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
• Capacity for making connections with field of study and industry experts including alumni

• 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, Assessment and Research 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. Assessment and Research oversees major research initiatives, key data collection efforts and data analysis within 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.

Student Life creates experiences and opportunities that enhance students learning and personal growth. We provide resources that enrich the lives of our students, augment their connection to the UB community, and prepare them for life after graduation.Our strategic priorities include:

• Wellness: The health and wellness of UB students is of paramount importance. We work to provide a variety of high-quality services and programs focused on physical and emotional health to promote student success and well-being. Our public health approach aims to encourage and empower all UB students to develop healthy behaviors as an essential part of their college experience.
• Student Engagement and Success: We work collaboratively with campus and community partners to create an environment for all students to explore individual interests and connect with others to achieve common goals and to celebrate UB spirit and traditions. By providing opportunities for students to meaningfully engage with their university experience, we cultivate the leadership potential of every UB student.
• Student Support: We are committed to supporting students in their development and success at UB. Through specialized programs and services, individual students receive support and resources during times of need.
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice: We believe in a community where all members feel welcomed, included, supported and empowered. To create this environment, we must advocate for equity, inclusion and social justice. We must also progress beyond these broad principles, as we deliberately and actively eliminate barriers and challenge unjust systems that have historically excluded underserved populations.

Major Initiatives include:

• Wellness and Recreation Center: As we seek to advance the health and wellness of our students, faculty and staff we must create a unified approach to recreation, health, and wellness
• Social Justice Advisory Group: Student Life is dedicated to both our students and divisional staff.  To that end we've created a team to advise on policy, programs and traditions that promote/facilitate inter-cultural learning on different levels
• Ellicott Welcome Center: Creating a welcoming arrival experience into the Ellicott Complex.
  

• Office of the Vice President provides oversight to 20 Student Life units.
• Student Life is one of the largest on-campus employers of students.
• Marketing and Communications completed 90+ projects for Student Life units, including high level web and social campaigns.
• Provides oversight to the Student Life Guide website, encompassing all Student Life departments.
• Annually completes INSIGHT publication, highlighting divisional assessment and research data to share with university leadership.
• Recipient of two SUNY CUAD Awards for Excellence for Marching Band Century Celebration and Opening Week: Reason to Celebrate 2021

Comprehensive set of programs and services designed to welcome new undergraduate students to UB and help them:

• Know about expectations, strategies, and resources that support their academic success at UB
• Understand UB as an institution and community
• Plan their involvement as a UB student to align with their goals
• Identify and connect with supportive peers, faculty, and staff at UB
• Manage the adjustment to life as a UB student
• Navigate the processes necessary to begin at UB

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.

• 3,900 U.S. first-year students completed orientation in Summer 2023 (3,277 participated in an on-campus program and 623 participated in an online program)
• 1,097 U.S. transfer students completed orientation in Summer 2023
• 218 international first-year students completed orientation in Summer 2023 (150 participated in an on-campus component in addition to an online program; 68 completed the online program).
• 58 international transfer students completed orientation in Summer 2023 (20 participated in an on-campus component in addition to an online program; 38 completed the online program).
  

UB’s Startup and Innovation Collaboratory powered by Blackstone LaunchPad inspires (The CoLab), 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. The CoLab 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:

• Workshops - Masterclass: Building Skills of Creativity, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
• Founder Stories where Entrepreneurs share their stories: encouraging entrepreneurship
• Innovate and Caffeinate, an informal networking event for innovators and entrepreneurs at UB, hosted for students by students.
• Large-Scale Programming: Creating a Culture of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at UB
• Startup Boot Camp, a 3-day experience to equip our students with skills and confidence to pursue their entrepreneurial ideas. Students are introduced to the recourses at the University and community to support their entrepreneurial interests. Hosted in Fall and Spring semesters.
• UB Startup Week, hosted to highlight Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University at Buffalo. The program highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of UB’s three campuses .
• Venture Support through Coaching: Developing Ideas into Startups by offering a holistic venture coaching model supported by business, software and design coaches to support student ventures.
• Accelerators – facilitated group workshops to support venture creation:
  • Inclusive Launch Foundry, an accelerator program designed to empower women and students from diverse backgrounds to be the world’s next big innovators, entrepreneurs, makers, and creators. Students complete a 10-week early-stage accelerator co-curricular experience while completing an internship with a local startup.
  • ARTup Boot Camp - introduced a brand-new program that offered support directly to a new set of students and fostered new community relationships that had not been previously engaged. This Boot Camp was developed to turn artistic passions into a profitable venture, connect like-minded peers, and foster growth our mentor community.
  • Summer Accelerator – an eight-week virtual accelerator for students to develop their ideas into a business.

