Where can a student get academic advice? Who is the student's academic advisor?
More info

Students should start with UB's Student Advising Services or their academic advisor for help:
– working with faculty
– developing an academic plan
– staying on track
– maximizing their undergraduate education
– applying to a major

There are 12 academic advising units on campus that serve undergraduate students. Find an academic advisor .

Where can a student get help with a class? Is tutoring available?
–As soon as a student doesn't understand something, the student should immediately speak with the professor and/or teaching assistant (TA), either after class or during office hours. (All faculty hold office hours, which are listed on the syllabus/course outline that they distribute at the first class.)
–The student should make use of free Tutoring Services .
–The student may also choose to contact the academic department to inquire about the possibility of obtaining a paid tutor. Often, a few sessions with a tutor can set a student on the right path, making it a worthwhile investment.

Where can a student go for assistance choosing (or changing) a major?
Career Services and Student Advising Services offer one-on-one support and other resource help with major and career decision-making. Professors are also a valuable source of advice.

What are some ways to manage the transition from college to high school?
For more information

The transition from high school to college can be challenging for some students, including:
–Learning to self-advocate, think critically, and utilize campus resources and support services
–Practicing effective time management and study skills
–Knowing how to be responsible for one's own finances
–Understanding and adjusting to the differences between:
    –High school teachers and college faculty
    –Testing and grading in college versus high school
–Figuring out how to responsibly embrace new-found independence
–Making friends
–Getting involved

How does a student drop or resign from a class? Are there deadlines?
For more info: Student Response Center

Yes, there are deadlines. Before dropping or resigning from a class, students should meet with their academic advisor and the professor to discuss ramifications and possible alternatives.

If a student has a disability, where can he/she go for assistance?
For more info: Accessibility Resources

Students with disabilities should register with Accessibility Resources. This office will coordinate accommodations to ensure UB's programs are accessible to all students.

If a student is ill and misses classes, what should they do?
The student should email his/her professors, explain the situation, and determine how to make up the work. If the student is too ill to notify the faculty, a family member should contact one of the following and request that they notify the student's professors:
– Student's academic advisor
– Office of Judicial Affairs & Student Advocacy

How does a student track his/her academic performance?
For more info: Student Advising Services

Students need to carefully monitor their progress in each course throughout the semester. Mid-way through a student's first semester at UB, professors are asked to submit mid-semester grade indicators , which include MS (satisfactory) and MU (unsatisfactory) indicators along with the standard letter grades. These grades are then transmitted to students. If a student receives enough unsatisfactory grades, the student's academic advisor also receives a copy of the grades. It is very important for students who receive any unsatisfactory indicators to immediately meet with the professor(s) and the academic advisor to develop strategies for improvement.

How do students obtain their grades?
Students may access their grades for a specific semester, or a complete record of their grades, in one of two ways:
1. The student should visit his/her HUB Student Center (via MyUB).
2. The student should request a transcript at the Student Response Center, 232 Capen Hall, or by following the instructions to request an official transcript online .

How can parents/family members obtain a student's grades?
The university complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to protect the privacy of students and, as a policy, does not release academic records, including grades, to parents or family members. UB expects students to assume full responsibility for their academic progress, including appropriate communication with their families. More on FERPA .

What is academic probation?
More info

Academic probation is an undergraduate student status in which a student is determined not to be making timely progress toward a degree. A student on academic probation is a candidate for dismissal from the university.

How do students qualify for the Dean's List?
More info

Students who earn at least a 3.6 GPA during a semester in which they complete at least 15 credit hours (12 of which are letter graded) are named to the Dean's List.

Should parents contact professors to discuss a students' academic performance?
Whenever students are concerned about academic progress or have questions regarding a class, parents should encourage them to follow-up directly with the professor. We do not advise parents to contact professors. It is very important for students to develop good relationships with their professors.

How can a student find a part-time job on campus?
Career Services helps UB students find part-time, seasonal jobs, or internships.

