Graduate Student Association

Finance Committee Meeting
2025-01-29 18:30 - 20:30 UTC
Finance Committee meeting to review group funding requests for events to take place in February or later.

Discount AMC Movie Tickets Available
2025-02-03
GSA will have discount AMC Movie Tickets available for sale on February 3rd at the UB Ticket Office (online or in 221 Student Union) for $5 each. 1 per UB ID. Tickets can be used for all movies at AMC theatre locations. Limited quantity available. First come, first served.
*PLEASE MAKE SURE TO PICK UP YOUR PHYSICAL TICKET(S) FROM THE UB TICKET OFFICE IN 221 STUDENT UNION. THE EMAILED TICKET IS ONLY A VOUCHER AND WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR ADMISSION BY THE VENDOR.
**All sales are non-refundable**

February Board of Directors Meeting
2025-02-05 18:00 - 21:00 | Online via Zoom
The February 5th Board of Directors meeting will be held online via Zoom. GSA Board of Directors meetings are open to the public, but only designated representatives from Departmental and International clubs may vote. Sign-in begins at 6:00pm so that the meeting can begin promptly at 6:30pm. Once the meeting begins no one else will be admitted for attendance purposes.
PLEASE NOTE: Every club will need to email Stephanie at slfrank@buffalo.edu no later than 12:00pm on Wednesday, February 5th with who will be attending the meeting on the club’s behalf so that eligible representatives can be verified in advance. Once representatives are verified they will be sent the Zoom meeting link and password directly, along with some instructions on how the meeting will be managed, in order to be able to participate and vote. Only previously verified representatives will be admitted to participate in the Zoom meeting.
For attendance purposes each Special Interest Club may have one representative participate directly in the Zoom meeting, but they will not have voting privileges. Additional special requests for guests and/or speakers to be admitted may be sent to gsa-feedback@buffalo.edu.
The meeting will also be live streamed via GSA’s Facebook Page for anyone else that is interested in watching the meeting without voting privileges or an official attendance record, as meetings are open to the public.

Java Junction
2025-02-07 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-03-07 11:00 - 13:00 | 145 Student Union
Free Tim Horton’s coffee and doughnuts for graduate students in 145C&D Student Union.
All participants must review the GSA’s Safety Acknowledgement and Participant Disclaimer before attending.

International Student Town Hall
2025-02-12 12:00 - 13:30 | Student Union Theater, 201 Student Union, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, United States

Distinguished Speaker Series presents Misty Copeland
2025-02-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Center for the Arts, Center for the Arts, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, United States
Misty Copeland

Principal Dancer for American Ballet Theatre | New York Times Bestselling Author

ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. COMMEMORATION EVENT

Presented in part by:

Free tickets available for graduate students starting Monday, January 13th through the UB Ticket Office. 1 per UB ID.
Public Ticket Information
Wed., Feb. 12, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Center for the Arts
UB North Campus

More About Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland is a principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, the first Black woman to be promoted to the position in the company’s 75-year history in 2015. She has performed some of the most iconic classical ballet roles, including Odette/Odile in “Swan Lake;” Juliet in “Romeo & Juliet;” “Giselle;” “Manon;” “Coppelia;” Kitri in “Don Quixote;” and “Firebird,” to name a few.
Copeland has been featured in several publications, including the cover of Time Magazine for the Time 100, as well as the covers of ESSENCE, Self, ELLE South Africa, Oxygen and Women’s Health. She has also appeared on CBS’ “60 Minutes,” “CBS Sunday Morning,” ABC’s “Good Morning America,” NBC’s “The Today Show” and “Little Big Shots,” celebrating extraordinary young people.
She made her first awards season guest performances in 2019 with Taylor Swift at the American Music Awards and at the 2020 Grammy Awards alongside Camilla Cabella, Common, Ben Platt, and dancers from the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, as well as the televised Prince Grammy Tribute performing with award-winning recording artist H.E.R. Copeland made her Broadway debut in “On The Town” in 2015 and her major motion picture debut in Disney’s “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” in 2018. She is also featured in an episode of “MasterClass,” the online series.
Copeland started her production company, Life In Motion Productions, focused on bringing representative stories of artists past, present and future, and normalizing the arts experience. Her first independently produced project, “Flower,” premiered at the Tribeca Festival in 2023 and is a silent arts activism film using dance to help raise awareness about intergenerational equity.
Copeland is an avid philanthropist and is an ambassador of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, of which she is also an alum, and MindLeaps, an arts education program based in Rwanda that helps young people get off the streets and into an academic setting to help enhance their lives.
In 2022, Copeland launched The Misty Copeland Foundation, with its first signature program BE BOLD, which aims to bring greater diversity, equity and inclusion to dance, especially ballet. In 2023, she launched the women’s line of Greatness Wins, an athletic wear business she co-founded with Derek Jeter and Chris Riccobono.
Copeland is the New York Times bestselling author of “Life In Motion,” “Ballerina Body,” “Black Ballerinas,” and a picture book titled “Bunheads.” She is also author of the award-winning children’s picture book, “Firebird.” Copeland’s newest book, “The Wind At My Back,” in tribute to her late mentor and friend, pioneering ballerina Raven Wilkinson, was published November 2022.
In 2021, Copeland was the recipient of the Spingarn Medal, the NAACP’s highest honor and in 2023, she received the Trailblazer Icon Award at The Grio Awards, was named for the second time to The Root 100, and was awarded an honorary doctorate of fine arts from New York University. In 2024, Copeland received the Innovator Award from the African American Film Critics Association.