Inclusive Launch Foundry - where students cultivate their ideas into entrepreneurial ventures within a supportive cohort environment. Spanning across a semester of workshops, guided by accomplished alumni founders of diverse backgrounds, participants are empowered to shape their ideas into tangible businesses. Simultaneously, they also embark on internships with local startups in the WNY region, gaining valuable intrapreneurial experience. 15 students and 12 startup company internship sites.

• Bulls Launch, Elevator pitch competition, hosted during Global Entrepreneurship Week. A 90-second pitch competition to build confidence and serve as a space where ideas can launch and founders are identified for further engagement in the entrepreneurial support network at UB. Two competition categories, general idea and technology idea.
• Get Seeded, an opportunity for UB students to earn a little cash to support their entrepreneurial spirit and idea in two competition categories, general idea and technology idea.
• Three Minute Thesis, A competition hosted in partnership with UB’s Graduate School as part of the Graduate School’s professional development program, that trains PhD students to present research to a non-specialist audience in just 3 minutes.
• emPower Pitch, A competition focused to identify and empower female founders. The competition encourages potential female entrepreneurs to lead the change they want to see in their communities, supporting The Global Goals for Sustainable Development, goal no. 5, gender equality.
• Pitch for a Purpose , hosted by Western University in London Ontario and in partnership with UB Sustainability, International Student Services and Blackstone LaunchPad at UB, teams of students collaborate to address one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. UB hosts a local competition to identify the team that represents UB in the finals competition at Western University.
• Henry A. Panasci Technology Entrepreneurship Competition, Annual large-scale business plan pitch competition, awarding $65,000 in cash & in-kind services.

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.

• Aging Innovation Design Challenge, seeks innovators to develop prototypes that will assist aging New Yorkers and their caregivers in completing activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs include taking a bath or shower, getting dressed, using the bathroom, getting up from a chair, walking across a room, or eating a meal.
• The Health Futures Design Challenge brings together UB students to form teams and pitch ideas to improve the health economy. This is an opportunity for a diverse group of people to address all aspects of the vast ecosystem that the health economy is comprised of.
• Cannabis Design Challenge, inspires student product innovation and entrepreneurship, while affording the opportunity for students to work in diverse teams and collaborate virtually. Students gain experience and knowledge in entrepreneurial thinking from faculty and industry experts, and gain skills in both design and technical communications – all while expanding their network with industry leaders in the Cannabis industry.
• Brain Machine Interface Design Challenge (Spring 2023) – 86 students engaged and hosted in partnership with The Jacobs Institute, Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering and the Department of Biomedical Engineering.

Empowering Education through AI (Summer 2023) – 90 students engaged and hosted in partnership In partnership with Kelly Ahuna (Office of Academic Integrity), Sam Abramovich (Learning and Instruction and Information Science), Kevin Cleary (Management Science and Systems), Caitlin Hoekstra (School of Engineering and Applied Sciences & Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science), Jeffrey Kohler (Teaching Transformation), Julie Gorlewski (Academic Affairs), Erin Rowley (UB Libraries), Dr. Elina Mikelsone (Riga Technical University Design Factory), Jordan Walbesser (BootSector), and Thomas Murdock (Western New York Incubator Network). Innovation Sprints are opportunities for students to ideate and propose a solution to an organizational challenge in a collaborative, supported environment. Ultimately, each teams pitch to the organization's leadership in hopes that they might adopt and apply their idea. All participating teams have the opportunity to network with WNY business professionals, gain real-life experience, and win cash prizes. Engaged 478 students (Fall 2022) and 1,469 students (Spring 2023).

• Innovation Sprints with Industry Partners:
  • WNY BloodCare
  • NOCO, River Road Research
  • M&T Bank, TechBuffalo, 43North and Forge Buffalo
  • Data Science and AI
  • Citizen Planning School
  • Social Impact Fellows
  • WNY Tech Initiative in collaboration with TechBuffalo & M&T Bank

The aforementioned list of programs cultivate our students to become the next innovators and makers in our community. These programs allow 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

• 8,926 student engagements
• Hosted 213 programs
• 379  venture coaching appointments in support of student venture creation.
  

