodriguez-Dabney to better align with Buffalo State College’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Lisa Morrison-Fronckowiak will assume the title of deputy chief diversity officer and director of student accessibility services. The change is effective August 19.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) defines accessibility as an equity issue, stating “a person with a disability [must be] afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as a person without a disability.” SAS is dedicated to making sure that all aspects of college life are accessible to Buffalo State students with disabilities. The office also provides training and education to the campus community. SAS previously reported to the interim assistant provost for academic success.

The Buffalo State College community is invited to attend Buffalo State College Day on Friday, September 17, a special event to officially kick off the college’s 150th anniversary celebration. Please join us at 3:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center for an entertaining sesquicentennial presentation featuring speeches, performances, and the debut of Buffalo State’s new alma mater. A reception will follow on the lawn in front of Rockwell Hall. RSVP by Friday, September 10.

I am pleased to announce a new organizational structure for the units previously overseen by the chief information officer and vice president for enrollment, marketing, and communications, effective August 2.

Enrollment Management
The offices of Undergraduate Admissions, Financial Aid, Registrar, and Marketing and Communications have been organized under a newly established division of Enrollment Management. David Loreto, who has served as the director of undergraduate admissions since 2018, has graciously accepted the role of interim vice president for enrollment management.

Mr. Loreto has more than 17 years of admissions experience in the private and public sectors of higher education, previously serving in roles at SUNY Brockport and D’Youville College. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from SUNY Geneseo and a master’s in international business from D’Youville College. Please join me in congratulating Mr. Loreto on his new role.

A national search for a permanent vice president for enrollment management will commence this fall.

While Mr. Loreto serves as interim vice president, Carolyn Murphy has been appointed interim director of undergraduate admissions. Ms. Murphy has been a skilled and valued member of the Buffalo State community for more than 20 years and will provide steady, strategic guidance to the unit during this interim period.

Information Technology
Information Technology has been aligned under the division of Finance and Management, with department leader Khaleel Gathers, the college’s deputy chief information officer, reporting to Vice President for Finance and Management Laura Barnum.

Finance and Management is responsible for preserving, enhancing, and supporting Buffalo State’s financial, physical, and human resources. Similarly, Information Technology serves the Buffalo State community by providing information services and technology environments that support the strategic goals of the institution, supporting our technological and information infrastructure. I believe that more closely aligning their similar and complementary objectives will benefit the college, creating efficiencies and enhancing competencies.

ITEC
The divisional alignment of SUNY’s Information Technology Exchange Center (ITEC), which is housed on the Buffalo State College campus, has shifted to Finance and Management. Michael Notarius, ITEC chief information officer, will continue to report to SUNY Chief Information Officer Brian Digman; however, Vice President Barnum now serves as the campus liaison to SUNY on matters relating to ITEC and provides on-campus oversight of the unit.

Institutional Research
The Institutional Research Office, under the direction of Yves Gachette, has moved to Academic Affairs and reports to Kim Barron, assistant vice president for institutional effectiveness and planning. I look forward to the close collaboration of these units as we leverage institutional data in our strategic planning efforts.

The President's Office is looking for volunteers interested in being considered for presidential appointment to the following committees for the 2021–2022 year. If you are interested, please send an email including a résumé or CV, the committee for which you’d like to be considered, and a brief statement about why to prescommittees@buffalostate.edu no later than Wednesday, August 25.

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Commencement Committee
The Commencement Committee is responsible for advising the president, provost, and other appropriate college administrators on matters pertaining to Commencement; planning and implementing Commencement ceremonies and related events; submitting proposed actions and changes of a substantive nature to the president for his or her consideration; disseminating information about Commencement throughout the institution to appropriate departments and other interested constituents; and making recommendations to the president for Commencement speakers, if necessary. Members of the committee serve as institutional advocates and champions for Commencement activities.

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Honorary Degree Committee
The Honorary Degree Committee is charged with identifying candidates for the State University of New York honorary doctorates, SUNY’s highest academic honor, and preparing nomination portfolios. Honorary degrees are awarded to recognize excellence that exemplifies the mission and purpose of the State University of New York in the following fields: public affairs, the sciences, humanities and the arts, scholarship and education, business and philanthropy, and social services.

