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.
Updated 1/27/2026
Improves student retention
Increases sense of community and campus pride
Builds and improves campus traditions
Teaches student responsibility and citizenship
Provides diversity education
Provides hands-on leadership training and 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 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
Academic and Co-Curricular Personal Development: $2,654,979
Vice President for Student Life $486,891
Provide support to the offices of the Vice President for Student Life, Administration and Planning, Assessment and Research and Marketing and Communications. 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, Marketing and Communication’s provides top level administrative marketing support while also engaging units through brand guidance, web integration, social media support, environmental design enhancements, and communications solutions to meet the ever-evolving needs of UB and our respective audiences.
Student Life creates meaningful programs and services that advance the university experience outside the classroom that 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:
Student Engagement and Success: Our teams 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. We cultivate the leadership potential of every UB student by providing opportunities for them to meaningfully engage.. We are currently in the midst of implementing the Student Union master plan renovations to create a more student-friendly experience that encourages interaction and fosters a strong sense of UB community..
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. We are currently in the planning phase of a comprehensive health and wellness facilities master plan, creating a unified approach to recreation, health and wellness
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. We've created the Social Justice Advisory Group, a team to advise on policy, programs and traditions that promote/facilitate inter-cultural learning on different levels.
Fast Facts
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 150+ projects for Student Life units, including high level web and social campaigns.
Provides oversight to the Student Life Guide, encompassing all Student Life departments.
Annually completes INSIGHT publication, highlighting divisional assessment and research data to share with university leadership.
Recipient of four SUNYCUAD Awards for Excellence in Strategy and Creativity, the recipient of two Association of Collegiate and University Housing Officers – International (ACHUO-I) marketing awards and the 2025 UB Communicators Award for Best in Category - Environmental.
Student Entrepreneur Programs $388,881
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.
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:
The Inclusive Launch Foundry program provides workshops and networking opportunities designed to empower women and students from diverse backgrounds. Seventeen students participated in the fifteen-week accelerator with placements at local startups, which culminated in seed funding pitches for student businesses-offering hands-on experience and expanding their professional networks. The program is facilitated by a UB Prosperity Fellowship Program alum and WNY-based founder who previously completed Inclusive Launch as a student.
Pitch for a Purpose is an 8-week accelerator that empowers students to create innovative, impact-driven solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Throughout the program, participants develop business ideas that address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change, aiming for both market viability and social impact. Each team receives mentorship from industry experts, refining their pitches to demonstrate clear commitments to one or more SDGs and practical plans for measurable outcomes. "Pitch for a Purpose" cultivates a new generation of leaders, merging entrepreneurial drive with global responsibility to advance a sustainable and inclusive future. Summer Accelerator – an eight-week virtual accelerator for students to develop their ideas into a business.
Competitions: Demonstration of entrepreneurial spirit and skillset:
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.
Sell Me This is a monthly CoLab session that turns everyday objects into pitch practice. In short, timed rounds, students craft value propositions on the fly, present to peers/mentors, and receive actionable feedback—building sales fundamentals, improvisation skills, and on-the-spot confidence for interviews, pitches, and networking.
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.
Henry A. Panasci Technology Entrepreneurship Competition, Annual large-scale business plan pitch competition, awarding $70,000 in cash & in-kind services.
Design Challenges: Design Challenges provide engaging opportunities for students to explore emerging concepts and formulate practical solutions to issues faced by organizations operating in these spaces. Open to students from all levels and all disciplines, Design Challenges expose tomorrow’s entrepreneurs to topics and networks that have the potential to shape future economies and careers.
Design challenges are also intended to help bridge the gap between introductory entrepreneur and innovation programs (ex. Innovation sprints and Get Seeded) and more advanced challenges (ex. Panasci).
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.
Showcasing UB’s leadership in AI and interdisciplinary innovation, CoLab co-hosted the AI for Good Hackathon in Fall 2024 and the AI Hackathon in Spring 2025 in collaboration with UB’s School of Management, Institute for Artificial Intelligence & Design, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and TechBuffalo. These events positioned UB at the forefront of AI education by connecting students to emerging technologies, real-world challenges, and professional mentors who expanded their understanding of how they can meaningfully contribute to the future of AI.
Innovation Sprints with Industry Partners: Innovation Sprints are fast-paced experiential learning opportunities that happen in and out of the classroom. Students are taught the basic skills for creative problem solving and design thinking, while solving a real world challenge for a local organization, or while focused on their research project in the classroom. Students walk away with the ability to utilize creative problem-solving, work in interdisciplinary groups, and being able to give a pitch/short presentation that focuses on provided guidelines. This introduces students to skill not readily available in the classroom, potential internship/employment opportunities, and UB Startup and Innovation Collaboratory powered by Blackstone LaunchPad.
