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Vol. XLVIII, No. 29 April 3, 2003

In this issue: From the President Promotion SABRE Update Online Registration From the Vice President for Finance and Management Buffalo State Emergency Response Plan Professional Staff Caucus Election Results College Telephone Use Policy Internal Control Standards Computer Training, SkillSoft E-Learning, and Webmaster Training From the Vice President for Student Affairs SUNY Job Fair Student Leadership Workshop Series Athletic Events From the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Development Faculty and Staff Annual Appeal From the Senior Adviser to the President for Equity and Campus Diversity Diversity Awards From the Chair of the College Senate College Senate Meetings Senate Vacancies: Call for Nominations and Election Curricular Items

Promotion Upon completion of the review procedures at the department, dean, and vice presidential levels, I am pleased to announce the following promotion: Promotion to associate professor, effective January 13, 2003: Carol Townsend, Design back to top   Online Registration Plans for online registration in mid-April are on schedule. Students received notices by U.S. mail and e-mail informing them that registration dates will be assigned via the Web at www.buffalostate.edu/sabre/students. The site also will be used for registration and related communication. Faculty members should encourage students to meet with their academic advisers before registration. SABRE help for faculty and staff will be available during registration Monday through Friday: In person at the SABRE Support Center, E. H. Butler Library 208, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. By phone at ext. 3434 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. By e-mail at sabresupport@buffalostate.edu. On the Web at www.buffalostate.edu/sabre/facstaff/faqs. Contingency plans are in place in case of problems. Any changes to the online-registration plan will be relayed to the campus community through e-mail and the college Web site. The SABRE team, Computing and Technology Services, and the Registrar's Office will continue to work on remaining tasks to ensure a successful, efficient Web-based registration process. Contact Sharon Cramer, SABRE Project executive director, at ext. 4334 or cramersf@buffalostate.edu with questions. back to top   Buffalo State Emergency Response Plan Portions of the Buffalo State College Emergency Response Plan are now available at www.buffalostate.edu/offices/police/safety/default.asp?sub=erp&sec=apdxa. back to top Professional Staff Caucus Election Results The Professional Staff Caucus Nominations and Elections Committee is pleased to announce the results of the 2003 election and congratulate the following winners: PSC vice chair/treasurer Camille Spyra PSC at-large representative Sandra Burnham Budget Priorities Task Force member Patricia Ghee Intercollegiate Athletics Board (IAB) representative David Cummings Auxiliary Services Advisory Committee representative Alice Sullivan College senator (three-year term) Gwendolyn Veira College senator (three-year term) Carolyn Murphy College senator (one-year term; elected to fill remainder of Senator D. Pfaffenbach's term.) Camille Spyra Please contact Maurine Baker-Stein at ext. 4538 or bakerme@buffalostate.edu with questions. 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, Cleveland Hall 414. 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. New York State law prohibits the use of handheld cellular phones while driving. back to top Internal Control Standards The Internal Control Act of the State of New York requires the college to communicate the following information on agency responsibilities and standards: The internal control standards define the minimum level of quality acceptable for internal control systems in operation and constitute the criteria against which systems are to be evaluated. These internal control standards apply to all operations and administrative functions (both manual and automated), but are not intended to limit or interfere with duly granted authority related to development of legislation, rule making, or other discretionary policy making in an agency. General Standards Reasonable Assurance. Internal control systems are to provide reasonable assurance that the objectives of the systems will be accomplished. Supportive Attitude. Managers and employees are to maintain and demonstrate a positive and supportive attitude toward internal controls at all times. Competent Personnel. Managers and employees are to have personal and professional integrity and are to maintain a level of competence that allows them to accomplish their assigned duties, as well as understand the importance of developing and implementing good internal controls. Control Objectives. Internal control objectives are to be identified or developed for each agency activity and are to be logical, applicable, and reasonably complete. Control Techniques. Internal control techniques are to be effective and efficient in accomplishing their internal control objectives. Continuous Monitoring. Agency