Handbook of Student Policies

Buffalo State requires all students to receive and positively affirm the University's Student Code of Conduct. This section describes the procedures required to complete the affirmation process.

The Code defines student rights, freedoms, and responsibilities as a member of the Buffalo State campus community and identifies conduct that is not permitted. The intent of the Code is to provide students with a due process review of allegations that the Code has been violated and delineates sanctions when guilt has been determined.

Students must follow the procedures described in this policy for resolving academic grievances, including alleged violations of the University and/or course policies or unfair treatment in violation of established academic policy or practice.

All students are expected to display honesty and integrity in completing course requirements and  following academic regulations.  The Academic Misconduct Policy defines the procedures and processes  to be used when allegations of plagiarism, cheating, or other academic misconduct arise.

The University does not have a uniform attendance policy.  Individual faculty members define the attendance requirements for their courses.  This section describes the procedures for students to follow when they wish to provide faculty with notice of absence for legitimate reasons via the Faculty Notification Form.

I. Purpose:

    The Buffalo State campus community is increasingly dependent upon electronic communication among faculty, staff and students. Because of its convenience, cost-effectiveness and speed, e-mail has replaced much of the paper correspondence of the past. Because of this acceptance of and reliance upon electronic communication, e-mail is considered an official form of communication at Buffalo State. A student’s campus-assigned e-mail address will be the only one recognized by the campus for official mailings.

While students have had access to campus e-mail for some time, this policy is intended to ensure that students effectively utilize this efficient form of campus communication.

II. Summary:

This policy includes the following guidelines:

• Student e-mail addresses
• Access to e-mail
• Expectations regarding student use of e-mail
• Acceptable use

III. Policy

A. Student e-mail addresses

• Computing and Technology Services (CTS) will assign to all students an official campus e-mail address. All college e-mail communication will be sent to this address, and this official address is the one that will be listed in the Student Directory.

B. Access to e-mail

• CTS will ensure that student e-mail will be accessible from all networked lab computers on campus, and from any off-campus computer with access to the Internet.

C. Expectations regarding student use of e-mail

• Students are expected to check their campus e-mail on a regular basis. The college recommends a minimum of once per week, as some communications (such as assignment-related correspondence from faculty) may be time dependent. Faculty and staff may expect that student's official e-mail addresses are being accessed and may use e-mail for their courses or for providing information to students.

D. Acceptable use

• Students must take all reasonable precautions, including safeguarding and changing passwords, to prevent the use of their e-mail accounts by unauthorized individuals.
• All college use of e-mail will be consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).
• E-mail shall not be the sole method of communication of any legal action.
• E-mail should not be considered appropriate for transmitting sensitive or confidential information.

E. Responsible organization

• Computing and Technology Services will be responsible for this policy.

Community members are reminded that images, postings, dialogues, and information about themselves or others posted on the internet (e.g. on social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) are public information.  This advisory contains guidance regarding the appropriate use of technology and possible consequences for wrongful use.

Buffalo State reserves the right to notify parents or guardians of students under the legal drinking age who have violated campus alcohol and other drug prevention policies.  This section describes the parental notification policy.

This section details procedures to follow when reporting a crime or serious incident to University Police by calling the main University Police number at (716) 878-6333.

Emergency closing information can be obtained at this site.

Visit this web site to learn about and sign up for NY-Alert, a service that sends emergency messages via text, voice, or e-mail.

The university community is subject to state and local usage laws. Specifically, the laws of New York State prohibit anyone under the age of 21 from purchasing alcohol. Furthermore, it is against the law to serve an underage or intoxicated person. These guidelines are designed to recognize current law and to help the campus community apply the law as we plan and conduct programs. Each member of the campus community must take responsibility for obeying the law.

