Please join the Teaching and Learning Center for the session "To Theme or Not to Theme: The Impact of Themed Coursework on Students in Higher Education," presented by Pamela Schuetze-Pizarro, professor of psychology, and Kathy Doody, professor of exceptional education, on Friday, October 18, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in Butler Library 318.

Increasing student engagement and ultimately student retention is a priority in higher education, necessitating the development of innovative strategies to keep students engaged. One promising approach is themed courses, or courses that involve the incorporation of popular culture themes. In this workshop, we will define themed coursework, review the existing literature on the impact of themed coursework, and describe the findings of a study we have conducted on the impact of themed coursework on students in higher education. 

Please register through the Workshop Registration System.

Please join us for a brief workshop on using Butler Library resources to assist you with measuring your scholarly reach and impact on Tuesday, October 15, from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. in Butler Library 318. Who is citing your research? Has a news outlet mentioned your publications? We will discuss tricks and show you how to look into the impact your research has had on the field. We will briefly present these tools and open a conversation on ways faculty members can better spread the word on their scholarly output. A light lunch will be served. 

Please register through the Workshop Registration System.

Please join us for the next meeting of the Wellness Wednesdays Discover, Read, Grow Book Club tomorrow, October 9, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Campbell Student Union 402. This Wednesday, we're focusing on self-empowerment and personal growth. Our book of the month, You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero, serves as a fantastic guide for college students eager to overcome self-doubt and boost their confidence. Amid classes, deadlines, and daily life challenges, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. This book is filled with practical advice and humor to help you stay motivated and take charge of your journey. Join us for an opportunity to connect, share insights, and discover strategies to maintain your mental and physical well-being, even during hectic times on campus.

Looking to jump start your fitness journey? Then join us for the next meeting of the Five 5 Fridays: Couch to 5K Walk/Run Series on October 11 from noon to 1:30 p.m. We will meet in Campbell Student Union 402 and then head out to walk the campus. This gradual fitness program is designed for beginners to build stamina and confidence, with guidance from experienced trainers. This series offers a supportive and gradual way to go from couch-bound to confidently walking or running a 5K. Whether you're looking to boost your health, build confidence, or simply connect with fellow students, this program has something for everyone.

Both programs are open to faculty, staff, and students.

We can't wait to see you! For more information, please email Juliet Meade, assistant director of student care and support.

The Buffalo State University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic is pleased to announce it will offer free vocal health screenings all semester long.

There is extensive scientific research to suggest that professors, teachers, student teacher candidates, music teachers, singers, and other professional voice users are at an increased risk of developing a voice disorder. In fact, about one in five people in the United States will present with a voice disorder. Unfortunately, less than 1 percent will actually seek treatment.

We in the Speech-Language Pathology Department would like to help make a difference in the Buffalo State and local community by increasing awareness and contributing to the prevention of these disorders. Inefficient and ineffective use of the voice puts individuals at risk of reduced voice-related quality of life. If left untreated, even mild vocal problems could evolve into serious health consequences.

We strongly encourage the entire campus community (faculty, staff, students) to participate in this opportunity. We invite you to stop by for a quick 15-minute voice screen.

Screenings will be conducted in Caudell Hall 149 during Bengal Pause (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:15-1:30 p.m.).

During this visit, we will ask you a few short questions and ask you to perform some simple speaking tasks. Snacks will be provided.

Buffalo State faculty members: We would be happy to join your class to provide a brief overview of voice disorders and the importance of screenings. We can work with faculty members to develop short or long workshops depending on your interest and time.

Please email Anita Senthinathan, assistant professor of speech-language pathology, to sign up for a screening or if you have questions.

Buffalo State University's Post Production Diversity Initiative (PPDI) will host a virtual information session today, October 8, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. The PPDI is a one-year program that prepares 18 participants from diverse backgrounds for entry-level careers in video editing and sound mixing. PPDI is designed to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in the post-production workforce. The information session will cover details about the initiative, including various workshops that will be offered and the timeline of events, and will allow time for any questions at the end.

If you're interested in applying for PPDI or have already applied and are interested in learning more about the specifics of the program, please sign up for the Zoom session!

Join the Zoom meeting.

From the Chair of the College Senate
The next meeting of the College Senate for fall 2024 will be held tomorrow, October 11, 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.

From the Chair of the College Senate
The next meeting of the College Senate for fall 2024 will be held Friday, October 11, 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.

Governor Kathy Hochul has directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset today, October 7, in mourning and honor of the victims of the attack on Israel one year ago.

More information is available on the governor's website.

The New York State Education Department, Office of Higher Education (NYSED-OTI), has issued SUNY Buffalo State a limited number of electronic vouchers (e-vouchers ) to be distributed to students to help defray the cost of the registration fees for the New York State Teacher Certification Exams (EAS and CST). Students should check their Buffalo State email and the Teacher Certification Office website for eligibility requirements, directions, and the application.

The State of New York/United University Professions Joint Labor-Management Committees have announced that $50,359.45 has been allocated to SUNY Buffalo State for Individual Development Awards for the new program period of July 2, 2024, through July 1, 2025.

This award program is intended to assist employees in the UUP bargaining unit in developing their full professional potential and preparing for advancement by funding professional development activities. Information on eligibility requirements, types of projects or activities funded, funding priorities, and expenditure limitations along with the application (PDF, 475 KB) and instructions are available on the Human Resource Management website.

The maximum amount that can be awarded for each employee under this program is $2,000. Employees may be funded for up to two projects or activities, not to exceed a total of $2,000. The funded activity must take place between July 2, 2024, and July 1, 2025.

Applications for this award period must be received at uupida@buffalostate.edu no later than April 7, 2025.
Individual Development Awards committee members are Lisa Marie Anselmi and Jude Jayatilleke representing UUP, and Erika Grande and Charles Lyons representing management. Please email uupida@buffalostate.edu with questions regarding the awards.