Campus Life Fee

• Improves student retention
• Increases sense of community and campus pride
• Builds and improves campus traditions
• Teaches student responsibility and citizenship
• Provides diversity education
• Efficient cost effective services and programs
• Support for enhanced student involvement
• Quality response and service for students experiencing difficulty
• Programs and services to support commuter students, off-campus students and veterans
• Broad support for and involvement in campus-wide programs
• High quality facilities, which serve as the center for the student community
• Increase student participation in mentored academic research and creative activities as a means to deepen and extend learning beyond the classroom
• Enhanced preparation of undergraduate and graduate students for post-graduate opportunities and success
• Increase student access to senior faculty
• Co-curricular program opportunities
• Major choice and career path opportunities
• Capacity for making connections with field of study and industry experts including alumni

• 24/7 access to the Student Union
• Campus wide programming boards
• Individual and group services
• Multi-location programs and services
• Host over 7,000 programs annually
• Web-enabled programming

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:

• Here to Career: Student Life’s career readiness and employment program, Here to Career is designed to provide students with intentional and meaningful work experience regardless of their major or position on campus. Our comprehensive program is based on nationally recognized criteria and will provide students real world skills to ultimately set them apart in a highly competitive workforce.
• One World Café: In partnership with the university, and with the approval of the Capital Planning Board, Campus Dining and Shops intends to design and build a new dining experience as part of UB’s overall Heart of the Campus (HOTC) initiative. 
• Student Housing Master Plan: Starting in summer 2017, and completed in Fall 2019, UB initiated a comprehensive student housing master plan across its three campuses. We are committed to better understanding the most appropriate and efficient use of all current and future campus student living space. 
• Experiential Learning: The university is committed to providing students with opportunities to customize and enhance their college career.  We recognize that you learn by doing, and UB provides learning opportunities that connect students to their interests while bridging with their academics. These opportunities span all majors and are offered in many forms including research, internships, and community service. Experiential learning is learning fostered by reflection, and is available to all students while also engaging faculty, staff, and community partners who are dedicated to the intentional and guided educational experiences offered to students. Experiential learning compliments the university’s mission to research, educate, and serve by offering opportunities that will prepare students for their professional careers and provide those skills to continually contribute to their communities in a world that is ever-changing.
• UB Next: Student Life’s Office of Assessment and Evaluation oversees the collection of undergraduate outcomes data by administering the annual UB Next survey. This data provides a snapshot of student outcomes six months after graduation, be it employment, graduate school, volunteer work, or other pursuits. This information helps us identify opportunities for our new graduates, better serve alumni, work with our community partners and employers, and helps current and future students understand the possibilities available to them through their University at Buffalo education
• New to UB - The First Year Experience: Through a collaborative effort between Enrollment Management and Student Life, New to UB enhances the student experience through the university’s pre-existing assets with new programs and services. The joint effort serves as a tool for ensuring student success, and highlighting the benefits to be gained from improved interaction between the many high-quality programs and services UB already provides for first-year and transitioning students.
• Student Union Master Plan: To meet the changing student needs and evolving programs, Student Life retained the services of a nationally recognized firm to perform a master plan for future use of the North Campus Student Union and Harriman Hall on the South Campus. 
• Wellness Center Task Force: As we seek to advance the health and wellness of our students a unified approach to recreation, health and wellness is needed. This task force is working to create a set of recommendations that enhance the student experience through flexible facilities and holistic programmatic offerings integrating recreation, counseling, health and wellness component services. 
• UB Campus Bookstore Task Force: The task force will solicit broad and inclusive feedback from the University community on the future of UB campus store needs and operations.

• Office of the Vice President provides oversight to 17 Student Life units
• Student Life is one of the largest on-campus employers of students 

Comprehensive programs designed to welcome students to and encourage active engagement with the intellectual, social, and cultural aspects of the UB community.

• Nine two-day summer programs for first-year students
• Five one-day summer programs for transfer students
• Four one-day winter programs for students
• Optional online orientation program for transfer students

• 3,646 first-year students attended orientation in Summer 2019
• Nearly 1,000 transfer students attended an on-campus orientation and nearly 450 more participated in online orientation in Summer 2019

The Career Services mission is to challenge students to see possibilities and seek opportunities in preparation for life after college.