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

• Career consulting in-person, virtually, and by phone
• Website including a 24/7 virtual chatbot
• Resume, Cover Letter, C/V reviews
• Career and individual assessments
• Comprehensive website and digital career development services (Bullseye powered by Handshake)
• Major exploration course (UE 101)
• Career, job, and internship fairs
• Networking programs
• On-campus and virtual interviewing
• Employer information sessions with individual companies/organizations
• Artificial intelligence-informed resume review and practice interviews
• Pop-ups, skillshops and Career Design Studio in-person and online.
  

• 4,106 individual student appointments
• 176 students completed Undergraduate Majors Explorers courses
• 16,960 students logged into Bullseye powered by Handshake
• 137,769 jobs, internships and opportunities posted in Bullseye powered by Handshake
• 36,146 approved employers in Bullseye powered by Handshake
• 10,000+ users of the Career Design Studio powered by uConnect
• 20,000+ videos recorded on Big Interview
• 8,430  students attended 2,000+ employer info sessions, class presentations, pop-ups, workshops, fairs, and networking events
  

Student Support and Resources provides direct support to students and advise faculty, staff, parents, and partners in student success. 

• Victim assistance
• Behavioral intervention and support
• Student intervention for alcohol and/or drug use
• Emergency fund programs
  

• 1 part-time staff person as Student Support Coordinator
• 603 overall student of concern referrals which include:
  • 222 mental health interventions
  • 169 support consultations for students who are the victims of a crime or other hardship
  • 157 behavioral interventions
  • 67 alcohol and other drug interventions
  • 42 support consultations for medical emergencies
  • 34 support consultations for students who have lost a family member or friend
  • 20 support consultations for students who have experienced sexual misconduct
• 369 emergency fund applications administered
• 10 student deaths and an annual Remembrance Ceremony
  

Student Conduct - helps maintain a just and safe campus by enforcing rules and regulations, managing conduct, and assisting students, faculty, staff, and families with navigating questions or concerns.  

• Student Conduct process
• Community service programs
• Behavioral intervention and support
• Student Advocacy service
• Disciplinary/Background Checks
  

• 10 Student Employees/Volunteers trained and supervised/advised
• 1 graduate assistant as Chief Hearing Representative for the Student-Wide Judiciary
• 8 law student Hearing Representatives to the Student-Wide Judiciary
• 5 Student Assistants handling general office work   
• 90 student conduct adjudications 
• 1 sexual misconduct, 3 Title IX Grievance
• 117 special action cases
• Approximately 350 community service hours assigned 
• 70 Students' Advocate requests
• Approximately 20 consultations and support for Title IX/VAWA responding parties
• Approximately 20 outreach presentations to campus partners
• Approximately 10 training presentations for student or para-professional staff teams
• Participated in orientation programs for first-year students, transfer students, international students and parents/families
• Approximately 1161 student background checks 
  

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.

• Welcome Weekend Diversity Speaker mandatory for all first-year students
• Educational workshops including: Safe Zone Training, Appreciating Cultural Diversity, Inclusive by Design
• Weekly Peer Moderated “Tough Topics” conversations
• Students of color focused programming, activities and events
• LGBTQ+ focused programming, activities, and events (PRIDE week, queer prom, LGBTQ tea time)
• Heritage Month Programming (Black History, Hispanic Heritage, Indigenous Heritage, Asian American Pacific Islander History)
• Commencement/recognition celebrations including ALANA Celebration of Achievement and Lavender Ceremony
• Diversity Advocate Program
• Social Justice
• Collaboration efforts with various departments and organizations
• Extended Operating Hours to 10:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday
  

• Approximately 6,492 students participated in 124 diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, workshops, or training sessions. 
• 2,798 students attended Welcome Week Speaker
• Over 600 undergraduate and graduate student participants in the Annual ALANA Celebration of Achievement
• 25 students participate in the Lavender Celebration and more than 500 students participate in various LGBTQ+ focused programs and events
• Over 100 students registered for the inaugural two-day Multicultural Leadership Institute
• 11 students serve as diversity advocates per academic year
  

Helping student veterans balance college life with student life goals.

