SUNY Buffalo State University https://newsandevents.buffalostate.edu/ en Framework for Financial Sustainability Plan: What Leaders Are Saying https://newsandevents.buffalostate.edu/financial-sustainability-quotes <span>Framework for Financial Sustainability Plan: What Leaders Are Saying </span> <div> <div> <div class="paragraph banner paragraph--type--banner paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="pv4 bg-black bsc-lightorange w-100 fw6 flex flex-wrap items-center justify-center tl-ns tc"> <span class="f1-ns f2 bsc-titles normal w-auto-ns w-100"></span> <a class="btn-orange ml4-ns ml0" href="https://suny.buffalostate.edu/framework-financial-sustainability">Framework for Financial Sustainability</a> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="paragraph mw9 ph4 lh-copy center mb4 paragraph--type--image-list paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="pa3 lh-copy bt bb bl br mb3 b--bsc-orange"> <div class="flex flex-nowrap-ns flex-wrap"> <div class="w-30-ns w-100 mw9-ns mw5 mr4-ns mr-auto ml-auto"> <div> <div> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/list_image/public/2024-05/JohnBKingJr.jpg?h=541f5429&amp;itok=ytGHLZo0" width="300" height="265" alt="John B. King Jr." loading="lazy" class="lazyload" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="w-100"> <h3 class="f3-ns f4 mv2 lh-title bsc-titles normal bsc-darkorange"> John B. King Jr., SUNY Chancellor </h3> <p>“With support from historic levels of State investment, Interim President Durand has outlined a thoughtful, well-planned vision for Buffalo State that balances tough but necessary choices with creative thinking, putting the university in the best possible position to achieve long-term financial health and growth. A strong Buffalo State is integral to ensuring a strong SUNY system. Interim President Durand and the Buffalo State community have my full support in their work to secure a brighter future for the institution and, most importantly, our students.”</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="pa3 lh-copy bt bb bl br mb3 b--bsc-orange"> <div class="flex flex-nowrap-ns flex-wrap"> <div class="w-30-ns w-100 mw9-ns mw5 mr4-ns mr-auto ml-auto"> <div> <div> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/list_image/public/2024-05/Crystal-Peoples-Stokes.jpg?h=79f498dd&amp;itok=V0d5rcnn" width="300" height="265" alt="Crystal Peoples-Stokes" loading="lazy" class="lazyload" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="w-100"> <h3 class="f3-ns f4 mv2 lh-title bsc-titles normal bsc-darkorange"> Crystal Peoples-Stokes, New York State Assembly Majority Leader </h3> <p>“As an active and supportive alumna, I am proud and confident in Interim President Durand's leadership, strategic vision, and fiscal stewardship to address the university's existing $16.5 million deficit. Buffalo State is a critical regional institution for education and employment. With continued support from SUNY, I believe that the internal rightsizing underway will set Buffalo State University up for long-term financial health and success.”</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="pa3 lh-copy bt bb bl br mb3 b--bsc-orange"> <div class="flex flex-nowrap-ns flex-wrap"> <div class="w-30-ns w-100 mw9-ns mw5 mr4-ns mr-auto ml-auto"> <div> <div> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/list_image/public/2024-05/seanryan.jpg?h=5c07b40d&amp;itok=3ZKvoyeW" width="300" height="265" alt="Sean Ryan" loading="lazy" class="lazyload" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="w-100"> <h3 class="f3-ns f4 mv2 lh-title bsc-titles normal bsc-darkorange"> Sean Ryan, New York State Senator </h3> <p>“The Framework for Financial Sustainability plan that has been put forth by Interim President Bonita Durand inspires confidence in Buffalo State University's long-term future and the impact it will continue to have on the City of Buffalo and Western New York. This is the right leadership at the right time for Buffalo State. I was pleased to join my colleagues in the New York State Legislature to work with Governor Hochul for a continued financial commitment to SUNY and its institutions across New York.”</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="pa3 lh-copy bt bb bl br mb3 b--bsc-orange"> <div class="flex flex-nowrap-ns flex-wrap"> <div class="w-30-ns w-100 mw9-ns mw5 mr4-ns mr-auto ml-auto"> <div> <div> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/list_image/public/2023-02/dobmeier_linda.jpg?h=2f40385c&amp;itok=0ZuFoxux" width="300" height="265" alt="Linda Dobmeier headshot" loading="lazy" class="lazyload" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="w-100"> <h3 class="f3-ns f4 mv2 lh-title bsc-titles normal bsc-darkorange"> Linda Dobmeier, Buffalo State Council Chair </h3> <p>“Interim President Bonita Durand has developed a plan, created in collaboration with numerous Buffalo State University stakeholders, that builds upon this institution's high standards. Buffalo State will continue to be recognized as a university that supports its students and develops them into leaders who can positively impact our region and state.”</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="pa3 lh-copy bt bb bl br mb3 b--bsc-orange"> <div class="flex flex-nowrap-ns flex-wrap"> <div class="w-30-ns w-100 mw9-ns mw5 mr4-ns mr-auto ml-auto"> <div> <div> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/list_image/public/2023-09/interim_president_durand.jpg?h=e8aa1005&amp;itok=KCGfDXYu" width="300" height="265" alt="Interim President Bonita Durand" loading="lazy" class="lazyload" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="w-100"> <h3 class="f3-ns f4 mv2 lh-title bsc-titles normal bsc-darkorange"> Bonita R. Durand, Ph.D., Buffalo State University Interim President </h3> <p>“I am confident that our Buffalo State University community can both ensure our long-term financial sustainability while continuing to do what we do best: delivering a high-quality educational experience for our students. With the support of elected leadership, SUNY leadership, our community partners, our campus community and our Buffalo State family, we will solidify our role as a premier academic institution that meets students’ evolving needs for years to come.”</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="pa3 lh-copy bt bb bl br mb3 b--bsc-orange"> <div class="flex flex-nowrap-ns flex-wrap"> <div class="w-30-ns w-100 mw9-ns mw5 mr4-ns mr-auto ml-auto"> <div> <div> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/list_image/public/2024-05/Fujiuchi.jpg?h=55541bb6&amp;itok=yj9CKPlu" width="300" height="265" alt="Ken Fujiuchi" loading="lazy" class="lazyload" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="w-100"> <h3 class="f3-ns f4 mv2 lh-title bsc-titles normal bsc-darkorange"> Ken Fujiuchi, Emerging Technology Librarian, Buffalo State College Senate Chair </h3> <p>"I had the privilege to work with Interim President Durand as Senate chair in developing the Framework for Financial Sustainability. Her transparent and inclusive approach to shared governance has restored confidence in our leadership and fostered a culture of collaboration. As Buffalo State University faces challenges, we remain committed to making important decisions through shared governance to ensure financial stability and progress. Interim President Durand's cooperative leadership and unwavering dedication to shared governance are invaluable as we work together toward a brighter future."</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="/user/41">norrisma1</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-05-22T13:00:13-04:00" title="Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - 13:00">Wed, 05/22/2024 - 13:00</time> </span> Wed, 22 May 2024 17:00:13 +0000 norrisma1 6561 at https://newsandevents.buffalostate.edu State of the University – Part III – Framework for Financial Sustainability https://newsandevents.buffalostate.edu/message/state-university-part-iii-framework-financial-sustainability <span>State of the University – Part III – Framework for Financial Sustainability</span> <span><a title="View user profile." href="/user/41">norrisma1</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-05-22T12:38:06-04:00" title="Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - 12:38">Wed, 05/22/2024 - 12:38</time> </span> <div><time datetime="2024-05-23T12:00:00Z">May 23, 2024</time> </div> <div> <div> <div class="paragraph banner paragraph--type--banner paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="pv4 bg-black bsc-lightorange w-100 fw6 flex flex-wrap items-center justify-center tl-ns tc"> <span class="f1-ns f2 bsc-titles normal w-auto-ns w-100"></span> <a class="btn-orange ml4-ns ml0" href="https://suny.buffalostate.edu/framework-financial-sustainability">Framework for Financial Sustainability</a> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="paragraph top-video flex-l items-center bg-black paragraph--type--video paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="videoWrap w-100"> <div> <div> <div> <div class="vidPad"> <iframe src="https://newsandevents.buffalostate.edu/media/oembed?url=https%3A//youtu.be/CyFDp19qk1Q&amp;max_width=0&amp;max_height=0&amp;hash=1sztD4dbBBvYdc3PtN2nb3MF7huEJiw9YE0cRyxIjyI" frameborder="0" allowtransparency width="200" height="113" class="media-oembed-content" loading="eager" title="Buffalo State University | State of the University"></iframe> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="anchor-link-list flex flex-nowarp-ns flex-wrap justify-center mv3"> </div></div> <div> <div class=""> <div class="paragraph content-area paragraph--type--content-area paragraph--view-mode--default mw9 center mt0"> <a class="anchLink" data-anchTitle="" data-anchTag="" name=""></a> <div class="ph6-ns ph3 pv4"> <h2 class="f-headline-ns mb4 mt2 tc normal lh-title bsc-titles"> Opening Remarks and Introduction </h2> <div class="f6 lh-copy mt4"> <p>Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome.</p> <p>Before I begin, I would like to thank all of you for being here. I especially thank SUNY Trustee Eunice Lewin, members of our University Council and Foundation Board, and all our friends of Buffalo State.</p> <p>When Chancellor King asked me to come back to Buffalo State last May, I had a bit of hesitation. But when I realized the significance of the task facing my beloved institution, I had no other answer except “yes.” The 22 years I spent at this wonderful place before retirement were some of the most professionally exhilarating and productive years of my career. I made so many friends and found colleagues that I am still connected with to this day. So, when he asked me to come back for seven months, I said yes. No sweat! And when he later asked me to stay for the remainder of the 2023-24 academic year, I said yes again. And then when he asked me about extending my time beyond the year I said, “Let’s talk.” As you know, that conversation ended in a commitment that I would lead Buffalo State University for two more years until June 2026.</p> <p>Now the fact of the matter was I was hooked; I was already all in; I was absolutely invested in and committed to leading this institution as we face our challenges head on, continue the progress toward repositioning ourselves to be SUNY’s premier comprehensive institution, and reaffirm our role as Buffalo’s university. That is a lot to do in one year, but in three years I am anticipating that we will make great progress. So, I am honored to continue to serve as your president until June 2026. Colleagues, please know that I am here, ready, and prepared to stand alongside of you as we make very tough decisions, but ones that will definitely chart a brighter future for our beloved Buffalo State University.</p> <p>I thank the Chancellor and his staff at SUNY for their unwavering commitment to Buffalo State and I look forward to continuing this supportive and collaborative relationship. I also am very appreciative of the shared governance structure of our University Council, College Senate, Foundation Board, Professional Staff Caucus, and our collective bargaining partners. I am just so inspired about how we have worked together to set the path to create a more sustainable, robust, and effective institution.</p> <p>I am also extremely appreciative of the support of our legislators and our governor for the recently enacted state budget that not only helps us recognize and reward the efforts of our amazing faculty and staff, but also provides much-needed support systems to our students. This historic state investment in public higher education represents the largest two-year allocation of state support in at least five decades. It helps us to create a strong, forward-thinking plan that will help Buffalo State to achieve the goals set out before us.