Come join the Teaching and Learning Center’s session, entitled Introduction to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at SUNY Buffalo State on Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 12:15 - 1:30 pm.  Presented by Jill Norvilitis and Gina Game

Before the review process, researchers must be sure that their project is, in fact, research with human participants as defined by the federal government. To qualify as research with human participants, the following must be true: (1) The participants must be living. The use of records is still considered research with human participants, although oral history and journalism are specifically excluded. (2) The project is a systematic investigation; that is, it is designed to be a study. For example, instances in classrooms where teachers ask students’ opinions on the material to gauge progress are not research; however, if that same teacher designs a study to evaluate two methods of teaching the material to see which is more effective, this would be research if the third criterion is met. (3) The project is designed to contribute to the generalized knowledge. To qualify as research, the person conducting the project must intend for it to be disseminated at some level. On our campus, we also review student projects that may not be disseminated but that meet the first two criteria so that our students will learn the process of research with human participants and because we have contracted with the federal government to do so.

Please register through the Workshop Registration System 

Save the Date: Celebration of Life 2025

The Office of Student Care and Support under the Dean of Students in collaboration with the Music Department is pleased to announce that our Celebration of Life memorial event will be held again this year. Since its inception in 2001, this gathering has become a vital tradition for our campus, offering a time for reflection, remembrance, and unity.

Each year, we come together to honor the members of our community who have passed away, celebrating their lives and the impact they had on making Buffalo State a compassionate and respectful place. This non-denominational, spiritual program provides an opportunity for us to grieve collectively and to find solace in one another's company.

Date: Monday, April 21, 2025
Time: 2-3 pm
Location: Social Hall, Campbell Student Union

We invite members of our campus community to participate in this meaningful event. If you are interested in reading or contributing to the program, or if you would like to collaborate in any capacity, please reach out to meadejl@buffalostate.edu. We need at least FOUR readers!

Your involvement will be invaluable in creating a heartfelt and memorable tribute.

For more details or to express your interest in participating, please contact meadejl@buffalostate.edu. 

The Course Design Review (OSCQR) request period for J-Term/Spring 2026 courses will begin on March 17, 2025. Once the request period begins, all Course Design Review (OSCQR) requests for J-Term/Spring 2026 courses should be submitted by May 1, 2025.

To prepare for the Course Design Review (OSCQR) process, please ensure you have:

• participated in Brightspace training and are comfortable utilizing Brightspace features
• earned online teaching credentials (referenced in the Online and Hybrid Course Offering DOPS policy) 
• requested a Brightspace development shell to work on course development or redesign 
• developed your course in your Brightspace development shell to incorporate course design elements, including:
  • course-level student learning outcomes (SLOs)
  • week/module-level introductions and learning objectives
  • a syllabus with updated dates for the J-Term/Spring 2026 semester
  • all assignments with all necessary directions and resources for students to complete the course

Workshops to support you as you’re designing or redesigning your course and preparing for the Course Design Review (OSCQR) process will be offered throughout March. These sessions are listed in the workshop registration system.

More information about the Course Design Review (OSCQR) process and timeline can be found on the Instructional Design and Distance Learning website. If there are any questions, please contact Brooke Winckelmann, instructional designer. 

Hello,

My name is Ashley Casillo, NDTR. I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics at SUNY Buffalo State University. As part of my master's project, I am conducting research examining the impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment on dietary intake and quality of life in survivorship. Please consider participating in my research, where you will be asked to complete a 10–15-minute anonymous online survey inquiring about your experience with your diagnosis and treatment.

To take this survey, you must be:

• At least 18 years old
• A survivor of cancer (completed cancer treatment and are currently in survivorship)

If you are interested in learning more about this study, please click here

If you have any questions about this study, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

Thank you,

Ashley Casillo, NDTR 

Nutrition and Dietetics- SUNY Buffalo State University

Casilla02@buffalostate.edu

The strengths and achievements of Buffalo State often stem from the contributions of dedicated faculty and staff. The interim president of Buffalo State and the Buffalo State College Foundation Board members are committed to seeking solutions to budget constraints that recognize the contributions of those who have helped develop and sustain our reputation for excellence.

