The Campus Life Fee supports programs and facilities that enhance the student experience and promote the quality of campus life. The university is dedicated to providing quality campus life programs and services that support student academic success and personal development. Service and program opportunities in the Student Life area assist UB in recruiting and retaining top students, positioning them for life success after graduation and nurturing a connectedness to UB, resulting in enhanced alumni relations.
Provide support to the offices of the Vice President for Student Life, Administration and Planning, and Marketing and Communication. The Office of the Vice President provides overall leadership, vision and implementation of the Student Life mission. Administration and Planning provides support to the division in the areas of resource planning, and processing for the division of Student Life. Marketing and Communications provides leadership and institutional-level guidance to the internal and external marketing initiatives within Student Life. Representing the division as a member of the university’s senior communicators group, we provide top level administrative marketing support while also engaging units through brand guidance, web integration, and communications solutions to meet the ever evolving needs of UB and our respective audiences.
We strive to provide the new experiences, programs and resources that will meet the ever-changing needs of our diverse student body. Current initiatives include:
Comprehensive set of programs and services designed to assist students in making a successful transition to UB, focusing specifically on preparing for academic success, encouraging intentional engagement, facilitating connections, supporting transitions, and coordinating processes. Primary components include Summer Orientation, Welcome Weekend, and Year One initiatives, complemented by programs and initiatives for parents and family members who are supporting students in transition.
The Career Services mission is to challenge students to see possibilities and seek opportunities in preparation for life after college.
Provide just, safe, orderly, and positive campus climate through regulations, disciplinary processes, informational programming, and intervention effort.
Suicide Prevention - $132,881
Provides greater support for all students, including at-risk students, by focusing on mental health and emotional wellness promotion.
Student Engagement enhances learning and development by facilitating impactful opportunities that empower students to be contributors in a global society. We provide programs and services that encourage and inspire involvement through integrative and intentional experiences.
We create a strong sense of belonging by celebrating our differences as proudly as we celebrate our commonalities, while helping students broaden their perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of our ever-changing world.
Provide a platform for leadership development, civic engagement, and philanthropic service as part of the academic and social advisement of the members of recognized Greek-letter social fraternal organizations at UB. Serves as a resource for the University community in regards to information and issues related to the UB Greek community.
Helping student veterans balance college life with student life goals.
Student Unions provides a variety of services, facilities and programs designed to meet the needs of students, faculty, staff and visitors on both campuses.
Civic Engagement promotes student awareness of civic responsibilities and opportunities; engages students in service on behalf of others; and educates on role of citizens and community needs
Outdoor Pursuits offers a variety of programming and adventure opportunities for the students, faculty, staff and community. Programs listed below were created to offer critical outdoor recreational release from the vigors of academic study and provide sustainable practices through connections and appreciation to the natural world.
The Athletic Bands consist of the Marching Band, the Pep Band, and Dazzlers Dance Team and are student ambassadors for the university that create an environment supporting the highest standards of the University at Buffalo’s spirit and tradition.
Off- Campus/External Community Events
The Pep Band consisting of 80 musicians and 16 dance team members , represents the University and Student Engagement through performance and community outreach.
POPULATIONS SERVED
The Athletic Bands Student- Contact Hours:
Pride and Traditions Programming coordinates several major student programs designed to aid students in their emotional, social, and academic development. Programs are designed to enhance a sense of community and promote traditions on campus.
The Strategic Investment Fund (initiated by the university) allocates a portion of the Campus Life Fee for strategic investment areas that impact the entire student body. Strategic investment areas include disability accommodations, victim assistance, suicide prevention, and civic engagement programs. These funds are used to support initiatives on behalf of the student experience identified through the UB 2020 strategic planning process.
New initiatives or enhancements to programs offered under the auspices of the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Education to improve the Undergraduate Experience:
Supporting Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities: Students from across all majors and programs of study are encouraged to participate in mentored research through the Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (CURCA). As a comprehensive portal for undergraduate research, CURCA has emerged as a popular resource for opportunities and funding to support students’ research interests and experience. CURCA supports students in all phases of their research activities from identifying potential projects to applying, preparing findings through poster presentations, and submitting for up to $500 per semester, per student, to support research activities. CURCA also supports research by highlighting student projects at the annual Celebration for Student Academic Excellence, coordinating a campus-wide poster session and award selection, while also helping students access summer REU’s and opportunities to present at regional, national, and international forums. It should be noted that CURCA serves all students regardless of citizenship, area of focus, or program of study.
Other ELN activities:
Experiential Learning Network (ELN)
Designed to serve as a dynamic hub for credit-based and enhancing experiential learning, ELN offers customized support to students and faculty toward the goal of cultivating and leveraging high-impact learning opportunities.
Student Benefits and Impacts:
The ELN works to incubate and infuse courses with high-impact experiential learning through a number of programs targeting faculty from across disciplines and programs.
ELN Sophomore Living and Learning Community:
Mentor Network and Un-Office Hours: The ELN Lounge serves as a comfortable and inviting space for innovation and creative learning opportunities to incubate and grow. Informal mentoring and Un-Office Hours are scheduled throughout the year to provide students with informal engagement with ELN faculty and mentors.