• Career counseling and coaching
• Resume, Cover Letter, C/V reviews
• Career and individual assessments
• Comprehensive website and online career development services (Bullseye powered by Handshake)
• Career development courses (UE 101, UBE 202, UBE 302)
• UB Career Connector Network
• Career, job and internship fairs
• Networking programs
• On-campus interviewing
• Employer information sessions on individual companies/organizations
• Practice interviews (Big Interview)
• Workshops

• Approximately 4,900 individual student appointments
• 270 students enrolled in UE Majors Explorers courses
• 9 students enrolled in UBE 202 (career development course)
• 38 students enrolled in UBE 302 winter session online job searching course
• 23,671 students utilized Bullseye powered by Handshake (online career management system)
• 59,565 full-time and part-time jobs and internships were posted in Bullseye powered by Handshake
• 88,606 applications were submitted in Bullseye powered by Handshake
•  20,184 approved employers in Bullseye powered by Handshake
• 3,780 current students and alumni attended career and job and internships fairs
• 56 employer-student interviews occurred on-campus
• 1,1,556 students attended employer info sessions, workshops, and networking events
• 298 organizations/companies attended networking, job, and internships fairs
• 74 employer campus visits (info sessions, workshops, and networking events)
• 133 student to alumni consultations in the UB Career Connector Network
• 102 assessments completed with students
• 2,387 students attended the STEM UP Job + Internship Fair
• 1,279 students attended Spring Job + Internship Fair
• 114 students attended the Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Networking Reception
• 149  students attended Career Conversations programs in NYC and Buffalo
• 95 students attended NYC Road Trip events

Provide just, safe, orderly, and positive campus climate through regulations, disciplinary processes, informational programming, and intervention effort.

• Student Conduct process
• Community service programs
• Victim assistance
• Student interventions for alcohol or drug overdose
• Behavioral intervention and support
• Student Advocacy service
• Emergency fund programs

• 30 Student Employees/Volunteers trained and supervised/advised
• 10 Hearing Representatives to the Student-Wide Judiciary (law students)
• 8 Student Justices to the Student-Wide Judiciary
• 10 Student Assistants handling general office work
• 1 Graduate Assistant as Students’ Advocate and Community Service Coordinator
• 1 Graduate Assistant as part-time staff person for student support coordination
• 211 Disciplinary Cases Adjudications (49 Administrative Hearings; 162 SWJ)
• Of 49 Administrative Hearings, 12 were Title IX/VAWA
• Additional 64 informal behavioral interventions
• 61 Alcohol or Other Drug Interventions
• 53 from Alcohol Transports
• 5 from Alcohol Non-Transports
• 2 from Other Drugs
• 2,472 Community Service Hours assigned and/or coordinated
• 1,485 hours coordinated from 135 Campus Living referrals
• 525 hours assigned and coordinated from 37 SWJ hearings
• Includes 29 University Heights Clean-Up sanctions (2hrs./ea.)
• 315 hours assigned and coordinated from 9 Administrative Hearings
• 99 hours coordinated from 5 outside court referrals
• Approximately 80 Outreach Presentations
• 44 First-Year Student, Transfer, International and Parent/Family Orientation Presentations
• Approximately 35 Other Presentations (Athletics, Campus Living, SOC Outreach)
• 257 Emergency Fund requests/applications administered
• 127 Gerstner-Heckscher Grant Requests
• 130 Student Life Gift Requests
• 102 Advocacy Consultations
• 72 related to Academic Issues
• 30 related to Non-Academic Issues
• 3 Student Death Notifications and an annual Memorial Service
• 1,248 Background Searches Performed (Career and/or Academically Related)
• 355 Student Support Referrals
• 463 consultations and support for behavioral intervention
• 33 consultations and support for Title IX/VAWA reporting parties
• 61 consultations and support for Non-Title IX/VAWA victims of crimes/other
• 55 consultations and support for medical illness or injury
• 28 consultations 

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.