heads are to establish and maintain a program of internal review designed to identify internal control weaknesses and implement changes needed to correct the weaknesses. back to top Specific Standards Documentation. Internal control systems and all transactions and other significant events are to be clearly documented, and the documentation is to be readily available for examination. Recording of Transactions and Events. Transactions and other significant events are to be promptly recorded and properly classified. Execution of Transactions and Events. Transactions and other significant events are to be authorized and executed only by persons acting within the scope of their authority. Separation of Duties. Key duties and responsibilities in authorizing, processing, recording, and reviewing transactions should be separated among individuals. Supervision. Qualified and continuous supervision is to be provided to ensure that internal control objectives are achieved. Access to and Accountability for Resources. Access to resources and records is to be limited to authorized individuals, and accountability for the custody and use of resources is to be assigned and maintained. Periodic comparison shall be made of the resources to the recorded accountability to determine whether the two agree. The frequency of the comparison shall be a function of the vulnerability of the asset. Audit Resolution Standard Prompt Resolution of Audit Findings. Managers are to (1) promptly evaluate findings and recommendations reported by auditors, (2) determine proper actions in response to audit findings and recommendations, and (3) complete, within reasonable time frames, all actions that correct or otherwise resolve matters brought to management's attention. back to top Public Officers Law In addition, all state employees must abide by the laws governing ethical behavior contained in the Public Officers Law. While many private companies and professional associations have their own codes of ethics, state code differs from these in that the state code is also the law. Like private codes of ethics, state code is a list of proscribed activities. The following is a summary of its provisions: New York State employees are prohibited from engaging in any activity that is in substantial conflict with the proper discharge of their duties in the public interest, accepting other employment that would impair their judgment in the exercise of their official duties, or disclosing confidential information gained from their state positions. State employees cannot use their official positions to secure unwarranted privileges for themselves or others. State employees with financial interests in a business entity should not engage in any transaction between the state and that entity that might be in conflict with the proper discharge of the employee's official duties. State employees also must avoid making personal investments in enterprises that might directly involve decision-making or that might create a conflict of interest. back to top State employees cannot, by their conduct, leave the impression that they can be influenced based on their family relationship, rank, position, or influence. Nor should they act in a way that raises a suspicion among the public that they are likely to be engaged in acts that are in violation of their public trust. No full-time state employee, any firm or association of which he or she is a member, or any corporation which he or she owns or controls can sell goods or services to any person, firm, or association that either is licensed or has its rates set by the state agency by which they are employed. Violations of certain restrictions on business and professional activities or the financial-disclosure filing requirement may result in a maximum fine of $10,000. In lieu of a fine, the commission may refer the matter for criminal prosecution. Upon referral and conviction, a violation may be punished as a Class A misdemeanor. back to top Under Section 94(13) of the Executive Law, assessment of a civil penalty is final unless modified, suspended, or vacated within 30 days of imposition. For any violations of Sections 73, 73-a, or 74, the Ethics Commission also may recommend that the appointing authority take disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from employment. Where applicable, discipline must be taken in accordance with the provisions of Section 75 of the Civil Service Law or the particular collectively negotiated agreement between the employee's union and the state. Contact Gary Phillips, associate vice president and comptroller, at ext. 4312 with questions about the Internal Control Act or Public Officers Law. back to top Computer Training, SkillSoft E-Learning, and Webmaster Training Computing and Technology Services and the FAST Development Center offer monthly computer training classes. Unless otherwise stated, classes are held in CyberQuad, E. H. Butler Library 318. Please bring an IBM-formatted 3.5" disk. For a complete list of courses and registration information, visit http://bscintra.buffalostate.edu/registration. Contact Debbie Riservato at ext. 4060 