WNY BloodCare
Ticketing Co.
Data Science and AI
Social Impact Fellows
WNY Tech Initiative in collaboration with TechBuffalo & M&T Bank
The WNY Sophomore Externship Experience (SEE) at the University at Buffalo (UB) successfully hosted its second cohort in Summer 2025, with 76 students participating in externships across 33 companies in Western New York (WNY). The program was designed to engage second-year college students and expose them to professional experiences early in their careers. The SEE program successfully impacted the development of students' technical and social skills and enhanced their understanding of WNY as an environment to live, play, and work.
The Startup and Innovation Collaboratory Marketing Studio is a hands-on program where student teams act as marketing consultants for their peers’ ventures—building branding, strategies, and prototypes that help advance ideas. Facilitated by a marketing professional, the Spring 2025 pilot gave students the chance to tackle real-world challenges, gain expert mentorship, and create portfolio-ready work while supporting fellow student entrepreneurs.
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.
FAST FACTS
13,283 student engagements
Student Level: 61% Undergraduate | 39% Graduate
Hosted 207 programs
258 venture coaching appointments in support of student venture creation.
Career Design Center $1,779,207
The Career Design Center helps students to see possibilities and to prepare for and pursue opportunities in preparation for life after college. The Center supports undergraduate, graduate, and professional students through each step of their career journey thru meaningful career exploration and education, access and growth from work-based learning experiences, job search strategy and support, and making meaningful connections to build social capital. The staff works closely with employers, alumni, campus partners, and the community to offer personalized guidance and real-world opportunities to help students build confidence, find direction, and reach their career goals.
Career consulting in-person (north and south campuses), 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 (including Bullseye powered by Handshake)
Major exploration course (UE 101)
Career, job, and internship fairs
In-person and virtual networking programs and platforms
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
Experiential Learning programs including Internship opportunities, On-Campus employment, Undergraduate Research Projects, the Internship Equity Fund and the Internship Support & Emergency Fund.
Fast Facts
4,251 individual student appointments
196 students completed Undergraduate Majors Explorers courses
22,465 students logged into Bullseye powered by Handshake
5,220 students representing 12 UB schools/units engaging with 173 companies across at Career Design Center hosted Job & Internship Fairs representing a variety of industry and service spaces.
221,835 jobs, internships and work-based learning opportunities posted by employers in Bullseye powered by Handshake
45,320 approved employers in Bullseye powered by Handshake
53,058 users of the Career Design Studio powered by uConnect
Nearly 22,000 videos recorded on Big Interview
21,910 resumes analyzed and developed via Big Resume
8,700+ alumni and students registered members of the Connect-a-Bull networking platform
Student Support and Community Standards: $1,190,300
Dean of Students and Student Support and Resources $103,354
The Dean of Students Office provides assistance and support to students in navigating a complex university life so that UB students can flourish during their time here. A seasoned team of multidisciplinary professionals provide direct support to students and advise faculty, staff, parents, and partners in student success.
Behavioral intervention team and case management
Support for student victims of violence, misconduct, crimes, accidents, welfare concerns, bias-related concerns and emergencies
Alcohol and/or drug use intervention
Emergency funds
Blue Table food pantry
Student death protocol and annual Student Remembrance Ceremony
Fast Facts
4 professional staff, 1 part-time staff, 1 graduate assistant
676 overall student of concern referrals which include:
222 mental health interventions
111 support consultations for students who are the victims of a crime or other hardship
244 behavioral interventions
48 alcohol and other drug interventions
101 support consultations for medical emergencies
61 support consultations for students who have a family member or friend with a serious illness or have died
11 support consultations for students who have experienced sexual misconduct
28 resource consultations for students experiencing housing insecurity
297 emergency fund applications administered
336 Blue Table intakes processed
24 Gowns for Grads nominations administrated
7 student deaths and an annual Student Remembrance Ceremony
Student Conduct $45,297
The Office of Student Conduct helps support 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
Educational advisement and support
Student Advocacy service
Disciplinary/Background Checks
Fast Facts
1 graduate assistant as Chief Hearing Representative for the Student-Wide Judiciary
1 Graduate assistant handling advocacy work
7 law student Hearing Representatives to the Student-Wide Judiciary
6 Student Assistants handling general office work
214 conduct adjudications
6 Title IX Grievance/sexual misconduct
42 special action cases
Approximately 300 community service hours assigned
56 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 1453 student background checks
Intercultural and Diversity Center: $594,909
The Intercultural and Diversity Center enhances student belonging, well-being, and success by fostering inclusive and equitable spaces, celebrating diversity, and providing opportunities for all students to better understand and embrace differences in themselves and others. We co-create, with students and campus partners, educational experiences through peer mentorship, outreach, and social justice initiatives to uplift and empower historically excluded, underserved, and underrepresented communities.