When and how should a student start thinking about a career?
Students should start thinking about a career as early as their first semester. Career Services helps students choose a major, explore career options, find employment or internships, and apply to graduate or professional schools.
Career Services also offers resources and tools to help students:
– Investigate interests and skills, using self-assessment tools
– Explore career paths and search for jobs using our on-line resources
– Build workplace skills by taking a career-focused Life & Learning Workshop

How can parents help with a student's career search?
Parents can help students make their own decisions by being supportive even when their career direction may not seem viable. Parents can share their experiences with other UB students by getting involved as a mentor.

How safe is UB?
UB is considered among the safest campuses in the nation. View UB's crime statistics.

What is UB doing to keep our campus community safe?
University Police provides a safe, friendly, and welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors to live, learn, work, and play. University Police Officers are highly trained professionals with full authority to enforce all state and local laws along with university regulations.

Does the University have an emergency plan?
Yes. UB has a campus-wide emergency plan and Incident Command System. The emergency plans encompass:
– All buildings, buses/shuttles and common areas
– Every major university functional area
– Academic, public and residential areas
– Trained university personnel
– Training and mock emergency exercises involving campus and local emergency responders
– Specialized training in emergency protocols for University Police and occupational/environmental personnel

How will UB communicate with the campus community during an emergency?
More info

In an emergency, the university will employ various methods to communicate with the campus community.

Does UB offer safety service to accompany students around campus at night?
More info

Yes. SBI Safety Services provides a walk service on both campuses along with a van service on South Campus.

Is computing help available?
CIT Help Desk - Computing Help
214 Lockwood
(716)645-3542
cit-helpdesk@buffalo.edu
helpdesk.buffalo.edu

Campus retail store for computer software, hardware and repair: UBMicro IT Support Services
UB Commons
(716)645-3554
www.ubmicro.buffalo.edu

What is the process to register for courses? Are there deadlines?
More info , registrar.buffalo.edu/registration/index.php

Registration for classes takes place during specific periods of time. For the fall and spring semesters, students are able to begin registering during their designated registration window/enrollment appointment . For summer sessions, registration typically begins in mid-March.

When does the university close for holidays?
More info

How do we find financial aid information?
Visit the Office of Financial Aid .

When does UB send tuition bills?
UB no longer sends paper tuition bills : . Students receive electronic billing statements (eBill). University eBill notifications are sent to the student's @buffalo.edu email address. The billing schedule for each semester is posted online: .

What meal plans are available?
More info

Can a student change his/her meal plan?
Fall meal plans may be changed through the first week of classes. Changes for the spring semester must be made before the semester starts. Changes may be made online or in person at the UB Card Office, 228 Student Union.

How can I order a gift, care package or birthday cake for my student?
Send a "Greeting from Home"

What if a student loses his/her UB Card?
Deactivate it here

The student should take action immediately. until it has been properly deactivated. Students can deactivate a UB Card:
– Online or
– By calling (716) 645-6344 during business hours OR 1-800-lost UB1 (567-8821), after hours.

What is the difference between Dining Dollars and Campus Cash?
More info

– Dining Dollars is a tax-free debit account that can be used instead of cash for food and beverage purchases in the residential dining halls, food courts, snack bars, vending machines, and university convenience stores.
– Campus Cash , which is separate from the Dining Dollars portion of student meal plans, is a taxable debit account used for items, such as books, toiletries, and more.

What health and medical services are available on campus?
All registered UB students have access to comprehensive health, counseling, and wellness education services through these offices:
– Health Services : Comprehensive medical services
– Counseling Services : Individual and group counseling
– Wellness Education Services : Wellness programs

Is a meningitis vaccine necessary?
More info

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the American College Health Association recommend that college students consider the meningitis vaccine, which offers some protection against bacterial meningitis. College students, particularly students who live in residence halls, are at increased risk for meningitis. In New York State students are not required to have the vaccine, but they are required to certify that they have received education about meningitis along with the availability of the vaccine.

Does the University require students to have health insurance?
More info

UB requires all full-time domestic students and all international students to have adequate accident and sickness insurance to supplement the services provided by the Student Wellness Team and to provide coverage for the cost of medical expenses both on and off campus.