</p> <p>Thanks to last year’s state budget, SUNY provided Buffalo State with a $5.3 million increase—a 25% boost in direct state tax support. This year, SUNY provided an additional $2.8 million—or nearly 11%—on top of last year’s. This is not only a vote of confidence in a strong, sustainable future for Buffalo State, but also essential to a realistic, forward-looking fiscal sustainability plan.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class=""> <div class="paragraph content-area paragraph--type--content-area paragraph--view-mode--default mw9 center mt0"> <a class="anchLink" data-anchTitle="Update on Financial Sustainability" data-anchTag="sustainability" name="sustainability"></a> <div class="ph6-ns ph3 pv4"> <h2 class="f-headline-ns mb4 mt2 tc normal lh-title bsc-titles"> Update on Financial Sustainability </h2> <div class="f6 lh-copy mt4"> <p>The purpose of this meeting is to provide an update on the university's financial situation, announce immediate actions, and present our strategic vision for the future.</p> <p>We began the 2023-24 year with a structural deficit of $16.5 million. The plan we originally submitted to SUNY proposed that we would primarily reduce that deficit through workforce management over the five-year-period starting July 1, 2023. The primary strategy was to achieve this through attrition. In the first 10 months of this plan, we have not seen the level of attrition we anticipated; however, we have experienced some increased revenues that will move us toward our five-year goal. The 12-month rolling hire freeze that was implemented in November 2023 has given us some gains, but not at the level expected. This was partially due to the lag between when the employee leaves the institution and when they come off the payroll. We will be providing a complete financial analysis of Year One of the structural deficit plan after June 30, 2024.</p> <p>Moving forward, we will continue to focus on attrition and the hiring freeze and we will turn our approach more aggressively to three primary areas: </p> <ul><li>Increasing and stabilizing enrollment </li> <li>Reducing our overall operating costs</li> <li>Optimization of our workforce</li> </ul><p>However, none of this can be accomplished without also leaning more aggressively into our strengths. I invite you to join me on this journey to help overcome our challenges, seize on opportunities, and control our destiny. With the support of elected officials, our state university leadership, our community partners, and our Buffalo State family, we will come roaring back to a university that meets the aspirations and expectations of our students and the needs of our community here and statewide.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class=""> <div class="paragraph content-area paragraph--type--content-area paragraph--view-mode--default mw9 center mt0"> <a class="anchLink" data-anchTitle="Vision For The Future " data-anchTag="vision" name="vision"></a> <div class="ph6-ns ph3 pv4"> <h2 class="f-headline-ns mb4 mt2 tc normal lh-title bsc-titles"> Leaning Into Our Strengths: Vision For The Future </h2> <div class="f6 lh-copy mt4"> <p>Friends, supporters, and colleagues, my strategic vision for Buffalo State University is to be the premier comprehensive university in the SUNY system by 2030. To that end, we must capitalize on our historical strengths and align our efforts with the emerging trends here in Buffalo, Western New York, across New York State, and beyond to make that vision a reality:</p> <ul><li>Through our 150-plus-year history we have excelled in the areas of access to education from K through 16. Our alumni are the teachers of Western New York that educated and helped create the middle class of Buffalo over a century ago. Today there is a new challenge as we face a pending teacher shortage in the coming years with anticipated mass retirements in urban, suburban, and rural school districts across the state. We will rise to the challenge again and expand our role as a leader with the creation of new teacher education pipelines. We will build on some of our recent successes, including the Majority Leader Crystal People-Stokes’ My Brother’s Keeper Initiative and our Urban Teacher Academy.<br /> </li> <li>Our science, innovation, and technology infrastructure is unmatched among our SUNY peers. We are primed to create hubs that will develop the workforce needed to realize the vision of the nationally designated technology corridor spearheaded by Senator Schumer and spanning from Syracuse, Rochester, and here in Western New York. Our unique programs focused on applied learning across our STEM offerings will make us a leader in this effort.<br /> </li> <li>We are in the epicenter of arts, culture, and tourism with Buffalo State’s Burchfield Penney Art Center, the expanded AKG Art Museum, the Buffalo History Museum, the Richardson Olmsted Campus with its Lipsey Architecture Center Buffalo, and so much more on and surrounding our campus. With our long history of Art education, art and design, art conservation,and hospitality, we are perfectly positioned to leverage these historic investments.  <br /> </li> <li>Furthermore, I can see us reviving an educational pipeline with the University at Buffalo that has Buffalo State preparing bachelor’s and master’s students to seamlessly move into Ph.D. programs at UB. This was once a thriving enterprise with our joint Exceptional Education Departments.<br /> </li> <li>Finally, the creation of our very first Doctorate for Creative Studies is under review at SUNY for implementation. As you all know Buffalo State is the pioneering academic program in the field of creativity education. The term brainstorming has its origins here, and we have taught creativity, creative problem-solving, and change leadership for more than half a century. The formation of this first doctoral program and the opening of the Center for Applied Imagination in Butler Library will once again put us on top of the field of creativity not just in SUNY or New York State, but in the world, and will carry our tradition in this work into the 21st century and beyond.</li> </ul><p>This is the kind of thinking and action that will ensure Buffalo State’s long-term financial viability, keep us in control of our destiny, and allow us to reimagine and invest in our future. Buffalo State is not going anywhere and will remain one of the best options for post-secondary students in Western New York and beyond.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class=""> <div class="paragraph content-area paragraph--type--content-area paragraph--view-mode--default mw9 center mt0"> <a class="anchLink" data-anchTitle="Increasing and Stabilizing Enrollment " data-anchTag="enrollment" name="enrollment"></a> <div class="ph6-ns ph3 pv4"> <h2 class="f-headline-ns mb4 mt2 tc normal lh-title bsc-titles"> Increasing and Stabilizing Enrollment </h2> <div class="f6 lh-copy mt4"> <p>As you know, our enrollment has declined by 42% over the last decade. Attending to our enrollment issues will require several approaches to implement a holistic plan. </p> <p><strong>Recruitment</strong></p> <p>Students from Western New York continue to represent the largest percentage of our overall enrollment. We will continue to focus on intensive recruitment in this area through a coordinated variety of approaches and initiatives, some of which include of outreach to local K through 12 schools in the areas of:</p> <ul><li>High school recruiting visits and events;</li> <li>Dual enrollment and dual credit programs;</li> <li>Early Middle College agreement with the Buffalo Public Schools; and </li> <li>Hosting Leonardo Da Vinci High School on our campus beginning in 2026.</li> </ul><p>However, we are all aware that Buffalo State cannot survive solely as a regional institution. With assistance from SUNY, we can expand our outreach into the New York City area. Increasing our enrollment is key to the long-term success of this plan, and we will be utilizing the generous funds from the Buffalo State Foundation for scholarships and grants that will help us attract students from the entire state and beyond. There are also funds made possible by our Foundation to support student needs for books and other college expenses.</p> <p>I have charged our Future Forward Committee with the task to identify possible cohorts of students such as veterans, adults returning to college, and individuals aging out of foster care, to determine both their fit for Buffalo State and what financial, social, emotional, and academic needs would be necessary to bring these groups into our campus and ensure they are successful. This information will be useful as we look to areas that will aid in enrollment growth.</p> <p><strong>Retention</strong></p> <p>Retention will be also be a significant part of the enrollment strategy for the campus community. Our retention efforts will continue to be energetic through our current Educational Opportunity Program, Roar 2 Success, All College Honors, and Say Yes programs and our academic departments. Also, the academic advising structure is being revised to be more holistic, robust, and reach more students. Wrap-around services in our Health Center and programming in the Student Affairs area are also being expanded. Some of this is possible due to funding from SUNY for mental health and food insecurities support, and additional funding to hire student workers on campus. Also, we are grateful to SUNY for our newest support program, Access to College Education (ACE), at Buffalo State. This has been a proven model for student success at other higher education institutions when implemented and we are excited to be one of SUNY’s campuses to bring the ACE program online for our students.   </p> <p>Additionally, I have charged the talented individuals in the Professional Staff Caucus with the task of identifying and recommending to me our best retention initiatives; areas where there is a need to create and enhance our efforts; as well as areas where there is a need to eliminate efforts that are no longer serving our students. These recommendations will be used to further strengthen our overall enrollment strategies.</p> <p><strong>Recruitment and retention</strong></p> <p>We are reviewing our current academic offerings under the leadership of our provost, with deans, department chairs, and faculty in some areas to determine which majors, programs, concentrations, and certificates no longer serve the needs of our current and future students. We are also looking at programs that have potential to attract students but may need some reorganization, and possible collaborations to deliver the desired learning outcomes. Finally, we will take advantage of the emerging needs of the community, region, and state to determine where the academic strengths of our university and the capacity for new programming will align. So, through internal collaborations and consolidations, grants, private funding, and community partnerships we will be able to offer a first-class compilation of educational offerings. One such example is found in the master’s program for Applied Behavior Analysis. Our School of Education’s Exceptional Education Department identified a pressing need in our community and recognized that there was only one regional competitive program charging private school tuition. Rather than go it alone, we launched our program in partnership with the Summit Center and through a private grant from the Children’s Guild Foundation. This innovative program and approach have grown from zero to 29 students in just two years. This is just one example of how we can meet the needs of our community and create new enrollment growth opportunities.</p> <p>We have identified <a href="https://suny.buffalostate.edu/deactivated-and-discontinued">37 degree programs, certification titles, concentrations, minors and certificates</a> to be deactivated and or discontinued. To date, 27 of those have been vetted through our university processes and have either completed or are in review at the SUNY and State levels. An additional 10 programs are under review for deactivation by Spring 2025.</p> <p>As I mentioned earlier, this process has been undertaken collaboratively through our shared governance partners and will be implemented in a transparent fashion. That is the culture we enjoy here at Buffalo State and it will be key to successfully implementing this plan. The 34 students (0.6% of the student population) who are already enrolled in these offerings will be able to complete the programs over the next two to three years using existing faculty. However, no new students will be admitted to these areas.</p> <p>To further explain our thinking and process let me use two examples. </p> <ul><li>For students who are interested in studying languages that are discontinued, they can do so through the SUNY online foreign language consortium and the credit will apply to their Buffalo State degree.