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

• Achieved Military Friendly - Gold Award
• 2021 Best for Vets (Military Times)
• 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
  

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 (259 attendees)
• Facilitated 3 other suicide prevention programs  (315 attendees)
• Did a tabling and had a UB team for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Buffalo Out of the Darkness Walk for Suicide Prevention which raises funds for suicide prevention research and education
• The key to suicide prevention is to having good coping skills and a support network.  56 stress management programs (2.793attendees) were provided
  

Student Engagement our mission is to foster a vibrant and inclusive community where all UB students feel a sense of belonging, empowerment, and pride. We provide intentional experiences that ignite UB pride, inspire active involvement, and cultivate socially responsible, well-rounded individuals who are equipped to succeed both personally and professionally in a global society. By creating impactful programs, promoting diversity, fostering leadership development, and enhancing the student experience, we empower our students to make a positive impact within the university, the Buffalo community, and the world at large.

• Campus involvement platform, UBLinked – connects student to student organizations and events in a virtual space - 617active clubs/organizations;  33558 involved users
• UBLinked promoted 8175 student-run events
• 3 micro-credential programs with badges
• Here to Career Student Employment Program offers training, workshops, newsletter, and UBLearns course to student employees and their campus supervisors - over 400 student employees and 200 supervisors
• Here to Career Student Employment Program offers 4 micro-credential programs
• Leadership Development programs, virtual and in-person conferences, workshops and activities
• Next Level Leadership Mentoring Conference connected 33 professional mentors with over 75 UB students at this gameified leadership experience that provided students an opportunity to learn about networking, mentorship, leadership and teamwork
• 20 Student Engagement Ambassadors, which are year-long interns who help connect their peers to involvement opportunities, serve as champions for the Student Engagement office 
• Student organization and student government leadership training
• Leadership House leadership development program  with two credit bearing courses
• Leadership Mentoring programs
• Community service and volunteer coordination
• Alternative Break programs – 5 in-person programs with over 50 partnerships; over 20 community partners engaged.
• Advisement of: Circle K, Alpha Phi Omega, The National Society of Leadership and Success, and The National Society of Collegiate Scholars
• Improves student retention
• Builds and improves campus traditions
• Facilitates connection to the Western New York community
• Celebrates graduating students -  new tradition for 2022 graduates is the “Toast to 2022”
• Increases sense of community and campus pride
• Serves as the first point of contact for involvement opportunities on campus
  

• 200 new registrations for micro-credentials
• Leadership House program provided extensive leadership development for first-year students 
• 15 Leadership House peer mentors enhanced Leadership House program by providing intentional peer-to-peer interactions through place-based experiences in support of first-year participants
• Virtual Leadership Academy is an  intentionally designed virtual leadership curriculum to help students discover who they are as a leader and develop their full leadership potentialOver 1,000 students participated in community service programs
• Over 500 students participated in the DISC training (DISC is a behavioral assessment tool used to improve leadership, communication and teamwork
• 2966 hours were tracked on UBLinked by UB students, these hours equal almost $ $ 94318.80 in volunteer labor to the community
• Over 40 community partners worked with the Student Engagement office to provide volunteer opportunities to UB students
• Family Weekend events in-person – hosted 350 family members
• Graduating students participated in several Countdown to Commencement events including Trick-Out-Your Tassel, Toast to 2022 (over 1,000 students), virtual and in-person sign-a-bull (over 1,300 signatures)
• Off-campus trips throughout the WNY area in the fall and spring semesters allowed students to explore WNY
  

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
• Risk management workshops
• Philanthropic programs
• Leadership programs
• Organizational advising
• Academic recognition programs

• Serves  25 social fraternal student organizations that are affiliated with our campus comprised of approximately 500active participants including chapters of three Greek national honor societies: Gamma Sigma Alpha, Order of Omega, and Rho Lambda
• Facilitated all educational and risk-management workshops 
• Approximately 150 students joined the UB Greek Community 
  

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.

• Student organization lounges
• Event space reservations
• Green space reservations
• 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
• Student Expression Initiatives such as Chalk Talk and Paint A Bull
• Dining and retail operations
• Game room
• Reflection room
• Telehealth space
• Lactation room
• Lost and found
• Lockers
• Battery recycling drop-off location
• Ticket office/ticketing services
• Gratitude Tree
• Print Kiosks
• Phone charging stations
• Piano
• Bulletin boards
• Large games in lobby
• Technology
  

• 194 lockers maintained
• Processed over 12,675 reservations
• An estimated 445,998 in attendance at all events throughout the year
  

Student Unions
Union is open 24/7
Student Unions Welcome Center
Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Saturday– Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m

Student Unions Administrative Offices
235 Student Union
Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Harriman Hall (South Campus)
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:40 p.m.