Eligibility

To participate in the 2025 Phased Voluntary Separation Program (PVSP), interested employees must meet eligibility requirements.

Full-time UUP represented and Management Confidential (MC-13) employees who are NYS retirement eligible, with at least 10 years full-time NYS service as of March 31, 2025, and in good standing at time of application may apply for the program.

Eligible employees must complete and submit the online Application to Participate Form to Human Resources no later than March 31, 2025, by 4:00 p.m.

From the Chair of the Buffalo State Senate
The next meeting of the 2024-2025 Buffalo State Senate will be held Friday, February 14, at 3:00 p.m. in Newman Lecture Hall, Bulger Communication Center 215. Ken Fujiuchi, head of information commons in Butler Library, serves as chair of the Senate for the 2024-2025 academic year.

We encourage everyone to visit the Senate website to catch up on Senate news, find podcasts and minutes of past meetings, review reports and resolutions, and more. Documents for the upcoming meeting can be found on the SharePoint site.

In addition to other reports, the Bylaws and Elections Committee will share proposed technical/terminological changes to the Handbook and College Faculty Bylaws.

Effective 2/10/2025 all state funded purchases of $5,000 or more will require an additional VP approval prior to issuance of any purchase orders or contracts. Within Bengal Buy state funded requisitions will automatically be routed for VP approval in addition to the state account owner approval. There is no action needed by the campus as Bengal Buy uses electronic approvals.

Additionally, state funded purchases of $50,000 or more require completion and VP signature on a Strategic Sourcing Form. This form is to be completed online by the requester prior to any other actions being completed. This form will assist in gaining all necessary information and approvals first, in order to facilitate the most efficient and cost-effective process moving forward.

Please reach out to Kristy Mediak, Director of Accounts Payable & Procurement Services, with any questions.

Please join us and help spread the word for several Africana Studies events taking place next week. The events, listed below, were developed largely by Africana Studies majors, and are highlighted by noted Buffalo attorney John Elmore and several African American Buffalo State alumni who are coming back to speak with and provide guidance for today's students. If you would be so kind as to attend and/or encourage your students to attend, participate, and learn with us, I'd be grateful. Refreshments are provided for all activities.

MONDAY, FEB. 10

Is Radical Thought Unrealistic?
Discussion led by Africana Studies Majors
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Bacon 205

TUESDAY, FEB. 11

Blacks and Policing: Know Your Rights!
Feat. Attorney John Elmore
12:15-1:30 p.m. (Bengal Pause)
Bulger 422

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12

Black Alumni Speak to Today’s Students
Feat. Doc Thomas, Woody Brandy, and Marsha Jackson
5:00-6:30 p.m.
Union Assembly Hall

THURSDAY, FEB. 13

Should Africana Studies be an Activist Program? 
Feat. Professors Naila Catilo, John Torrey, Holly Quicksey, Marcus Watson, Barish Ali, Erin Habes, and Shantell Reid
12:15-1:30 p.m. (Bengal Pause)
Bulger 422

The faculty and staff Bible study will meet this Friday, February 14, at noon. We meet every other Friday from noon to 12:50 p.m. by Zoom. During the last part of the meeting, we have a time of sharing and prayer. Please email David Ettestad, professor of physics, for the Zoom link.

Student Care and Support in the Dean of Students Office is collaborating with various campus offices and departments to develop culturally inclusive health and wellness programs. These initiatives will be accessible to students, faculty, staff, and the entire campus community.

Wellness Wednesdays aims to promote mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing for students, faculty, and staff while fostering diversity, community engagement, sustainability, fitness, nutrition, and other health and wellness issues.

Wellness Wednesdays will begin February 19, 2025, and occur every Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Campbell Student Union 400H. Explore new topics each week!

If you would like to collaborate in any way, please email Juliet Meade, assistant director for student care and support.