</li> <li>We are also exploring the possibilities of working with our Small Development Business Center, our Continuing Professional Studies Department and collaborating with community partners to learn how some of the deactivated/discontinued programs can be offered as community learning activities as a fee-based enterprise. </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class=""> <div class="paragraph content-area paragraph--type--content-area paragraph--view-mode--default mw9 center mt0"> <a class="anchLink" data-anchTitle="Reducing Our Overall Operating Costs" data-anchTag="costs" name="costs"></a> <div class="ph6-ns ph3 pv4"> <h2 class="f-headline-ns mb4 mt2 tc normal lh-title bsc-titles"> Reducing Our Overall Operating Costs </h2> <div class="f6 lh-copy mt4"> <p>We must aggressively address reduce our overall operating costs. I mentioned earlier that this must be a university-wide project. The example of looking at departments that may be over-subscribed with personnel to fill vacancies in departments that are understaffed needs to be more broadly and widely investigated and implemented. And consolidation of departments to achieve both efficiencies and salary savings can be of great benefit. Our Facilities, Custodial, and Grounds personnel leaders have presented a proposal that provides minimum staffing levels needed to maintain our buildings and grounds. This is especially helpful to manage the workforce in this high turnover area.</p> <p>We are reviewing our personnel structures to determine how to optimize our current workforce of talent to best serve our students. Now this does not focus solely on Academic Affairs. Yes, we know our faculty delivers our core enterprise, but there is also a host of additional staff needed to provide the support that our students need to succeed. So, this is an all-institution endeavor. We are leaving no stone unturned, and we are looking at how we can best develop and maximize the workforce that we will need for the future while keeping a close eye on overall operating expenses. For example, we have been able to reassign a financial aid staff member who has extensive skills and comparable expertise to student accounts where there was a need to fill a recently vacated position. I want to publicly thank Stephanie Kindzia for agreeing to support the university in this important way. Now you may say this is only one position and you would be correct. But please know that we are considering each position and each individual as decisions are made. After all, this is not just an exercise in numbers. We can’t succeed without adding humanity and respect to our decisions.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class=""> <div class="paragraph content-area paragraph--type--content-area paragraph--view-mode--default mw9 center mt0"> <a class="anchLink" data-anchTitle="Workforce Optimization" data-anchTag="optimization" name="optimization"></a> <div class="ph6-ns ph3 pv4"> <h2 class="f-headline-ns mb4 mt2 tc normal lh-title bsc-titles"> Optimization Of Our Workforce </h2> <div class="f6 lh-copy mt4"> <p>The task we face with our structural deficit is to balance our workforce and to increase and stabilize our enrollment, because while enrollment declined our workforce did not adjust to the new reality. We must carefully address each of the areas simultaneously (increasing enrollment as we create the workforce needed to serve our students). As mentioned earlier, our plan to address the deficit cannot be achieved through attrition alone. We agree with the Budget and Staff Allocation Committee of the Senate (BSAC) recommendation that in addition to attrition we must proactively reduce workforce in our administration, instruction, and other non-instruction areas.  For these reasons:</p> <ul><li>The 12-month rolling hiring freeze will be continued.  <ul><li>20% of the salary savings can be used to backfill the position for the first year.</li> <li>The rehire rate is 40%, so we are expecting supervisors to look at the duties and functions of the personnel in their area carefully before moving forward with a hire after the 12-month period.  </li> </ul></li> <li>Our phased retirement program will also continue. I would like to thank the UUP leadership at Buffalo State for their willingness to conduct workshops on the phased retirement plan for their members. We cannot build for a successful future without our partners in labor and I appreciate them being part of this discussion.</li> </ul><p>After extensive review and consultation with our BSAC, SUNY and our Foundation Board, I am pleased to announce that Buffalo State will be implementing a <a href="https://hr.buffalostate.edu/voluntary-separation-program">Voluntary Separation Program (VSP)</a>. This recommendation, that came from BSAC, is being fully funded by the Foundation. I want to express my thanks to BSAC for their thoroughly thoughtful recommendations, and our tremendous appreciation and gratitude goes to the Buffalo State Foundation Board for providing the support needed to launch this program. The VSP will be open to all full-time, retirement-eligible SUNY Buffalo State employees.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class=""> <div class="paragraph content-area paragraph--type--content-area paragraph--view-mode--default mw9 center mt0"> <a class="anchLink" data-anchTitle="Conclusion" data-anchTag="conclusion" name="conclusion"></a> <div class="ph6-ns ph3 pv4"> <h2 class="f-headline-ns mb4 mt2 tc normal lh-title bsc-titles"> Conclusion </h2> <div class="f6 lh-copy mt4"> <p>Rest assured that Buffalo State University is committed to ensuring its financial sustainability while maintaining high-quality educational experiences for its students. I am confident in the university's ability to overcome its current challenges and achieve its strategic vision.</p> <p>Again, I express gratitude to New York State Executive and Legislative branches and SUNY for their support. I also send appreciation and gratitude to our University Council, Foundation Board, Senate, Professional Staff Caucus, and the entire Buffalo State Family for your grit, commitment, and belief in this institution. We unequivocally believe in Buffalo State! </p> <p>Thank you all for joining us today. Please enjoy the rest of your afternoon.</p> <p>Onward and upward!</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 22 May 2024 16:38:06 +0000 norrisma1 6556 at https://newsandevents.buffalostate.edu Framework for Financial Sustainability Plan FAQ https://newsandevents.buffalostate.edu/financial-sustainability-plan-faq <span>Framework for Financial Sustainability Plan FAQ</span> <div> <div> <div class="paragraph banner paragraph--type--banner paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="pv4 bg-black bsc-lightorange w-100 fw6 flex flex-wrap items-center justify-center tl-ns tc"> <span class="f1-ns f2 bsc-titles normal w-auto-ns w-100"></span> <a class="btn-orange ml4-ns ml0" href="https://suny.buffalostate.edu/framework-financial-sustainability">Framework for Financial Sustainability</a> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class=""> <div class="paragraph content-area paragraph--type--content-area paragraph--view-mode--default mw9 center mt0"> <a class="anchLink" data-anchTitle="" data-anchTag="" name=""></a> <div class="ph6-ns ph3 pv4"> <div class="f6 lh-copy mt4"> <p><strong>What academic programs will be impacted at Buffalo State University?</strong></p> <p>Buffalo State has identified 37 degree programs, certification titles, concentrations, minors, and certificates to be deactivated and/or discontinued. To date, 27 of those have been vetted through our university processes and have either completed or are in review at the SUNY and State levels:</p> <ul><li>Afro-American Studies, B.S.<br /><em>(Buffalo State offers </em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/undergraduate/major-minor-programs/africana-studies-ba/"><em>Africana Studies, B.A.</em></a><em>, a growing program that is interdisciplinary and extends to the culture, institutions, languages, history, and intellectual contributions made by peoples of African descent)</em></li> <li>Biology Education, certificate (42 credit hours)</li> <li>Biology Education, certificate (36 credit hours)</li> <li>Chemistry, M.A.<br /><em>(Buffalo State offers </em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/undergraduate/major-minor-programs/chemistry-bs/"><em>Chemistry, B.S.</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/undergraduate/major-minor-programs/forensic-chemistry-bs/"><em>Forensic Chemistry, B.S.</em></a><em>, and </em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/graduate/graduate-programs/forensic-science-ms/"><em>Forensic Science, M.S</em></a><em>. programs)</em></li> <li>Chemistry Education, M.S.Ed.<br /><em>(Chemistry, Earth Science, Biology and Physics Education certifications are now included in </em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/graduate/graduate-programs/science-education-msed/"><em>Science Education, M.S.Ed.</em></a><em>)</em></li> <li>Chemistry Education, certificate (42 credit hours)</li> <li>Chemistry Education, certificate (36 credit hours)</li> <li>Dance, minor</li> <li>Design, B.S.</li> <li>Early Childhood Education, B.S.<br /><em>(Early Childhood certification can still be achieved in four ways at Buffalo State: </em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/undergraduate/major-minor-programs/early-childhood-education-birth-grade-2-bs/"><em>Early Childhood Education, Birth through Grade 2, B.S.</em></a><em>; </em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/undergraduate/major-minor-programs/early-childhood-childhood-education-birth-grade-6-combined-program/"><em>Early Childhood and Childhood, Birth through Grade 6, B.S.</em></a><em>; </em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/graduate/graduate-programs/special-education/special-education-early-childhood-program-exc/"><em>Special Education, Early Childhood, M.S.Ed.</em></a><em>; and </em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/graduate/graduate-programs/childhood-early-childhood-curriculum-instruction-msed/"><em>Curriculum and Instruction, M.S.Ed.</em></a><em>)</em></li> <li>Early Childhood Education, M.S.Ed.<br /><em>(</em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/graduate/graduate-programs/childhood-early-childhood-curriculum-instruction-msed/"><em>Curriculum and Instruction, M.S.Ed.</em></a><em>, now includes option for Early Childhood certification)</em></li> <li>Foreign Language Education, M.S.Ed.<br /><em>(In a move responsive to the needs of our community, Buffalo State has refocused on bilingual and multilingual education, which is offered as an advanced certification beyond the bachelor's level with advanced certifications including </em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/graduate/graduate-programs/special-education/teaching-bilingual-exceptional-individuals/"><em>Bilingual Inclusive Education</em></a><em>)</em></li> <li>French and Francophone Culture, minor</li> <li>French Education, B.S.</li> <li>French Education, certificate</li> <li>Italian, minor</li> <li>Literacy Specialist, 5-12, M.P.S.</li> <li>Physics, M.A.<br /><em>(Buffalo State offers Physics,</em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/undergraduate/major-minor-programs/physics-ba/"><em> B.A.</em></a><em> and </em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/undergraduate/major-minor-programs/physics-bs/"><em>B.S. </em></a><em>programs)</em></li> <li>Physics Education, certificate (42 credit hours)</li> <li>Physics Education, certificate (36 credit hours)</li> <li>Professional Applied and Computational Mathematics, M.S.</li> <li>Professional French, minor</li> <li>Spanish Education, B.S.<br /><em>(In a move responsive to the needs of our community, Buffalo State has refocused on bilingual and multilingual education, which is offered as an advanced certification beyond the bachelor's level with advanced certifications including </em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/graduate/graduate-programs/special-education/teaching-bilingual-exceptional-individuals/"><em>Bilingual Inclusive Education</em></a><em>)</em></li> <li>Spanish Education, certificate</li> <li>Special Studies, B.S.</li> <li>Urban Education, M.S.<br /><em>(Urban Education courses are now offered at Buffalo State as a microcredential to add to any master’s level program)</em></li> <li>Urban Studies, B.A.</li> </ul><p>An additional 10 programs are under review for deactivation by Spring 2025:</p> <ul><li>Applied Math, B.S.</li> <li>Ethics, minor</li> <li>Gerontology, minor</li> <li>GIS, minor</li> <li>Mathematical Logic, certificate</li> <li>Non-Spanish and Chinese Concentrations, certificate</li> <li>Printmaking, minor</li> <li>Printmaking Concentration, concentrations in B.F.A. and B.A.