Join us today, August 6, in the Student Union Plaza for our first $6 Friday Barbecue of August from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Spot Coffee in the Retail Food Court.

Today's Menu

• Charbroiled beef burgers
• Black bean veggie burgers
• All beef hot dogs
• Mac and cheese
• Baked bean medley
• Roasted corn
• Sliced watermelon
• Potato salad
• Garden salad
• Assorted condiments 
• Summer beverages
• Sweet desserts

The NYS & CSEA Partnership for Education and Training is pleased to announce the fall 2021 Skills for Success online courses and webinars. Live, instructor-led courses and webinars provide CSEA-represented employees with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to meet their personal and professional development goals. 

There are 27 courses and webinars scheduled from September through December 2021. Please visit the partnership’s website, where you can access the catalog of courses.

We urge CSEA-represented employees to take advantage of these valuable training opportunities. Employees may enroll through the Statewide Learning Management System or by completing the partnership’s application form, located on page 28 of the catalog.

For further information, please contact the partnership by phone at (800) 253-4332 or by email.

Over the upcoming weeks, Student Accessibility Services (SAS) will be rolling out its new Testing Center policies and procedures for faculty and students. Beginning in fall 2021, the Testing Center will move to an online format for scheduling and exam submission and processing in order to create the best possible experience for everyone. All information will soon be housed on the SAS website for your convenience.

If you have questions or concerns that are not addressed on the website after it is updated, please contact Andrea Gustafson, learning and accommodations specialist, who is in charge of the Testing Center and will be happy to assist you. You can drop in to see her Monday through Friday in Butler Library 160 between 8:30 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. If you would prefer to send an email, please use the new address for all Testing Center correspondence: exams@buffalostate.edu.

We greatly look forward to this new endeavor that will allow the Testing Center to run with efficiency and integrity while providing a welcoming environment for all.

Over the upcoming weeks, Student Accessibility Services (SAS) will be rolling out its new Testing Center policies and procedures for faculty and students. Beginning in fall 2021, the Testing Center will move to an online format for scheduling and exam submission and processing in order to create the best possible experience for everyone. All information will soon be housed on the SAS website for your convenience.

If you have questions or concerns that are not addressed on the website after it is updated, please contact Andrea Gustafson, learning and accommodations specialist, who is in charge of the Testing Center and will be happy to assist you. You can drop in to see her Monday through Friday in Butler Library 160 between 8:30 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. If you would prefer to send an email, please use the new address for all Testing Center correspondence: exams@buffalostate.edu.

We greatly look forward to this new endeavor that will allow the Testing Center to run with efficiency and integrity while providing a welcoming environment for all.

Looking for grant funding? Please join us for the SUNY Center for Professional Development workshop "If You Write It, They Will Fund," a 12-week virtual grant-writing program, taking place August 31 through November 22.

The Buffalo State College Teaching and Learning Center can sponsor participation for a limited number of faculty and staff members. Selected participants will be expected to complete the 12-week program and make a short “pay it forward” presentation to the campus in spring 2022. Anyone who is interested should complete the short application by Friday, August 20.

Please join us for a conversation on supporting student success during this emotionally challenging time of change and transition on Thursday, September 9, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. in Classroom Building B118. You will have an opportunity to share your experiences with students and get some feedback and suggestions for how you might respond in a trauma-informed way.

Learning Objectives:

• Define different types of trauma.
• Demonstrate via discussion an understanding of unique responses to shared experiences such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Develop a deeper understanding of how trauma may influence learning and behavior.
• Learn strategies for responding to students from a trauma-informed perspective.

Please register through the Workshop Registration System.

Additional Dates:
Tuesday, October 12, 3:00–4:30 p.m.
Monday, November 15, 3:00–4:30 p.m.

Please join us for "Reconnecting to Campus: Strategies for Employee Wellness, Productivity, and Self-Care," facilitated by Jonathan Hulbert, director of leadership and organizational development. The following virtual and in-person sessions will be offered. Please register below.

Butler Library 316 Sessions:

• Thursday, August 5, noon to 1:00 p.m.
• Monday, August 9, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Virtual Zoom Sessions:

• Thursday, August 5, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
• Wednesday, August 11, 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
• Thursday, August 12, noon to 1:00 p.m.

Please email the Professional Development Center with questions.

Please join us for "Restoration and Resolve: Guided Yoga Nidra Meditation," facilitated by Melissa Meehan, web administration director in Marketing and Communications, on Wednesday, August 4, or Monday, August 9, from noon to 12:45 p.m. Participate via Zoom or in person in Butler Library 318, where the facilitator will guide the session via Zoom.

Yoga nidra, or yogic sleep, is a practice that invites us into the state between wakefulness and sleep. This powerful meditation technique draws on the yogic limb pratyahara (withdrawal of senses) and can be surprisingly helpful for reducing stress and mitigating feelings of depletion. Further, yoga nidra's use of the sankalpa, or heart's intention, is an interesting exercise in uncovering what we truly yearn for in our lives. Please prepare a warm, comfortable place where you can rest in savasana during this extended guided meditation; your comfort is key. 

Please register through the Workshop Registration System.

Help us welcome first-year students to campus in a BIG way! Marchers and volunteers are needed for Buffalo State College's 15th annual First-Year Convocation, which will be held in person on Friday, August 27, at 10:00 a.m. in the Student Union Plaza. First-Year Convocation allows our newest students to be officially introduced and welcomed into our academic community. Additionally, it offers a visible representation of the true network of support available to students throughout their academic careers. First-Year Convocation also embeds the idea that we are a community that thrives on supporting our students to create future generations of scholars.

First-Year Convocation requires the enthusiastic participation of the entire campus community to succeed. All departments and offices are encouraged to support this event by allowing personnel to march in the academic processional in regalia* or to volunteer to assist with the various aspects of Academic Day. After a year of remarkable changes, we hope to reinforce Buffalo State's commitment to first-year students while providing the official academic welcome to the Class of 2025. Please register online by Friday, August 20.

*Note regarding regalia: A limited number and variety of gowns are available for loan. Please provide your own hood and cap, either rented or owned, if possible. If you have questions, please email us at atp@buffalostate.edu.

Thank you for your dedicated service and commitment to our newest students!

The NYS Deferred Compensation Plan will host the following free educational webinars for all employees who wish to attend. The NYSDCP is a supplemental retirement plan, also known as a 457(b) plan. It is designed to help state and local public employees achieve their retirement savings goals and help bridge any potential financial gap in retirement. Employees may contribute to a 457(b) in place of or in addition to a 403(b) plan.

You may also schedule an individual appointment with Buffalo State's campus representative, Mark Wallace.

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Pre-Retirement
Wednesday, August 11
Noon
This webinar will explain important considerations for those approaching retirement. The presentation will discuss longevity, income sources, asset consolidation, and withdrawals or required minimum distributions.

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Enrollment
Thursday, August 19
Noon
This webinar will explain the benefits of enrolling and participating in the NYS Deferred Compensation Plan and how it can help you save for and live in retirement. It will include the basics of investing and investment options, pre-tax contributions, and an overview of the easy and secure online enrollment process.

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Combined Pre-Retirement and Enrollment Webinar
Monday, August 23
6:00 p.m.

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You do not have to download the GoToMeeting software to join the meeting. Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. All meetings use the same URL.

You can also dial in using your phone.

United States: (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 739-909-341