Nominations are open for the Celebration of Community Engagement awards. Members of the campus community and Buffalo State community partners can be recognized with awards for their efforts in the areas of service learning, civic engagement, and volunteerism that occurred throughout the academic year. Please consider nominating a deserving student, faculty member, course, student organization, or community partner. This is a great opportunity to show sincere appreciation and gratitude to those who are committed to Buffalo State’s urban engagement mission.

Student Awards: Outstanding Service-Learning Course, Outstanding Service-Learning Student(s), Outstanding Student Volunteer, Outstanding Community Service by a Student Organization

Faculty and Community Partner Awards: Outstanding Community Partner, Campus/Community Sustained Partnership Award, Early Career Faculty Award for Community Engagement, Mid-Career Faculty Award for Community Engagement, Leadership in Community Engagement

Please submit award nominations through the Civic and Community Engagement website. The nomination deadline is Monday, April 29. For more information, please visit the Celebration of Community Engagement website.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Ching-Bush as interim dean of students to assist with supporting students and staff in the division. This temporary appointment will continue to allow us to evaluate the structure of staffing and support considering the campus budget sustainability plan and hiring freeze as well as provide continuing support to students in their success.

Ms. Ching-Bush (who prefers the name ECB) will work closely with Janelle Brooks and Curtis Brickhouse to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of operations. She previously served as the assistant vice president and dean of students at Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts. She earned her master of social work at Adelphi University and has over 21 years of experience working in student affairs and higher education, including several years at Stony Brook University, Manhattanville College, and Florida Southern College.

She is a proud Yankees fan and mother to a Bengal athlete. She can be reached by phone at (716) 878-4618, by email at chingbel@buffalostate.edu, or in the Dean of Students Office, Campbell Student Union 311.

Please join me in welcoming her to campus.

The eclipse is just a few days away! We are expecting a vibrant campus with many events and visitors to Buffalo State University. United Students Government is hosting a student event in the Plaza; the main public event—Eclipse Fest—takes place at Coyer Field; and there will be a private event in the Science and Mathematics Complex. Here are a few reminders and updates as we approach this exciting event.

Staffing Reminders
While Buffalo State has canceled classes on Eclipse Day, state offices, including SUNY campuses, are expected to be open April 8; however, campuses in the path of totality are encouraged to allow as many individuals as possible to telecommute to lessen the volume of traffic on the roads while keeping campuses open and providing for continuity of all university services. Supervisors should consider the essential status of employees and whether they can telecommute where operations permit. Supervisor approval is required in advance for remote work. If employees cannot telecommute, supervisors are encouraged to be as liberal as possible with those who want to take time off and charge accruals April 8.

Supervisors must review their department operational plans with their respective VP this week (if they have not done so already).

Building Access
Please be aware that all buildings—with the exception of Butler Library, the Sports Arena, and the Campbell Student Union—will be locked, with swipe card access only. For more information on accessing buildings, please contact Facilities at (716) 878-6111.

Parking on Campus
We are expecting heavy traffic on and around campus throughout the day. Everyone who plans to come to campus on Eclipse Day is encouraged to arrive early. Please be aware that if our parking lots fill up, the University Police Department plans to restrict access to our campus roads and parking lots.

Eclipse Glasses
Thanks to a collaboration with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, all Buffalo State University students, faculty, and staff members will receive a free pair of eclipse glasses this week. Students can pick up their glasses at the Information Desk in the Campbell Student Union. Faculty and staff members’ glasses will be distributed through their units.

Additional eclipse glasses and viewers with other designs will also be available for sale through the Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium. Please visit the Eclipse website for updates.

Eclipse Fest at Coyer Field—Ticket Required
1:00–5:00 p.m.

• Access to Coyer Field viewing area and party
• Eclipse-related activities and demos for all ages
  ¤ Featuring a guided educational format led by experts from the Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium at Buffalo State
• Entertainment by Buffalo State and Western New York groups
  ¤ Headlined by Buffalo’s own XOXO Pop Band
• Food trucks available noon–5:00 p.m. (not included in ticket price)
• Eclipse swag bag
  ¤ Commemorative Eclipse Fest T-shirt
  ¤ Eclipse Fest reusable shopping bag
  ¤ Eclipse glasses
  ¤ Other eclipse information
  ¤ Bottle of water
  ¤ Two surprise eclipse souvenirs
• Kids Zone with activities for the younger eclipse fans
  ¤ Photo booth
  ¤ Eclipse scavenger hunt
  ¤ Face painting
  ¤ Eclipse viewer activities
• Memories to last a lifetime

Eye Safety
The most important thing to note is that individuals need to protect their eyes and should not look directly at the sun during the eclipse (except during the limited time of totality when the sun is completely covered by the moon—and even then, with caution). Sunglasses will not protect your eyes. If your eyes are exposed to the sun without the appropriate protection, it can cause “eclipse blindness,” which can temporarily or permanently damage your eyes. For more health and safety information, including tips for individual safety for those venturing out to view the eclipse, please visit the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse in New York State health and safety website.

