November 10, 1994: Vol26n10: Council OKs 24-hour arming of Public Safety

By CHRISTINE VIDAL
Reporter Editor
The UB Council approved a measure Nov. 3 that would allow Public
Safety Officers to carry sidearms 24 hours a day. The measure still
requires approval by President William Greiner.
	Under current policy, Public Safety Officers were allowed to
carry weapons only between the hours of 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. The proposed
policy allows officers to carry guns during daytime hours, with the
exception of officers assigned to the academic spine and crowd control
events such as concerts and political demonstrations.
	According to Robert L. Palmer, vice president for student
affairs, other SUNY campuses that allow 24-hour arming include Albany,
Stony Brook, Oswego and Buffalo State.
	"We're trying to the greatest extent possible to police
ourselves on campus," said Greiner. "Our Public Safety Officers need
this kind of protection."
	In other business, the Council also reviewed a policy on the
temporary suspension of students. Palmer noted that the action is "not
a reaction to a problem, but a proactive step," one that does not
represent a change in policy, but rather "a strong commitment to
maintaining an appropriate living-learning environment." Under the
policy, if a decision is made to suspend a student, he or she will be
notified immediately and can appeal the decision within 24 hours.
Previously, the process could take as long as 10 days, according to
Palmer. "What we're doing is putting a little more teeth" in the
procedures, he said.
	In his report to the Council, Greiner praised efforts of those
involved in this year's SEFA campaign, which as of Nov. 2 had reached
108.6 percent of its goal. "Together, I think we've done ourselves
proud," he said. Campaign pledges totaled $617,000, including 114
leadership gifts of $1,000 or more.
	Greiner also indicated that SUNY trustees have forwarded to
the state a budget request that "holds pace" with previous budgets
and, if approved, could lead to "a good solid year" for SUNY.
	The Council also heard a report on UB's international
activities presented by Stephen C. Dunnett, UB vice provost for
International Education.	The Office of International Education
is responsible for all of UB's international agreements, Dunnett said,
including 54 programs in 23 countries. The office receives UB's
international guests, advises the president and provost on protocol,
he said.
	The office provides UB's international student and scholar
services; academic exchange and study abroad programs, including
academic year programs in China, France, Germany, Russia and the
United Kingdom and summer programs in France, Japan, Poland and Spain;
and sponsored overseas programs in Cambodia, Latvia and Malaysia. It
also assists with the development of alumni chapters abroad, Dunnett
said.