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Vol. LII, No. 6
September 21, 2006

In this issue:

From the Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Software Installation Policy
From the Vice President for Finance and Management
NYS Flex Spending Account 2007 Open Enrollment
Buffalo State Logo Usage
Policy Governing Use of College Resources
Political Activities involving State Employees
Fire Evacuation Drills


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From the Vice President and Chief Information Officer

Software Installation Policy
Computing and Technology Services will install software in labs and on other machines, provided the software is appropriately licensed. It is the policy of the college to install software only on those computers for which the software is properly licensed. It is the responsibility of the department chair or the department lab coordinator to provide to Computing and Technology Services a copy of a valid software license with the media to be installed in a department lab. Any previously installed software for which an appropriate license cannot be verified is subject to removal.

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From the Vice President for Finance and Management

NYS Flex Spending Account 2007 Open Enrollment
Open enrollment for the 2007 NYS Flex Spending Account is Monday, September 25, through Friday, November 10, 2006. The account offers two benefits, the Health Care Spending Account (HCSAccount) and the Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAAccount). A brochure describing these benefits was distributed with the September 20 paychecks.

The HCSAccount allows employees to set aside from $100 to $4,000 annually in pretax salary to pay for health-related expenses not reimbursed by insurance. Over-the-counter (OTC) drug expenses including allergy remedies, antacids, cold medicines, and pain relievers are also reimbursable.

The DCAAccount allows employees to set aside up to $5,000 annually for child care, elder care, or other dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis. The employer contribution provides up to $700 for M/C, CSEA, UUP, PEF, and GSEU employees who enroll in the DCAAccount.

Participants currently enrolled in the HCSAccount or DCAAccount must reenroll to continue benefits in 2007. Reenrollment instructions will be sent directly from the Fringe Benefits Management Company.

Paperless enrollment in quick, easy, and secure. Apply online at www.flexspend.state.ny.us or call the Flex Spending Account hotline at (800) 358-7202.

No enrollment applications will be accepted by the plan administrator after the open enrollment period.

Call the Human Resource Management Office at ext. 4821 with questions.


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Buffalo State Logo Usage
The Buffalo State logo is the college's unifying symbol, a basic element of our visual identity. The college's logo incorporates an outline of Rockwell Hall with the words "Buffalo State, State University of New York." An alternative, simpler version of the logo eliminates the Rockwell Hall outline. In some cases, when the logo is very small or when it is used on the Web, the "State University of New York" may be eliminated as well.

The official logo and the college seal may not be altered in any way and should always be used in their original proportions and configurations. Overall enlargements or reductions are permissible, but alterations—narrowing, heightening, widening, lengthening—are prohibited. No ornamentation or words may be added or deleted.

The logo may be reversed from a solid field of color, provided the reproduction is of high quality (to preserve legibility). Electronic logos may not be edited or manipulated, and page authors should not create new versions of the logo or logotype. Special trademarked logos are to be used by vendors of official college merchandise. Please contact the College Relations Office at ext. 4201 with questions regarding logo usage.


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Policy Governing Use of College Resources
College resources, including equipment, supplies, services, and facilities, shall be used for official college business only. Use of college resources for commercial purposes or for personal gain is prohibited. Any loan of college property (other than library materials) to any party for personal use is prohibited. Direct any questions regarding this policy to Gary Phillips, associate vice president and comptroller, at ext. 4312.


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Political Activities involving State Employees
Federal Election Law and New York State Law regarding political activities provides:

  • No employee is to conduct political activities on paid state time.
  • A state employee may participate in an election as a candidate and, if elected, serve in the office, provided such service will not interfere with state duties or create a conflict of interest.
  • A state employee may engage in political activities in support of, or in opposition to, a candidate for elected office or a political issue, provided such activities do not interfere with state duties and provided the employee does not associate political activities with his or her official position or state affiliation.
  • State equipment, vehicles, and office space are to be used only for official state business.
  • State employees may not use their official position to procure either campaign contributions or volunteer assistance.
  • No appointments, promotions, demotions, or salary increases are to be made on the basis of political affiliation.

The above provisions also pertain to individuals employed by the state whose salary is financed in whole or in part by any federal loan or grant.

Questions on the above may be referred to Susan Earshen, director of Human Resource Management, at ext. 3042.


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Fire Evacuation Drills
In compliance with New York State Education Law 807, fire evacuation drills will be held in various buildings throughout the campus September 25–29. Department heads and/or faculty chairs are responsible for complete evacuation of areas under their control.

Procedure for Occupants

  1. When alarm sounds, proceed by the most direct means, in keeping with equitable distribution of traffic, to the nearest exit and stand at least 25 yards outside the building.
  2. Leave lights on.
  3. Close all doors.
  4. Turn off room fans; leave hood fans on.
  5. Turn off all electrical and gas appliances.
  6. Close doors to corridors; in the event of actual fire, leave doors in immediate areas unlocked.
  7. Reenter building when "all clear" is announced by college personnel conducting the drill.

Exceptions to Evacuation during Drills Only

  1. Those involved in critical experiments or lab processes that cannot be left unattended may remain in the building.
  2. Those using wheelchairs or crutches may remain in the building; however, one able-bodied person who would be responsible for those people is also required to remain should evacuation become necessary.

A minimum amount of extra time will be needed during drills to examine all fire-safety equipment for proper operation.

Call David N. Miller, director of environmental health and safety, at ext. 6113 with questions. Thank you for your cooperation.

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