Honorary degrees also can honor meritorious and outstanding service to the university, the state of New York, the United States, or humanity at large or people whose lives serve as examples of the university’s aspirations for its students.

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Campus Safety and Community Policing Committee
The Campus Safety and Community Policing Committee is charged with the review of current campus policies and procedures for compliance and making recommendations for the improvement related to

(1) educating the campus community about sexual assault, personal safety, and crime prevention;

(2) reporting sexual assaults and interacting with victims during investigations;

(3) referring complaints to appropriate authorities;

(4) counseling victims and responding to inquiries from concerned persons.

This group also represents the Buffalo State community in creating, evaluating, and implementing a community-oriented policy designed to create an environment focused on crime prevention, problem solving, and education.

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President’s Council on Equity and Campus Diversity
The President’s Council on Equity and Campus Diversity was established in 1996 at Buffalo State College to address discrimination, harassment, and campus climate issues as they relate to recruitment and retention of students, faculty, and staff; curriculum development; and student life on campus. The president receives and reviews recommendations from the council. The chief diversity officer provides administrative support for the council.

Amid evolving guidance related to the pandemic, I am writing to inform you of the current status of Buffalo State College’s protocols related to COVID-19. This update provides guidelines related to health, safety, and administrative services as we resume in-person operations.

This information will be discussed by President Katherine Conway-Turner and members of her cabinet at a virtual town hall meeting on Thursday, August 26. All faculty and staff members are welcome; please register to attend.

The guidance will also be updated throughout the remainder of the summer and will be shared in the Daily Bulletin and posted to the college’s Coronavirus Information website. Questions may be addressed to vpfm@buffalostate.edu.

HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELLNESS

Masks
As announced by President Conway-Turner on August 4 and in accordance with updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Erie County Department of Health, Buffalo State College again requires all campus community members and visitors—regardless of vaccination status—to wear face masks while indoors on campus.

Face masks are not required when faculty or staff members are alone in their personal offices or when students are inside their private residence hall rooms, or for individuals who are actively eating or drinking in a campus dining area.

Unvaccinated individuals are required to wear face masks in all outdoor settings. Face masks are also required for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in all large outdoor group settings of 200 or more people.

Air Quality
Buffalo State follows guidelines from the New York State Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding mechanical ventilation and air filtration. The campus has installed and will maintain high-performance MERV-13 filters within all facilities with air handling unit ventilation systems. Ventilation systems will continue to operate for longer hours, with increased outdoor air being supplied to indoor spaces where possible. Ventilation systems in all student housing facilities and all restrooms will be operated continuously. General purpose classrooms, which are not supported by air handling unit systems and scheduled for use during fall 2021, will be equipped with air purification units. 

There may be areas of the campus that are warmer or cooler than usual as a result of these changes. Individuals are asked to please accommodate these minor inconveniences and dress appropriately, so that the whole community can benefit from these ventilation changes.

Capacity
Workplace capacity is limited only by the space available for individuals to maintain physical distancing, based on vaccination status. For fully vaccinated individuals, no physical distancing is required.

At this time, proof of vaccination status is not required from employees; however, employees are invited to upload their vaccination information to Human Resource Management to be exempted from weekly surveillance testing.

Cleaning and Disinfecting
Buildings have been prepared for a 100 percent return to in-person operations in compliance with CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfection. The custodial emergency response team is trained and equipped with specialized disinfecting equipment and is available to address any area of concern, at any time of day, quickly and thoroughly.

Custodial services has resumed normal cleaning operations and is augmenting these with disinfection of high-touch surfaces in public areas. Faculty, staff, and students should make use of hand sanitizer stations and are encouraged to use the disinfectant wipes and spray provided by the campus to disinfect high-touch surfaces in their work areas.

Health Screening
State agencies and authorities may continue to screen individuals for COVID-19 symptoms, recent close contacts, and recent positive COVID-19 test results prior to or immediately upon arrival to the workplace, regardless of individual vaccination status. Screening may be performed via signage, by email and website, by telephone, or by electronic survey before individuals arrive to work. Temperature checks are no longer required as a part of health screening. Buffalo State will continue to use the daily health screening process for all employees who present to campus for work each day.