South Campus Java Junction
2025-02-14 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-03-14 11:00 - 13:00 | 105 Harriman Hall, 105 Harriman Hall, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, United States
Free Tim Horton’s coffee and doughnuts for graduate students at South Campus in 105 Harriman Hall.
All participants must review the GSA’s Safety Acknowledgement and Participant Disclaimer before attending.

Deadline for March Conference Funding Applications
2025-02-15
All applications for Conference Funding for conferences during the month of March are due by the close of business at 4:30pm.
The GSA Conference Funding Application is now available as an online form on GSA’s UBLinked page. Please note that you must be signed in to UBLinked and “Join” as a member of GSA in order to be able to access the form on the Homepage.

Interprofessional Mixer
2025-02-15 19:00 - 22:00

UBIT Student Input Session
2025-02-18 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-02-19 15:00 - 16:00 | Online via Zoom
Each fall and spring semester, UB Information Technology and University Libraries collaborate with students to determine the direction of technology and library resources at UB.
This semester, we hope you’ll lend your voice to the conversation. I’m writing to invite you, your leadership team, and constituents to join us for a joint UBIT/Libraries virtual student input session on either Tuesday, February 18th from 1-2 p.m. or Wednesday, February 19th from 3-4 p.m.
To register for a session, please sign up by visiting our news article on the UBIT website. We will send a calendar invite with the Zoom link.
Sessions like these inspired some of the best technology offerings for students at UB, including Ultrawide monitors for your laptop in Silverman, Adobe Photoshop and other Creative Cloud software in public computing sites, a major upgrade of campus Wi-Fi and more.
We greatly appreciate if you could please spread the word about the student input session to your board members and student constituents.
If you have any questions, or additional feedback you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly. Your voice matters!
Thank you for helping make technology better for students at UB.

March/April Group Funding Applications Deadline
2025-02-19
Application materials are due for Special Activities, Interdepartmental Activities, Symposium and Community Outreach funding for events occurring after the March Board of Directors meeting. All application materials due by the close of business at 4:30pm.

GSA South Campus Office Closed
2025-02-25
Please note that the GSA South Campus Satellite Office will be closed on Tuesday, February 25th.

GSEU Rally in Red
2025-02-26 12:00 - 14:00 | Capen Hall
GSEU Rally in Red!

Wednesday, February 26th, 2025
12 noon outside Capen, UB North, Flint Loop Side

WEAR RED HATS/SCARVES/ACCESSORIES! We will have GSEU RED BEANIES for you if you don’t already have one!

New York State is negotiating with the Graduate Student Employees Union (GSEU) for our contract renewal. GSEU represents graduate workers who provide the bulk of teaching and research labor at SUNY.
We recently collected a petition signed by over 2,000 people statewide, including 331 signatures from Buffalo. Our fellow GSEU chapters (AKA GSEU at other SUNY campuses) are driving to Albany to deliver this petition to our NY politicians in person!! Since we aren’t driving to Albany, it’s important we show our solidarity by having a large presence on UB’s campus!
~~
During recent negotiations, graduate workers asked for wages that allow these essential workers to survive, especially with rising costs of living. When compared to peer institutions, SUNY schools are near the bottom.
In response to the well-researched data we presented about our concerns, New York State offered with a counter offering us a base stipend amount of $11,000, an increase of $1,000 over the currently-unlivable base of $10,000, and a rate that is far below NYS minimum wage.
Recent Bargaining News
~~
We know you’re sick and tired of not being paid enough. We know you’re sick and tired of working under a contract that’s been expired since July 2023 – over 500 days ago. We’ve been at the bargaining table for months, but it’s time we make our voices louder so that New York State knows they need to give us a FAIR CONTRACT NOW.
That’s why we need you to join us on Wednesday Feb 26th at Noon outside Capen. We need to have a presence as graduate workers. We need to be seen. We need to be heard. We need to be united. Whether you are a graduate worker at UB, a worker in another industry, an undergraduate student whose classes are taught by graduate TAs, or an ally in any way, please join us at our rally.
Divided we beg, united we bargain.
In solidarity,
UB GSEU

Finance Committee Meeting
2025-02-26 18:30 - 20:30
Finance Committee meeting to review group funding requests for events to take place in March or later.