</li> <li>Religious Studies, minor</li> <li>Statistics in Insurance, certificate</li> </ul><p><strong>What will happen to Buffalo State students in the impacted programs?</strong></p> <p>The 34 students (0.6% of the student population) who are already enrolled in these offerings will be able to complete the programs. No new students will be admitted to the 27 degree programs, certification titles, concentrations, minors, and certificates to be deactivated and/or discontinued that have either completed or are in review at the SUNY and State levels.</p> <p><strong>How did Buffalo State arrive at the list of programs to discontinue?</strong></p> <p>Impacted programs have been vetted through Buffalo State University processes and have been reviewed, or are in review, at the SUNY and State levels.</p> <p>These processes included:</p> <ul><li>A review of enrollment levels for the past five years for undergraduate and graduate programs.</li> <li>Academic Affairs consulted with the deans' offices and the Teacher Education Unit and identified programs and certification titles for deactivation or discontinuation. Twenty-one programs with no enrollment were identified. Buffalo State's College Senate Curriculum Committee approved the deactivation and discontinuation of those programs.</li> <li>In 2023, faculty and deans' offices reviewed Fall 2018 through Fall 2023 enrollments and each school submitted proposals to deactivate or discontinue programs that had less than five students. A total of 16 programs were approved for deactivation or discontinuance by the College Senate Curriculum Committee.</li> </ul><p>Deactivation refers to programs being removed from the catalog and no longer accepting students. Discontinuation, which follows deactivation, refers to a program being removed from the inventory of registered programs.</p> <p><strong>Will other programs be considered for discontinuation?</strong></p> <p>Buffalo State is in the first phase of program deactivations or discontinuances. After this phase is complete, departments will continue to review programs.</p> <p><strong>What do these changes mean for Buffalo State alumni who hold degrees in the impacted programs?</strong></p> <p>All Buffalo State degrees remain as meaningful as the day they were issued. Program discontinuations are not a reflection of a program's quality, its dedicated faculty and staff, or of the alumni who earned the degrees.</p> <p><strong>Given New York State is facing a pending teacher shortage, why is the Urban Education, M.S., being deactivated?</strong></p> <p>Buffalo State continues to prioritize preparing future teachers. We will rise to the challenge and expand our role as a leader with the creation of new Teacher Education Pipelines.</p> <p><strong>How does the deactivation of the Afro-American Studies, B.S., impact the growing Africana Studies program?</strong></p> <p>Deactivating the Afro-American Studies, B.S., allows the campus to focus attention on the Africana Studies, B.A., program. This program is interdisciplinary and extends to the culture, institutions, languages, history, and intellectual contributions made by peoples of African descent across Africa, the United States, Europe, Canada, the Caribbean, and South America. Exploring synergies with existing units will strengthen our program.</p> <p><strong>How are Buffalo State finances shaping up as 2023-24 ends? Have the structural deficit projections changed? What about 2024-25?</strong></p> <p>Buffalo State began the 2023-24 year with a structural deficit of $16.5 million. The plan originally submitted to SUNY proposed the deficit would primarily be reduced through attrition over a five-year period starting July 1, 2023. In the first 10 months of this plan, Buffalo State has not seen the level of attrition anticipated. However, thanks to a combination of increased investment from the State and higher enrollment levels for Spring 2024, increased revenues will aid Buffalo State in supporting its Year One goal.</p> <p>The 12-month rolling hire freeze that was implemented in November 2023 has provided some gains, but not at the level expected. This was partially due to the lag between when the employee leaves the institution and when they come off the payroll.</p> <p>We will be providing a complete financial analysis of Year One of the Framework for Financial Sustainability plan after June 30, 2024.</p> <p>Moving forward, we will continue to focus on attrition and the hiring freeze, we will lean into our strengths, and we will turn our approach more aggressively to three areas:</p> <ul><li>Increasing and stabilizing enrollment</li> <li>Reducing our overall operating costs</li> <li>Optimization of our workforce</li> </ul><p><strong>How long will the hiring freeze remain in place?</strong></p> <p>The 12-month rolling hiring freeze will continue through the life of the Framework for Financial Sustainability plan and will continue to be assessed as part of the review of this plan.</p> <p>Salary savings of 20% can be used to backfill positions for the first year. The rehire rate is 40%, so we are expecting supervisors to look at the duties and functions of the personnel in their area carefully before moving forward with a hire after the 12-month period.</p> <p><strong>What changes are being made to the workforce across campus?</strong></p> <p>Buffalo State must aggressively approach reducing overall operating costs while prioritizing investment in key areas. This is a university-wide project, and the Framework for Financial Sustainability plan cannot be successful with reliance on only one area. The Budget and Staff Allocation Committee of the College Senate (BSAC) has recommended we proactively reduce workforce in our administration, instruction, and other non-instruction areas.</p> <p>We are looking at departments that may be over-subscribed with personnel who can fill vacancies in departments that are understaffed. Consolidation of departments to achieve both efficiencies and salary savings can be of great benefit.</p> <p>We are reviewing our personnel structures to determine how to optimize our current talented workforce to best serve our students. This is not just an exercise in numbers. We cannot succeed without adding humanity and respect to our decisions.</p> <p><strong>How will Buffalo State be tracking the progress of efforts to reduce the structural deficit?</strong></p> <p>Buffalo State has been actively tracking progress to our Framework for Financial Sustainability plan. We monitor all attrition and rehires each pay period and reconcile the information by division. In addition, we meet with our colleagues at System Administration on a biweekly basis, using this time to learn about best practices utilized by other campuses, ensure our tracking documents reconcile with System Administration's, and measure both progress toward success on both enrollment goals and the effectiveness of our investments and cost control activities.</p> <p><strong>What are the details of the Voluntary Separation Program being offered?</strong></p> <p>The VSP is open to all full-time, retirement-eligible SUNY Buffalo State employees. The specific details of the program are available on the <a href="https://hr.buffalostate.edu/voluntary-separation-program">Human Resource Management website</a>.</p> <p><strong>What are the details of the Phased Retirement Program being offered?</strong></p> <p>Buffalo State’s phased retirement program will continue for eligible academic and professional employees. The program provides an opportunity for a phased approach to retirement, allowing employees to transition into retirement gradually, with a reduction in workload or obligation and commensurate reduction in pay. The program is voluntary and optional.</p> <p>Program details, including eligibility requirements, the application, and the intent to resign for retirement template letter, are available on the <a href="https://hr.buffalostate.edu/retirement-planning">Human Resource Management website</a>. Eligible employees should discuss the program with their chair or head of their department.</p> <p>Participation in the program is subject to review and approval of the President. Please contact Human Resource Management with questions.</p> <p><strong>How is Buffalo State using the increased State funding announced in May to close the deficit?</strong></p> <p><a href="https://suny.buffalostate.edu/news/sunys-announcement-additional-allocation-includes-28-million-buffalo-state-university">SUNY’s announcement of an additional allocation</a> of $2.8 million for Buffalo State University in May will provide additional funding to enhance student internship experiences, support faculty and student research, and recognize the work of dedicated faculty and staff by covering a portion of the State negotiated salary increases. Over the past two years, Buffalo State has received a combined total increase in State support of nearly 40%.</p> <p>This is a positive development as we continue to work toward addressing our structural deficit, but this funding must be utilized as part of the overall strategy of the Framework for Financial Sustainability plan to ensure that these investments by the State and SUNY are used wisely and effectively.</p> <p><strong>Who was involved in the process of making these decisions?</strong></p> <p>The shared governance structure of Buffalo State’s University Council, College Senate, Professional Staff Caucus, Foundation Board, and our collective bargaining partners has worked together and with our administration and SUNY to set the path to create a more sustainable, robust, and effective institution.</p> <p><strong>What is being done to attract new students and increase enrollment?</strong></p> <p>Students from Western New York continue to represent the largest percentage of Buffalo State's overall enrollment. We will continue to focus on intensive recruitment in this area through a coordinated variety of approaches and initiatives. However, Buffalo State cannot survive solely as a regional institution. We will be offering scholarships and grants that will help us attract students from the entire state and beyond.</p> <p>Retention remains a significant enrollment strategy for the campus community. Our retention efforts will continue to be energetic through our current Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), Roar 2 Success, All College Honors, Say Yes programs, and our academic departments. Also, the academic advising structure is being revised to be more holistic, robust, and reach more students.</p> <p><strong>How were the projections for enrollment and retention determined?</strong></p> <p>Given the institution’s primary source of direct revenue is enrollment, these projections were developed through a shared conversation between Enrollment Management and Finance and Management and then agreed upon by the Cabinet. It was vital to the overall plan development that we put together enrollment projections that supported our revenue needs while supporting the student experience.</p> <p>The projections, in close collaboration with SUNY administration, were developed based on historic enrollment trend data to determine reasonable projections to support the overall plan. The data examined typical growth in applications and admitted students, as well as improved efforts with retention, to settle on goals that move the institution forward.</p> <p>Our financial position will improve as we improve our enrollment efforts. This is critical to the success of the Framework for Financial Sustainability plan.</p> <p><strong>What does the future of Buffalo State University look like?</strong></p> <p>Buffalo State will face these challenges head on, continuing progress toward repositioning ourselves as SUNY’s premier comprehensive institution and reaffirming our role as Buffalo’s university.</p> <p>Buffalo State is committed to ensuring its financial sustainability while maintaining high-quality educational experiences for its students. This university will overcome its current challenges and achieve its strategic vision. We must capitalize on our historical strengths and align our efforts with the emerging trends here in Buffalo, Western New York, across New York State, and beyond to make that vision a reality.</p> <p>For example:</p> <ul><li>New York State faces a pending teacher shortage in the coming years with anticipated mass retirements in urban, suburban, and rural school districts. Buffalo State will rise to the challenge and expand our role as a leader with the creation of new Teacher Education Pipelines.</li> <li>Our science, innovation, and technology infrastructure is unmatched among our SUNY peers. Our unique programs focused on applied learning across our STEM offerings make us a leader in New York’s technological growth.