About the Bulletin Past Issues Search the Bulletin Bulletin home

Vol. XLVII, No. 2 August 30, 2001

In this issue: From the President Welcome Back From the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs President's Award Recipients From the Vice President for Finance and Management College Telephone Use Policy Faculty/Staff Directory Updates From the Vice President for Student Affairs 2001–2002 Program Funding Applications Anonymous HIV Testing Creating Hope in the City of Light From the Senior Adviser to the President for Equity and Campus Diversity College Policy on Sexual Harassment From the Chair of the College Senate College Senate Meetings Senate Standing Committees

Welcome Back Welcome to the 2001–2002 academic year! Whether you were here on campus this summer or spent some time away, I hope your last few months have been enjoyable and productive, and that you are ready to take on the challenges of a new academic year. I extend a special welcome to the new full-time faculty and professional staff members joining us this fall. The new energy and experiences they bring to the campus enrich and renew our efforts to achieve excellence in teaching, research, and service. Many of you are aware that we begin the fall semester without a state budget. I am assured that a New York State budget will be passed imminently, and our current period of austerity will be short lived. By contrast, there are many encouraging developments to highlight. Many initiatives have been completed or are under way to improve our ability to serve our students at Buffalo State and to heighten our stature and reputation to a widening constituency of community supporters and student applicants. Early indicators suggest that we will meet our enrollment projections this fall, and at the same time, we continue to add to the size and quality of our faculty. In addition to the new faculty just hired and the 38 who joined us last year, 19 searches are continuing, and we expect to post an additional 13 full-time faculty positions when we learn what our budget will be. It has been many years since the college has filled 98 faculty positions in a two-year period. SUNY student satisfaction surveys for 2000 reveal that Buffalo State students are among the happiest in the state. In terms of attitudes toward the academic experience and the quality of the faculty, Buffalo State ranks in the top 25 percent of all SUNY colleges. Our students are also among the most highly motivated and goal oriented in SUNY, placing first among students who are certain of their majors. Our students overwhelmingly say that if they had an opportunity to select a college over again, they would still choose Buffalo State College. This high level of satisfaction is also reflected among our alumni, who tell us in decisive numbers that they are getting jobs in the fields they studied with us. In terms of infrastructure, numerous landscape and facilities improvement projects have been completed or are under way. The long-awaited Moot Hall renovation is complete, and this newly redesigned facility now serves as the front door to our campus, with the Admissions, Registrar's, Financial Aid, and Student Accounts Offices all located in one attractive and inviting setting. This project underscores our commitment to the enhancement of service to students, as well as our emphasis on expanded enrollment initiatives. I expect that the campus community will be very pleased with the renovation and technological upgrade of Butler Library 210, which can now better accommodate the meeting needs of the campus. In our ongoing efforts to improve residence halls, Neumann Hall became the most recent residence hall to be entirely refurbished and modernized. Our electronic front door on the World Wide Web has also been redesigned, and our incoming freshmen enjoyed the benefits of a newly revamped orientation program. back to top Further enhancing our academic environment, we begin the new academic year with a brand-new bookstore, constructed in partnership with Barnes & Noble. The grand opening of the facility is scheduled for September 13, and we can already see the positive impact of the new facility on our campus as a meeting place and locus of intellectual and social activity. Our bookstore staff reports a remarkable increase in the sale of Buffalo State paraphernalia, particularly emblematic clothing, indicating an increased pride in the institution and sense of alma mater. We still face challenges, which we will continue to address aggressively this year. When I first arrived at Buffalo State in 1996, the college community, through a 77-member collegewide Priorities Task Force, underwent a rigorous process of self-examination. This effort culminated in the articulation of our current mission statement, as well as in the development of the list of institutional core values and priorities that have guided us over the past five years. Today, because of our efforts, we enjoy greater prestige, and our progress is admired throughout the Buffalo Niagara region and across New York State. We continue to aspire toward excellence, and we have grown. It is now time to build on this foundation of accomplishment. This year we are going forward with a new strategic planning process. We will strive to identify ways to make ourselves even better, and seek ways to leverage the resources we have and to garner new resources. The provost and I will lead this process, and we hope to engage as many of you as possible. We have already begun by meeting this semester with groups of faculty and staff who will advise us on the process and our direction. In addition, the college has enlisted the services of a national marketing firm, and we are planning to enlist the help of a wide range of campus constituencies as we work to examine and refine our public image and our aspirations for Buffalo State College. As you look at the work you do and the ways in which it contributes to the advancement of our mission, I urge you to think of ways in which we could become even better and stronger. I urge you to think of ways in which we can more fully serve our students through the enhancement of academic programs and services and through institutional growth. Please plan to attend Academic Convocation on September 13 at