• Co-curricular Certificate Program
• Leadership Development programs, conferences and activities
• Student organization leadership training
• Leadership courses (credit bearing)
• Leadership House (living learning community)
• Leadership Mentoring programs
• Community service and volunteer coordination
• Alternative Break programs
• Campus involvement portal system (UBLinked)
• Student Leadership International Dialogue Exchange (SLIDE) program
• Advisement of Mortar Board, Phi Eta Sigma, Circle K, The National Society of Leadership and Success, The National Society of Collegiate Scholars and American Association of University Women
• Improves student retention
• Builds and improves campus traditions
• Increases sense of community and campus pride

• Approximately 2000 plus students participated in leadership programs
• 100 individuals enrolled in the Leadership Certificate Program (TORCH and PEAK)
• 30 Leadership House members, 15 Leadership House mentors
• Over 1,000 students participated in community service programs
• 20 students participated in the UB Student Leadership and International Dialogue Exchange (SLIDE) Program, which travelled to London and Paris.
• UBLinked has more than 23,500 users and 664 organizations (including University departments)
• Approximately 300 students participated in the DISC assessment (DISC is a personal assessment tool used to improve work, teamwork and communication)
• 5,569 hours were tracked by UBLinked by UB students, these hours equal almost $133,677.20 in volunteer labor to the community
• Over 60 community partners worked with the Student Engagement office to provide volunteer opportunities to UB students.
• Over 80 students and 14 UB staff members participated in Alternative Spring Break programs

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.

• Educational workshops
• Diversity Zone training
• Safe Zone training
• Cultural programming, activities and events
• LGBTQ+ programming, activities, and events (PRIDE week, queer prom, LGBTQ dinner crew)
• Commencement/recognition celebrations
• Internship programs
• Intercultural Leadership Retreat
• Coordinated advocacy opportunities/efforts
• Collaboration efforts with various departments and organizations

• Approximately 4,000 students participate in various diversity activities and events
• Over 1,800 participants in cultural bazaars
• 610 undergraduate and graduate student participants in the Annual ALANA Celebration of Achievement (with over 1,200 family/guests in attendance)
• 25 students participate in the Lavender Celebration along with over 40 faculty and staff members
• Over 1,000 students participate in various diversity workshops
• Over 150 students received Diversity Zone training
• Over 250 students received Safe Zone Training
• Approximately 400 student leaders participate in diversity leadership training programs
• 10 students serve as diversity advocates per academic year
• Approximately 350 students in monthly social diversity events

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.

• Educational programs
• Philanthropic programs
• Leadership programs
• Organizational advising
• Academic recognition programs

• Serves 37 social fraternal student organizations that are affiliated with our campus with approximately 975 active participants including chapters of three national Greek honor societies: Gamma Sigma Alpha, Order of Omega, and Rho Lambda
• 60 UB community workshops
• 18 fund raising and community service events
• 1,500 hours of community service to the UB and WNY communities, approximately 15.5 hours per student in the Greek community
• $25,000 raised for charitable organizations

Helping student veterans balance college life with student life goals.

• Ease transitions of veterans
• Conduct veteran needs assessment
• Centralized service center

• Achieved Yellow Ribbon Veteran School status
• Achieved Veteran-Friendly School designation
• Achieved “Best for Vets” Status
• Veteran’s lounge
• Ranked #48 in UB News and World Reports National Universities for Veterans

Student Unions provides a variety of services, facilities and programs designed to meet the needs of students, faculty, staff and visitors on both campuses.

• Club room and offices for student clubs and organizations
• Meeting rooms, theater, social hall, assembly theater, ballrooms and conference rooms
• Digital display advertising
• Building reservations operations staff
• Welcome Center
• Building maintenance
• Building furniture
• Lounge spaces
• Dining and retail operations
• Reflection room
• Lactation room
• Lost and found
• Battery recycling drop-off location
• Blue Table food pantry
• Ticket office

• Houses over 60 clubs and organizations
• 424 lockers maintained
• Processed over 11,000 reservations
• An estimated 200,000 in attendance at all events throughout the year

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.