</li> <li>We are in the epicenter of arts, culture, and tourism with Buffalo State’s Burchfield Penney Art Center, the expanded AKG Art Museum, the Buffalo History Museum, the Richardson Olmsted Campus with its Lipsey Architecture Center Buffalo, and so much more on and surrounding our campus. With our long history of art education, art and design, art conservation, and hospitality, we are perfectly positioned to leverage these historic investments.</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="/user/41">norrisma1</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-05-22T12:03:58-04:00" title="Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - 12:03">Wed, 05/22/2024 - 12:03</time> </span> Wed, 22 May 2024 16:03:58 +0000 norrisma1 6551 at https://newsandevents.buffalostate.edu Framework for Financial Sustainability https://newsandevents.buffalostate.edu/framework-financial-sustainability <span>Framework for Financial Sustainability</span> <div> <div> <div class=""> <div class="paragraph content-area paragraph--type--content-area paragraph--view-mode--default mw9 center mt0"> <a class="anchLink" data-anchTitle="" data-anchTag="" name=""></a> <div class="ph6-ns ph3 pv4"> <h2 class="f-headline-ns mb4 mt2 tc normal lh-title bsc-titles"> Framework for Financial Sustainability </h2> <div class="f6 lh-copy mt4"> <p><em>Interim President Bonita R. Durand, Ph.D., outlines vision focused on increasing enrollment, reducing operational costs, supporting and expanding academic strengths</em></p><p>On May 23, 2024, Buffalo State University announced its Framework for Financial Sustainability plan to capitalize on the university’s academic strengths, manage costs, and meet evolving student needs, positioning the campus as a premier university for Western New York and the State University of New York system.</p><p>In an address to the campus community and stakeholders, Buffalo State Interim President Bonita R. Durand, Ph.D., outlined a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to eliminating the university’s $16.5 million structural deficit and maximizing the historic level of investment in the SUNY system by Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration over the past two years.</p><p>“I am confident that our Buffalo State University community can both ensure our long-term financial sustainability while continuing to do what we do best: delivering a high-quality educational experience for our students,” Durand said. “With the support of elected leadership, SUNY leadership, our community partners, our campus community, and our Buffalo State family, we will solidify our role as a premier academic institution that meets students’ evolving needs for years to come.”</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="paragraph ph3 mw9-ns center ph6-ns ph3 paragraph--type--notes paragraph--view-mode--default"> <a class="anchLink" data-anchTitle="" data-anchTag="" name=""></a> <span class="bsc-darkorange b bsc-titles f3 db tc w-100"> [ <h3 class="black dib f3 normal mb0 mt4"> Learn More </h3> ] </span> <ol class="list lh-copy pa0 mt1"> <li class="flex"> <div class="dib ml2"> <div class="flex flex-column items-start"> <a class="more link bsc-taupe oc db pv1 pl1 pr2 mb2" href="https://suny.buffalostate.edu/message/state-university-part-iii-framework-financial-sustainability"> Interim President Bonita R. Durand&#039;s Full Speech </a> <a class="more link bsc-taupe oc db pv1 pl1 pr2 mb2" href="https://suny.buffalostate.edu/framework-financial-sustainability-plan-faq"> Framework for Financial Sustainability Plan FAQ </a> <a class="more link bsc-taupe oc db pv1 pl1 pr2 mb2" href="https://suny.buffalostate.edu/financial-sustainability-quotes"> Framework for Financial Sustainability Plan: What Leaders Are Saying </a> <a class="more link bsc-taupe oc db pv1 pl1 pr2 mb2" href="https://suny.buffalostate.edu/deactivated-and-discontinued"> Programs Identified for Deactivation and Discontinuation </a> <a class="more link bsc-taupe oc db pv1 pl1 pr2 mb2" href="https://hr.buffalostate.edu/voluntary-separation-program"> Voluntary Separation Program Details </a> </div> </div> </li> </ol> </div> </div> <div> <div class=""> <div class="paragraph content-area paragraph--type--content-area paragraph--view-mode--default mw9 center mt0"> <a class="anchLink" data-anchTitle="" data-anchTag="" name=""></a> <div class="ph6-ns ph3 pv4"> <div class="f6 lh-copy mt4"> <p>By coupling this plan to close the structural budget deficit with an infusion of historic levels of State funding, Buffalo State is putting itself in position for long-term financial and institutional health. Last year, SUNY provided Buffalo State with a $5.3 million increase in Direct State Tax Support, followed by another $2.8 million increase this year. That adds up to a combined total two-year increase in State support of nearly 40 percent.</p> <p>“With support from historic levels of State investment, Interim President Durand has outlined a thoughtful, well-planned vision for Buffalo State that balances tough but necessary choices with creative thinking, putting the university in the best possible position to achieve long-term financial health and growth,” SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. said. “A strong Buffalo State is integral to ensuring a strong SUNY system. Interim President Durand and the Buffalo State community have my full support in their work to secure a brighter future for the institution and, most importantly, our students.”</p> <p>The plan was developed in collaboration with SUNY experts and the shared governance structure. It carefully balances a series of measures designed to lean into the university’s strengths, reduce costs, increase revenues, and invest in student success, including:</p> <ul><li><strong>Leaning into Buffalo State’s strengths:</strong> The strategic vision for the university includes capitalizing on areas where Buffalo State excels, such as by: <ul><li>Creating new teacher education pipelines to help meet New York state’s teacher shortage; </li> <li>Nurturing STEM programs that focus on applied learning to make Buffalo State a key anchor of the upstate NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub;</li> <li>Leveraging Buffalo’s place as an epicenter of arts, culture, and tourism to bolster art and hospitality programs;</li> <li>Reviving a pipeline that prepares Buffalo State students to seamlessly pursue their Ph.D. through the University at Buffalo;</li> <li>Creating Buffalo State’s first doctorate for Creative Studies, under review by SUNY. <br /> </li> </ul></li> <li><strong>Increasing and stabilizing enrollment:</strong> Buffalo State enrollment has declined by 42% over the last decade. However, the campus saw an increase in first-time undergraduate enrollment in Fall 2023, which is a hopeful sign. As a university at the center of the Western New York educational landscape, the plan calls for the continuation of intensive recruitment through local opportunities like an Early Middle College agreement with Buffalo Public Schools, as well as through outreach in high-growth areas of the state like New York City. The plan also focuses on student retention through support programs like Roar 2 Success and a revised academic advising structure. <p>Thirty-seven degree programs, certification titles, concentrations, minors, and certificates—which collectively enroll 34 students, or 0.6 percent of the overall student population—have been identified for deactivation and discontinuation. To date, 27 of those have been vetted through Buffalo State University processes and have either completed or are in review at the SUNY and state levels. Buffalo State will no longer be admitting students to these programs, and all students currently enrolled in these programs will be able to complete their degrees. An additional 10 programs are under review for deactivation by Spring 2025. <a href="https://suny.buffalostate.edu/deactivated-and-discontinued">View these 37 programs.</a> <br /> </p></li> <li><strong>Optimization of workforce:</strong> A previously announced 12-month campuswide hiring freeze will remain in place, as will a phased retirement program. The university also will implement a voluntary separation program thanks to funding from the Buffalo State Foundation. The university will continue reviewing operating expenses to determine areas where academic and non-academic departments may be over-subscribed with personnel who can help fill vacancies elsewhere, as well as where consolidation can lead to efficiencies.</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="/user/41">norrisma1</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-05-22T11:28:58-04:00" title="Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - 11:28">Wed, 05/22/2024 - 11:28</time> </span> Wed, 22 May 2024 15:28:58 +0000 norrisma1 6546 at https://newsandevents.buffalostate.edu Programs to be Deactivated and Discontinued https://newsandevents.buffalostate.edu/deactivated-and-discontinued <span>Programs to be Deactivated and Discontinued</span> <div> <div> <div class="paragraph banner paragraph--type--banner paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="pv4 bg-black bsc-lightorange w-100 fw6 flex flex-wrap items-center justify-center tl-ns tc"> <span class="f1-ns f2 bsc-titles normal w-auto-ns w-100"></span> <a class="btn-orange ml4-ns ml0" href="https://suny.buffalostate.edu/framework-financial-sustainability">Framework for Financial Sustainability</a> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class=""> <div class="paragraph content-area paragraph--type--content-area paragraph--view-mode--default mw9 center mt0"> <a class="anchLink" data-anchTitle="" data-anchTag="" name=""></a> <div class="ph6-ns ph3 pv4"> <div class="f6 lh-copy mt4"> <p>Buffalo State has identified 37 degree programs, certification titles, concentrations, minors and certificates to be deactivated and/or discontinued. The 34 students (0.6% of the student population) who are already enrolled in these offerings will be able to complete the programs. </p> <p>To date, 27 programs have been vetted through our university processes and have either completed or are in review at the SUNY and State levels. Buffalo State will no longer be admitting students to these programs once the deactivation and discontinuance processes have been completed:</p> <ul><li>Afro-American Studies, B.S.<br /><em>(Buffalo State offers </em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/undergraduate/major-minor-programs/africana-studies-ba/"><em>Africana Studies, B.A.</em></a><em>, a growing program that is interdisciplinary and extends to the culture, institutions, languages, history, and intellectual contributions made by peoples of African descent)</em></li> <li>Biology Education, certificate (42 credit hours)</li> <li>Biology Education, certificate (36 credit hours)</li> <li>Chemistry, M.A.<br /><em>(Buffalo State offers </em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/undergraduate/major-minor-programs/chemistry-bs/"><em>Chemistry, B.S.</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/undergraduate/major-minor-programs/forensic-chemistry-bs/"><em>Forensic Chemistry, B.S.</em></a><em>, and </em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/graduate/graduate-programs/forensic-science-ms/"><em>Forensic Science, M.S</em></a><em>. programs)</em></li> <li>Chemistry Education, M.S.Ed.<br /><em>(Chemistry, Earth Science, Biology and Physics Education certifications are now included in </em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/graduate/graduate-programs/science-education-msed/"><em>Science Education, M.S.Ed.</em></a><em>)</em></li> <li>Chemistry Education, certificate (42 credit hours)</li> <li>Chemistry Education, certificate (36 credit hours)</li> <li>Dance, minor</li> <li>Design, B.S.</li> <li>Early Childhood Education, B.S.<br /><em>(Early Childhood certification can still be achieved in four ways at Buffalo State: </em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/undergraduate/major-minor-programs/early-childhood-education-birth-grade-2-bs/"><em>Early Childhood Education, Birth through Grade 2, B.S.</em></a><em>; </em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/undergraduate/major-minor-programs/early-childhood-childhood-education-birth-grade-6-combined-program/"><em>Early Childhood and Childhood, Birth through Grade 6, B.S.</em></a><em>; </em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/graduate/graduate-programs/special-education/special-education-early-childhood-program-exc/"><em>Special Education, Early Childhood, M.S.Ed.</em></a><em>; and </em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/graduate/graduate-programs/childhood-early-childhood-curriculum-instruction-msed/"><em>Curriculum and Instruction, M.S.Ed.</em></a><em>)</em></li> <li>Early Childhood Education, M.S.Ed.<br /><em>(</em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/graduate/graduate-programs/childhood-early-childhood-curriculum-instruction-msed/"><em>Curriculum and Instruction, M.S.Ed.