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 oversight and assistance for budgeting, financial planning, human resources and related areas throughout 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. Our strategic priorities include Student Academic success – enhance co-curricular opportunities for students to develop skills that lead to success in the classroom, retention and timely graduation; Dining, Unions and Housing – provide safe sustainable, and accessible living and learning environments on campus that instill a sense of pride and tradition at UB; Wellness – foster a culture of student-driven wellness at UB; Post-Graduation Outcomes – develop skills for student success in the changing economy; and Student Life – share the Student Life story, develop and recruit diverse talent and enhance stewardship of resources.
Major initiatives include:
Comprehensive set of programs and services designed to welcome new undergraduate students to UB and help them:
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.
Blackstone LaunchPad inspires, empowers, and catalyzes students to realize solutions that address the global and local challenges of our time. By offering a system of programs and activities that provide a unique path of entrepreneurship education, engagement, collaboration and opportunity — for a truly transformative learning experience that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship. LaunchPad supports students to develop their entrepreneurial skills and mindset to grow a venture and grow a successful career.
We accomplish our goals to create a culture of innovation and creativity by delivering:
Competitions: Demonstration of entrepreneurial spirit and skillset:
Design Challenges: Hosted on in-person. These competitions are seeded with faculty, embedded in courses aligned with competition topic. In addition, LaunchPad will partner with UB entities and student organizations associated with each design challenge.
The aforementioned list of programs cultivate our students to become the next innovators and makers in our community. These programs allows us to deliver on the NACE Competencies through programming that affords students the opportunity to gain knowledge, apply, and demonstrate their proficiency – making them career ready.
The Career Design Center 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 - $161,630
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 and UB community. We create a welcoming, fun, and relaxing social heart of our campus. We deliver innovative, student-focused, and sustainable services to meet and exceed student needs.
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
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.
POPULATIONS SERVED
The Athletic Bands perform in partnership with the following University Departments/Organizations
The Athletic Bands Student- Contact Hours:
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. 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 Experiential Learning
Students from across all majors and programs of study are encouraged to participate in mentored research through The Experiential Learning Network’s (ELN) Project Portal. As an expanded comprehensive portal for mentored projects, ELN has emerged as a popular resource for opportunities and funding to support students’ academic and professional interests and experience. ELN supports students in all phases of their project development through an innovative digital badge that walks students through project preparation, engagement, reflection and leveraging. ELN staff help students with everything from identifying potential projects to applying, preparing findings through poster presentations, and submitting for up to $500 per semester, per student, or $750 per semester for groups, to support their project expenses. ELN 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 ELN serves all students regardless of citizenship, area of focus, or program of study.
Other ELN activities:
ELN Fast Facts:
Tutoring and Academic Support Services (TASS)
TASS offers a comprehensive set of programs geared towards undergraduate student academic success. Programs offered include: One on One and group tutoring, Academic Coaching, Peer Mentoring, Academic Success Strategies courses, we also offer workshops geared towards maintaining a healthy mindset, encouraging motivation, assisting students in become independent learners. Our aim is to provide services that address student’s needs, whether is maintaining and managing or getting back on track academically. TASS sets a new standard for academic support, it’s where students will find that asking for help is one of the smartest things they can do.
TASS 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, Student Union
150 Student Union
Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Student Unions
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.
Student Engagement
150 Student Union
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m..
UBLinked
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 (IDC) or sign up for their weekly digital newsletter to learn more about the various weekly, monthly, and annual programs they offer that engage students in conversations about diversity, inclusion, and social justice in a welcoming environment that recognizes and celebrates the intersectional nature of cultural identity. IDC programs include weekly peer-moderated conversations about controversial issues, heritage month celebrations, workshops that explore how to be more inclusive, and a Social Justice and Inclusion micro-credential that students can earn to show their commitment to diversity.
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 and enriche 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.