I propose that this reorganization become effective July 1, 2000, and I invite comments from individuals or groups on the proposal. Submit written comments to my attention in the Academic Affairs Office, Cleveland Hall 519, by Monday, April 24.

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Proposals Sought for Conversations in the Disciplines
The Conversations in the Disciplines program is acclaimed for its success in fostering scholarly discourse within and outside of SUNY. It has brought visibility and recognition to the system from the public and the educational community. Proposals for the 2000–2001 competitive cycle of the program are due Monday, April 17.

Guidelines, instructions, and forms are available on the SUNY Web site at www.sysadm.suny.edu. (Click on Provost, then on What's New) or from the Research Foundation, Bishop Hall B17.

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Submissions Sought for Carnegie Publication
The Buffalo State community has been reflecting, discussing, and acting on issues related to the educational process, through teaching circles, advisory committees, roundtables, and similar conferences. Much of this activity is relevant to the work of the Carnegie Foundation in the Carnegie Academy for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (CASTL).

The academy is enlisting Buffalo State and 135 other campuses to help document the promotion of teaching as a scholarly activity. The scholarship of teaching involves applying research skills—problem posing, problem study, communicating and practicing results, self-reflection, and peer review—to teaching and learning.

The college seeks submissions describing relevant work for publication from individuals, departments, committees, or work groups. Activities at any stage will be considered—whether identifying an issue, exploring ways to address a problem, or realizing viable solutions. To discuss contributions to this volume or for more information about CASTL, contact:

Cheryl Albers
Carnegie Campus Program Project Coordinator
Classroom Building B326
(716) 878-3292
alberscm@buffalostate.edu

Send submissions to:
Carnegie Campus Program
c/o Patti Messinger
Bulger Communication Center 104
messinpb@bscmail.buffalostate.edu

Submissions will be accepted through April 2000.

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Precommencement Events Calendar
Buffalo State's Commencement Committee 2000 is in its final stages of planning the college's 128th commencement ceremonies. Commencement will be held Saturday, May 13, with two baccalaureate ceremonies (10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.) and a master's and certificate of advanced study ceremony (6:00 p.m.).

Departments, offices, and student organizations also are planning academic year-end celebrations to recognize their graduates. The Commencement Committee would like to know about any plans, so it can include them in a printed precommencement events calendar.

Whether all details are in place or plans are just forming, please let the committee know about your activities.

Please link to the form to submit information for the calendar; send the form to Carole Woodlock, woodlocm@buffalostate.edu or Art Education Department, Bishop Hall 115, by Thursday, March 20. Please also submit new events or updates as information becomes available, so the calendar can be updated on the commencement Web site.

Contact Woodlock at ext. 5722 with questions.

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Internal Control Standards
The Internal Control Act of the State of New York requires our 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

1. Reasonable Assurance. Internal control systems are to provide reasonable assurance that the objectives of the systems will be accomplished.
2. Supportive Attitude. Managers and employees are to maintain and demonstrate a positive and supportive attitude toward internal controls at all times.
3. 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.
4. Control Objectives. Internal control objectives are to be identified or developed for each agency activity and are to be logical, applicable, and reasonably complete.
5. Control Technique. Internal control techniques are to be effective and efficient in accomplishing their internal control objectives.
6. 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.

Specific Standards

1. 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.
2. Recording of Transactions and Events. Transactions and other significant events are to be promptly recorded and properly classified.
3. 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.
4. Separation of Duties. Key duties and responsibilities in authorizing, processing, recording, and reviewing transactions should be separated among individuals.
5. Supervision. Qualified and continuous supervision is to be provided to ensure that internal control objectives are achieved.
6. 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 to the resources with 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 the matters brought to management's attention.

Contact Gary Phillips at ext. 4312 with questions about the Internal Control Act.

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SABRE Presentations
The campus community is invited to attend one of two SABRE project presentations, "SABRE Spring 2000 Update: Our Road to a New Student Information System." Sessions will be presented Tuesday, March 28 from 8:30 to 9:25 a.m. in Butler Library 210 and Thursday, March 30 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Bulger Communication Center West. Each session will include a summary of information-gathering sessions, a Web site demonstration, and a glimpse of some of the features of the new system. Refreshments will be served. For more information, visit www.buffalostate.edu/offices/sabre.

Individual Development Awards (formerly PDQWL)
The State of New York/United University Professions Joint Labor-Management Committees have announced that the Individual Development Awards Program has been renewed. Formerly called Professional Development and Quality of Working Life (PDQWL), the program is intended to assist employees in the UUP bargaining unit in developing their full professional potential and in preparing for advancement by funding professional development activities. The maximum award amount is $1,000. In addition, up to $4,000 may be awarded when salary for a replacement is required.

The total award amount to be distributed by the Campus Professional Development Committee is $27,718.

When reviewing applications, the campus committee will consider whether or not the proposed activity will enable the applicant to meet one or more of the criteria (a–e) specified in Article XII, Titles A, B, or C of the Policies of the Board of Trustees concerning employees' evaluations and promotions. In addition, the campus committee shall give preference to part-time employees for a minimum of 15 percent of the available funds if sufficient applications are received.