</em></a><em>, now includes option for Early Childhood certification)</em></li> <li>Foreign Language Education, M.S.Ed.<br /><em>(In a move responsive to the needs of our community, Buffalo State has refocused on bilingual and multilingual education, which is offered as an advanced certification beyond the bachelor's level with advanced certifications including </em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/graduate/graduate-programs/special-education/teaching-bilingual-exceptional-individuals/"><em>Bilingual Inclusive Education</em></a><em>)</em></li> <li>French and Francophone Culture, minor</li> <li>French Education, B.S.</li> <li>French Education, certificate</li> <li>Italian, minor</li> <li>Literacy Specialist, 5-12, M.P.S.</li> <li>Physics, M.A.<br /><em>(Buffalo State offers Physics,</em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/undergraduate/major-minor-programs/physics-ba/"><em> B.A.</em></a><em> and </em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/undergraduate/major-minor-programs/physics-bs/"><em>B.S. </em></a><em>programs)</em></li> <li>Physics Education, certificate (42 credit hours)</li> <li>Physics Education, certificate (36 credit hours)</li> <li>Professional Applied and Computational Mathematics, M.S.</li> <li>Professional French, minor</li> <li>Spanish Education, B.S.<br /><em>(In a move responsive to the needs of our community, Buffalo State has refocused on bilingual and multilingual education, which is offered as an advanced certification beyond the bachelor's level with advanced certifications including </em><a href="https://ecatalog.buffalostate.edu/graduate/graduate-programs/special-education/teaching-bilingual-exceptional-individuals/"><em>Bilingual Inclusive Education</em></a><em>)</em></li> <li>Spanish Education, certificate</li> <li>Special Studies, B.S.</li> <li>Urban Education, M.S.<br /><em>(Urban Education courses are now offered at Buffalo State as a microcredential to add to any master’s level program)</em></li> <li>Urban Studies, B.A.</li> </ul><p>An additional 10 programs are under review for deactivation by Spring 2025:</p> <ul><li>Applied Math, B.S.</li> <li>Ethics, minor</li> <li>Gerontology, minor</li> <li>GIS, minor</li> <li>Mathematical Logic, certificate</li> <li>Non-Spanish and Chinese Concentrations, certificate</li> <li>Printmaking, minor</li> <li>Printmaking Concentration, concentrations in B.F.A. and B.A.</li> <li>Religious Studies, minor</li> <li>Statistics in Insurance, certificate</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="/user/41">norrisma1</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-05-22T11:04:42-04:00" title="Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - 11:04">Wed, 05/22/2024 - 11:04</time> </span> Wed, 22 May 2024 15:04:42 +0000 norrisma1 6541 at https://newsandevents.buffalostate.edu Tedesco Jonathon P https://newsandevents.buffalostate.edu/admissions/adviser/tedesco <span>Tedesco Jonathon P</span> <span><a title="View user profile." href="/user/41">norrisma1</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-05-16T09:17:33-04:00" title="Thursday, May 16, 2024 - 09:17">Thu, 05/16/2024 - 09:17</time> </span> <div><div> <div> <picture class="w-100 db lh-none"> <!--[if IE 9]><video style="display: none;"><![endif]--> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grid_2_xl/public/2024-02/Tedesco-Jonathon.webp?h=2059f2a2&amp;itok=E1UtfLD4 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/webp" width="722" height="694"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grid_2_xl/public/2024-02/Tedesco-Jonathon.webp?h=2059f2a2&amp;itok=E1UtfLD4 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px) and (max-width: 1199px)" type="image/webp" width="722" height="694"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grid_2_xl/public/2024-02/Tedesco-Jonathon.webp?h=2059f2a2&amp;itok=E1UtfLD4 1x" media="all and (min-width: 640px) and (max-width: 991px)" type="image/webp" width="722" height="694"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grid_2_xl/public/2024-02/Tedesco-Jonathon.webp?h=2059f2a2&amp;itok=E1UtfLD4 1x" type="image/webp" width="722" height="694"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grid_2_xl/public/2024-02/Tedesco-Jonathon.jpg?h=2059f2a2&amp;itok=E1UtfLD4 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/jpeg" width="722" height="694"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grid_2_xl/public/2024-02/Tedesco-Jonathon.jpg?h=2059f2a2&amp;itok=E1UtfLD4 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px) and (max-width: 1199px)" type="image/jpeg" width="722" height="694"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grid_2_xl/public/2024-02/Tedesco-Jonathon.jpg?h=2059f2a2&amp;itok=E1UtfLD4 1x" media="all and (min-width: 640px) and (max-width: 991px)" type="image/jpeg" width="722" height="694"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grid_2_xl/public/2024-02/Tedesco-Jonathon.jpg?h=2059f2a2&amp;itok=E1UtfLD4 1x" type="image/jpeg" width="722" height="694"/> <!--[if IE 9]></video><![endif]--> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grid_2_xl/public/2024-02/Tedesco-Jonathon.jpg?h=2059f2a2&amp;itok=E1UtfLD4" width="722" height="694" alt="Jonathon Tedesco" class="lazyload" /> </picture> </div> </div> </div> <div><p>International</p></div> <div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--adviser paragraph--view-mode--default"> <h2 class="bsc-titles normal fw6 black f2 mb0">Jonathon P. Tedesco</h2> <span class="fw6 f5"> International Operations Manager </span> <div class="advis-info mt5"> <p>SUNY Buffalo State University<br/> Global Engagement<br/> Twin Rise South Wing 410, 1300 Elmwood<br/> Buffalo, NY 14222<br/> Office: (716) 878-5331 / (716) 878-5443<br/> </p> Email: <a class="black bold underline" href="mailto:tedescjp@buffalostate.edu">tedescjp@buffalostate.edu</a> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div>International</div> </div> <div> <div>International</div> </div> Thu, 16 May 2024 13:17:33 +0000 norrisma1 6496 at https://newsandevents.buffalostate.edu Reflecting on Horrific Events of May 14 and Standing Against Evils of Society https://newsandevents.buffalostate.edu/message/reflecting-horrific-events-may-14-and-standing-against-evils-society <span>Reflecting on Horrific Events of May 14 and Standing Against Evils of Society </span> <span><a title="View user profile." href="/user/41">norrisma1</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-05-14T09:06:43-04:00" title="Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - 09:06">Tue, 05/14/2024 - 09:06</time> </span> <div><time datetime="2024-05-14T12:00:00Z">May 14, 2024</time> </div> <div> <div> <div class=""> <div class="paragraph content-area paragraph--type--content-area paragraph--view-mode--default mw9 center mt0"> <a class="anchLink" data-anchTitle="" data-anchTag="" name=""></a> <div class="ph6-ns ph3 pv4"> <h2 class="f-headline-ns mb4 mt2 tc normal lh-title bsc-titles"> Reflecting on Horrific Events of May 14 and Standing Against Evils of Society </h2> <div class="f6 lh-copy mt4"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Dear Buffalo State Community,<p></p></span></p><p>May 14, 2022, is a date that has left an indelible impact on our community and our hearts. As we commemorate the second anniversary of the brutal massacre at the Tops Friendly Market on Buffalo’s East Side, I want to take time to remember the three individuals who were injured and 10 brave souls whose lives were taken because of hate and white supremacy. Aaron Salter Jr., Celestine Chaney, Roberta A. Drury, Andre Mackniel, Katherine Massey, Margus D. Morrison, Heyward Patterson, Geraldine Talley, Ruth Whitfield, and Pearl Young were all active members of this tight-knit community whose lives were taken too soon by someone perpetrating hate.</p><p>Today, we honor these individuals, but we should also take this time to reflect and ask ourselves, what are we doing to fight against white supremacy and hatred? At Buffalo State, we are committed to teaching students to stand against these evils of society, and take positive actions to change their neighborhoods, systems, and eventually the world.</p><p>As author Audre Lorde stated, “In our work and in our living, we must recognize that difference is a reason for celebration and growth, rather than a reason for destruction.”</p><p>Let’s keep growing, learning, and celebrating our diversity while never forgetting the horrific events of May 14.</p><p>Sincerely,</p><p>Bonita R. Durand, Ph.D.<br />Interim President<br />Buffalo State University<br /> </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Tue, 14 May 2024 13:06:43 +0000 norrisma1 6476 at https://newsandevents.buffalostate.edu Jahnay Morehead https://newsandevents.buffalostate.edu/node/6466 <span>Jahnay Morehead</span> <span><a title="View user profile." href="/user/2181">nasongl</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-05-13T12:07:05-04:00" title="Monday, May 13, 2024 - 12:07">Mon, 05/13/2024 - 12:07</time> </span> <div>Jahnay Morehead</div> <div>morehejs01@buffalostate.edu</div> Mon, 13 May 2024 16:07:05 +0000 nasongl 6466 at https://newsandevents.buffalostate.edu Alexis Arth https://newsandevents.buffalostate.edu/node/6401 <span>Alexis Arth</span> <span><a title="View user profile." href="/user/2191">kahwatsm</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-05-01T10:17:04-04:00" title="Wednesday, May 1, 2024 - 10:17">Wed, 05/01/2024 - 10:17</time> </span> <div>Alexis Arth</div> <div>arthac@buffalostate.edu</div> Wed, 01 May 2024 14:17:04 +0000 kahwatsm 6401 at https://newsandevents.buffalostate.edu Commencement 2024 https://newsandevents.buffalostate.edu/commencement2024 <span>Commencement 2024</span> <div> <div> <div class="paragraph lh-none relative overflow-hidden-ns h-vignette-ns h-auto paragraph--type--vignette paragraph--view-mode--default"> <video aria-hidden="true" playsinline autoplay muted loop width="100%" height="auto"> <source src="https://newsandevents.buffalostate.edu/sites/default/files/2023-05/grad_highlights2.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video> <div class="video-background absolute-ns db-ns dn bg-black-50-ns top-0 left-0 w-100 h-100"></div> <div class="video-content tc lh-copy absolute-ns w-70-ns w-100 pa0-ns pa3 bg-black bg-transparent-ns"> <h1 class="bsc-titles white f-6-l f1 fw6 tc normal lh-title"> Watch Video </h1> <div> <div class="f3-ns f5 white lh-copy"></div> <div class="flex items-center justify-center"> <a class="btn-orange mr3" href="https://www.youtube.com/buffalostate/live"> YouTube </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="videobk-overlay"></div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="paragraph page-intro mw9 center pv2 paragraph--type--page-intro paragraph--view-mode--default"> <a class="anchLink" data-anchTitle="" data-anchTag="" name=""></a> <div> <h2 class="f-headline-ns f2 mb0 mt4 pt2 tc normal lh-title bsc-titles"> Saturday, May 18 | Sports Arena </h2> <div class="f-subheadline-l f6 ph6-ns ph3 lh-copy"> <p>To our new graduates: We are so proud of your hard work and accomplishments. Now, we celebrate!</p><p>Our Commencement ceremony honors the Class of 2024, our 152nd graduating class, and your transformation from hard-working student to proud alumni. <strong>Congratulations, Bengals!