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

• Integrated learning opportunities
• Community and civic engagement programming including hands-on service
• Voter registration initiatives via the UB Votes Committee
• Establishment of on-demand shuttle for election day
• Civic Engagement themed alternative break trip
• Growth of Freedom of Assembly Support Team 
  

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.

• The Athletic Bands are a critical component to the game day environment (football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball) and promotion of the UB student experience.  The bands also perform in support of university programs and initiatives.and externally representing the University at large events, parades, bowl games, Buffalo Bills Halftime Performances, championship games, competitions.
• The Marching Band, consisting of  142 members, represents the University and Student Engagement through performance and community outreach
• The Pep Band consisting of 88 musicians, 19 dance team members, and 4 twirlers, represents the University and Student Engagement through performance and community outreach.
• 400,000+ people are entertained by the UB Athletic Bands live performances with another 1 million+ seeing the band perform via television and social media

POPULATIONS SERVED

• 200+ Undergraduate and graduate students who can enrolled in MUS 130 and/or MUS 330
• Other students (not enrolled in the bands as a class) who participate in the marching and pep bands.
• The Athletic Bands members represent nearly all majors in every college on campus including the Honors College and Academies.

The Athletic Bands perform in partnership with the following University Departments/Organizations

• Student Life
• University Communications
• Athletics Department
• Music Department
• Veteran Services
• Student Association
• Orientation, Transition, and Parent Programs
• Alumni Association
• Office of Admissions
• Office of Alumni Engagement

The Athletic Bands Student- Contact Hours:

• Marching Band -July- December accumulated 400 hours of instruction and performance contact with students per semester
• Pep Band- November - May accumulated 250 hours of instruction and performance contact with students to include post season performances.
  

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 Digital Badges: Students who complete a mentored project earn a digital badge to display on their resume, eportfolio, LinkedIn, etc.
• Focus on outreach to 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
• Growing opportunities for students to participate in regional, national, and international project 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

ELN Fast Facts:

• 311 mentored projects were available to students throughout the 22-23 AY on ELN's project portal
• 1,517 students participated in the ELN Digital Badge series
• 584 ELN Digital Badges were issued
• 230 projects were showcased by 314 participating students at the fully in-person 2023 Celebration of Student Academic Excellence hosted in Alumni Arena
• 71 undergraduate projects and 25 undergraduate conference presentations were made possible because of ELN’s Project funding
• ELN staff hosted over 150 zoom and in-person meetings with students

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, Peer Assisted Learning (PAL’s), 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:

• In academic year 2022-23, TASS had a total of 14,539 visits to the center.
• Tutoring Appointments fall 2021: 7,259/ spring 2022: 7,280
• Workshops offered: 50 workshops
• Peer mentor/Peer mentee: 21 mentors/153 freshman mentees
• LAI 203 sections offered: fall 2022: 3 sections/ spring 2023: 7 sections
• Campus Living Tutoring (Jones, Blake): fall/437 visits & spring/366 visits

UB’s Center for Excellence in Writing:

Supports students at every level and in any major to develop their writing skills and produce writing products which achieve their desired results.  Primary forms of support are one-to-one consultations, workshops, and presentations.  The Center also disseminates research-based information about writing development across campus to support highly effective writing instruction. 

In the 2022/23 academic year, the CEW

• Trained 11 undergraduate students to work as writing center consultants through the course Writing Center Theory and Practice.
• Employed between 34-37 student writing consultants at the undergraduate, Masters, and Phd level.
• Provided over 5,500 writing consultations to UB students
• Provided 38 presentations to the campus community
  

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, Student Union
150 Student Union
Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Student Unions
Union is open 24/7
Student Unions Welcome Center
Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Saturday– Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m

Student Unions Administrative Offices
235 Student Union
Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Harriman Hall (South Campus)
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:40 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 Design Center
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

After hours crisis intervention available 365 days a year. Call 716-645-2720 and select option #2

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 virtual involvement 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 have a 2.5 cumulative GPA at UB, 12 earned college credits, and attend a University-sponsored Fraternity/Sorority Information Session 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 Design Center can provide support in these crucial areas.