Only one application will be accepted and only one project or activity may be funded per employee.

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Award Period
The award period covers professional development activities commenced on or after September 1, 1999, and completed on or before August 31, 2000. Three additional one-year award periods are anticipated.

Application Procedure
Applications and guidelines are available at www.buffalostate.edu/offices/hr/ida.htm. Applications also are available in the Human Resource Management Office, Cleveland Hall 410, or the UUP local chapter office, Classroom Building A104.

Please provide details about anticipated or actual travel expenses using the Travel Estimate Format (airfare, hotel, ground transportation, tolls, etc.) based on actual state reimbursement rates, available from the Accounting Office, Cleveland Hall 414.

Along with the completed application, the applicant must submit the following information:

• An updated brief curriculum vitae;
• A list of any other grant support for project or activity, including the amount of such support;
• A brochure, announcement, or other relevant material describing the program and costs (If material is not yet available, information should be provided as soon as possible.);
• Any other supporting documentation.

  Application Deadline
  Applications must be received in the Human Resource Management Office, Cleveland Hall 410, by 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 31.

  Campus Committee
  Campus committee members are Deborah Jones, Anthony Nowakowski, and Wanda Slawinska representing UUP; and Dolores Battle, Dorcas Colvin, and Mel Netzhammer representing management.

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  Program Funding Applications
  The Bookstore Resource Allocation Advisory Committee is accepting applications for funding of program proposals for summer 2000 and the 2000–2001 academic year. The application deadline is Friday, April 7. Proposals should support the mission of the college and contribute to the following strategic directions:

  • Strengthen the academic program and all student support services to promote success in teaching and learning;
  • Increase recruitment, retention, and graduation of a diverse population of students; and
  • Create a nurturing environment for a diverse campus community.

  Programs and events 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, Student Union 400; and the Student Union Information Desk.

  The committee approved funding for the following proposals during the spring 2000 review period:
  

  • EOP Honors Convocation, Lily Bink, Educational Opportunity Program, $2,500
  • Chemistry Seminar Series, William Durfee, Chemistry Department, $1,000
  • Coalition Building Team, Ron George, Residence Life, $1,918
  • Poets and Writers Series, Marvin LaHood, English Department, $300
  • Student Life Visibility Campaign, David Milberg, Student Life, $1,480
  • Transfer Tactics, Karl Shallowhorn, Transfer Student Services, $490
  • NIA Mentor Program, Gail Wells, Minority Student Services, $1,200

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  Telecast on Binge Drinking
  The Buffalo State University Police Department, in conjunction with student affairs, presents a live teleconference on binge drinking from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Thursday, March 16 in Bulger Communication Center 147. Binge drinking is one of the most important academic and legal issues facing college campuses today. This free teleconference, open to the campus community, will feature:

  • John Gardner, Senior Fellow, National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition, University of South Carolina;
  • James Turner, director, University of Virginia Student Health Center;
  • Henry Wechsler, principal investigator, College Alcohol Studies Program and lecturer, Harvard School of Public Health; and
  • Sharon Wilsnack, Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

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  SUNY Student Opinion Survey
  The SUNY Student Opinion Survey, administered every three years since 1985, will be mailed in early April to a random sample of Buffalo State students. Students are asked to respond to a series of questions pertaining to college impressions and plans, services and facilities, environment and climate, and outcomes. Information in the past has proven beneficial to student services and quality of life.

  Additional information will be provided in the coming weeks. We welcome your support of this important initiative.

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  Shattering the Silences: The Case for Minority Faculty
  The video and panel discussion, Shattering the Silences: The Case for Minority Faculty, has been rescheduled to Tuesday, March 28 from 12:05 to 1:30 p.m. in Bulger Communication Center West. The video focuses on the educational benefits of a diverse faculty and a more culturally inclusive curriculum. Panelists include Joaquin Carbonara (mathematics), Lin Xia Jiang (fine arts), Scott Johnson (criminal justice) and M. Bahati Kuumba (sociology).

  Gary Marotta, provost and vice president for academic affairs, will moderate the panel. The program is sponsored by the Academic Affairs and Equity and Campus Diversity Offices, the President's Council on Equity and Campus Diversity, and the Association of Faculty and Staff of African Descent.

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  Governor's Economic Summit for Women
  The New York State Department of Labor, Division for Women; the Institute for Entrepreneurship; the Office for the Aging; and other state agencies are joining private corporations to sponsor the fifth annual Governor's Economic Summit for Women on Monday, May 15 in Albany. Strategies 2000—Women and Technology: Bridging the Gap will focus on the technological issues that touch the lives of women at work, home, and play. The conference is designed to give women the tools they need to survive in the age of technology. For additional information contact usbcer@labor.state.ny.us

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  Educating All of One Campus
  Thank you to all who participated in the program Educating All of One Campus: Climate and Curriculum on March 10. A summary of the discussions is being prepared and will be distributed shortly. Special appreciation is given to Gary Marotta, provost; Susan Leist, chair of the Senate Curriculum Committee; and Kerran Sanger, chair of the President's Council on Equity and Campus Diversity. Other members of the program steering committee were Elfreda Blue (elementary education and reading), Robin Freedman (earth sciences and science education), Linda Gleckel (NCATE accreditation coordinator), Rudy Mattai (educational foundations), David Pomerantz (exceptional education), and Carole Woodlock (art education).