Resources for Employee Wellness
During challenging times, it is especially important that we be attend to our mental health and well-being. Here are several resources available to support employees:

• The Employee Assistance Program offers support to employees to promote well-being in and out of the workplace.
• Headspace offers science-backed meditation exercises and mindfulness resources. In partnership with the Governor's Office, Headspace now has a special New York collection of meditation, sleep, and movement exercises.
• Health.gov provides evidence-based guidance for maintaining or improving health through physical activity.
• The Professional Development Center at Buffalo State provides resources for employees to reconnect to campus and supports employee wellness.
• WellNYS Everyday helps New Yorkers make better choices to be well and stay well.

Social Distancing
Fully vaccinated individuals do not need to be socially distanced, but unvaccinated individuals and those whose vaccination status is unknown need to maintain 6 feet of social distance in accordance with CDC guidelines. In instructional spaces, in lieu of maintaining 6 feet of social distance, appropriate physical barriers may be used as long as they do not present a health or safety hazard. A mask is considered a physical barrier. 

Testing
COVID-19 surveillance testing takes place on Tuesdays from 6:00 to 10:00 a.m. and on Wednesdays from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Campbell Student Union Assembly Hall.

Fully vaccinated employees (two weeks after receiving the second dose or two weeks after receiving a single dose vaccine) are exempt from mandatory weekly testing upon the submission of documentation (vaccine card or Excelsior Pass) that shows completion of a full vaccination series (definition subject to change based on final recommendations on booster shots from the Food and Drug Administration and the CDC).

Employees interested in submitting proof of full vaccination are encouraged to complete the Proof of Vaccination form. Employees who do not wish to provide their vaccine documentation via the secure form may call Human Resource Management at 878-3042 to schedule an appointment to provide it in person.

Mandatory weekly testing will continue to be required for any employee who has a physical presence on campus and who has not been fully vaccinated or has not shown proof of vaccination status.

Vaccinations
New York State provides information about vaccinations and appointment availability.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Attestation
Every campus employee reporting to work in person must affirm that he or she has read and understands the Guidance for State Agencies and Authorities during the COVID-19 Public Health Public Emergency. Please follow the link to read the guidance and attest that you understand its provisions and will adhere to its requirements.

Building Access
Buffalo State has returned to the schedule for building opening and closing used prior to COVID-19. Under the normal schedule, all doors on academic and administrative buildings are opened by 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday. Academic buildings are closed at 10:00 p.m. and administrative buildings are closed at 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Any facility that requires opening on Saturday or Sunday will be opened upon authorized request from the Events Management Office.

Events
Hosts and attendees must follow the Buffalo State COVID-19 guidance in place at the time events occur. Events must be registered through the Events Management Office.

Consistent with current guidance, face masks are required at all indoor events for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Masks are also required in outdoor group settings of 200 or more people.

There are no capacity limits specific to COVID-19, but CDC physical distancing requirements for unvaccinated individuals are applicable when space allows.

Hosts should use event-related communications to remind attendees of current campus COVID-19 guidance. Guests should monitor themselves for symptoms on the day of the event and should not attend if they are experiencing symptoms or are otherwise concerned they could be infected with the coronavirus or other illness.

Information Technology
Some on-campus computer equipment may require a little “TLC” after sitting unused during the public health emergency. When you return to in-person operations, please inspect all your computers and peripherals at your earlier opportunity to ensure they are in good working order. Please check to ensure that

• your computers and monitors power on,
• your mice and keyboards are connected and functional,
• batteries in wireless mice and keyboards are live,
• your computers can connect to the Internet,
• your mobile devices are enrolled on the secure wireless network,
• the software you need is installed and functional,
• your files are synced to OneDrive,
• your computers can print to an available network printer (if applicable).

Please note that, consistent with the new print policy implemented by SUNY System Administration, the campus no longer supports local desktop printers (e.g., HP Deskjet, HP OfficeJet).

Many hardware- and software-related problems can be resolved by simply restarting your computer. We recommend trying this first before opening a ticket for service. On a PC, press the Windows key > Power button > Restart; on a Mac, click the Apple menu > Restart. If your computer isn’t responding, you may need to perform a cold boot by pressing and holding down the power button on the computer. The computer will turn off after 5–10 seconds. Once the computer is off, wait a few seconds before turning it back on.