• Lake LaSalle Paddling
• Fire pit rentals
• Outdoor workshops and clinics
• Outdoor gear loans Adventure trips
• 9-hole Disc Golf course
• Consultations on trips, local hiking and paddling locations

• Over 6,000 students participated in Paddling on Campus including canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding. Served over 1,000 students paddle on Lake LaSalle during Welcome Weekend.
• Fire pit reservations have grown to one each week
• Outdoor workshops and clinics –over 300 participants
• Our outdoor gear loan program had over 1,000 participant days of gear loans that included: tents, sleeping bags, stoves and much more

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.

• Student Programming Board
• Welcome Weekend
• Family Weekend
• Haunted Union
• Oozefest
• Senior Celebration
• Human Interlocking UB
• General student programming throughout the fall semester designed to assist in campus engagement
• Late Night Programming

• 2,200 students participated in Haunted Union
• Over 1,200 students participated in Senior Celebration
• Over 5,000 students participated in various student programming activities
• Over 3,000 students and family members participated in Welcome Weekend activities
• Over 2,000 students participated in welcome back events
• 10 paid and unpaid students participate on the programming board
• 25 Late Night programs annually
• An average of 200 students at each Late Night event
• Late Night programs are planned and implemented by students, for students
• 8-10 students participate in the Student Mentorship Program
• Off-campus trips throughout the WNY area in the fall and spring semesters

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.

Programs offered under the auspices of University Life and Services:

Victim’s Assistance -$6,085 provides greater support for UB students who are injured, ill, or harmed through crime or violence.

1. Referral and checks on crime victims
2. Referral and checks on injured students
3. Faculty notification for hospitalizations
4. Substance abuse interventions
5. Single point of contact for parents
6. Ongoing campus point of contact for families of students who have died
7. Ongoing source of support for friends and roommates of students who have died
8. Annual Student Remembrance Program
9. Referrals and meetings for emergency funds
10. Checks on University Heights related concerns (i.e. housing issues, safety concerns)

Civic Engagement - $108,009 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

• Integrated learning opportunities
• Community and civic engagement programming including service trips
• Voter registration initiatives

Suicide Prevention - $156,487 provides greater support for all students, including at-risk students, by focusing on mental health and emotional wellness promotion

• Offered 19 QPR (question, persuade, refer) suicide prevention training programs to the campus community (406 attendees)
• Collaborated with the over 18 departments and student groups, for a highly attended Suicide Prevention Week (600 attendees)
• Staff participated in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Buffalo Out of the Darkness Walk for Suicide Prevention and assisted in raising $249,000 for suicide prevention research and education (3,000 attendees)

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 CURCA activities:

• Focus on historically underrepresented units and disciplines to ensure meaningful opportunities and experiences for all students
• Utilization of website for posting of research opportunities for students along with social media to encourage broad participation from students across disciplines and content areas
• Student-focused research fairs and workshops that clarify process for engagement and communicate the benefits of research with regard to graduate school and career paths
• Increased interest in CURCA awards with record number of students and teams of students applying indicating growing interest in mentored research
• Growing opportunities for students to participate in regional, national, and international research opportunities.
• Promotes a culture of research and exploration through coordinating Celebration of Student Excellence poster session and awarding students with demonstrated excellence in research through award ceremony.
• Builds capacity among faculty and academic departments with regard to engaging undergraduates in research and creative activities
• Research and creative experiences help support students’ professional and academic goals

Undergraduate Research

• Fall 2018 Research Fair included table displays, faculty and staff lectures and workshops on how students might best prepare for and access research opportunities.  At the 2018 Undergraduate Research Fair, approximately 50 students signed up to join the CURCA listserv.
• The annual Celebration of Academic Excellence includes a substantial student component. This year, the CAE featured 211 research projects presented by over 300 undergraduate students. In addition, the Graduate School presented approximately 50 projects at the event. Between the accepted undergraduate and graduate presenters, the event reached maximum capacity for accepted presenters.
• SUNY Undergraduate Research Conference (SURC) 2019 at SUNY Niagara Community College: This year, over 60 students from the University at Buffalo were accepted to present their research projects at SURC at NCCC, an increase of more than 40 students over last year’s total accepted presenters. CURCA provided transportation to and from NCCC, and covered the participating students’ registration fee.
• CURCA-funded Undergraduate Research Conferences: CURCA provided funding to assist more than 24 students presenting at a number of national and international conferences