Welcome Weekend Diversity Speaker which is mandatory for all first-year students
Educational workshops including: Appreciating Cultural Diversity, Inclusive by Design, and Diversity and Inclusive Practice
Programming, activities and events focused on historically excluded, underserved, and underrepresented communities.
Heritage Month Programming (Black History, Hispanic Heritage, Indigenous Heritage, Asian American Pacific Islander History)
The ALANA Celebration of Achievement commencement celebration.
Diversity Advocate Program
Social Justice and Inclusion Micro-credential
Collaboration efforts with various departments and organizations including SEAS and OIX
Student-friendly Operating Hours to 10:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday
Fast Facts
Over 2,000 students came into the IDC to socialize or study.
Over 3,000 students participated in over 130 optional diversity, equity, and inclusion events, workshops, or training sessions.
2,696 students attended Welcome Week Speaker
462 undergraduate and graduate student participated in the Annual ALANA Celebration of Achievement
Veteran Services: $278,898
Helping student veterans balance college life with student life goals.
Ease transitions of veterans
Conduct veteran needs assessment
Centralized service center
Fast Facts
Achieved Military Friendly Status 2025
20225Best for Vets (Military Times)
Achieved Veteran-Friendly School designation
Achieved “Best for Vets” Status
Veteran’s lounge
Ranked #45in UB News and World Reports National Universities for Veterans
Suicide Prevention: $167,842
Provides greater support for all students, including at-risk students, by focusing on mental health and emotional wellness promotion.
Offered 23 QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training programs to the campus community (555 attendees)
Facilitated 8 other suicide prevention programs (683 attendees)
Hosted our first ever campus suicide prevention walk and roll which had 515 participants and raised over $31,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
The key to suicide prevention is to having good coping skills and a support network. 49stress management programs (4467 attendees) were provided
Student Engagement: $2,255,161
Office of Student Engagement and Office of AVP Student Engagement and Success: $715,341
Student Engagement’s mission is to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive community where every student feels a sense of belonging and develops the skills to succeed personally and professionally in a global society. We foster leadership, celebrate UB spirit and traditions, embrace diversity, and intentionally create impactful programs that promote involvement and empower students to make a positive impact within UB, their local communities and our world. Campus involvement platform, UBLinked – connects student to student organizations and events in a virtual space – 670 active clubs/organizations; 47525involved users
Personalized club coaching for student organization leaders
UBLinked promoted 13172 campus events and involvement opportunities for UB students to engage
Support the nearly 2000 recognized student organization officers
4 micro-credential programs with badges, including two leadership-themed and two community and civic engagement-themed
Leadership Development programs, virtual and in-person conferences, workshops and activities
Pillars of Leadership Awards Ceremony recognizes student leaders and their supporters from across the university
Next Level Leadership Mentoring Conference connected 50professional mentors with nearly 100 UB students at this gameified leadership experience that provided students an opportunity to learn about networking, mentorship, leadership and teamwork
15 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
Provide support to seven student governments and over 20 student government leaders
Leadership House leadership development program with two credit bearing courses
Leadership Mentoring programs
Community service and volunteer coordination
Focus on Civic Engagement and learning
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, Phi Eta Sigma, and The National Society of Collegiate Scholars
Improves student retention
Builds and improves campus traditions
Plans and organizes Oozefest – one of largest collegiate mud volleyball tournaments in the country
Facilitates connection to the Western New York community
Countdown to Commencement events, including Sign-A-Bull and “The Toast” celebrates our graduating students
Increases sense of community and campus pride
Serves as the first point of contact for involvement opportunities on campus
Esports provides programming and opportunities for students interested in virtual gaming
Fast Facts
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 potential.
Over 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
UB students tracked a total of 7094 hours of service to the community. According to the independent sector, this number of hours contributed to $272,977 of economic impact to the communities served.