If a student is on a parent's health insurance, can he/she still use UB's Health Center?
More info, healthinsurance.buffalo.edu

Yes, all registered UB students have access to the care provided by Health Services regardless of insurance coverage. Medical appointments are covered by the mandatory Comprehensive Fee included in the tuition bill. Please note that costs for lab work, prescriptions, and specialty care incurred as a result of the visit are the responsibility of the student (and/or the student's personal health insurance)

How do we get proof of enrollment for insurance purposes?
Contact Enrollment and Degree Verification at the Student Response Center

What is Alcohol EDU?
More info

AlcoholEDU is a three-hour, online, research-based course that is required of all new UB students. Whether or not students drink, AlcoholEDU will help them make healthier and safer decisions and balance their social and academic life. Students receive information about this course at Orientation and through direct mail.

Does UB offer counseling services on campus?
More info

Yes. Counseling Services is located in Richmond Quad, North Campus, and in Michael Hall, South Campus. Students often come to Counseling for help with concerns, both large and small, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, chemical use, assault or abuse, sexual identity, relationship conflicts, grief, academic stress, family issues, and more.

Where should students go if they have a problem in the residence halls or on-campus apartments?
More info

– Residence Halls: students should start with their Resident Advisor (RA), who lives in the residence hall.
– On-campus Apartments: students should contact their Community Assistant (CA), who lives in the apartment complex.
– Other assistance includes residence hall directors and apartment complex directors.
– Contact information for the professional staff in the residence halls and on-campus apartments is available online .

What if roommates don't get along?
More info

If roommates are having challenges living together, they should discuss it with the residence life department staff. They are there to help.

What if a student needs something repaired in their room?
Students should file work orders here: tmaweb.urh.buffalo.edu:300/

How do students report an emergency in a residence hall or an on-campus apartment?
More info , Upolice.buffalo.edu

– If the emergency is building-related (i.e., no power, no heat, excessive amounts of water, etc.), students should call (716) 645-5440, Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
– After hours, students should contact their hall or on-campus apartment office.
– Contact information for the residence hall and apartment offices may be found online .
– In a campus emergency, students should call University Police at (716) 645-2222 or pick up any blue light emergency phone .

What's the best way to send / receive mail?
Students are assigned a mailbox in their Area Mail and Package Center. When a package arrives, a student is notified with a slip in his/her mailbox to pick up the package in his/her Area Mail and Package center. Students must present package slip and I.D. to claim packages.

What should students who are considering moving off campus know before seeking off-campus housing?
For more info:
Tips for Living Off Campus - www.livingoffcampus.buffalo.edu
Off Campus Student Resident Task Force - www.ehs.buffalo.edu/offcampus
Off-Campus Housing office (Sub-Board I) - www.offcampushousing.buffalo.edu
Check Out Your Landlord - www.apartmentratings.com/rate/NY-Buffalo.html
Legal Assistance (Sub-board I) - www.legalassistance.buffalo.edu
Landlord/Tenant Rights - subboard.com/legal/information_packets/landlord-tenant_rights.asp

Each spring, some students choose to make the transition from the close-knit residence halls to independent living off campus. Students are often surprised by the differences between being a residence hall floor-mate and an off-campus neighbor. Before committing to off-campus housing, students need to understand the challenges of independent living, so that they are better able to protect their own interests and hopefully have a positive experience. Before seeking off-campus housing, students should consult Off-Campus Student Services .

Who can parents contact if they have questions or concerns?
More info

Parent Advisory Service - (716)645-6125 (Local), (877)434-0665 (Toll Free), email

When parents or family members have a question or concern and don't know where to go, they should contact the Parent Advisory Service for information, advice, and referrals.

What is the best way for parents to keep in touch with UB?
These sources will help you stay in tune with UB:

UB News Center
     -Subscribe: www.buffalo.edu/news/news-direct-page.html?type=public
General UB Information 645-2000
Emergencies
     On-campus: University Police (upolice.buffalo.edu) - (716)645-2222
           Or pick up any emergency blue light phone.
     Off-Campus - 911
Alumni News
Athletics
Spectrum - Student Newspaper
UB in the Community
UB 2020
UB Believers
UB Parent Association
UB Reporter

Student Support
Division of Student Affairs (www.student-affairs.buffalo.edu) - (716)645-2982, 520 Capen (North Campus)
   – Information Desk (Student Union Lobby)
   – Residence Hall or Apartment staff
   – Any Student Affairs Office
Student Response Center (sarfs.buffalo.edu/src.php ) - (716)645-2450

What is the Parent Newsletter?
Members of the Parent Association receive our monthly (second Wednesday of every month, September though May) parent e-newsletter, which is full of tips and updates to help parents support their students.