I am pleased to announce that we have been able to hire Elizabeth Ching-Bush as the interim dean of students to assist with supporting students and staff in the division. This temporary appointment will continue to allow us to evaluate the structure of staffing and support considering the campus budget sustainability plan and hiring freeze as well as provide continuing support to students in their success.

Ms. Ching-Bush (who prefers the name ECB) will work closely with Janelle Brooks and Curtis Brickhouse to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of operations. She previously served as the assistant vice president and dean of students at Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts. She earned her master of social work at Adelphi University and has over 21 years of experience working in student affairs and higher education, including several years at Stony Brook University, Manhattanville College, and Florida Southern College.

She is a proud Yankees fan and mother to a Bengal athlete. She can be reached by phone at (716) 878-4618, by email at chingbel@buffalostate.edu, or in the Dean of Students Office, Campbell Student Union 311.

Please join me in welcoming her to campus.

Please join us for this year’s Celebration of Life Memorial Service on Monday, April 22, from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. in the Campbell Student Union Assembly Halls 1 and 2.

For the past 23 years, Buffalo State students, faculty, and staff have come together to celebrate the lives and memories of those who have passed away during the last year. This event is a meaningful tradition at Buffalo State that provides a forum to remember those members of our Buffalo State community who are no longer with us. This nondenominational, spiritual celebration honors their lives through music, readings, and the lighting of candles. The name of each fallen Bengal will be read aloud, followed by the ringing of our memorial bell.

The Celebration of Life Memorial Service is coordinated by the Dean of Students Office in conjunction with the Weigel Wellness Center and the Music Department. If you are aware of any campus members who have passed away since 2023, and if you would like to add their names to the list of remembrances, please email Juliet Meade, assistant director of student care and support, with the relevant information.

The campus community is invited to participate in the review of candidates for the position of director of residence life. The first of four candidates, Kevin Trudell, will present to the Buffalo State community on the topic Enhancing Residence Life: Strategies for Retention, Engagement, and Assessment at Buffalo State University on Wednesday, April 10, at 2:45 p.m. in the Campbell Student Union Assembly Hall. In addition to the campus presentation, the candidate will meet with several other groups while on campus. We value your input and encourage you to attend this session.

Presentation attendees will be provided with a link to provide feedback on the session. The form will be open until 5:00 p.m. Thursday, April 11.

Thank you for your participation and review of candidates for this vital position at Buffalo State University. Student Affairs is grateful for the work of the search committee, led by Maria Brickhouse, coordinator of the Academic Center of Excellence in EOP.

Eclipse day is here! We are expecting a vibrant campus with many events and visitors to Buffalo State University. United Students Government is hosting a student event in the Plaza; the main public event—Eclipse Fest—takes place at Coyer Field; and there will be a private event in the Science and Mathematics Complex. Here are a few reminders and updates about today's exciting event.

Staffing Reminders
While Buffalo State has canceled classes today, state offices, including SUNY campuses, are expected to be open; however, campuses in the path of totality are encouraged to allow as many individuals as possible to telecommute to lessen the volume of traffic on the roads while keeping campuses open and providing for continuity of all university services.

Building Access
Please be aware that all buildings—with the exception of Butler Library, the Sports Arena, and the Campbell Student Union—will be locked today, with swipe card access only. For more information on accessing buildings, please contact Facilities at (716) 878-6111.

Parking on Campus
We are expecting heavy traffic on and around campus throughout the day. Everyone who plans to come to campus on Eclipse Day is encouraged to arrive early. Please be aware that if our parking lots fill up, the University Police Department plans to restrict access to our campus roads and parking lots.

Eclipse Glasses
Thanks to a collaboration with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, all Buffalo State University students, faculty, and staff members should have received a free pair of eclipse glasses this week. Students can pick up their glasses at the Information Desk in the Campbell Student Union. Faculty and staff members’ glasses were distributed through their units.

Additional eclipse glasses and viewers with other designs will also be available for sale through the Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium. Please visit the Eclipse website for updates.

Eclipse Fest at Coyer Field—Ticket Required
1:00–5:00 p.m.

