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Vol. XLVIII, No. 12 November 7, 2002

In this issue: From the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Reassignment From the Vice President for Finance and Management Spring 2003 Blackboard Courses Empire Plan Deductibles and Co-insurance for 2003 Holiday Observance for College Employees Winter Pause 2002–2003: Saving Energy for Tomorrow Computer Training and SkillSoft E-Learning Employee Assistance Program EAP Coordinator Vacancy From the Vice President for Student Affairs 2002–2003 Auxiliary Services Grants Athletic Events From the Chair of the College Senate College Senate Meetings Curricular Items

Reassignment The coordinator of Transfer Student Services has been reassigned from Enrollment Support and Retention Programs to Enrollment Management. back to top   Spring 2003 Blackboard Courses Requests for Blackboard course sites for the spring 2003 semester are being accepted until Friday, November 22. Requests must be made in writing; complete all sections of the form at http://bscintra.buffalostate.edu/bbrequest. Complete a separate form for each Blackboard course. Sites will be functional Wednesday, November 27. Late requests will be accepted until Friday, January 24, 2003; however, sites requested after November 22 will not be ready until Friday, February 7, 2003, and students will have to be added manually. Exceptions will be made for newly hired faculty and newly assigned courses. New faculty members or faculty members who are assigned spring-semester courses after November 22 should submit a completed course request form along with documentation from the department chair verifying new faculty status or late assignment. Sites will be created as soon as possible after documentation is received. Campus policy requires that all Blackboard users attend training. The next training session will be held from 9:00 a.m. to noon Friday, December 6. Contact the Distance Education Office at ext. 6910 to register. Blackboard course sites will not be created for faculty members who have not attended training. Call Margaret Banak, manager, Student Computing Services, at ext. 4611 with questions. back to top Empire Plan Deductibles and Co-insurance for 2003 Annual Deductibles Effective January 1, 2003, annual deductibles for M/C, UUP, PEF, NYSCOPBA, and Council 82 employees will increase to $283 per enrollee, $283 per enrolled spouse or domestic partner, and $283 for all dependent children combined. This change reflects the 4.5 percent increase in the medical care component of the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for July 1, 2001, through June 30, 2002. The annual deductible for CSEA employees will increase to $185. Coinsurance (Out-of-Pocket Expenses) Effective January 1, 2003, the maximum co-insurance will increase to the following limits to reflect the change in the Consumer Price Index: UUP $1,824 M/C and PEF $1,362 NYSCOPBA and Council 82 $1,050 The maximum co-insurance for CSEA employees will remain $776. Maximum co-insurance for 2003 will be reduced to $500 for CSEA employees who earn $24,657 or less in base salary and who are heads of household and sole wage earners in the family. Please call Human Resource Management at ext. 3042 to apply to the Department of Civil Service for this reduction. Note: No deductibles or co-insurance applies if employees use the Empire Plan Participating Provider Network. back to top Holiday Observance for College Employees All eligible employees may observe the following holidays in academic year 2002–2003 without charge to accruals: Labor Day Monday, September 2, 2002 Columbus Day Monday, October 14, 2002 *Election Day Tuesday, November 5, 2002 Veterans Day Monday, November 11, 2002 Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 28, 2002 Christmas Day Wednesday, December 25, 2002 New Year's Day Wednesday, January 1, 2003 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, January 20, 2003 *Lincoln's Birthday Wednesday, February 12, 2003 Washington's Birthday Monday, February 17, 2003 Memorial Day Monday, May 26, 2003 Independence Day Friday, July 4, 2003 *Election Day and Lincoln's Birthday are "floating holidays" for all employees except those represented by Council 82, who observe these days as fixed holidays; UUP-represented employees observe Election Day on the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 29. All other employees may arrange with their supervisors to take these days off, or, if required to work (classes are in session), accrue compensatory time that must be charged before the holiday recurs. back to top Winter Pause 2002–2003: Saving Energy for Tomorrow Buffalo State College will limit campus operations from the close of business Friday, December 20, 2002, through the beginning of business Thursday, January 2, 2003. The college administration thanks all campus employees, as well as others who may be inconvenienced by limited operations and services, for their cooperation in helping us to conserve energy and save resources. Employees who choose to work during Winter Pause must complete and return the Winter Pause Work Request Form. Department heads must complete the Department Staffing Plan Summary and submit the form to their dean, associate vice president, or vice president (next level in the chain of command) for approval. What Will Happen? Campus buildings will be open accordingly for