To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change your contact information:
Visit - parent.buffalo.edu/registration/

What is the Parent Fund?
More info, ubfoundation.buffalo.edu/giving/general/

Contact: Kristen Brill, Constituency Relations, kbrill@buffalo.edu

The UB Parent Fund was created to support programs that extend a student's learning beyond the classroom. Funds support programs to teach students how to plan, stay healthy and lead fulfilling lives. Please consider an investment in UB – while your son or daughter is here to benefit from your generosity. There is no better way to stay involved in a student's college experience. Make a gift online .

What is the Parent Association?
More info

Well-informed parents have a stronger, more positive impact on their student's college experience. Stay well-informed as a member of UB's Parent Association. There is no cost to join. Members receive a monthly e-newsletter the second Wednesday of every month (September through May). The newsletter is full of tips and tools to help your student succeed and to help you support your student and stay involved at UB. Members also receive discounts on certain purchases at the university and have an opportunity to give us feedback on UB programs.

What should students know about parking?
A valid permit is required to park on UB Campuses Monday through Friday, from 7 am to 3 pm,. First-year students living on campus may park only in their residence hall lot or in a Park and Ride Lot from 7 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday. Resident first-year students use campus buses and shuttles to go between campuses and to get around each campus.

How does a student get a parking permit?
Students register for a parking permit online through MyUB. Students need their vehicle information, including the license plate number. They can show their ID and pick up their permit at 102 Spaulding Quad, North Campus, or 104 Harriman Hall, South Campus. Prior to the fall semester, a mail option is also available. There is no charge for a parking permit.

What campus transportation is available?
More info

The UB Stampede bus service connects the North and South Campuses; shuttles travel on each campus; and paratransit shuttle service transports students with disabilities. Buses and shuttles run every 5 to 10 minutes during peak periods, Monday through Friday, during the academic year, and every 30 to 60 minutes on weekends, university recess periods, and in the summer. Mall/Market Bus Service is available for shopping trips twice a week.

How can students get around without a car?
– In addition to UB's buses and shuttles, Zipcar provides students with a car when they need it. Gas, insurance, and 24-hour roadside assistance is included in membership.
– The Holiday Express Bus Home gets students home for Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks, traveling to New York City, Albany, Syracuse, and Rochester.

Is there transportation downtown?
More info

Students can get to downtown Buffalo in one of two ways:
1. Blue Line Shuttle from Main Circle on South Campus to the NFTA Allen Street Medical Campus Station (Monday through Friday only) or
2. NFTA Metro Rail from the station on South Campus (any day)

How does a student get taxicab service?
More info

Buffalo Transportation Inc. is the University's Campus Cash partner. Buffalo Transportation accepts cash or Campus Cash and will travel within the metro area including the airport and bus station.

What's happening on campus?
More info

How does a student get involved on campus?
More info

– Learn about opportunities for campus involvement
– Student Programming Board
– Undergraduate Student Association (SA)
– The Student Life Office
– UB Athletics (as a spectator or participant)

What is Sub-Board I?
More info

Sub-Board I is a not-for-profit corporation founded by UB students and owned by UB’s student governments. Sub-Board I provides the following services.
– Clinical Lab
– Health Education (including SBI Safety Services)
– Off-Campus Housing
– Student Medical Insurance
– WRUB Radio
– Legal Assistance
– Pharmacy
– Ticket Office

Where can we learn about fraternities and sororities?
More info

What are Life & Learning Workshops?
More info

Life & Learning Workshops offer free, convenient student workshops that support student success in the classroom and beyond. Workshop topics include:
– Academics and Study Skills
– Wellness & Recreation
– Interpersonal Relationships
– Diversity
– Leaders
– Careers