</strong></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="bg-white" > <div class="paragraph icons flex flex-wrap mw9 center justify-around-ns justify-center ph-6-ns ph1 pv4-ns pv2 paragraph--type--icons paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ph3-ns pa0-ns ph2 pv2"> <a class="db no-underline hover-bg-transparent" href="https://commencement.buffalostate.edu/"> <div class="bg-bsc-orange hover-bg-bsc-darkorange w4-ns w3-h h4-ns h3b br-100 center flex items-center justify-center animated background-color indIconWrap" > <div class="fill-white stroke-white icon-wrap center w3-h-ns w3" > <svg class="icon icon--commencement w-100"> <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#commencement" style="fill:inherit;"></use> </svg> </div> </div> <span class="center tc mt2 f7 fw6 lh-copy w4 mb0 db black hover-white hover-bg-bsc-darkorange">Commencement Website</span> </a> </div> <div class="ph3-ns pa0-ns ph2 pv2"> <a class="db no-underline hover-bg-transparent" href="https://photos.buffalostate.edu/2023Events/52023-Commencement-Highlights/"> <div class="bg-bsc-orange hover-bg-bsc-darkorange w4-ns w3-h h4-ns h3b br-100 center flex items-center justify-center animated background-color indIconWrap" > <div class="fill-white stroke-white icon-wrap center w3-h-ns w3" > <svg class="icon icon--photo-gallery w-100"> <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#photo_gallery" style="fill:inherit;"></use> </svg> </div> </div> <span class="center tc mt2 f7 fw6 lh-copy w4 mb0 db black hover-white hover-bg-bsc-darkorange">Photo Gallery</span> </a> </div> <div class="ph3-ns pa0-ns ph2 pv2"> <a class="db no-underline hover-bg-transparent" href="https://suny.buffalostate.edu/sites/default/files/2020-02/campusmap.pdf"> <div class="bg-bsc-orange hover-bg-bsc-darkorange w4-ns w3-h h4-ns h3b br-100 center flex items-center justify-center animated background-color indIconWrap" > <div class="fill-white stroke-white icon-wrap center w3-h-ns w3" > <svg class="icon icon--campus-map w-100"> <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#campus_map" style="fill:inherit;"></use> </svg> </div> </div> <span class="center tc mt2 f7 fw6 lh-copy w4 mb0 db black hover-white hover-bg-bsc-darkorange">Campus Map (PDF)</span> </a> </div> <div class="ph3-ns pa0-ns ph2 pv2"> <a class="db no-underline hover-bg-transparent" href="https://alumni.buffalostate.edu/"> <div class="bg-bsc-orange hover-bg-bsc-darkorange w4-ns w3-h h4-ns h3b br-100 center flex items-center justify-center animated background-color indIconWrap" > <div class="fill-white stroke-white icon-wrap center w3-h-ns w3" > <svg class="icon icon--alumni w-100"> <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#alumni" style="fill:inherit;"></use> </svg> </div> </div> <span class="center tc mt2 f7 fw6 lh-copy w4 mb0 db black hover-white hover-bg-bsc-darkorange">Alumni Association</span> </a> </div> <div class="ph3-ns pa0-ns ph2 pv2"> <a class="db no-underline hover-bg-transparent" href="https://commencement.buffalostate.edu/sites/commencement/files/documents/commencement2024.pdf"> <div class="bg-bsc-orange hover-bg-bsc-darkorange w4-ns w3-h h4-ns h3b br-100 center flex items-center justify-center animated background-color indIconWrap" > <div class="fill-white stroke-white icon-wrap center w3-h-ns w3" > <svg class="icon icon--online-magazine w-100"> <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#online_magazine" style="fill:inherit;"></use> </svg> </div> </div> <span class="center tc mt2 f7 fw6 lh-copy w4 mb0 db black hover-white hover-bg-bsc-darkorange">Commencement Booklet</span> </a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--parallax-image paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="relative w-100 h6-l h5-ns h4 db-l dn cover bg-center " style="background-attachment:fixed; background-image:url( /sites/default/files/2024-03/commencement-family1.jpg)"> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--wide-embed paragraph--view-mode--default"> <p class="text-align-center"><iframe style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" height="600" width="100%" title="Google map of commencement location." loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2921.0730227524036!2d-78.8860136!3d42.93458739999999!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x89d313285a1db7c9%3A0xab8f6f10208a1a40!2sSports%20Arena%2C%20267%20Rees%20St%20%23251%2C%20Buffalo%2C%20NY%2014222!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1684415569760!5m2!1sen!2sus"></iframe></p> </div> </div> <div> <div class=""> <div class="paragraph content-area paragraph--type--content-area paragraph--view-mode--default bg-bsc-orange pa5-ns pa3 tiger-bk"> <a class="anchLink" data-anchTitle="" data-anchTag="" name=""></a> <div class="bg-white pa4-ns pa3"> <h2 class="f-headline-ns mb4 mt2 tc normal lh-title bsc-titles"> Commencement Day </h2> <div class="f6 lh-copy mt4"> <div class="flex flex-wrap justify-between"><div class="w-33-gap-l w-100"><h3 class="f3 bsc-titles mv0 normal">Ceremonies</h3><p>The Interim Provost and deans will announce individual graduate names by academic school.​</p><ul><li><strong>School of the Professions (9:00 a.m.)</strong></li><li><strong>School of Arts and Sciences (1:00 p.m.)</strong></li><li><strong>School of Education including Individualized and Multidisciplinary Studies (5:00 p.m.)</strong></li></ul><p> </p></div><div class="w-33-gap-l w-100"><h3 class="f3 bsc-titles mv0 normal">Bachelor's Class of 2024</h3><p>Honoring</p><ul><li>August 2023 Graduates</li><li>December 2023 Graduates</li><li>January 2024 Graduates</li><li>May 2024 candidates</li><li>August 2024 candidates</li></ul></div><div class="w-33-gap-l w-100"><h3 class="f3 bsc-titles mv0 normal">Graduate Class of 2024</h3><p>Honoring</p><ul><li>August 2023 Graduates</li><li>December 2023 Graduates</li><li>January 2024 Graduates</li><li>May 2024 candidates</li><li>August 2024 candidates</li></ul><p>Includes master's degrees, certificates of advanced study, and graduate certificates.</p></div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="paragraph--type--image-grid"> <a class="anchLink" data-anchTitle="" data-anchTag="" name=""></a> <div class="flex flex-wrap"> <div class="w-25-l w-50-m w-third-mid w-100 relative griditem flex flex-wrap bg-bsc-orange pa4-l pa3 justify-center items-center" > <h2 class="white f-6-l f1 mv0 pv0 tc bsc-titles normal"> Student Speakers &amp; Award Recipients </h2> </div> <div class="griditem flex flex-wrap w-25-l w-50-m w-third-mid w-100 relative" tabindex=0> <picture class="w-100 db lh-none"> <!--[if IE 9]><video style="display: none;"><![endif]--> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/Pattereson_cropped_0.webp?h=4117f141&amp;itok=9IwUkpbk 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/webp" width="360" height="345"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/Pattereson_cropped_0.jpg?h=4117f141&amp;itok=9IwUkpbk 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/jpeg" width="360" height="345"/> <!--[if IE 9]></video><![endif]--> <img class="w-100 h-auto lazyload" src="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/Pattereson_cropped_0.jpg?h=4117f141&amp;itok=9IwUkpbk" width="360" height="345" alt="Shenese K. Patterson" loading="lazy" /> </picture> <div class="nh-title absolute bottom-1 tc w-100"> <span class="pv2 ph3 f5-l f6 bg-black-80 mw-70 center dib bw1 b--solid b--bsc-orange white bsc-titles fw-400"> Shenese K. Patterson <span class="db f6 white w-100 bsc-text"> 9:00 a.m. ceremony </span> </span> </div> <div class="pa3 gridHover flex absolute top-0 bg-black-70 white justify-center items-center w-100 h-100"> <div class="grid-content w-90"> <span class="f3 bsc-titles normal tc dib w-100"> Shenese K. Patterson </span> <div class="f6 lh-copy white" > <p>Patterson, recipient of the President’s Medal for Outstanding Graduate Student, will deliver the student address at the 9:00 a.m. ceremony</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="griditem flex flex-wrap w-25-l w-50-m w-third-mid w-100 relative" tabindex=0> <picture class="w-100 db lh-none"> <!--[if IE 9]><video style="display: none;"><![endif]--> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/Gonez_0.webp?h=978701ce&amp;itok=--Jv6_Xm 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/webp" width="360" height="345"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/Gonez_0.jpeg?h=978701ce&amp;itok=--Jv6_Xm 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/jpeg" width="360" height="345"/> <!--[if IE 9]></video><![endif]--> <img class="w-100 h-auto lazyload" src="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/Gonez_0.jpeg?h=978701ce&amp;itok=--Jv6_Xm" width="360" height="345" alt="Zoe Gonez" loading="lazy" /> </picture> <div class="nh-title absolute bottom-1 tc w-100"> <span class="pv2 ph3 f5-l f6 bg-black-80 mw-70 center dib bw1 b--solid b--bsc-orange white bsc-titles fw-400"> Zoe E. Goñez <span class="db f6 white w-100 bsc-text"> 1:00 p.m. ceremony </span> </span> </div> <div class="pa3 gridHover flex absolute top-0 bg-black-70 white justify-center items-center w-100 h-100"> <div class="grid-content w-90"> <span class="f3 bsc-titles normal tc dib w-100"> Zoe E. Goñez </span> <div class="f6 lh-copy white" > <p>Goñez, recipient of the President’s Medal for Outstanding Undergraduate Student, will deliver the student address at the 1:00 p.m. ceremony</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="griditem flex flex-wrap w-25-l w-50-m w-third-mid w-100 relative" tabindex=0> <picture class="w-100 db lh-none"> <!--[if IE 9]><video style="display: none;"><![endif]--> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/Goruganthu_0_0.webp?h=f866ec33&amp;itok=t8fjYSvj 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/webp" width="360" height="345"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/Goruganthu_0_0.jpg?h=f866ec33&amp;itok=t8fjYSvj 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/jpeg" width="360" height="345"/> <!--[if IE 9]></video><![endif]--> <img class="w-100 h-auto lazyload" src="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/Goruganthu_0_0.jpg?h=f866ec33&amp;itok=t8fjYSvj" width="360" height="345" alt="Mounika Goruganthu" loading="lazy" /> </picture> <div class="nh-title absolute bottom-1 tc w-100"> <span class="pv2 ph3 f5-l f6 bg-black-80 mw-70 center dib bw1 b--solid b--bsc-orange white bsc-titles fw-400"> Uttam Lakshmi Mounika Goruganthu <span class="db f6 white w-100 bsc-text"> 1:00 p.m. ceremony </span> </span> </div> <div class="pa3 gridHover flex absolute top-0 bg-black-70 white justify-center items-center w-100 h-100"> <div class="grid-content w-90"> <span class="f3 bsc-titles normal tc dib w-100"> Uttam Lakshmi Mounika Goruganthu </span> <div class="f6 lh-copy white" > <p>SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="griditem flex flex-wrap w-25-l w-50-m w-third-mid w-100 relative" tabindex=0> <picture class="w-100 db lh-none"> <!--[if IE 9]><video style="display: none;"><![endif]--> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/Rueger_0.webp?h=fcf39031&amp;itok=MSs19U3O 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/webp" width="360" height="345"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/Rueger_0.jpg?h=fcf39031&amp;itok=MSs19U3O 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/jpeg" width="360" height="345"/> <!--[if IE 9]></video><![endif]--> <img class="w-100 h-auto lazyload" src="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/Rueger_0.jpg?h=fcf39031&amp;itok=MSs19U3O" width="360" height="345" alt="Seth Rueger" loading="lazy" /> </picture> <div class="nh-title absolute bottom-1 tc w-100"> <span class="pv2 ph3 f5-l f6 bg-black-80 mw-70 center dib bw1 b--solid b--bsc-orange white bsc-titles fw-400"> Seth G. Rueger <span class="db f6 white w-100 bsc-text"> 1:00 p.m. Ceremony </span> </span> </div> <div class="pa3 gridHover flex absolute top-0 bg-black-70 white justify-center items-center w-100 h-100"> <div class="grid-content w-90"> <span class="f3 bsc-titles normal tc dib w-100"> Seth G. Rueger </span> <div class="f6 lh-copy white" > <p>SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="griditem flex flex-wrap w-25-l w-50-m w-third-mid w-100 relative" tabindex=0> <picture class="w-100 db lh-none"> <!--[if IE 9]><video style="display: none;"><![endif]--> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/Sarich_crop_0.webp?h=fcd42789&amp;itok=pTTr_Nnc 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/webp" width="360" height="345"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/Sarich_crop_0.jpg?h=fcd42789&amp;itok=pTTr_Nnc 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/jpeg" width="360" height="345"/> <!--[if IE 9]></video><![endif]--> <img class="w-100 h-auto lazyload" src="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/Sarich_crop_0.jpg?h=fcd42789&amp;itok=pTTr_Nnc" width="360" height="345" alt="Catherine_Sarich" loading="lazy" /> </picture> <div class="nh-title absolute bottom-1 tc w-100"> <span class="pv2 ph3 f5-l f6 bg-black-80 mw-70 center dib bw1 b--solid b--bsc-orange white bsc-titles fw-400"> Catherine J. Sarich <span class="db f6 white w-100 bsc-text"> 1:00 p.m. Ceremony </span> </span> </div> <div class="pa3 gridHover flex absolute top-0 bg-black-70 white justify-center items-center w-100 h-100"> <div class="grid-content w-90"> <span class="f3 bsc-titles normal tc dib w-100"> Catherine J. Sarich </span> <div class="f6 lh-copy white" > <p>SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="griditem flex flex-wrap w-25-l w-50-m w-third-mid w-100 relative" tabindex=0> <picture class="w-100 db lh-none"> <!--[if IE 9]><video style="display: none;"><![endif]--> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/Lawrence_cropped_0.webp?h=8e68a442&amp;itok=X3t3qk8g 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/webp" width="360" height="345"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/Lawrence_cropped_0.jpg?h=8e68a442&amp;itok=X3t3qk8g 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/jpeg" width="360" height="345"/> <!