or risedl78@buffalostate.edu with questions. Internet Explorer 5.0 (or higher) or Netscape 4.7 (or higher) is necessary for online registration. Enter the following information in the required fields: Explorer User Name: your user name (e.g., publicjq) Password: your password Domain: bsclogon Netscape User Name: bsclogon\your user name (e.g., bsclogon\publicjq) Password: your password back to top SkillSoft E-Learning Employees also may participate in SkillSoft, an online learning program that offers 106 courses and a variety of certificate programs that allow participants to demonstrate mastery of a set of skills. More information about the SkillSoft E-Learning Program is available from the Human Resource Management Web site, www.buffalostate.edu/offices/hr. Employees also may register for courses on the site. This month's SkillSoft courses may be taken in CyberQuad's Faculty/Staff Workroom, E. H. Butler Library 310, by appointment only; call Debbie Riservato at ext. 4060. Please check in at E. H. Butler Library 315 (CyberQuad) before starting. back to top Webmaster Training The FAST Development Center and the College Relations Office offer a sequential training program especially for campus Web developers. Faculty and staff are welcome to take any or all of the 10 courses offered. More information about the Webmaster Training Program is available from the College Relations Web site, www.buffalostate.edu/offices/collegerelations/webtools/index.asp?sub=cam pusrt&subint =webtrain. Employees may register for courses at http://bscintra.buffalostate.edu/registration. back to top   SUNY Job Fair Buffalo State students and alumni are invited to attend the 12th annual SUNY Job Fair from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, April 12 at Genesee Community College, in Batavia. Companies participating in the past included American Express Financial Services, Atlantic Testing Services, Beacon Education Management, Bell Atlantic, FedEx, General Mills, HSBC Bank, IBM, the Key Program, the New York State Police, the Peace Corps, and the U.S. Border Patrol. Qualified applicants have secured regional and national positions through the job fair. The event is free and open to all SUNY students and alumni, and is cosponsored by the SUNY Career Development Organization and SUNY Alumni Offices. No registration is required. For more information, visit Buffalo State College's Career Development Center Web site at www.buffalostate.edu/offices/cdc/SUNYjobfair.html or call ext. 5811. back to top Student Leadership Workshop Series The Student Life Office presents Roar into Leadership, a student leadership workshop series for all students who seek to strengthen their leadership abilities and confidence. Students will build skills in the areas of oral communication, interpersonal relationships, values clarification, ethics, and achievement of personal goals. For more information, call Hector D. Gil, assistant director of Student Life, at ext. 4631. Ethics: How Important Is It to LEAD? Tuesday, April 8 Campbell Student Union 415 6:00 p.m. back to top Rudy Giuliani on Leadership This student presentation will introduce the principles of excellence, courage, and beliefs that directed Giuliani's tenure as mayor of New York City. Wednesday, April 9 Campbell Student Union 415 6:00 p.m. Public Speaking: Getting It Right Monday, April 14 Campbell Student Union 415 6:00 p.m. Collaborate: Leadership for Campus Organizations Thursday, April 17 Caudell Hall 216 6:00 p.m. back to top Athletic Events Softball Buffalo State vs. RIT Wednesday, April 9 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. Coyer Field Lacrosse Buffalo State vs. Cortland Friday, April 4 4:00 p.m. Coyer Field Buffalo State vs. Oswego Saturday, April 5 1:00 p.m. Coyer Field back to top   Faculty and Staff Annual Appeal The Faculty and Staff Annual Appeal Committee is pleased to announce a new fund, the Professional Growth Fund. This fund will provide awards to New York State UUP- and CSEA-represented and foundation employees at Buffalo State. The goal is $25,000; awards will be distributed in February 2004. The appeal also will encourage support of the Bridge the Gap Scholarship, which helps juniors and seniors complete their degrees at Buffalo State, or more than 150 other established funds. The campaign ends Monday, May 12 with a wrap-up party in the quad. Prizes for participants will be announced in a future issue of the Bulletin or via campuswide e-mail. back to top   Diversity Awards The President's Council on Equity and Campus Diversity announces the recipients of the first Buffalo State Students' Award for the Promotion of Respect for Diversity and Individual Differences. Faculty and staff members were nominated by students and selected by a panel of students and President's Council members. Recipients were recognized for embracing the college's core value of respect for diversity and individual differences; taking proactive steps to increase students' awareness of diversity and pluralism in the United States; and/or exploring prejudice, bigotry, and stereotyping in their work at the college. Awards will be given