Reporter Volume 26, No.1 September 1,1994

By STEVE COX
Reporter Staff
President Greiner has announced the appointment of Sinette E. "Sy"
Winfield acting director of the university's Equal
Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EO/AA) program. Winfield, currently
associate director of the Office of Personnel Services, assumes her
new duties today.
	The EO/AA office is responsible for ensuring UB's compliance
with all federal and state laws regarding civil rights, equal
opportunity and discrimination, as well as the SUNY Trustees' equal
employment opportunity policies. Winfield, a 15-year veteran of the
personnel department, succeeds George D. Unger, who retired Aug. 31
after three and one-half years in the post and 21 years at UB. 
	Winfield calls it an "exciting time" to serve in her new
capacity. The university has undertaken a comprehensive review of
responsibilities and operations in the Affirmative Action office,
under the direction of Senior Vice President for University Services
Robert Wagner. "In reviewing our mission, purpose and programs,"
Winfield said, "we may bring newer issues to the fore such as the ADA
(Americans with Disabilities Act)."
	Winfield explained that the overall operation of the office
has not been reviewed since 1980. The study will involve examining the
current responsibilities of the office, comparing UB's office to
comparable offices at other AAU and SUNY institutions and assessing
the role of the office in meeting the university's diversity
commitment. A final report is due to be submitted to President Greiner
in December, according to Wagner. A search committee for a permanent
EO/AA director will be appointed sometime after January, Wagner said.
	Winfield's years in personnel have exposed her to many of the
issues the EO/AA office deals with. "When I began," she said, "my
first challenge was to find ways to effectively recruit (minority
candidates) in classified, competitive positions." With a mission
statement and candidate search procedures already in place, Winfield
found UB already committed to diversity in its employment when she
arrived.
	A Buffalo native, Winfield began her career at UB as manager
of employment and personnel. She holds an undergraduate degree from
West Virginia State University and a master's degree in urban and
environmental studies from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Before
coming to UB, Winfield worked as a minority recruiter for the state
civil service department in Albany.