ELN Fast Facts:
The Heart of the Campus (HOTC) project is a university-wide initiative to build community and a sense of place at the center of UB’s campuses. Key elements of the project include:
Student Life: Fraternities and Sororities, Marching Band, Student Activities and Organizations, Outdoor Pursuits, Student Union
150 Student Union
Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Unions open Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Student Unions Welcome Center
Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday– Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m
Student Unions Administrative Offices
235 Student Union
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
150 Student Union
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m..
UBLinked
223 Student Union
(Moving effective spring 2019 to 150 Student Union)
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Intercultural and Diversity Center
240 Student Union
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Orientation, Transition and Parent Programs
112 Student Union
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Student Conduct and Advocacy
9 Norton Hall
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Career Services
259 Capen Hall
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Veteran Services
321 Student Union
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Counseling Services
120 Richmond Quad (North Campus)
Monday, Tuesday, Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm
Wednesday – Thursday 8:30am – 7:00pm
Michael Hall, 2nd floor (South Campus)
Monday 8:30am – 7:00pm
Tuesday – Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm
What is “Student Life”?
The mission of Student Life is to provide programs and services that encourage and inspire involvement, leadership, diversity, pride, tradition, learning, and self-development. From a student’s first step on campus, Student Life will assist them in becoming a force for positive change in the University community and the greater society.
Is there anything fun to do on campus?
Yes! Just walk through the Student Union any day of the week to experience involvement fairs, cultural celebrations, art displays, and much more. Check out UBLinked for a list of clubs and organizations hosting events, meetings, etc. and stop by the Student Engagement Office, 150 Student Union to learn about ways to get involved on campus and about events happening on campus. Checked out the Student Life events calendar: https://www.buffalo.edu/studentlife/who-we-are/departments/engagement/events-calendar.html
What is UBLinked and how do I use it?
UBLinked is a getting involved virtual platform for students and the campus community to learn about clubs and organizations along with events scheduled on campus. It’s a great first step in learning about the outside the classroom experience at UB. Any student, faculty or staff with a buffalo.edu email address has an account and can log on with their UBIT information!
What is so different about the Student Union from other buildings on campus?
The Student Union is one of the most popular places on campus to hang out. On a typical day you are likely to find five student organization information tables in the lobby, vendors promoting services for students, music from the special event of the day, career fairs in the Social Hall, small concerts and movies in the theater and a variety of activities and meetings throughout the building. There is never a dull moment during the academic year.
How can I find out more about social justice and diversity issues on campus?
Stop by the Intercultural and Diversity Center and learn more about Diversity Zone Training. It is designed to spark thought and engage students in conversations about the concepts of diversity, cultural identity and social justice in a safe, encouraging and challenging environment. This four-hour certificate workshop addresses specific areas of diversity that are geared to actively engage students in experiential learning via activities, team building exercises and guided dialogue. Students are encouraged to step outside of their “comfort zone” in order to probe more deeply the complexity of issues of oppression. Participants receive a certificate at the completion of training for use on their resumes and portfolios.
What is there to do on campus at night?
On-campus programs are held in the Student Union throughout the week and weekends along with events scheduled in the residence halls. Checking UBLinked, campus calendars, marketing throughout campus, and asking resident advisors are great ways to learn more about what’s happening on campus.
Do I have to be a Music major to join the Marching or Pep Band?
No. The Thunder of the East comprises students from all majors. This past fall, over 97% of students registered for band camp were non-music majors. The chosen academic field of study of band members ranges from Aerospace Engineering to Communication to English.
Why is it so important to develop my leadership skills?
Leadership is an important part of your life whether you are serving on a committee, participating in a classroom discussion, volunteering for a community service project, playing sports or working at a job. Your ability to lead and be a contributing member of a group plays a vital role in your success at UB and your future role in the community, a career, and family life. Many recent surveys show that one of the top things employers are looking for from prospective hires is leadership ability!
Do I have to be an underrepresented student to participate in the programs or use the services offered by the Intercultural and Diversity Center?
Absolutely not. Our programs are open to all students and we encourage students to stop by the Center at any time.
Is there any place on campus I can volunteer for community service activities?
Yes, there are hundreds of opportunities to become involved. The Community Engagement Team in the Student Engagement Office (150 Student Union) is here to help all students, individuals or groups, find and complete long-term, short-term and one-time community service projects. Whether students want to engage in community service for a class assignment, to give back to their communities, or as part of a student organization requirement, community service helps build leadership skills andenriches the lives of both the one serving as well as those who are served. The Student Engagement office is the place to visit for help getting started.
Why would I want to join a fraternity or sorority?
Greek-letter social organizations provide students with the opportunity to get involved in the campus and local communities, establish lasting friendships and develop leadership skills.
When can I join a fraternity or sorority?
A student must be at least a2.5 UB GPA and 12 earned college credits in order to be eligible for membership in a fraternity or sorority.
What if I want to explore a major or change my major?
In addition to your academic advisor, you can also seek guidance to explore your options through Career Services. You can consider completing assessments that can provide you information of your values, skills and interests that can be helpful in determining your options.
How can I get a job after graduation?
Your prospects for getting a job in your field after graduation are enhanced by building a strong resume of experience during your time at UB and building your network. Securing an internship or two and making connections with alumni contributes to your success. Career Services can provide support in these crucial areas.
Let us know how we can help you. Submit our Contact Us form.