If you encounter hardware-related problems that can’t be resolved by restarting (e.g., the monitor won’t turn on, the mouse or keyboard don’t work, you can’t print), please open a hardware issue ticket to report the problem to Information Technology (IT). Include any troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried to help IT find a solution more quickly.

If you encounter software-related problems that can’t be resolved by restarting (e.g., an application won’t launch, an application is giving a ‘license expired’ message), please open a software issue ticket to report the problem to IT. Include troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried in the ticket’s description to help speed up finding a solution.

You may request IT assistance via the online portal, at ithelpdesk@buffalostate.edu, or at 878-4357; or by visiting the new Help Desk location in Butler Library 103, at the Ask Us Desk. Appointments are recommended for all in-person visits. Please visit the booking page to schedule.

Mail and Parcel Delivery
Mail delivery has returned to normal schedules used prior to COVID-19. Special requests regarding mail and parcel delivery may be emailed to adminops@buffalostate.edu.

Parking
All faculty, staff, student, and visitor vehicles parked on campus are required to display current parking permits appropriate to the lot designation, and according to permit instructions. Parking meters provide short-term parking for visitors and are available in lots R-3, R-4, G-25, and I-30. Vehicles in metered spaces must display a valid meter receipt.

To ensure proper use of campus lots with the return to in-person operations, full parking enforcement has resumed. Questions about parking at Buffalo State may be directed to parkingservices@buffalostate.edu.

Return to In-Person Operations
The Pilot Statewide Telecommuting Program (alternative work locations) has ended. Requests for exceptions involving extenuating circumstances limited to child care, elder care, or specific COVID-19-related medical accommodations should be addressed to the Human Resource Management Office. For those with extenuating circumstances, an extension of telecommuting arrangements may be possible through September 7, 2021.

Spending Controls
In accordance with SUNY guidance and until further notice, all Buffalo State departments should continue to curtail Other than Personal Service (OTPS) spending. The restrictions described in the Procedures for Spending Controls: COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 have been updated to reflect recently publicized changes to travel and personnel procedures and apply to all state, Buffalo State College Foundation, and Research Foundation administrative funds.

Purchases must be limited to those items and services that are urgent, essential, and relevant to Buffalo State’s strategic priorities. Spending down of departmental accounts is prohibited. These procedures aim to provide methods for prioritizing, seeking approval for, and enacting essential OTPS spending at Buffalo State College during and after the COVID-19 impact.

Travel
This guidance pertains to all state, Research Foundation, and Buffalo State College Foundation funds:

International travel continues to be prohibited. Limited domestic travel may be permitted if it is consistent with local health guidance, supports essential business of the college, and relates to

• health and safety,
• instruction and research,
• student-facing experiences (e.g., Athletics),
• revenue generation (e.g., Admissions).

All travel requests must be accompanied by a COVID-19 Travel Attestation Form and require approval from the traveler’s supervisor. With the exception of Research Foundation–sponsored travel, all requests require review and approval at spending thresholds consistent with ongoing spending constraints reviews. Proposed travel valued above $10,000 would be subject to approval of the College Budget Committee. Research Foundation sponsor-funded travel is allowable consistent with New York State and local health guidance.

Travel Cards (T-Cards) will be available for use on approved travel. To reactivate T-Cards, please secure supervisor and respective cabinet member approval and submit to Bonnie Heim, director of non-contract procurement.

It is my pleasure to announce the appointment of Amy M. Pedlow as interim chief of university police, effective August 27, 2021. This temporary appointment will fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Chief Peter M. Carey.

Ms. Pedlow has been assistant chief of university police since 2015, assisting in the administration of University Police Department policies and implementing the community policing philosophy of the department.

Before joining Buffalo State College, she held the title of lieutenant and shift commander with the University Police at the University at Buffalo for five years. As lieutenant, Ms. Pedlow also served as community liaison and project coordinator for the problem-oriented policing program, and as a violence prevention team representative. Prior to serving as lieutenant, she worked for 15 years as a university police officer at UB.

Assistant Chief Pedlow earned a bachelor’s degree and is completing a master’s degree in criminal justice at Buffalo State. She also completed the FBI’s National Academy, a premier 10-week training program held in Quantico, Virginia. 

I thank her for her willingness to serve in this interim role. Details about the search for Buffalo State’s next chief of university police will be announced shortly.