annually. The 2003 award recipients are Felix L. Armfield, associate professor, History and Social Studies Education; Christopher B. Aviles, associate professor, Social Work; Albert E. Bitterman, lecturer, Design; Stephen C. Burgeson, lecturer, Hospitality and Tourism; Kevin William Clarke, lecturer, Sociology; Gloria S. Eastman, assistant professor, English; Andrea Guiati, professor, Modern and Classical Languages, and director, All College Honors Program; Carol L Patitu, associate professor, Educational Foundations; and Allen Yasgur, lecturer, Social Work. Award recipients will be recognized Tuesday, April 8 at a ceremony in the Burchfield-Penney Art Center. back to top   College Senate Meetings Remaining College Senate meetings for the spring 2003 semester will be held at 3:00 p.m. in E. H. Butler Library 210 on Friday, April 11 and Friday, May 2. back to top Senate Vacancies: Call for Nominations and Election Call for Nominations Three at-large Senate positions will become vacant September 1. The call for nominations and information for candidates is available at www.buffalostate.edu/orgs/senate/election/nominations.html. The call for nominations also was mailed to eligible campus voters. Full- and part-time faculty, professional staff, and librarians whose total service in the College Senate would not exceed six consecutive years during the terms of office are eligible to run for these three-year terms. Nominations are due in the Senate Office, Cleveland Hall 211, by noon Friday, April 11. Elections Senate elections will be conducted Wednesday, April 16–Wednesday, April 23 using both paper and electronic ballots. Those who wish to use a paper ballot must request one by Wednesday, April 9, following instructions contained in the call for nominations. Those who wish to vote electronically must have an NT account (the account used for Outlook). Contact the Computing Support Center at ext. 4357 or csc@buffalostate.edu for NT account assistance. Paper ballots will be tallied after electronic ballots; thus, if a member should accidentally vote twice, only the electronic vote will be recorded. back to top Curricular Items Correction: The course number for course revision COM 327 Broadcast Newswriting and Producing was listed incorrectly in the March 13 issue of the Bulletin. The correct course number is COM 337. The following have been received in the College Senate Office and will be forwarded to the Curriculum Committee for review and approval: New Program: Creative Studies Graduate Certificate (6701) back to top New Courses: ADE/CTE 655 Diversity Issues in Adult Education and Training. Teaching and learning implications of diversity for adult educational achievement and career opportunities. Implications for course content and classroom management styles when adult educators are sensitive to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, class, and physical ability. Methods for structuring course content, designing curricula, and educating learners by promoting and embracing a diverse population of colleagues, learners, workers, and clients. CIS 390 Information Systems Project Management. Current practices in project management as applied to information systems projects. Project life-cycle activities, project planning, software tools, management of project scope, schedule, budget, risk, communications, and quality. CIS 475 Programming for the Internet Environment II. Introduction to server-side programming on the World Wide Web. Students make use of a contemporary server-side programming environment to distribute and collect information, validate user input, and provide dynamic Web content. Students learn and use forms, databases, templates, cookies, and session tracking in dynamic site development. CIS elective. CIS 480 Networking Laboratory I. Lectures and laboratory exercises covering network topologies, paradigms, protocols, services, computer security, intrusion recovery, and privacy. Hands-on laboratory exploring the operation of computer systems in a networked environment. Practical experience with installing, configuring, and managing various software packages (operating systems and applications). back to top Course Revision: CIS 380 Microcomputer Applications. Advanced business application solutions using representative microcomputer software packages. Hands-on lab projects form a significant component of the course. Emphasis on systematic design principles. Application of analytical features and data management techniques. Integration of data from different packages. The following have been approved by the Curriculum Committee and will be forwarded to the president for final review and approval: Program Revision: Creative Studies (6700) New Courses: NFS 300 Food Processing I PHY 502 Initial Physics Teaching Experience for Alternative Certification Course Revisions: CRS 610 Facilitation of Group Problem Solving CRS 625 Current Issues in Creativity Studies CRS 635 Creativity and Change Leadership CRS 670 Foundations in Teaching and Training Creativity CRS 690 Master's Project CRS 795 Master's Thesis back to top

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