noon in Rockwell Hall, when SUNY Chancellor Robert L. King will be the Bonnie and Vern L. Bullough Convocation Speaker. On this occasion, we will honor faculty and staff for meritorious teaching and service. Like commencement, I consider participation in Academic Convocation to be a deeply valuable opportunity to demonstrate that Buffalo State College is a celebrative community, where we remember and value the heritage of the institution, and where we share rituals that affirm excellence. As we prepare to go forward with our strategic planning process, this year's convocation, highlighted by the presence of our chancellor, holds particular meaning and importance. I hope to see everyone there. I wish you great success and professional fulfillment in the months ahead. We are all part of an excellent institution, graced with talented and dedicated faculty and staff, and a dynamic and motivated student population. Each of you is important to the realization of Buffalo State's mission to ensure the intellectual, personal, and professional growth of our diverse population, and to inspire a lifelong passion for learning. back to top   President's Award Recipients Buffalo State College is grateful to its faculty and staff for their dedication to learning and for creating an enabling educational environment for our students. Following are the President's Award recipients for 2001. Please join us on September 13 at Academic Convocation to commence a new academic year and to recognize our colleagues. Excellence in Academic Advisement Michaelene M. Meger, Assistant Professor, Exceptional Education Department Evelyn Rosario, Counselor, Educational Opportunity Program Excellence in Librarianship Donna J. Davidoff, Associate Librarian, E. H. Butler Library Excellence in Service to the College Thomas E. Coates, Events Manager, Events Management Office Beverly J. MacKenzie, Secretary 2, Human Resource Management Office Tim G. Ngo, Staff Assistant, Copy Center Excellence in Teaching Susan M. Leist, Associate Professor, English Department, Humanities Program Coordinator Excellence in Research, Scholarship, and Creativity William F. Wieczorek, Director and Research Professor, Center for Health and Social Research Excellence in the Advancement of Equity and Campus Diversity Geraldine E. Bard, Professor, English Department back to top   College Telephone Use Policy This policy describes the assignment, use, and management of desk and cellular telephones of employees of Buffalo State College. Policy Desk and cellular telephones are to be used for official business-related activities only. Personal use should be limited to emergency calls. Payment for reimbursement of personal desk or cellular telephone calls should be forwarded to the Accounting Office. Cellular Telephones Cellular telephones may be assigned only to employees whose duties and responsibilities require immediate or remote communication capabilities. The assignment of cellular telephones must be approved by the vice president for finance and management, who will review assignments annually to ensure compliance with this policy. Each employee assigned a cellular telephone shall be primarily responsible for its security and maintenance, and must immediately report any theft, loss, damage, or vandalism of the unit. Beginning November 1, New York State law will prohibit the use of handheld cellular phones while driving. In advance of the legislation, the governor of New York State, by executive order, has issued a directive prohibiting New York State employees from using state-issued handheld cellular telephones while driving and from using handheld cell phones while driving state vehicles. Buffalo State requires its employees to comply with this directive. back to top Faculty/Staff Directory Updates To ensure that information contained in the Buffalo State College faculty/staff directory is correct, please take a few minutes to review your listing in the internal directory at www.buffalostate.edu/directories. If changes are required, complete and submit the College Telephone Directory Add/Update Form, available at www.buffalostate.edu/offices/hr/dira.html, or send e-mail to kawalel@buffalostate.edu. The printed directory will be distributed in late October. back to top   2001–2002 Program Funding Applications The Auxiliary Services Grant Allocation Committee is accepting applications for funding of program proposals for the 2001–2002 academic year. Proposals should support the mission of the college and contribute to the following strategic directions: To strengthen the academic program and all student support services to promote success in teaching and learning To increase recruitment, retention, and graduation of a diverse population of students To create a nurturing environment for a diverse campus community Programs and events funded must be open to all students, faculty, and staff at Buffalo State and result in a direct educational experience. All Buffalo State students, faculty, and staff are eligible to apply. Application packets are available in the Vice President for Student Affairs Office, Cleveland Hall 513; the United Students Government Office, Campbell Student Union 401; the Student Life Office, Campbell Student Union 400; and the Student Union Information Desk. Proposals are due by the close of business Friday, September 21. back to top Anonymous HIV Testing Staff from the New York State Department of Health will offer free, anonymous HIV testing to students, faculty, and staff on Thursday, September 27 in the Weigel Health Center. Call ext. 6715 to schedule an appointment. No names or personal identification will be used or recorded. back to top Creating Hope in the City of Light Buffalo State faculty and staff are invited to join President Muriel A. Howard and Vice President for Student Affairs Hal D. Payne, chair of the 2001 SEFA/United Way Campaign, at the Day of Sharing, a kickoff to the 2001 SEFA/United Way Campaign, from 12:15 to 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, September 4 in the Campbell Student Union Assembly Hall. Attendees can talk with representatives of local nonprofit agencies and learn how their support of the SEFA/United Way Campaign helps to strengthen our community. Refreshments will be provided, and all who attend