I would like to invite you to an Update to the State of the University address on Tuesday, November 14, at 12:15 p.m. in Bulger Communication Center 217. I will provide the latest information about the strategic priorities and structural deficit, with an updated vision and plans.
Please respond by Friday, November 10.
Based on some inquiries and concern from students, faculty, and staff members about the Smoke-Free Policy and enforcement thereof, I am reminding the university about the policy and resources on campus. The policy, which went into effect July 1, 2023, addresses chewing tobacco, cigarettes (traditional and electronic), vaping, and changes to New York State cannabis law. The policy was updated (PDF, 210 KB) in response to changes in New York State laws and can be found in the Administrative Policy Library.
The goal of this policy is to continue to support a safe and healthy campus community. The content and interpretation of the policy are shared with students, faculty, and staff through orientations and electronic and in-person outreach. Weigel Health Center, which can be reached at (716) 878-6711, continues to provide programs, mobile outreach, and web resources to support observance of the policy.
Compliance with the policy is covered by the Student Code of Conduct and, for faculty and staff members, the Administrative Policy Library. The University Police Department is unable to issue citations for violations but is available to assist if the situation warrants.
Should you have concerns about behavior that is not in compliance with the policy as it relates to students, a report can be filed online.
Concerns related to compliance involving members of the staff or faculty should be directed to the employee’s immediate supervisor or Human Resource Management at (716) 878-3042.
Thank you for your support on building a healthier lifestyle for our campus.
Based on some inquiries and concern from students, faculty, and staff members about the Smoke-Free Policy and enforcement thereof, I am reminding the university about the policy and resources on campus. The policy, which went into effect July 1, 2023, addresses chewing tobacco, cigarettes (traditional and electronic), vaping, and changes to New York State cannabis law. The policy was updated (PDF, 210 KB) in response to changes in New York State laws and can be found in the Administrative Policy Library.
The goal of this policy is to continue to support a safe and healthy campus community. The content and interpretation of the policy are shared with students, faculty, and staff through orientations and electronic and in-person outreach. Weigel Health Center, which can be reached at (716) 878-6711, continues to provide programs, mobile outreach, and web resources to support observance of the policy.
Compliance with the policy is covered by the Student Code of Conduct and, for faculty and staff members, the Administrative Policy Library. The University Police Department is unable to issue citations for violations but is available to assist if the situation warrants.
Should you have concerns about behavior that is not in compliance with the policy as it relates to students, a report can be filed online.
Concerns related to compliance involving members of the staff or faculty should be directed to the employee’s immediate supervisor or Human Resource Management at (716) 878-3042.
Thank you for your support on building a healthier lifestyle for our campus.
Nominations will be accepted through Thursday, January 11, 2024, for the 2023–2024 Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Classified Service.
This system-level award recognizes classified service employees for excellence and superior service to students and the community at large. Nominees should be individuals who not only continuously demonstrate outstanding achievement and skill, but who also demonstrate excellence in activities beyond the scope of their job descriptions.
Members of the Buffalo State community are encouraged to submit nominations for deserving colleagues.
The nomination form and award guidelines are available online. Thank you.
The new Student Code of Conduct (approved by the Buffalo State Council on October 3, 2023) went into effect on November 13, 2023. The approved changes affect language and additions to code Section 3, 8b. - Smoking and Tobacco. Wording and language were adjusted to align with the university policy on smoking and tobacco use while on campus. Students can view the changes on the website and complete the form affirming that they’ve viewed the changes to the code. Use the website for access to the new Code of Conduct, forms, documents, and important information about the student conduct process. Please refer all requests for conduct records and information directly to the Student Conduct and Community Standards Office, Bengal Hall 14 (lower level), (716) 878-3051.
This memo serves as an annual notice to the Buffalo State community to provide information about Title IX.
Members of the university faculty and staff—including student staff members—who are informed about allegations of sexual harassment, sexual violence, or any of the behaviors listed above, are required to report those allegations to the Title IX coordinator, their supervisors, or any of the offices listed below.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination in education. It reads: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” These protections are not just for students; faculty and staff members also are covered by the protections of Title IX.
The Title IX coordinator for Buffalo State is the interim chief diversity officer, Lisa Morrison-Fronckowiak. She can be reached at (716) 878-6210, morrislt@buffalostate.edu, or Cleveland Hall 517.
The types of activities that invoke Title IX protections include gender discrimination, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and/or stalking.
When the complaint involves a university employee, a victim may report the incident to the Human Resources Management Office where disciplinary proceedings will be conducted in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements. For additional information please contact Human Resource Management, Cleveland Hall 403, (716) 878-4822.