--[if IE 9]></video><![endif]--> <img class="w-100 h-auto lazyload" src="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/Lawrence_cropped_0.jpg?h=8e68a442&amp;itok=X3t3qk8g" width="360" height="345" alt="Leslie M. Lawrence" loading="lazy" /> </picture> <div class="nh-title absolute bottom-1 tc w-100"> <span class="pv2 ph3 f5-l f6 bg-black-80 mw-70 center dib bw1 b--solid b--bsc-orange white bsc-titles fw-400"> Leslie M. Lawrence <span class="db f6 white w-100 bsc-text"> 5:00 p.m. ceremony </span> </span> </div> <div class="pa3 gridHover flex absolute top-0 bg-black-70 white justify-center items-center w-100 h-100"> <div class="grid-content w-90"> <span class="f3 bsc-titles normal tc dib w-100"> Leslie M. Lawrence </span> <div class="f6 lh-copy white" > <p>Lawrence will deliver the student address at the 5:00 p.m. ceremony.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="img-column flex flex-wrap bg-bsc-orange"> <a class="anchLink" data-anchTitle="" data-anchTag="" name=""></a> <div class="wrap flex items-center justify-center pa5-ns pa4-m pa3 bg-bsc-orange w-50-l w-100-m w-100"> <div class="img-column-content"> <h2 class="f-6-l f1-m f2 white tc normal bsc-titles"> Student Awards </h2> <div class="content ph2 lh-copy"> <p>Buffalo State proudly recognizes these students, who have integrated academic excellence with distinguished achievement. </p><p><a class="more link black" href="https://suny.buffalostate.edu/news/three-buffalo-state-university-students-receive-suny-chancellors-award-excellence">SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence</a></p><p><a class="more link black" href="https://suny.buffalostate.edu/news/buffalo-state-announces-presidents-medal-winners-student-speakers-152nd-commencement">President's Medal</a></p><p> </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="img-column-img w-50-l w-100-m w-100"> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grid_2_xl/public/2020-09/chancellors_medal.jpg?h=c74750f6&amp;itok=GfkNc9yN" alt="Chancellor&#039;s award medal" /> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--parallax-image paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="relative w-100 h6-l h5-ns h4 db-l dn cover bg-center " style="background-attachment:fixed; background-image:url( /sites/default/files/2023-07/commencement-students5-2023.jpg)"> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="paragraph--type--image-grid"> <a class="anchLink" data-anchTitle="" data-anchTag="" name=""></a> <div class="flex flex-wrap"> <div class="w-25-l w-50-m w-third-mid w-100 relative griditem flex flex-wrap bg-bsc-orange pa4-l pa3 justify-center items-center" > <h2 class="white f-6-l f1 mv0 pv0 tc bsc-titles normal"> Alumni Speakers &amp; Award Recipients </h2> </div> <div class="griditem flex flex-wrap w-25-l w-50-m w-third-mid w-100 relative" tabindex=0> <picture class="w-100 db lh-none"> <!--[if IE 9]><video style="display: none;"><![endif]--> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/constantino.webp?h=db446293&amp;itok=VcXfNu0u 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/webp" width="360" height="345"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/constantino.jpg?h=db446293&amp;itok=VcXfNu0u 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/jpeg" width="360" height="345"/> <!--[if IE 9]></video><![endif]--> <img class="w-100 h-auto lazyload" src="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/constantino.jpg?h=db446293&amp;itok=VcXfNu0u" width="360" height="345" alt="Anne Constantino" loading="lazy" /> </picture> <div class="nh-title absolute bottom-1 tc w-100"> <span class="pv2 ph3 f5-l f6 bg-black-80 mw-70 center dib bw1 b--solid b--bsc-orange white bsc-titles fw-400"> Anne Constantino, ’80 <span class="db f6 white w-100 bsc-text"> 9:00 a.m. ceremony </span> </span> </div> <div class="pa3 gridHover flex absolute top-0 bg-black-70 white justify-center items-center w-100 h-100"> <div class="grid-content w-90"> <span class="f3 bsc-titles normal tc dib w-100"> Anne Constantino, ’80 </span> <div class="f6 lh-copy white" > <p>CEO of Telos Consulting Group LLC</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="griditem flex flex-wrap w-25-l w-50-m w-third-mid w-100 relative" tabindex=0> <picture class="w-100 db lh-none"> <!--[if IE 9]><video style="display: none;"><![endif]--> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/rayam.webp?h=11d3b4fa&amp;itok=p5xqs_Q9 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/webp" width="360" height="345"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/rayam.jpg?h=11d3b4fa&amp;itok=p5xqs_Q9 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/jpeg" width="360" height="345"/> <!--[if IE 9]></video><![endif]--> <img class="w-100 h-auto lazyload" src="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/rayam.jpg?h=11d3b4fa&amp;itok=p5xqs_Q9" width="360" height="345" alt="Sheila Rayam" loading="lazy" /> </picture> <div class="nh-title absolute bottom-1 tc w-100"> <span class="pv2 ph3 f5-l f6 bg-black-80 mw-70 center dib bw1 b--solid b--bsc-orange white bsc-titles fw-400"> Sheila Rayam, ’90 <span class="db f6 white w-100 bsc-text"> 1:00 p.m. ceremony </span> </span> </div> <div class="pa3 gridHover flex absolute top-0 bg-black-70 white justify-center items-center w-100 h-100"> <div class="grid-content w-90"> <span class="f3 bsc-titles normal tc dib w-100"> Sheila Rayam, ’90 </span> <div class="f6 lh-copy white" > <p>Executive editor of the <em>Buffalo News</em>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="griditem flex flex-wrap w-25-l w-50-m w-third-mid w-100 relative" tabindex=0> <picture class="w-100 db lh-none"> <!--[if IE 9]><video style="display: none;"><![endif]--> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/DarrenBrown-Hall.webp?h=4b58cd1e&amp;itok=KTRa4oMs 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/webp" width="360" height="345"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/DarrenBrown-Hall.jpg?h=4b58cd1e&amp;itok=KTRa4oMs 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/jpeg" width="360" height="345"/> <!--[if IE 9]></video><![endif]--> <img class="w-100 h-auto lazyload" src="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/DarrenBrown-Hall.jpg?h=4b58cd1e&amp;itok=KTRa4oMs" width="360" height="345" alt="Darren J. Brown-Hall" loading="lazy" /> </picture> <div class="nh-title absolute bottom-1 tc w-100"> <span class="pv2 ph3 f5-l f6 bg-black-80 mw-70 center dib bw1 b--solid b--bsc-orange white bsc-titles fw-400"> Darren J. Brown-Hall, ’96, ’98 <span class="db f6 white w-100 bsc-text"> 5:00 p.m. ceremony. </span> </span> </div> <div class="pa3 gridHover flex absolute top-0 bg-black-70 white justify-center items-center w-100 h-100"> <div class="grid-content w-90"> <span class="f3 bsc-titles normal tc dib w-100"> Darren J. Brown-Hall, ’96, ’98 </span> <div class="f6 lh-copy white" > <p>Superintendent of the Williamsville Central School District</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="paragraph--type--image-grid"> <a class="anchLink" data-anchTitle="" data-anchTag="" name=""></a> <div class="flex flex-wrap"> <div class="w-25-l w-50-m w-third-mid w-100 relative griditem flex flex-wrap bg-bsc-orange pa4-l pa3 justify-center items-center" > <h2 class="white f-6-l f1 mv0 pv0 tc bsc-titles normal"> President’s Distinguished Service Award Recipients </h2> </div> <div class="griditem flex flex-wrap w-25-l w-50-m w-third-mid w-100 relative" tabindex=0> <picture class="w-100 db lh-none"> <!--[if IE 9]><video style="display: none;"><![endif]--> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/sister_charlene_fontana.webp?h=ddeb069a&amp;itok=nKCtBz9Y 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/webp" width="360" height="345"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/sister_charlene_fontana.jpg?h=ddeb069a&amp;itok=nKCtBz9Y 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/jpeg" width="360" height="345"/> <!--[if IE 9]></video><![endif]--> <img class="w-100 h-auto lazyload" src="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/sister_charlene_fontana.jpg?h=ddeb069a&amp;itok=nKCtBz9Y" width="360" height="345" alt="Headshot of Charlene Fontana" loading="lazy" /> </picture> <div class="nh-title absolute bottom-1 tc w-100"> <span class="pv2 ph3 f5-l f6 bg-black-80 mw-70 center dib bw1 b--solid b--bsc-orange white bsc-titles fw-400"> Charlene M. Fontana, SSJ, &#039;04 <span class="db f6 white w-100 bsc-text"> 9:00 a.m. Ceremony </span> </span> </div> <div class="pa3 gridHover flex absolute top-0 bg-black-70 white justify-center items-center w-100 h-100"> <div class="grid-content w-90"> <span class="f3 bsc-titles normal tc dib w-100"> Charlene M. Fontana, SSJ, &#039;04 </span> <div class="f6 lh-copy white" ></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="griditem flex flex-wrap w-25-l w-50-m w-third-mid w-100 relative" tabindex=0> <picture class="w-100 db lh-none"> <!--[if IE 9]><video style="display: none;"><![endif]--> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/Cindy_Abbott_Letro.webp?h=d0e0d93d&amp;itok=GIFX5yqf 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/webp" width="360" height="345"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/Cindy_Abbott_Letro.jpg?h=d0e0d93d&amp;itok=GIFX5yqf 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/jpeg" width="360" height="345"/> <!--[if IE 9]></video><![endif]--> <img class="w-100 h-auto lazyload" src="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/Cindy_Abbott_Letro.jpg?h=d0e0d93d&amp;itok=GIFX5yqf" width="360" height="345" alt="Headshot of Cindy Abbott Letro" loading="lazy" /> </picture> <div class="nh-title absolute bottom-1 tc w-100"> <span class="pv2 ph3 f5-l f6 bg-black-80 mw-70 center dib bw1 b--solid b--bsc-orange white bsc-titles fw-400"> Cindy Abbott Letro <span class="db f6 white w-100 bsc-text"> 1:00 p.m. Ceremony </span> </span> </div> <div class="pa3 gridHover flex absolute top-0 bg-black-70 white justify-center items-center w-100 h-100"> <div class="grid-content w-90"> <span class="f3 bsc-titles normal tc dib w-100"> Cindy Abbott Letro </span> <div class="f6 lh-copy white" ></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="griditem flex flex-wrap w-25-l w-50-m w-third-mid w-100 relative" tabindex=0> <picture class="w-100 db lh-none"> <!--[if IE 9]><video style="display: none;"><![endif]--> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/Belton-Cottman_0.webp?h=7a76db21&amp;itok=EA8dkXqM 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/webp" width="360" height="345"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/Belton-Cottman_0.png?h=7a76db21&amp;itok=EA8dkXqM 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px) and (max-width: 1439px)" type="image/png" width="360" height="345"/> <!--[if IE 9]></video><![endif]--> <img class="w-100 h-auto lazyload" src="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grild_/public/2024-05/Belton-Cottman_0.png?h=7a76db21&amp;itok=EA8dkXqM" width="360" height="345" alt="Headshot of Sharon Belton-Cottman" loading="lazy" /> </picture> <div class="nh-title absolute bottom-1 tc w-100"> <span class="pv2 ph3 f5-l f6 bg-black-80 mw-70 center dib bw1 b--solid b--bsc-orange white bsc-titles fw-400"> Sharon M. Belton-Cottman <span class="db f6 white w-100 bsc-text"> 5:00 p.m. Ceremony </span> </span> </div> <div class="pa3 gridHover flex absolute top-0 bg-black-70 white justify-center items-center w-100 h-100"> <div class="grid-content w-90"> <span class="f3 bsc-titles normal tc dib w-100"> Sharon M. Belton-Cottman </span> <div class="f6 lh-copy white" ></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="img-column flex flex-wrap bg-bsc-orange"> <a class="anchLink" data-anchTitle="" data-anchTag="" name=""></a> <div class="img-column-img w-50-l w-100-m w-100"> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/image_grid_2_xl/public/2023-06/commencement-students-2023.jpg?h=a0d3b522&amp;itok=wjuU0dMQ" alt="Group of Commencement students smiling" /> </div> <div class="wrap flex items-center justify-center pa5-ns pa4-m pa3 bg-bsc-orange w-50-l w-100-m w-100"> <div class="img-column-content"> <h2 class="f-6-l f1-m f2 white tc normal bsc-titles"> Commencement Celebrations </h2> <div class="content ph2 lh-copy"> <p><strong>May 15 - Graduation Photos</strong><br /><em>noon-6 p.m. Campbell Student Union</em><br />Take graduation photos with a professional photographer. </p><p><strong>May 16 - Class of 2024 Senior Send-Off</strong><br /><em>7:00-9:00 p.m., JVL Alumni and Visitor Center</em><br />Class of 2023 semi-formal celebration. </p><p><a class="btn-black f6" href="https://www.bengalconnect.com/event/10003441">RSVP</a></p><p><strong>May 17 - Commencement Preview and Celebration</strong><br /><em>2:30 p.m. Buffalo State Sports Arena</em><br />Our Commencement Preview and Celebration is a Bengal tradition! All Buffalo State graduates are invited to the celebration.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="/user/41">norrisma1</a></span> <span><time datetime="2024-04-01T14:13:32-04:00" title="Monday, April 1, 2024 - 14:13">Mon, 04/01/2024 - 14:13</time> </span> Mon, 01 Apr 2024 18:13:32 +0000 norrisma1 6281 at https://newsandevents.buffalostate.edu