• Access to Coyer Field viewing area and party
• Eclipse-related activities and demos for all ages
  ¤ Featuring a guided educational format led by experts from the Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium at Buffalo State
• Entertainment by Buffalo State and Western New York groups
  ¤ Headlined by Buffalo’s own XOXO Pop Band
• Food trucks available noon–5:00 p.m. (not included in ticket price)
• Eclipse swag bag
  ¤ Commemorative Eclipse Fest T-shirt
  ¤ Eclipse Fest reusable shopping bag
  ¤ Eclipse glasses
  ¤ Other eclipse information
  ¤ Bottle of water
  ¤ Two surprise eclipse souvenirs
• Kids Zone with activities for the younger eclipse fans
  ¤ Photo booth
  ¤ Eclipse scavenger hunt
  ¤ Face painting
  ¤ Eclipse viewer activities
• Memories to last a lifetime

Eye Safety
The most important thing to note is that individuals need to protect their eyes and should not look directly at the sun during the eclipse (except during the limited time of totality when the sun is completely covered by the moon—and even then, with caution). Sunglasses will not protect your eyes. If your eyes are exposed to the sun without the appropriate protection, it can cause “eclipse blindness,” which can temporarily or permanently damage your eyes. For more health and safety information, including tips for individual safety for those venturing out to view the eclipse, please visit the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse in New York State health and safety website.

The Orientation, Transition, and Family Programs Office is excited to announce the summer 2024 New Student Orientation schedule. These sessions will take place in person on campus.

Transfer Students
Session 1 - Tuesday, June 25
Session 2 - Tuesday, July 9
Session 3 - Tuesday, July 16
Session 4 - Thursday, August 22  (Last Chance Orientation) 

First-Year Students
Session 1 - Thursday, June 27, and Friday June 28
Session 2 - Thursday, July 11, and Friday July 12
Session 3 - Thursday, July 18, and Friday July 19
Session 4 - Thursday, July 25, and Friday July 26
Session 5 - Friday, August 16 (Fall Athletes)
Session 6 - Thursday, August 22 (Last Chance Orientation)

Student Registration
Students can register for New Student Orientation via their student applicant portal when the registration goes live in the coming weeks. Once students pay their deposit, they will receive notifications to register for their session. If students are having trouble registering for orientation, please have them email the Orientation Office for assistance.

How You Can Help

• Volunteer to assist with summer orientation.

Please email Thomas Trzepkowski, assistant director of orientation, transition, and family programs, with questions or visit the the Orientation, Transition, and Family Programs website. We look forward to welcoming our new students, parents, and families to Buffalo State University this summer!

Internships play a crucial role in students’ overall development, providing them with practical insights into their chosen field and helping them bridge the gap between academic knowledge and professional application. By participating in internships, students gain valuable skills, industry exposure, and networking opportunities that significantly contribute to their personal and professional growth.

The Career and Professional Education Center (CAPE) is facilitating two separate internship funding sources for summer 2024 internships:

Bengal Internship Award
Deadline: Wednesday, April 17
(CAPE) is once again facilitating the Bengal Internship Award (BIA) created to support students and offset some of the expenses related to unpaid or underpaid internships. Recipients will receive a stipend up to $2,000 to assist with housing, food, transportation, and other incidental costs and expenses. Students who are taking internships during summer 2024 have until April 17 to apply. A full description, eligibility requirements, application, and deadlines can be found on the CAPE website.

CAPE thanks our generous donors, including M&T Bank, Enterprise, and private individuals who have contributed to funding the Bengal Internship Award.

SUNY Incremental Funding for Internships
Deadline: Friday, May 31
Students are eligible to receive up to $1,700. This funding can be used for general living expenses, professional clothing, transportation, and costs associated with housing or rent. This initiative is a testament to SUNY’s commitment to enhancing the educational experience of our students by providing them with real-world, hands-on opportunities that align with their academic and career goals.

Inform Students
If you know of any students who are interested in or are pursuing an internship for summer 2024, please inform them of this opportunity. Students can apply for this funding by completing an online application in Bengal Connect. Applications must be submitted by May 31.

Looking to Host an Intern?
If your office would like to host an intern for summer 2024, please complete this online form. This is a great opportunity to have an undergraduate student work on a special project or initiative. Many of our students do not have access to transportation, so on-campus experiences will ensure that more students have access to this opportunity. Please contact Maureen Huber, associate director of CAPE, with questions.

We are asking for your assistance to support these initiatives.

CAPE is available to help students create their résumé, cover letters, and any other professional documents needed to apply for an internship.

Please contact Denise Harris, director of CAPE, with questions.

A Celebration of Life for our dear colleague Sarah M. Young, former Buffalo State University dean of students, will be held on Sunday, April 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Burchfield Penney Art Center’s Tower Auditorium. Sarah’s obituary includes ways you can support and celebrate her memory. Please keep her children and family along with her colleagues and friends in your thoughts as they continue to navigate this loss.

Friends who are unable to attend the celebration in person are invited to participate via Zoom.
Meeting ID: 980 9307 7616
Password: 532038