WiSE Faculty Panel Event
2025-02-27 15:00 - 16:00 | 230A Davis Hall, Buffalo, New York, 14260
WiSE is hosting a Q&A Panel: Comparing Experiences in Industry vs. Academia

February 27 from 3-4pm in Davis 230A
Are you trying to decide on a career path in academia vs. industry? Then come to our Q&A panel with current SEAS faculty who have spent time in both fields who can answer your questions.
Moderated by WiSE graduate student ambassador Judith Brennan
Our panel will include:
– Mary Canty, Biomedical Engineering. Worked in the Medical Device Industry at a company called Garwood Medical Devices where I was the Director of Research. I oversaw all research and development activities, facilitated FDA interactions, and participated in capital investment rounds.
– Sabrina Casucci, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Process Engineer – Advanced Refractory Technologies, Quality Engineer – Wilson Greatbatch Ltd. (now Integer), Quality Manager/Director, Continuous Improvement – Chicago Faucets
– Julia Latorre, Engineering Education: Process Engineer – Manufacturing Facility in Dielectric and Magnetic Ceramic Materials – Worked through full pr
ocess, but main focus was Forming, Firing, Assembly Departments. Ceramic Engineer – Research for a National Laboratory in Glass Research for Optical Sciences – Worked with a draw tower in a cleanroom environment, and extensive experience with material characterization lab equipment. Engineering Intern during College multiple summers – Ceramic Grit Materials (Aluminum Oxide and Silicon Carbide) – Worked as a process engineering intern in multiple departments including testing and quality control
– Ceci Martinez, Industrial and Systems Engineering: Worked in the electronics and
automobile manufacturing industry (Honeywell, SiemensVDO, Cummins–roles spanned from quality engineering to Six Sigma Black Belt). Worked as a consultant in—the service industry (commercial airlines). Switched to higher-ed education—worked for Clarkson University for 8 years and got tenure there.
– Wanyi Nie, Physics: Former staff scientist of Los Alamos National Laboratory (2016-2023). Los Alamos National Laboratory is a national laboratory operated by Department of Energy working on national security missions. I was a principle investigator of a research group at the “center for integrated nanotechnology” under the division of “Material Physics and Application”. My role was to develop new research directions, such as emerging semiconductors for functional devices, to support the mission of the national lab.

Spring Fee Waiver Deadline
2025-03-03
Applications for a waiver of any applicable Spring semester student activity fees ($85) are due by close of business at 4:30pm.
Fee waivers may be granted to students who are located at least 75 miles from Buffalo, or who suffer unusual financial hardship. Please note that being an online student only does not necessarily qualify students for a fee waiver. Graduate students who have their fees waived will be ineligible for all GSA services.

Discount AMC Movie Tickets
2025-03-03
GSA will have discount AMC Movie Tickets available for sale on March 3rd at the UB Ticket Office (online or in 221 Student Union) for $5 each. 1 per UB ID. Tickets can be used for all movies at AMC theatre locations. Limited quantity available. First come, first served.
*PLEASE MAKE SURE TO PICK UP YOUR PHYSICAL TICKET(S) FROM THE UB TICKET OFFICE IN 221 STUDENT UNION. THE EMAILED TICKET IS ONLY A VOUCHER AND WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR ADMISSION BY THE VENDOR.
**All sales are non-refundable**

March Board of Directors Meeting
2025-03-05 18:00 - 21:00 | Online via Zoom
The March 5th Board of Directors meeting will be held online via Zoom. GSA Board of Directors meetings are open to the public, but only designated representatives from Departmental and International clubs may vote. Sign-in begins at 6:00pm so that the meeting can begin promptly at 6:30pm. Once the meeting begins no one else will be admitted for attendance purposes.
PLEASE NOTE: Every club will need to email Stephanie at slfrank@buffalo.edu no later than 12:00pm on Wednesday, March 5th with who will be attending the meeting on the club’s behalf so that eligible representatives can be verified in advance. Once representatives are verified they will be sent the Zoom meeting link and password directly, along with some instructions on how the meeting will be managed, in order to be able to participate and vote. Only previously verified representatives will be admitted to participate in the Zoom meeting.
For attendance purposes each Special Interest Club may have one representative participate directly in the Zoom meeting, but they will not have voting privileges. Additional special requests for guests and/or speakers to be admitted may be sent to gsa-feedback@buffalo.edu.
The meeting will also be live streamed via GSA’s Facebook Page for anyone else that is interested in watching the meeting without voting privileges or an official attendance record, as meetings are open to the public.