  
  

  

  

  College Senate Meeting
  The next College Senate meeting will be 3:00 p.m. Friday, April 14 in E. H. Butler Library 210.

  
  

  Actions of the Senate
  At its March 10 meeting, the senate endorsed the report from the Ad Hoc Committee on Women's Issues, Surveys of Knowledge of Practices and Policy Regarding the Discretionary Award Process, and voted to forward the report and its recommendations to the president for her response.

  The senate also approved the following motion recommending action:

  That the administration relocate the ATM machines in the Campbell Student Union from the basement, where they pose a risk to personal safety and security of information, to the first floor information area.

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  Curricular Items
  The following were received in the College Senate Office and have been forwarded to the Curriculum Committee for review and approval:

  New Program:
  International Studies Minor

  Program Revision:
  Exceptional Education (0300)

  New Courses:
  ENG 353 Native American Literature. Selected aspects of traditional and contemporary Native American literature in its cultural, historical, and aesthetic contexts.

  EXE 360 Foundations of Teaching Individuals with Disabilities. This course focuses on adaptations and instructional procedures necessary for effective instruction of students with disabilities in various educational settings. It is required for exceptional education majors and must be taken concurrently with EXE 361.

  EXE 361 Field Experience in Teaching Individuals with Disabilities.Application of adaptations and instructional procedures learned in EXE 360. It is required for exceptional education majors and must be taken concurrently with EXE 360.

  EXE 369 Curriculum for Adolescents with Mild Disabilities. This course focuses on adaptations and instructional procedures necessary for effective instruction of students with disabilities in high school and middle school. It is recommended for secondary education majors and must be taken concurrently with EXE 370.

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  EXE 370 Field Experience Curriculum for Adolescents with Mild Disabilities. Application of adaptations and instructional procedures necessary for effective instruction of students with disabilities in high school and middle school. It is recommended for secondary education majors and must be taken concurrently with EXE 369.

  EXE 372 Foundations of Teaching Adolescents with Disabilities. This course focuses on adaptations and instructional procedures necessary for effective instruction of adolescents with disabilities. It is recommended for secondary education majors.

  EDF 189 Freshman Seminar: Career Planning and Exploration.This is a freshman seminar course designed to assist undecided freshmen in making effective career decisions. Students learn about the career decision-making process through hands-on activities, in-class exercises, and self-assessment inventories, including interest and personality. The course also covers labor market trends, gender and diversity issues, and the structure of work.

  HIS 230 World Civilizations to 1600. A survey of the origins, cultural achievements, and interrelationships of the various civilizations of the world before 1600. Topics include the birth of human civilization; the emergence of major religious and philosophical traditions; state and society in the ancient world; the consolidation and interaction of world civilizations; the civilizations of Africa and the Americas; East Asian culture and civilization; the great Islamic civilizations; and the origins and development of European civilization.

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  Course Revisions:
  EXE 364 Educating Students with Severe Disabilities. Describes characteristics and needs of individuals with severe disabilities and their families, and introduces methods to teach and support those individuals and families.

  EXE 365 Evaluation and Assessment in Special Education (formerly EXE 320W Evaluation of Individuals Who Are Exceptional). An introduction to the educational evaluation and assessment of students with disabilities. Models, issues, basic terminology and practice, interpreting scores, and testing and test construction are included. Required of all exceptional education majors. Must be taken concurrently with EXE 321, Participation in Special Education: Evaluation and Assessment.

  EXE 366 Field Experience in Evaluation and Assessment in Special Education (formerly EXE 385). Application of principles of evaluation and assessment learned in EXE 365W, Evaluation and Assessment in Special Education, through on-site participation. This course is taken concurrently with EXE 365W. Required of all exceptional education majors.

  EXE 363 Field Experience in Behavior Management. Application of principles of behavior management learned in EXE 362, Behavior Management, through on-site participation. Must be taken concurrently with EXE 362. Prerequisites: EXE 100 and EXE 360.

  EXE 367W Curriculum for Children with Mild Disabilities (formerly EXE 340W Curriculum for Individuals with Mild Disabilities). Students will design and discuss curricular design and implementation for children with mild disabilities. This course is required for exceptional education majors and must be taken concurrently with EXE 368.

  EXE 368 Field Experience: Curriculum for Children with Mild Disabilities (formerly EXE 385 Observation and Participation in Special Education). Application of curriculum design and implementation for children with disabilities. This course is required for exceptional education majors and must be taken concurrently with EXE 367W.

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