will have their names entered into a drawing for prizes. In keeping with the college's campaign theme, "Creating Hope in the City of Light," prizes will include two tickets to Studio Arena Theatre's presentation of City of Light. back to top   College Policy on Sexual Harassment I. Rationale The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued guidelines interpreting Section 703 of Title VII as prohibiting sexual harassment (29 CFR 1604.11). Sexual harassment is defined in these guidelines as "unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature...when (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment, (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual, or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment." Sexual harassment is an affront to human dignity and will not be tolerated at Buffalo State College. As an educational institution, it will not condone nor tolerate any verbal or physical conduct that would constitute sexual harassment of any member of the college or campus community. Buffalo State is committed to the intellectual, personal, and professional growth of its students, faculty, and staff. The goal of the college is to inspire a lifelong passion for learning and to empower a diverse population of students to succeed as citizens within a challenging world. The college is dedicated to excellence in teaching and scholarship, cultural enrichment, and service in order to enhance the quality of life in Buffalo and the larger community. Actions by members of the college community that harm this atmosphere undermine and hinder the educational mission. Sexual harassment is particularly serious when it threatens the relationship between faculty and students or supervisors and subordinates. In such situations, sexual harassment unfairly exploits the power inherent in the faculty member or supervisor's position. The college will not tolerate behavior that creates an unacceptable working or educational environment between or among members of the college community. II. Policy It is the policy of Buffalo State to provide an employment and educational environment free of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct or communication, constituting sexual harassment as defined and otherwise prohibited by state and federal statutes. back to top III. Implementation It shall be a violation of college policy for anyone who is in a position of authority to recommend or take personnel actions affecting an employee, or who is otherwise authorized to transact business or perform acts or services on behalf of the college, to: Make sexual advances or request sexual favors when submission to or rejection of such conduct is the basis for either implicitly or explicitly recommending, imposing, granting, withholding, or refusing terms and conditions that either favor or adversely affect the employment or education of any member of the college community; Recommend, impose, grant, withhold, or refuse to take any personnel or other action consistent with his or her duties and responsibilities because of sexual favors or as a reprisal against an employee or other member of the college community who has rejected or reported sexual advances; Disregard or fail to investigate allegations of sexual harassment, whether reported by the employee or a member of the college community who is the subject of, or witness to, the alleged harassment, and to fail to take immediate corrective action in the event misconduct has occurred. It also shall be a violation of this policy for any member of the college community to abuse another through conduct or communication of a sexual nature and constituting sexual harassment as defined in Section II above. Whenever such misconduct exists, prompt and corrective action consistent with the discipline provisions of the college policy is required. Whenever there is an abuse of authority or neglect of responsibility, the supervisor or other responsible individual is required to take prompt and corrective action consistent with the discipline provisions of the college policy. The violation of this policy can result in discipline and discharge for employees, and such penalties, sanctions, and impositions against other individuals or parties as may be available to the college, given the nature of the contractual or business relationship that may be established with such parties or individuals. A. Grievance Procedures Employees or other individuals who feel aggrieved because of sexual harassment have several ways to make their concerns known: Aggrieved persons who feel comfortable doing so should directly inform the person engaging in discrimination, conduct, or communication that such conduct or communication is offensive and must stop. Aggrieved individuals who do not wish to communicate directly with the offending party, or if direct communication with the offending party has been unveiling, shall contact the offending party's immediate supervisor and/or the officer responsible for affirmative action for counseling and assistance. Aggrieved persons alleging either sexual harassment by someone with supervisory authority or failure by a supervisor to take immediate action on the complaint may file a formal grievance in accordance with the provisions of the appropriate grievance procedure. All formal complaints of sexual harassment will be handled by the Buffalo State College Grievance Procedure for the Review of Allegations of Unlawful Discrimination. The procedure has specific timetables and processes for filing and adjudicating complaints. A copy of the procedure is available through the vice presidents, the deans, and the Equity and Campus Diversity Office. Regardless of the means selected for resolving the problem, the initiation of a complaint of sexual harassment will not cause any reflection on the complainant, nor will it affect such person's future employment, education, compensation, or work assignments. back to top B. Responsibility of Management All levels of management have a special responsibility for implementation of this policy. If behavior is observed that violates this policy, the person observing such behavior shall bring the matter to the attention of the supervisor responsible for that area and the officer responsible for affirmative