What You Need to Know about Remote Instruction
As Buffalo State College moves to remote teaching and learning on March 30 in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the campus community has been working together to provide as many resources as possible to ensure that the transition goes smoothly.
While this is not an easy time, Buffalo State is committed to helping its students and faculty succeed. Here are some things you should know as the campus virtually resumes the spring 2020 semester.
Regular Updates
Buffalo State is committed to providing the campus community with regular updates as the situation evolves and information becomes available. The college will continue to send campus updates through e-mail and has established a Coronavirus Information website. Please check the page regularly for updates, FAQs, and additional resources.
Remote Instruction
Remote instruction begins Monday, March 30. The following resources, tips, and advice are available to help get you started and keep you going with distance learning.
For Students: Keep Learning.
Students should use the Keep Learning website to find resources about how to best manage this new learning environment. The site is a one-stop link to the learning tools that Buffalo State provides, as well as some ideas for Internet access and information about software options and support.
For Faculty: Keep Teaching.
Faculty members are encouraged to use the Academic Continuity website resources throughout the remainder of the semester. In addition to information on Blackboard, student learning needs, and communication tools, the Keep Teaching website offers tips, workshops, and further guidance on a number of topics.
Library Resources
While Butler Library is closed, library services and resources are available online. StudyQuad remains open with limited hours via Bengal ID access.
·Library Online Resources and Off-Campus Access
·Reference Librarian: Chat online with a librarian or submit research questions online.
Academic Commons Services
Academic Commons remains the central source for advising, tutoring, and other academic support services to help students succeed. The services Academic Commons offers will still be available and provided to students remotely.
Facilities and Cleaning
Buffalo State is doing its part to reduce density and limit the spread of COVID-19. Many campus offices are physically closed, and all nonessential employees have been telecommuting since March 17. Buffalo State’s faculty and staff members have been navigating the changes of working remotely to respond to questions and meet the support needs of our students and community virtually.
The campus is following guidance from state and local health officials, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which urges all Americans to avoid nonessential gatherings of any size. Students, faculty, and staff members are encouraged to explore virtual options for any meetings or events moving forward.
Student gatherings of any kind, whether in a friend’s residence hall room, common space, or off-campus home, are discouraged. In order to keep themselves and the campus community safe, students should limit their contact with others and stay in their individual rooms, apartments, or homes as much as possible. The best way to protect yourself and limit the spread of COVID-19 is by limiting physical contact with others and maintaining at least a 6-foot distance when you must leave your homes or residence halls.
Buffalo State custodial staff members continue to be vigilant and follow enhanced cleaning and sanitizing protocols. These include a heightened focus on high-touch surfaces and high-volume areas. Buffalo State has been using Virex, a hospital-grade virucide, to clean and disinfect since well before the COVID-19 pandemic. Virex has been listed by the Environmental Protection Agency as a disinfectant for use against viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19.
Student Support
Student Affairs is here for students and remains committed to their well-being, whether they are completing remote instruction on or off campus.
Student Leadership and Engagement has virtual programming scheduled on a variety of platforms, such as social media and Blackboard. Programming will be archived. Connect with Life at Buff State on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay up-to-date on daily programs.
The campus shuttle is running; please check the University Police website for updates.
The Weigel Wellness Center and the Counseling Center remain open and available to students. Students who suspect they are experiencing coronavirus symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, or respiratory distress) should isolate themselves and call the Weigel Wellness Center immediately at (716) 878-6711. Students should not go to the clinic if they have symptoms but should call first and await instructions from a Weigel staff member. During evenings and weekends, students should call the after-hours nurse line at (866) 710-1002.
Buffalo State Dining has switched to a delivery-service model, and on-campus students with meal plans can place orders through the daily order form distributed by Residence Life. Off-campus students who are not receiving order forms should e-mail Joshua Ungaro, Chartwells marketing manager.
Photo by Bruce Fox, campus photographer.
