As we approach the end of the second week of classes, I want to provide you with an update regarding the vaccination rates of our students. With the New York State mandate now in effect, all students are required to be vaccinated by September 27 unless they have an approved religious or medical exemption.

As of September 7, 95 percent of our residential student population and 83 percent of our overall student body has been fully or partially vaccinated. Some students are still submitting their vaccination documentation to the Weigel Wellness Center or are in the process of becoming vaccinated by the September 27 deadline. Although a modest number of students must still take action to comply with the SUNY mandate, we are pleased with our high student vaccination rate. Additionally, we completed our review of medical and religious exemption applications last week (September 2 deadline), and we can report that less than 3 percent of our student population was granted an exception.

As a gentle reminder, information on exemption status cannot be shared, as it is protected by HIPAA, FERPA, or both. If you are made aware of a student’s exemption status, it is important to keep that information private and treat that student no differently than any other student. Treating students differently because of their vaccination status is not only inappropriate; it is illegal.

Meanwhile, we strongly encourage employees to voluntarily provide proof of vaccination to the Human Resource Management Office. As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, having employees’ voluntary vaccination information is key to our efforts. You can upload your information or contact the Human Resource Management Office at 878-3042 to schedule an appointment to provide your documentation in person.

Please continue to wear your masks indoors, as well as outdoors in crowded settings, and comply with surveillance testing protocols communicated by Human Resource Management via the Daily Bulletin.  

Thank you to all Bengals for doing their part to keep themselves and each other safe.

I am pleased to share a new effort to connect our faculty members and students outside of their typical interactions in the classroom or during office hours. In conjunction with Chartwells Dining and the division of Student Affairs, I am launching the “Paw Pass,” a complimentary one-time-use meal ticket that can be used by a faculty member to take a student to the Bengal Kitchen (located in the Campbell Student Union) for a meal. Faculty members can present this pass when they come to the kitchen along with their student guest. Seating is available inside the Bengal Kitchen, as well as on the patio outside the dining room.

This is a great opportunity to connect with a student who may be more hesitant to engage in the larger classroom, or who may have an interest in learning more about the topics related to your teaching and research. It may also be a chance to mentor or help a student continue to forge his or her connections at Buffalo State College.

Paw Passes will be available to pick up in your dean’s office starting today, September 9. The dean’s offices have been given a supply of these passes, and I encourage all our faculty members to participate and take a student for a meal during the fall 2021 semester. More information about the Bengal Kitchen hours, location, and special events can be found on the Buffalo State Dining website.

Buffalo State Gives 2022, our fourth annual Day of Giving, will be happening this spring. Each year, this 24-hour crowdfunding event gets bigger and better as we raise money for important programs and initiatives across campus. It is amazing to see the Buffalo State community—alumni, parents, friends, faculty, and staff—step up to help our students every spring.

Because we are celebrating Buffalo State’s 150th anniversary, this year’s Day of Giving will be extra special. And we hope that you will be a part of it. 

I’m thrilled to see how many of you have already applied to participate. But there is still time to put your hat in the ring if you haven’t already!

Does your department have a project or fund you would like to raise money for this spring? Please apply to be considered for inclusion in Buffalo State Gives 2022. The form must be filled out by Wednesday, September 15. If your department is selected to participate, you will be informed no later than October. 

If you have any questions, please contact Kate Lockhart, development coordinator.

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. Please let us know if you plan to attend.

A year ago, Buffalo State College initiated a comprehensive, collegewide self-study process according to the requirements of the college’s institutional accrediting body, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The process demonstrates our commitment to quality and continuous improvement and will be used to strengthen and sustain our future as an institution of higher education. Throughout this inclusive process, we continue to engage in a careful analysis of institutional priorities selected in the interest of identifying mission-related areas of improvement.