If a person has experienced any of the behaviors described, the following resources are available:
Additionally, those who have experienced behavior noted above have the right to the following:
Options in Brief
Complainants and respondents have many options that can be pursued simultaneously, including one or more of the following:
I am writing to share an important update on the 2023 SEFA Campaign. Currently, we’re over $62,000 toward our campus goal, and to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute, we're extending the campaign deadline to Thursday, December 14.
For those planning to replicate last year’s pledge, we’ve introduced a new “Renew My Pledge” option in the electronic pledge system. To ensure that your pledge automatically rolls over, log in and select this option. Without accessing the electronic pledge system and selecting any of the options to participate, you will not be eligible to win any of the great giveaways listed below.
As we approach the campaign’s end, we are excited to announce some incredible prizes for our Buffalo State contributors. The raffle for these prizes will take place Friday, December 15. By donating any amount, you will automatically qualify for the chance to win:
Don’t miss the chance to win these incredible prizes while positively influencing our community through your generous donation. Remember: to make a pledge count, you must access the e-pledge system and select “Forgot user ID or password” to begin the process, even if you are rolling over your pledge from last year. This instructional guide and video can help along the way. You may also make a check or cash donation using the paper form (PDF, 4 MB) and delivering it to the School of Education, Bacon Hall 306. As stated earlier, the deadline to donate has been extended to December 14. Contact SEFA co-chairs Wendy Paterson, dean of the School of Education, or Maria C. Garrity, senior systems programmer in Information Technology, or your departmental SEFA ambassador for further details.
I express my sincere gratitude for your continued support and dedication to the SEFA Campaign. Together, we can make a significant impact on our community.
The next meeting of the Buffalo State Council will be held Tuesday, November 28, at 4:00 p.m. in Cleveland Hall 518.
Agenda
At its October 14, 2022, meeting, the Buffalo State College Senate voted to adopt the following resolution and forward it to the president for consideration:
Motion to Adopt Resolution to Recognize the Second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day
WHEREAS, in 1977 the International NGO Conference on Discrimination against Indigenous Populations in the Americas began discussing the replacement of Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day; and
WHEREAS, since 1989, more than a dozen states and many local municipalities by legislation or proclamation have recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day to honor their “resilience and strength as well as the immeasurable positive impact that they have made on every aspect of American society;”1 and
WHEREAS, the Student Assembly of SUNY unanimously passed resolution 1516-115, “Indigenous Peoples’ Day,” on April 16, 2016; and
WHEREAS, the SUNY University Faculty Senate passed Resolution No. 177-01-1, “To Recognize the Second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day,” on October 21, 2017, requesting that campuses recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day; and
WHEREAS, other SUNY campuses including SUNY Cortland, SUNY ESF, and SUNY Fredonia have recognized the importance of this matter and have created resolutions supporting an “Indigenous Peoples’ Day,” and no longer list Columbus Day on their school calendars; and
WHEREAS, Buffalo State College has adopted a land acknowledgment stating “Buffalo State College would like to start by acknowledging that the college is situated within the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, including the Seneca, Tuscarora, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, and Mohawk nations, and of their Indigenous relations and neighbors, the Erie and the Wenro. We hope to demonstrate respect for the treaties that were made on these territories and we pledge to work toward partnership with a spirit of collaboration with our current Indigenous neighbors, the Seneca and Tuscaroras.”; and
WHEREAS, Buffalo State College has committed to advancing inclusion while confronting and deconstructing discrimination and oppression with recent initiatives including but not limited to the forthcoming establishment of a Social Justice Center; renaming buildings previously named for slave holders; expanding justice, equity, diversity, and inclusive programming; and establishing a social justice student scholarship.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Buffalo State College recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day on the campus calendar and in other communications.
1 Joseph R. Biden (October 8, 2021) “A Proclamation on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, 2021.” The White House.
I hereby accept the recommendation of the College Senate and authorize the provost, the interim vice president for finance, and the chief of staff to make the necessary updates to all versions of the campus calendar and to communications throughout the university effective with the next opportunity to update the calendar.
I am pleased to announce that the Center for Social Justice (CSJ) has created a minigrant program to support faculty, staff, and students who are working collaboratively with community organizations to connect social justice at Buffalo State University to the greater Buffalo community. The CSJ defines social justice as the undeniable human right to dignity, equity, and full participation in society. The CSJ invites faculty, staff, undergraduate students, and graduate students to apply for funding through the Social Justice Minigrant Program for projects or initiatives that address social injustice and further Buffalo State’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus culture.
The goals of the Social Justice Minigrant Program:
Rolling applications will be accepted with a final deadline of Monday, February 5, 2024, for retroactive fall 2023 and upcoming spring 2024 programs. Please contact Ruth Goldman, interim faculty coordinator of the Center for Social Justice, at centerforsocialjustice@buffalostate.edu, with questions.