1. Alcoholic beverages may be sold on campus only by licensed and insured vendors as provided in these guidelines.
2. Open alcoholic beverage containers are prohibited in all outdoor and indoor areas of the campus except as provided below. Bringing alcoholic beverages to any event is prohibited.
3. Residence hall students who are 21 or over may consume alcoholic beverages in their living areas. All other residence hall areas shall be alcohol free.
4. Campus departments and sponsored campus/community groups may serve alcoholic beverages under the condition that at least one faculty or staff person shall supervise the event to ensure compliance with state and local laws and the university's alcohol guidelines. Please complete the request form located HERE
5. The United Students’ Government shall forward approved major student events where alcohol will be sold to the dean of students for review of the qualifications of potential alcohol vendors and approval of the planned use of alcohol. Please complete the request form HERE
6. Whenever alcoholic beverages are served, non-alcoholic beverages and food shall also be made available.
7. Alcoholic beverages may be served only in conjunction with the program. They shall not be used as the main attraction of the event.
8. Students who unlawfully use, possess, manufacture, or distribute alcohol will be subject to the university's due process disciplinary procedures. Penalties may include probation, suspension, expulsion, and referral for criminal prosecution.
9. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act provides a penalty of up to $100 per offense for any person under the age of 21 who is in possession of an alcoholic beverage with the intent to consume it. A person under the age of 21 who presents falsified or fraudulently altered proof of age for the purpose of purchasing, or attempting to purchase, alcoholic beverages is guilty of a violation of the act and is subject to a one-year probationary period and fine. A person who uses a falsified driver’s license for the purpose of purchasing, or attempting to purchase, alcoholic beverages may have his or her driver’s license suspended.

Specific questions and comments regarding campus regulations and alcohol-related events should be addressed to the Dean of Students.

Information about campus safety and security is available from the office of University Police, including tips for keeping safe on campus and in the community.

The office of University Police is mandated to protect all members of the campus community by preventing and prosecuting bias or hate crimes that occur within the University’s jurisdiction. This section describes procedures to follow if you are the victim of or witness to alleged hate or bias-related crimes.

The Campus Safety Forum is the University’s advisory committee on campus security and reviews current security policies and procedures and makes recommendations for their improvement, especially with regard to preventing and responding to sexual assault.

1. The unlawful use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances and alcohol on Buffalo State University property, or as part of a university-sponsored activity, is prohibited.
2. Students who unlawfully use, possess, manufacture, or distribute controlled substances will be subject to the university’s due process disciplinary procedures as published in the Student Handbook and distributed once a year in the Record. Penalties may include probation, suspension, expulsion, and referral for criminal prosecution.
3. The penalties for illegal use, possession, or distribution of controlled substances can include prison terms ranging from one year to life, and fines ranging from $100,000 to $4 million.
4. Students convicted of drug distribution or possession may have their eligibility for financial aid suspended.

Where To Get Help On Campus for Alcohol and Drug Related Problems

The Counseling Center, 878-4436, on the 2nd floor of Weigel Health Center, is available for students who need assistance in dealing with drug or alcohol-related problems. Qualified counselors will assist you in problem identification, assessment, and resolution, and, when necessary, referral to qualified rehabilitative programs. (Please refer to the Federal Trafficking Penalties chart. )

Health Risks to Keep in Mind

It is in your best interest to be aware of the health risks you may experience if you choose to abuse alcohol or illicit drugs. Recent information indicates that the long-term effects of alcohol abuse include liver damage, heart disease, ulcers, depression, malnutrition, delirium tremens, cancer of the mouth, stomach and esophagus, brain disease, damage to a developing fetus, and ultimately death.

The negative effects of substance abuse include hallucinations, psychological or physical dependence, heart problems, malnutrition, deterioration of internal organs, depression, comas, confusion, loss of coordination, flashbacks, irrational behavior, hepatitis, convulsions, and loss of judgment.

There is strong evidence that alcohol and illegal substances will harm your chances of success in school and can indeed be life threatening.

This section describes how to obtain information from the annual report of campus crime statistics, as provided to the U.S. Department of Education, through the office of University Police.

University Police and the College Community Relations Advisory Council work with area law enforcement to help provide a safe environment for students, both on- and off-campus.

This section details procedures to follow when reporting a crime or serious incident to University Police by calling the main University Police number at 
716-878-6333.

This website provides students with information about the Federal trafficking penalties applicable to persons found guilty of various drug offenses.

The office of University Police is responsible for the investigation of any violent felony occurring at or on the grounds of the University and for the investigation of any missing student.  Information about the plan for conducting such investigations is available at this website.

This policy outlines the rules for the maintenance of public order (including prohibited conduct), freedom of speech, assembly, picketing and demonstration on campus, along with penalties for violation of the rules.

Buffalo State is committed to the need for proper treatment of all members of the university community. This section describes the University’s discrimination and harassment policy and the procedures to be followed for its implementation.

It is the policy of Buffalo State that no otherwise qualified person with a disability shall, solely by reason of the disability, be excluded from participation in employment or access to programs of the university.  This section describes the policy and identifies resources available to support and assist persons with disabilities.

Under New York State Education Law, no person shall be expelled from, refused admission to, or denied registration for or the right to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study, or work requirements on a particular day or days because of his/her religious beliefs. The complete religious observance policy is available in this document.