employees who will work during Winter Pause. Temperatures will be reduced in these buildings, and employees who plan to work should dress comfortably and wear or bring sweaters. Temperatures will be reduced to 55 degrees in unoccupied buildings, and electricity will be turned off where feasible. Employees and students are asked to secure their offices and residence-hall rooms; take home plants, aquariums, and other temperature-sensitive items; and make certain that equipment and appliances, such as refrigerators, are cleaned out and unplugged. Plan ahead and take home all books and research materials that might be needed during this period of limited operations. Turn off or disconnect fax machines so messages do not accumulate. Turn off personal computers and printers. Please notify Campus Services, ext. 6111, of experiments in progress that may not be disturbed or moved during Winter Pause. Snow removal will be limited to providing access for emergency vehicles and access to open buildings. Parking lots generally will not be plowed, and staff who opt to work are asked to park on Rockwell Road or in Lot S-1 (Science Building/Upton Hall) only. back to top Facilities The following facilities will be open with limited access December 22 through January 1 (inclusive): Rockwell Hall, to honor contractual commitments and to protect art exhibits. Science Building, to maintain the animal facilities and honor scheduled planetarium shows. Houston Gym, for intercollegiate athletic team practices only. Ice Arena, for scheduled events (Sports Arena will be closed). Moore Complex and Moore Complex apartments. North Wing and Tower 1, as necessary, to accommodate resident students and Residence Life staff on a space-available basis. Services The Payroll Office will be closed during Winter Pause. Employee payday Wednesday, January 1, 2003, has been changed to Tuesday, December 31, 2002. Employees who wish to have their paychecks or direct deposit stubs for December 18 and/or December 31 mailed to their homes must make written requests to the Payroll Office, Cleveland Hall 408 or galoneac@buffalostate.edu, by 3:00 p.m. Friday, December 13. Employees may, at any time, sign up for direct deposit, which automatically deposits salary into designated checking and/or savings accounts at virtually any bank or credit union in the United States. Deposits may be directed to up to eight different accounts, and money is available the morning of payday. Work-study and student-assistant paychecks scheduled for distribution on Wednesday, December 25 will be mailed to students at the addresses shown on their pay stubs. Students who wish to have their paychecks mailed to an alternative address must supply the Payroll Office with a self-addressed envelope by Wednesday, December 18. Supervisors should notify students that paychecks cannot be picked up during Winter Pause. Campus Dining Services will be closed. No food service will be available on campus during Winter Pause. The Barnes & Noble at Buffalo State Bookstore will be closed. The Buffalo State Child Care Center will be closed. The Mail Room and Central Receiving: Vendors will be notified of the shutdown, and no deliveries will be accepted. Mail will be received and sorted in the Mail Room, but no on-campus deliveries will be made. Mail may be picked up only by prior arrangement with the Mail Room. University Police will remain open, and officers will be on duty. back to top Registrar The deadline to submit the registrar's copy of grade rosters to the Registrar's Office (as listed in the 2002–2003 academic calendar) is 4:00 p.m. Monday, December 16. Employee Options Participation in Winter Pause is voluntary, and employees who wish to work may do so. Employees who choose to work must complete and return the Winter Pause Work Request Form. Employees in areas that must provide continued services during Winter Pause may be asked to work. Campus Services employees should report to the Maintenance Service Center for assignments on scheduled work dates. Campus Services employees who wish to take time off during Winter Pause must submit vacation requests to their immediate supervisors. Professional employees should review work plans with appropriate line officers in advance of Winter Pause. For safety and security reasons, employees who work during Winter Pause may be asked to sign in and out with a University Police aide at entrances to buildings. In order to ensure that only authorized people are provided access to campus buildings, employees may be asked to show campus identification cards. Employees who wish to work and do not have current identification cards should obtain them from the SUNYCard Office in E. H. Butler Library before Winter Pause. Employees not working during Winter Pause must charge appropriate leave accruals or request leave without pay. Approved compensatory time also may be used to cover absences during this period. Please contact the Human Resource Management Office at ext. 4822 with questions regarding Winter Pause. back to top Computer Training and SkillSoft E-Learning 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 Debra 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 SkillSoft E-Learning Human Resource Management is pleased to announce that employees may participate in SkillSoft, an online learning program that offers 106 courses and a variety of certificate programs that allow employees 