Over 50 community partners worked with the Student Engagement office to provide volunteer opportunities to UB students
Hosts Family Weekend and held events that engaged over 1000 family members and supporters at 6 events
Off-campus trips throughout the WNY area in the fall and spring semesters allowed students to explore WNY
5 varsity Esports teams – Valorant, Overwatch, League of Legends, Super Smash Bros, and Rocket League
Provides fiscal and administrative support to the Student Gaming Association, the university’s largest student-run organization
Manage Red Jacket Esports Lounge
Fraternity and Sorority Life $117,622
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
Online risk management platform
Philanthropic programs
Leadership programs
Organizational advising
Academic recognition programs
Fast Facts
Serves 21 Greek-letter, social fraternal student organizations that are affiliated with our campus comprised of approximately 440 active 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 100 students joined the UB Greek Community
Student Union Operations: $851,929
The Student Union and Harriman Hall are central hubs on campus, serving as gathering places for students and offering a wide range of services and activities. We create a welcoming, fun and relaxing social heart of campus. We provide a safe space for every member of the campus community to build pride and character, create life-long memories and share ideas. We deliver innovative, student-focused and sustainable services that enhance the student experience, fosters community and enriches the cultural and social life of the campus, promoting diversity, creativity and personal growth.
Event space reservations
Green space reservations
Meeting rooms, theater, social hall, assembly theater, ballroom and conference rooms
Building reservations operations staff
Welcome Center
Building maintenance
Building furniture
Lounge spaces
Student Expression Initiative such as Paint A Bull
Dining and retail operations
Game room
Board Game Room
Interfaith Prayer, Reflection and Meditation Space Privacy Room (Lactation/Telehealth)
Lost and found
Lockers
Craft Room
Ticket office/ticketing services
Print Kiosk UB Print Anywhere (Powered by Wepa)
Piano
Bulletin boards
Fast Facts
Processed 16,657 event submissions for student organizations
575 student organizations hosted 11,382 events
Attendance tracked at those events was 184,171 (with 20,630 unique attendees)
98.5% of these events are held in-person at a physical location
24 lockers were rented last year out of 72 total available lockers in Student Union
Student Union is open 24/7 Student Unions Welcome Center Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. to. Midnight Saturday– Sunday 10:00 AM - Midnight
Student Unions Administrative Offices 228 Student Union Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday – 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Harriman Hall (South Campus Building Hours: Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Office Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Community & Civic Engagement $421,249
Community and Civic Engagement promotes student awareness of civic responsibilities and opportunities; engages students in service on behalf of others; and educates on the role of citizens and community needs
Integrated learning opportunities and educational workshops
Community and civic engagement programming including hands-on service
On and off campus networking opportunities with community leaders
Voter registration initiatives via the UB Votes Committee
Establishment of on-demand shuttle for election day
Multiple themed alternative break trips
Paid student leadership opportunities through the Alternative Break Program, Community Work Study Scholars, and Empire State Service Corps
Awards and recognition for students making an outstanding impact
Growth of Student Activism Support
Athletic Bands $149,020
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 180 members, represents the University and Student Engagement through performance and community outreach
The Pep Band consisting of nearly 120 musicians, 18 dance team members, and 3 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
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
Strategic Investment Initiatives: $1,557,864
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.
Undergraduate Education Initiative: $779,703
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, $750 per student, or $1000 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:
407 mentored projects were available to students throughout the 24-25 AY on ELN's project portal
1,622 students participated in the ELN Digital Badge series
623 ELN Digital Badges were issued
275 projects were showcased by 403 participating students at the 2025 Celebration of Student Academic Excellence hosted in Alumni Arena
48 undergraduate projects and 28 undergraduate conference presentations were made possible because of ELN’s Project funding; maximum award amounts remain the same as the previous year. ELN staff hosted over 83 zoom and in-person individual meetings with students, info sessions attended by 73 students, and 63 classroom and student group presentations attended by over 1,589 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 students’ 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 2024-25, TASS had a total of 22,063 visits to the center.
Tutoring Appointments fall 2024: 11,025; spring 2025: 11,038
The CEW supports students at every level and in any major to develop their writing skills and produce writing products which achieve their desired results through our one-to-one consultations service which is staffed by UB undergraduate, Masters, and PhD students. The Center also provides high impact workshops and presentations for the campus community and develops programming to provide accountability and support for writing processes, such as writing groups, retreats and discussion groups. The CEW curates updated resources and keeps abreast of emerging research to support writing development across campus.
In the 2024/25 academic year, the CEW:
Provided 4,021 writing consultations to approximately 1660 UB students
Launched a weekly Oral Communication Lab supporting approximately 100 students.
Conducted outreach at 7 campus events, presented in 42 classrooms, and contributed 16 workshops and presentations at the request of collaborators.
Offered Writing Center Theory and Practice as an independent study to prepare three undergraduates to work as writing consultants.
Provided 20 hours of professional development to approximately 28 student writing consultants.
Supported approximately 160 UB writers in writing, retreats, groups and discussion cafes.
Collaborated with units and departments across campus to create a cohesive, researched-based writing culture at UB including emerging trends such as the rise of GenAi in the writing and communication landscape.
2. Heart of the Campus Initiative: $778,161
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.
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 enrich 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.