action. If an employee or other individual files a complaint, the management representative with whom the complaint is filed shall inform the complainant of his or her right under this policy and attempt corrective action. When a problem is beyond the capability of such representative to effectively correct the action, the matter shall be referred to the officer responsible for affirmative action. In all cases, and regardless of the individual's remedial measures, the management representative to whom the written complaint has been referred shall provide the officer responsible for affirmative action with a complete written report of each complaint. Written Report This report must be submitted within 10 days of the date the complaint was first filed with the management representative. Such report shall minimally include: Date of receipt of written complaint; Identification of complainant; Identification of the party or parties and the actions complained of, including all relevant background facts and circumstances; A statement detailing the scope of the investigation that had been undertaken and the results thereof; A statement of corrective measures pursued, the date such measures were undertaken, and the results achieved. back to top Education and Training Sexual harassment may range from sexual innuendoes made at inappropriate times, perhaps in the guise of humor, to coercion of sexual relations. Harassment at its extreme occurs when a person in control, influence, or position to affect another person's job or career uses his or her authority and power to coerce the other person into sexual relations or to punish such person's refusal. It may include: Verbal harassment or abuse; Subtle pressure for sexual activity; Persistent remarks about another person's clothing, body, or sexual activities; Unnecessary touching, patting, or pinching; Constant brushing against another person's body; Demanding sexual favors accompanied by implied or overt threats concerning one's job, letters of recommendation, etc.; Physical assault. Because sexual harassment is tied so closely to learned role models, it is necessary for men and women to learn more about this issue and the means for addressing problems as they arise. The college sponsors educational workshops on the subject of sexual harassment. Attendance at one of these programs or an approved substitution is mandatory for all persons in supervisory or executive capacities. Each is also encouraged to hold educational workshops and otherwise seek to sensitize persons within their areas of responsibility about the importance of providing an employment and business environment free of sexual harassment. Although there are various approaches one may take to offset potential problems, several measures are recommended: Encourage internal complaints. Express disapproval of harassment and inform employees of their right to file complaints under college policy; Assure that all supervisors are aware of their responsibilities, college policy, the law, and potential liabilities when violations occur; Regard each claim of sexual harassment as being serious and investigate immediately; Sensitize all employees to the issue and the ramifications of sexual harassment. C. Special Assistance It is expected that questions may arise concerning the interpretation of prohibitions against sexual harassment, grievance procedures, methods and procedures to be followed in the investigation of complaints, and appropriateness of specific solutions in disposition of complaints. For assistance in these matters, contact Dolores E. Battle, Equity and Campus Diversity Office, Cleveland Hall 415, ext. 6210. back to top   College Senate Meetings The first meeting of the College Senate for the fall semester will be Friday, September 21. Subsequent meetings are scheduled as follows. All will be held at 3:00 p.m. in E. H. Butler Library 210. Friday, October 19 Friday, November 9 Friday, December 14 back to top Senate Standing Committees The College Senate always needs faculty and staff representation on its standing committees. Below are the names of committees and brief descriptions of their basic missions. If you wish to serve on a committee for the 2001–2002 academic year, please print this form and return it to the College Senate Office, Cleveland Hall 417C. Curriculum Receives, reviews, and recommends approval or nonapproval of all courses and programs offered by the college, consistent with senate policies and procedures. Instruction and Research Concerns itself with aspects of policy that relate to the improvement of instruction and the development of services and resources necessary to carry out or enhance instruction and research. Standards for Students Reviews and recommends policies dealing with admission, readmission, retention, and probation, as well as with the graduation standards for undergraduate and graduate students. Professional Welfare Responsible for matters concerning faculty and staff welfare and well-being. Budget and Staff Allocation Gathers, analyzes, and recommends criteria for all data and policies needed to determine budget and staff allocations. Bylaws and Elections Conducts necessary elections provided for in the bylaws to ensure proper representation on the College Senate. Recommends changes in the bylaws designed to facilitate the democratic governance of the college. Student Welfare Examines matters and recommends policy concerning aspects of student life. Academic Plan Assumes leadership in the intermediate- and long-range planning of the overall academic function of the college. Areas include the mission of the college, master plan, regionalism, enrollment projections, and accreditation. Academic Services Recommends policies designed to make academic support services more useful and available to academic programs. International Education Develops the content of overseas academic and faculty exchange programs and makes recommendations regarding admission of and services to foreign students attending Buffalo State. Buffalo State Chancellor's Awards Committees Excellence in Teaching and Distinguished Teaching Professor Excellence in Librarianship Excellence in Service Distinguished Service Professor back to top

About the Bulletin Past Issues Search the Bulletin Bulletin home