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, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. A proctor will be available to assist and to answer questions. Please sign in at E. H. Butler Library 315 before starting. back to top Employee Assistance Program The Buffalo State College Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is an information, assessment, and referral service that provides confidential help to employees with personal problems that negatively affect their lives and job performance. The program's trained on-site coordinators provide confidential information and referrals to any employee or supervisor seeking help with a personal or job-related problem. Coordinators are trained to refer employees to the most appropriate community service providers for problems such as emotional stress, depression, financial or legal difficulties, alcoholism, drug abuse, or marital or domestic discord. Coordinators also provide information on local resources for issues such as child care, elder care, and legal and financial services. EAP services are available to state employees, their family members, and state retirees. If you need help with a personal or family problem, please contact one of our campus coordinators. All calls and discussions are strictly confidential. David Cummings ext. 5122 Robert Delprino* ext. 6669 Ann Ellement* ext. 4811 Confidential voice mail ext. 6699 EAP Web site: www.buffalostate.edu/offices/hr/eap.htm *Robert Delprino is acting as interim coordinator until November 11, when Ann Ellement returns from a brief leave of absence. back to top EAP Coordinator Vacancy The Buffalo State Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a free, confidential information and referral service available to all New York State employees, their family members, and retirees, seeks a volunteer to fill the role of EAP coordinator. EAP coordinators are specially trained to assist Buffalo State employees and their family members in finding professionals in the community best suited to help solve problems or address concerns. EAP provides assistance with many kinds of problems, including family, marital, medical, financial, legal, grief and loss, elder care, and substance abuse. EAP does not provide direct therapy but serves as a link between Buffalo State employees and skilled professionals in the community. EAP is a neutral office, not associated with any disciplinary procedures, whose services are designed to improve the quality of working families' lives. The EAP coordinator must have a strong commitment to the goals of NYS EAP, excellent interpersonal skills, a history of productive relationships with co-workers, the ability to communicate with individuals and groups, interest in the community and its services and resources, flexibility and willingness to learn, the initiative and ability to work independently, and a strong respect for confidentiality. The coordinator must attend training sessions, including monthly regional trainings, as well as the five-day New Coordinator Institute and local EAP Committee meetings. Candidates also must have supervisory support and approval to assume this role. The coordinator reports to and works with the local EAP Committee to increase awareness of EAP on site, expand referral services, and help coordinate activities on campus. Any member of the campus community who meets the above criteria may apply; faculty members are especially needed. Interested individuals may send a letter of interest and résumé to: Linda J. O'Donnell, EAP Committee Chair Health and Wellness Department Houston Gym 219 back to top   2002–2003 Auxiliary Services Grants The Auxiliary Services Grant Allocation Committee is accepting applications for funding of programs for the 2002–2003 academic year. Proposals are due by the close of business Friday, December 6. Proposed programs and events 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 the 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 Campbell Student Union Information Desk. back to top Athletic Events Men's Ice Hockey Buffalo State vs. Cortland Friday, November 8 7:00 p.m. Ice Arena Buffalo State vs. Oswego Saturday, November 9 7:00 p.m. Ice Arena Women's Ice Hockey Buffalo State vs. Chatham Saturday, November 9 4:00 p.m. Ice Arena Buffalo State vs. Chatham Sunday, November 10 1:00 p.m. Ice Arena back to top   College Senate Meetings Remaining College Senate meetings for fall 2002 will be held at 3:00 p.m. in E. H. Butler Library 210 on Friday, November 8 and Friday, December 13. back to top Curricular Items The following have been received in the College Senate Office and will be forwarded to the Curriculum Committee for review and approval: Course Revisions: DES 316 Design in the Nineteenth Century. Theoretical foundations and historical developments of design from the end of the eighteenth century to the First World War. Focus on the effects of the Industrial Revolution on communication design, industrial design, interiors, costume, and crafts. DES 317 Design in the Twentieth Century. Historical and theoretical foundations of design from the early twentieth century to the present. Focus on developments in communication, industrial, and craft design from the 1890s to the present, emphasizing the unique conditions of the twentieth century with respect to new technology and new media.

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