Oct 8 & 9 - Social Justice Festival presentations
October 8
Sophia’s Legacy Holocaust, Genocide and Conflict Education in the Classroom
12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Social Hall, Campbell Student Union
Engage in lessons from Sophia’s Legacy program, which shares tools in bringing challenging topics into the classroom, inspired by the powerful story of Holocaust survivor, Sophia Veffer. Presenters: Dr. Andrew Hashey, Leigh-Anne Hendrick, Jeanette Koncikowski
MHA Mental Health Fair
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Assembly Hall, Campbell Student Union
This hands-on session exploring fun social-emotional games and sensory crafts that support mental well-being. Participants will leave with creative tools to manage stress and boost resilience. Presenters: Nicole Shields, MHA’s Youth Peer Advocates
Find Your Voice! Advocating for Your Rights
3:05 PM to 4:20 PM
Assembly Hall, Campbell Student Union
Feeling overwhelmed by injustice? In this interactive session, you’ll explore creative ways to advocate for what matters most to you and leave with a toolkit of strategies to raise awareness and spark community change. Facilitated by Kim Zittel-Barr's SWK302 students.
October 9
Trauma Healing & Restorative Practices
10:50 AM to 12:05 PM
Social Hall, Campbell Student Union
This workshop introduces restorative, trauma-healing practices to reconnect with our Core Self—the wise, good, and powerful part of each of us. Through small group circles and reflection, participants will explore strategies for healing, healthy relationships, and belonging. Presenter: Andrew Prinzing Presented by the Criminal Justice Department
Building and Sustaining a Sense of Community at Buffalo State
1:40 PM to 2:55 PM
Social Hall, Campbell Student Union
In this interactive session, you’ll take the Sense of Community Index 2 (SCI-2) to reflect on your own experiences, and discover your role in shaping a strong, inclusive, values-driven community at Buffalo State. Presenters: Dr. Kelly Frothingham, Dr. Wendy Paterson, Provost & VP for Academic Affairs, Dr. Amitra Wall
They Not Like Us: The Social Neuroscience of Belonging
4:30 PM to 5:45 PM
Social Hall, Campbell Student Union
This session explores the psychological and neural mechanisms that underlie “us vs. them” attitudes, prejudice, and the human need to belong. It examines how these dynamics emerge and considers strategies for reducing intergroup barriers and fostering connection. Presenter: Dr. Gehan Senthinathan
Oct 9 - Social Justice Advocacy Community Poster Forum
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Northland Workforce Training Center
683 Northland Avenue, Buffalo
With Professor Steven Maisonet: Please join and share in supporting the Buffalo State University Social Work Department – Social Justice Advocacy Students for an engaging evening of networking and community building as they raise awareness about local WNY social justice advocacy. This is a free and public event! Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. *This is part of their Advocacy Action Project
Oct 16 - Corrections: Myth v. Reality - Peaceprints of WNY
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Bulger 423
Peaceprints of WNY is a nationally recognized leader in reentry services. Peaceprints is on the front lines of the social justice and racial equity movement; existing to disrupt and put an end to the cycle of incarceration that plagues our region. They offer a range of personalized services, programs, and resources designed to meet each individual where they are on their transformation: Transitional & Supportive Housing, Adult & Youth Reentry, Mentoring & Advocacy, and a Community Food Pantry. Sponsored by the Criminal Justice Department
Oct 21 - Teacher Tailgate
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Campbell Student Union Social Hall
An annual open house gathering of education students, staff, and faculty to extend relationships across academic boundaries and share information and opportunities with teacher candidates as well as guests from other disciplines who are interested in exploring education at Buffalo State. Sponsored by the Professional Development Partnerships Consortium
Oct 21 - Corrections: Myth v. Reality - Ted Conover
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Bulger 423
This presentation will center on Conover's New York Times bestseller, "New Jack," outlining the year he worked as a corrections officer at Sing Sing. Initially hoping to conduct interviews, Ted was denied access by NYS Dept. of Corrections so he passed the NYS Corrections Officer exam in order to complete his research. The discussion will provide an honest portrayal of a maximum security prison, from the perspectives of both the inmates and staff. Sponsored by the Criminal Justice Department
Oct 23 - Build It and They Will Come? Understanding the Emergence of an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem for Semiconductors in WNY
12:15 PM to 1:30 PM
Campbell Student Union, Room 414
In this session, Kathleen Burke of the Stockholm School of Economics will present a case analysis and methodological approach grounded in the entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) framework, contributing to ongoing debates about the boundaries, formation, and dynamics of EEs. Sponsored by the Business, Economics & Public Administration Department
Oct 23 - Spotlight on Domestic Violence
begins at 5:30 PM
Alumni and Visitor Center
667 Grant Street, Buffalo
To honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Erie County Coalition Against Family Violence (ECCAFV) will be hosting their annual event at Buffalo State's Alumni Center, in partnership with the Social Work Department. Join us in supporting Survivors and learn about community resources.
Oct 28 - Shakira Kennedy, of the National Association of Social Workers
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Bulger 217
The Executive Director, Dr. Shakira Kennedy, of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) NYS Chapter is doing a listening tour across the state and will be coming to Buffalo State to meet with social work students, hear what is on their minds, and share information about the professional organization, NASW. Social Work students are encouraged to attend. Sponsored by the Social Work Department
Oct 30 - Shine the Light on Mental Health Walk
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Rockwell Hall
Join us to raise awareness about mental health! The event will begin on the steps of Rockwell Hall (facing Elmwood Ave). Participants will receive a Bengal-orange glow-in-the-dark bracelet for the walk to Caudell Hall's lobby area. After the walk, students will be encouraged to "trick-or-treat" at loeal mental health agency tables to learn about their services & get treats. Refreshments will be provided. Costumes not required.
Nov 5 & 6 - Shadow Days
Sponsored by the Social Justice Department
November 5
12:30 PM to 2:30 PM or 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Buffalo State campus
Transfer & non-traditional students can choose to attend one of two sessions to meet with Admissions, Financial Aid, and Social Work faculty. Shadow Day includes an overview of the Social Work program, a brief tour of campus, and the opportunity to sit in on part of a social work class.
November 6
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Buffalo State campus
High school students & their parents are invited to attend. Participants will get time to hear from current social work students and ask questions about the social work program and college life at Buffalo State, while parents receive an overview of the program and meet with a representative from Admissions and Financial Aid.
Nov 7 - HESAA Turns 55!
The Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration (HESAA) program is celebrating its 55th anniversary and invites members of the campus community to participate in the HESAA Professional Development Institute. More details may be found via: https://hea.buffalostate.edu/hesaa-pdi
Nov 20 - Community Organizing
begins at 6:00 PM
Bulger 217
Buffalo State's Social Work Alumni, Alicia Yeager Alleyway (c/o 2017), will discuss her advocacy work in the local community. Join us to learn about community organizing and local efforts. This event is organized by Dr. Kim Zittel-Barr. Sponsored by the Social Work Department
Upcoming SEP Events
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