Explore Careers in Non-Profit Leadership
2025-03-06 09:00 - 10:00 | 259 Capen Hall, Buffalo, New York, 14260
Are you interested in learning what it’s like to work for a nonprofit organization in a management or executive-level position? Join us for a casual conversation over coffee with local nonprofit leaders who are eager to share their experiences. This is a great opportunity to network, ask questions, and gain insights into the world of nonprofit leadership.
Featuring:

Cindi McEachon – CEO, Peaceprints of WNY
Kimberly Kadziolka – Executive Director, Parent Network of WNY
Rene Petties-Jones – President & CEO, National Federation for Just Communities
Emily Mahoney – CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara, and the Southern Tier
Laura Dawidowicz – Director, Client Relations, Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo

When: March 6
Time: 9 AM – 10 AM
Location: 259 Capen Hall (Career Design Studio), North Campus
Register HERE

The Wiz at Shea's Performing Arts Center
2025-03-07 19:30 - 22:30 | Shea’s Performing Arts Center, 646 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
Tickets on sale February 10th at 9:00am at the UB Ticket Office (online or at 221 Student Union) for $25 each (regularly $63). 2 per UB ID. Limited quantity available. First come, first served.
ANNOUNCEMENT- Those students who purchase tickets for The Wiz will NOT be eligible to purchase tickets for Shucked

**DIGITAL ADMISSION TICKETS WILL BE EMAILED OUT 24 HOURS PRIOR TO SHOW TIME. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE EMAILED TICKET FROM THE UB TICKET OFFICE IS ONLY A VOUCHER, AND WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR ADMISSION BY THE VENDOR.**
**For ticketing/seating questions or requests, please contact the GSA Programming Coordinator (gsa-programming@buffalo.edu) prior to the ticket distribution. All requests will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis.**
**All sales are non-refundable**

Distinguished Speaker Series presents Damar Hamlin
2025-03-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Center for the Arts, Center for the Arts, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, United States
Damar Hamlin

Buffalo Bills Safety | Commotio Cordis Survivor

Free tickets available for graduate students starting Thursday, February 13th through the UB Ticket Office. 1 per UB ID.
Public Ticket Information

Thurs., Mar. 13, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Center for the Arts
UB North Campus

More About Damar Hamlin

Damar Hamlin (born March 24, 1998, in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania) is an American football safety for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Pittsburgh and was selected by the Bills in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Hamlin spent most of his rookie season as a backup before becoming a starter in 2022 following a season-ending injury to Micah Hyde.
Hamlin, a true champion both on and off the field, has left an indelible mark through his remarkable journey of resilience and philanthropy. In 2023, Hamlin launched the CPR Tour, a groundbreaking initiative through the Chasing M’s Foundation. This tour has equipped over 1,200 individuals with life-saving skills, provided 170 AEDs to communities in need, and catalyzed legislative change in 12 states.
Notably, Hamlin established the Heroes Scholarship in Cincinnati, honoring the medical workers pivotal to his recovery. This scholarship not only pays tribute to their dedication but also supports the next generation of healthcare heroes.
Hamlin and the foundation extend their impact through various initiatives, including football clinics, back-to-school drives, the annual toy drive, Thanksgiving drives, and health and wellness programs. These efforts reflect Hamlin’s commitment to fostering positive change in communities.
In 2024, Hamlin and the foundation plan to expand the CPR Tour to five U.S. cities and internationally to Europe, Asia and Africa. This visionary step underscores Hamlin’s global perspective and the foundation’s commitment to making a difference on a broader scale, bringing life-saving skills to communities around the world.
Accolades such as the 2023 PFWA Halas Award, Comeback Player of the Year, the 2023 Alan Page Community Award and the 2023 Ed Block Courage Award underscore Hamlin’s impact. Since January 2, 2023, he has become a dedicated advocate for increasing awareness of CPR training and AED access.
Hamlin is driven by a profound purpose, channeling his experience into programs that encourage young people to pursue their dreams. In every sense, Hamlin is not just an athlete but a champion who inspires and uplifts those around him.

GISA Holi
2025-03-14 18:30 - 22:30 | 145 Student Union

Deadline for April Conference Funding Applications
2025-03-15
All applications for Conference Funding for conferences during the month of April are due by the close of business at 4:30pm.
The GSA Conference Funding Application is now available as an online form on GSA’s UBLinked page. Please note that you must be signed in to UBLinked and “Join” as a member of GSA in order to be able to access the form on the Homepage.

Spring Break
2025-03-17 - 2025-03-22

GSA on Summer Hours
2025-03-17 - 2025-03-20
Spring Break: GSA Office open Monday – Thursday 8:30am – 4:00pm, closed on Friday, March 21st.

May-July Group Funding Applications Deadline
2025-03-19
Application materials are due for Special Activities, Interdepartmental Activities, Symposium and Community Outreach funding for events occurring after the April Board of Directors meeting. All application materials due by the close of business at 4:00pm.

GSA Closed
2025-03-21
