Author: slfrank

As you get ready to graduate from UB, take a few quick steps now to make sure you don’t miss important messages or lose access to your contacts. Set-up your out-of-office message now and keep accessing UB services without interruption.

Free software, discounted devices, campus Wi-Fi and help from the UB Tech Squad: UBIT has you covered. Use tools like Microsoft 365 and Zoom, access public computers, and print right from your phone. Check out your tech perks and make the most of them.

The GSA Election Committee is pleased to announce the results of the 2026-2027 GSA Officer Elections and Referendum vote:

President:

Sarah MacDougall: 416
(101 abstentions)

Vice President:

Sherika Caliste: 402
(115 abstentions)

Treasurer:

Daniel Kulesza: 407
(110 abstentions)

These elected candidates will officially take office on June 1, 2026.

Referendum:

That the student activity fee be MANDATORY for all Graduate Student Association students: 416

That the student activity fee be VOLUNTARY for all Graduate Student Association students: 101

Thank you to all the graduate students who participated in these votes!

Sincerely,

GSA Election Committee
Devaleena Kalita (EC Chair)
Faithwin Gbadamosi (EC)
Aloysius Mwanje Senono (EC)
Sarbajit Basu (EC)
Ben Furer (EC)

Check out some of the great events GSA has to offer this month!

Provided by your mandatory student activity fee.

Dear Colleagues:

I write to inform you about UB’s continued institutional membership with the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD). The NCFDD is a nationally recognized, independent organization that provides online career development and mentoring resources for faculty, post-docs, and graduate students. For more information, see UB’s NCFDD webpage.

The NCFDD provides a variety of virtual programs and resources including:

• Weekly Monday Motivator        
• Monthly Core Curriculum Webinars
• Monthly Guest Expert Webinars
• Access to Multi-Week Courses
• Access to Dissertation Success Curriculum for graduate students
• Private Discussion Forum for peer-mentoring, problem-solving, & moderated writing challenges
• Monthly accountability buddy matches
• Access to 14-Day Writing Challenges
• Access to the Member Library that includes past webinar materials, referrals, and readings.

To claim your free Institutional Membership, complete the following steps:

1. Click here.
2. Choose University at Buffalo from the drop-down menu.
3. Select “Activate my Membership”.
4. Complete the registration form using your institutional email address (@buffalo.edu).
5. Go to your UB email to find a confirmation/welcome email. Click “Activate Account” in the email.

If you have questions about the membership, please contact the Office of Inclusive Excellence (vpix@buffalo.edu). If you have any technical questions, please email NCFDD at Membership@ncfdd.org.

Check out some of the great events GSA has to offer this month!

Provided by your mandatory student activity fee.

The Class of 2026 Graduating Class Campaign is here, and you’re invited to be part of it. This year, members of graduating class who make a gift of $20.26 — in honor of your class year — will receive a special green honor cord to wear at Commencement. The cord symbolizes your commitment to supporting future Bulls. Your gift supports a variety of initiatives, including the UB Fund, which offers emergency assistance to students experiencing unexpected financial hardships. It also helps fund scholarships and expand experiential learning opportunities. In total, there are over 240 social and environmental justice funds available across campus, allowing you to direct your gift toward a cause that is most important to you.

If you’re looking to get more involved, you can also become a UB Ambassador. Ambassadors help promote the campaign and support events while gaining valuable leadership and nonprofit engagement experience. Participation can count toward volunteer hours, strengthen your résumé, and provide an opportunity to request a letter of recommendation. Graduating Ambassadors will also receive a green honor cord.

There are several ways to volunteer. Students can help table at the Graduation Expo at the University Bookstore on North Campus from April 14–16 between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., choosing time slots that fit their schedule. Additional opportunities include helping at Alumni Grad Cap Decorating events on April 21, April 30, or May 4, signing alumni thank-you cards for approximately two hours per week, or participating in a focus group to help form a new Student Council launching in Fall 2026 for those interested in longer-term involvement. More information is available at https://crowdfunding.buffalo.edu/project/49319.

Let’s come together and show what the Class of 2026 stands for. If you have questions or would like to sign up, please reach out to Stella Chan, Student Assistant in the Office of Annual Giving, at uadv.yuncheec@ubitmail.buffalo.edu, or Suzanne Crean, Assistant Director of Special Constituencies, at smb8@buffalo.edu. We look forward to working with you to inspire the Class of 2026 and strengthen the UB community 💚🎓.

The UB Step Challenge returns April 1–30, 2026, inviting participants to:

• Track their steps throughout April
• Join individually or form teams
• Stay active in a fun, flexible way while working toward prizes

Registration opens March 2, and we would be grateful if you could share the challenge with any groups, members, or networks who may be interested.

More details are available on our website:
👉 UB Step Challenge: https://publichealth.buffalo.edu/home/news-events/step-challenge.html

Participants can register either through the website or by scanning the QR code on the poster below.