Recognition is the process by which the University agrees that a social fraternity or sorority may function on campus, enroll members, and identify with the University. This section defines the policies and procedures to be adhered to by all Greek organizations on campus.

Hazing is illegal in New York State and the university strictly enforces the State's anti-hazing law. The law is described here, along with examples of behavior that constitutes hazing activity.

All students must be in compliance with New York State law regarding immunizations.  Tetanus, measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines; and Tuberculosis tests (PPD) are provided at no charge at the center.  Students must be in compliance to register for classes.

It is the policy of Buffalo State that all buildings and grounds, including indoor and outdoor areas that comprise the Elmwood Ave. campus, and any off-campus affiliated facilities and geographic locations, are to be tobacco-free.

This policy defines student information that may be disclosed by the University for any purpose, at the University's discretion.  This includes student address and telephone information that is displayed in the on-line student directory.  Further information is provided describing how to withhold information from being disclosed in the on-line directory.

Buffalo State University hereby designates the following categories of student information as public or directory information. Such information may be disclosed by the institution for any purpose, at its discretion. 

1. Name, address, e-mail address, telephone number, dates of attendance, part-time/full-time status class, academic advisor.
2. Most recent previous institution attended, major field of study, awards, honors (includes dean's list), degree(s) conferred (including dates).
3. Past and present participation in officially recognized sports and activities, physical factors (height, weight of athletes), date and place of birth, photographs.

Currently enrolled students may withhold disclosure of any category of information under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). To withhold disclosure, written notification must be received in the Registrar's Office, Moot Hall 210, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY  14222-1095. Non-disclosure of information will commence thereafter and be effective for the following year. Written notification to withhold disclosure must be made each year. 

SUNY Buffalo State assumes the failure, on the part of any student, to specifically request the withholding of categories of directory information indicates the individual approval for disclosure.  

This website contains the policies and procedures governing residential life at Buffalo State.  Each residential student and visitor to the residence halls is expected to have knowledge of and abide by the information contained in these policies.

Sexual assault can happen anywhere, at any time, to anyone, male or female. This web site describes the University’s commitment to prosecuting allegations of sexual assault through the student judicial process, defines the legal provisions of New York State law related to crimes of sexual assault and provides guidance on what to do if you are sexually assaulted.

Sexual harassment is an affront to human dignity and will not be tolerated at Buffalo State University.  This website describes the policy and procedure to be followed in responding to allegations of sexual harassment involving students, faculty, and staff.

Buffalo State will take affirmative action to protect persons from judgments related to sexual orientation. This website describes the University’s policy and assistance available to persons who allege discrimination based on sexual orientation.

This website describes the University's policy and procedure with regard to relationships that arise between students and faculty or staff members where one party is in a position of power and authority and appears to abuse that position.

In response to State of New York Executive Order 136 and the SUNY Board of Trustees Resolution on voter registration, Buffalo State University has implemented the following voter registration procedure:

 •   Voter registration forms are available on an ongoing basis at the Campbell Student Union Information Desk and Residence Hall Offices.  Voter registration
      forms will be distributed during all class registrations.

•   Additional information regarding voter registration may be obtained through the Voter Registration Coordinator, Student Leadership and Engagement, 
    CAMB 400, 878-4631.

To ensure the educational integrity of co-curricular activities on campus, the University has established registration procedures for student organizations. Student Organizations include clubs, organizations, fraternities, sororities, and honorary societies. The Student Leadership and Engagement Office is responsible for oversight of the registration process for student organizations and all student organizations must complete the registration process in order to be recognized as an approved student organization.

Recognition procedures are not the same as registration procedures. Recognition procedures of certain organizations are outlined by the appropriate support department and/or student government. Any student organization seeking recognition by the appropriate support department and/or student government must first receive registration approval by the Student Leadership and Engagement Office. The Student Leadership and Engagement Office is responsible for this oversight.

Students are prohibited from affiliating with any purported student organization or group that is not currently registered with the University or has had its University registration withdrawn. For purposes of this policy, affiliation includes but is not limited to joining; recruitment/rushing; engaging in new member initiation/intake/pledging; accepting an offer of membership; residing in facilities that are owned, rented, or controlled by the group; or being involved in any activity that would normally be associated with being a member of the group.

Student organizations found responsible for violating University policy may lose their registration at the discretion of the President or designee of the University. Students found responsible for violating this policy are subject to conduct referral to the University's Judicial System, which may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension or dismissal. Organizations in violation are subject to denial of future registration requests.