Celebration of Student Academic Excellence

• The Celebration continued as a signature UB event that celebrates and recognizes the breadth and depth of undergraduate and undergraduate student accomplishments related to research and creativity. Annually, CURCA invites students participating in research and creative works to present their projects at the Celebration of Student Academic Excellence to recognize the outstanding academic contributions of our students, faculty, and research mentors.
• This year, CURCA accepted 211 undergraduate projects. In addition, the Graduate School presented approximately 50 projects at the event.

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.

• Course Infusion Funds –support the inclusion of experiential learning within existing undergraduate courses
• Faculty Fellows Program- ELN accepts faculty fellows who are committed to developing new or significantly redesigned courses that feature high-impact experiential earning
• Global Collaboration Digital Badge- engages students in reflection and integration of global engagement with academic and professional goalsGPS Journal- in partnership with the UB Libraries- an open-source digital journal available to students and global partners
• Customized short-term study abroad courses- ELN works with UB faculty and the Study Abroad office/ International Education to customize short-term experiential learning courses
• Development and piloting of new Global Collaboration Digital Badge- Piloted Fall 2018

ELN Sophomore Living and Learning Community:

• Thirty-seven students were admitted and lived together in Greiner Hall, taking a 1-credit design challenge course during the fall semester, and working in teams under the mentorship of faculty and community leaders.   

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:

• 442 students experienced a course supported through Course Infusion fund
• 37 students enrolled in the sophomore living-learning community with assessment data revealing that the LLC had positive impacts on feelings of connectedness, preparedness, and confidence. 
• Successful pilot of Global Collaboration Digital Badge with four out of five students agreeing or strongly agreeing that the activities helped them build skills and competencies relevant to their future career
• An Experiential Learning climate survey was completed by 369 students which showed significant interest in engaging in experiential learning, obtaining mentored projects, and earning digital badges. Results are guiding development of the 19-20 ELN plans.
• Plans to merge CURCA offerings through an expanded ELN project portfolio planned for summer 2019 to be launched in fall 2019

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:

• Renew and upgrade building infrastructures and services
• Selective renovation of Capen, Norton and Talbert Halls to expand and reorganize library services and consultation, integrate many student services, and provide flexible and technology-enriched classrooms and spaces for collaboration and group study, as well as galleries and cafes.
• Transform central library and support space into a multi-use setting housing a 21st century library and variety of formal and informal learning environments, IT and faculty support, one-stop shopping for student services and casual dining.
• Capen Hall provides “entry-to-exit” services for UB’s entire student population in one place.
• Provide an identifiable entrance to UB’s north campus
• Provide a learning landscape environment throughout the facility

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.

Student Unions
Unions open 24/7

Student Unions Welcome Center
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday– Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m

Student Unions Administrative Offices
(Moving effective spring 2019 to 235 Student Union)
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Student Engagement
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, 2^nd 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. The Student Programming Board, sponsored by the Office of Student Life, provides a variety of Late Night programs throughout the year including: a free Haunted House, Scavenger Hunts, off-campus trips, and a variety of events are held in the lobby of the Student Union two to three times per week.

What is UBLinked and how do I use it?

UBLinked is a one stop shop for all of UB’s clubs, organizations and departments. Find out what events are happening each day, which organizations you are interested in joining, track your service hours or advertise your group’s events. Any student, faculty or staff with a buffalo.edu email address has an account; just log on with your 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?

In fall 2018, the Student Unions piloted a 24/7 Student Union.  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 Coordinator in the Office of Student Engagement (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, as part of a student organization requirement, because community service helps build leadership skills, or because doing community service enriches the lives of both the one serving as well as those who are served, the Office of Student Engagement 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, form lasting friendships and develop leadership skills.

When can I join a fraternity or sorority?

A student must be at least a second semester freshman (12 credits or more) and have a minimum 2.0 QPA in order to join 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.