After a successful prep visit in May and the approval of the Self-Study Design, the Self-Study Steering Committee and members of the Working Groups continue to work with groups and individuals across campus as the self-study moves into a phase of data collection and analysis. In this phase, departments may be asked to provide documents or resources to support the self-study that will allow the process to remain on track for a team evaluation visit in spring 2023.

I would like to thank the more than 100 members of the campus community who are actively engaged in the self-study process.

A year ago, Buffalo State College initiated a comprehensive, collegewide self-study process according to the requirements of the college’s institutional accrediting body, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The process demonstrates our commitment to quality and continuous improvement and will be used to strengthen and sustain our future as an institution of higher education. Throughout this inclusive process, we continue to engage in a careful analysis of institutional priorities selected in the interest of identifying mission-related areas of improvement. 

After a successful Prep Visit in May and the approval of the Self-Study Design, the Self-Study Steering Committee and members of the Working Groups continue to work with groups and individuals across campus as the self-study moves into a phase of data collection and analysis. In this phase, departments may be asked to provide documents or resources to support the self-study that will allow the process to remain on track for a team evaluation visit in spring 2023.  

I would like to thank the more than 100 members of the campus community who are actively engaged in the self-study process.

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. The guidance is also posted to the college’s Coronavirus Information website. Questions may be addressed to vpfm@buffalostate.edu.

HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELLNESS

Testing
Weekly surveillance testing is required for any employee who has not yet voluntarily provided proof of vaccination to opt out of weekly testing and any student who is partially vaccinated or has received a limited medical or religious exemption.

Testing is being conducted in Buckham Hall’s D Wing main gym, which is located on the lower level (enter from Lot R-12, closest to the Technology Building), during the following days and times:

• Mondays 9:00–11:30 a.m. and 1:00–4:00 p.m.
• Tuesdays 6:00–11:30 a.m. and 1:00–6:00 p.m.
• Wednesdays 9:00–11:30 a.m. and 1:00–4:00 p.m.
• Thursdays 9:00–11:30 a.m. and 1:00–6:00 p.m.
• Fridays 9:00–11:30 a.m. and 1:00–4:00 p.m.

This weekly requirement must be met by the close of testing each Friday. Employees may choose a convenient time within the available windows to present to Buckham Hall. To expedite the process, please complete the registration process through the online portal before arriving in Buckham Hall. A user guide to the registration process (PDF, 2.4 MB) is available online. Individual test results will be securely posted to the online portal, and test participants will be notified via email when their test results are available. An informative video about the test registration and sample collection process is also available online.

Vaccinations
We strongly encourage employees to voluntarily provide proof of vaccination to the Human Resource Management Office. As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, having employees’ voluntary vaccination information is key to our efforts. You can upload your information or contact the Human Resource Management Office at 878-3042 to schedule an appointment to provide your documentation in person.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation on March 12, 2021, granting public and private employees time off to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Under this new law, employees are granted up to four hours of excused leave per injection. This time will not be charged against any other leave the employee has earned or accrued.

Use of the vaccination leave should be requested in advance and approved by your supervisor. While up to four hours of leave with pay is available for COVID-19 vaccination leave, not every employee’s situation will require the full four hours’ allotted time.

The SUNY Time and Attendance System has been updated to provide a COVID-19 vaccine drop-down option in the non-chargeable category. If you have questions about recording the non-chargeable leave, please contact Al Galone, manager of payroll, 878-4124 (for CSEA); or Carey Seneca, interim manager of recruitment and classification, 878-3042 (for UUP).

As of August 23, the SUNY mandate that all students be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is in effect. Buffalo State College strongly supports and will enforce this student mandate. 

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 encouraged 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 disinfectant wipes in classrooms and teaching spaces and the Virex spray provided by the campus to disinfect high-touch surfaces in 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. The screening must be completed by all employees reporting to campus, regardless of vaccination status.

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.

Resources for Employee Wellness
During challenging times, it is especially important that we be attend to our mental health and well-being. Several resources are 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. 
• 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.

ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS

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
All events must follow the Buffalo State COVID-19 guidance that is in place at the time of the event, and 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 all large 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 all attendees of current campus COVID-19 guidance: Guests should monitor themselves for symptoms the day of the event and should not attend if they are experiencing symptoms or are otherwise concerned that they might be infected with the coronavirus or any 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 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 the power button on the computer. The computer will turn off after 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 taken 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 description. 

The deadline for academic software requests for academic year 2021–2022 was May 14, 2021. New software requests, depending on title, may require license review and installation preparation. You may experience delays if your request was not submitted by the deadline.

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.

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.

One of the essential features of the Bengal Success Portal is the Student Progress Report. This early alert tool enables faculty members to proactively inform various constituents (e.g., students, professional or faculty advisers, Residence Life, Special Programs, Information Technology, Financial Aid) about signs of academic, personal, health, or financial difficulty early in the semester.

Students and others in their support networks will receive e-mail notifications when flags are raised. Upon receiving an e-mail alert, students can take immediate actions to seek the necessary assistance to improve their performance. Depending on the flag raised, other constituents may be expected to conduct outreach to support students in enhancing their academic preparation, to address personal or health concerns, or to refer students to the necessary support service departments. These collective efforts by students and constituents are aimed to proactively identify concerns, resolve them in a timely manner, and close the loop of communication, enabling the student to achieve success.

The Student Progress Report will be deployed at 9:00 a.m. today, September 14, to all instructors and will remain open until Monday, October 4. An e-mail notification with the link has been sent to all faculty members. Instructors can view their class lists, indicate whether a student has encountered an issue, or award a student “kudos” for a job well done.

Instructors, please complete the Student Progress Report within the time allotted. Your feedback might provide that extra “nudge” to retain students and put them on the path to success.

Questions related to the Student Progress Report and the process of completing it can be directed to Gabriel Marshall, senior adviser for student success and retention, through e-mail at bengalsuccess@buffalostate.edu.

This video details how to complete a Student Progress Report.

Because of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and pursuant to New York State Chapter Law 417, Part E, signed by Governor Hochul on September 2, 2021, the Buffalo State College Council meeting scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 21, will be held in person for members of the College Council only and electronically via webinar for all others. Members of the public may view the board meeting via Zoom videoconference online or join by phone at (929) 205-6099 (New York).

Minutes of the board meeting will be transcribed and posted on the College Council website.

Meeting ID: 822 4999 6753
Passcode: 126421

Agenda 

1. Call to Order - Linda Dobmeier, Council Chair
2. Action Items
   Approval of the Minutes: April 27, 2021
3. Chair’s Report - Linda Dobmeier
4. President’s Report - Kate Conway-Turner
5. Committee Reports 
6. Announcements - Kate Conway-Turner
7. Executive Session (If Necessary) 
8. Adjournment - Linda Dobmeier

I am pleased to announce that the following faculty and staff members will serve on the 2021–2022 Honorary Degree Committee:

Chair: Aaron Daniel Annas, Director, Television and Film Arts

Naila Ansari, Assistant Professor, Theater
William Benfanti, Associate Vice President for Government Relations and Alumni Affairs
Atta Ceesay, Chair and Associate Professor, Political Science and Public Administration
Julian Cole, Interim Associate Dean, School of the Professions
Amy Rosen-Brand, Associate Director, Student Accessibility Services
Natalie Szymanski, Director, College Writing Program
Macy Todd, Assistant Professor, English

Crystal J. Rodriguez-Dabney, chief of staff in the President’s Office, will provide staff support to the committee.

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The Honorary Degree Committee is charged with identifying candidates for the State University of New York honorary doctorate, 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 or 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.

Please forward the names of suggested nominees for SUNY honorary doctorates to Crystal J. Rodriguez-Dabney, Cleveland Hall 517, by Friday, October 1.