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Hi Buff families,ÌýÌý

Happy New Year! I hope you have had a wonderful start to this winter season and were able to relax and enjoy quality time with your Buff. Post break, I am excited to welcome all our students back for the spring semester and the second half of our academic year together.Ìý

For many of us, January is all about setting goals, getting organized and preparing for the journey ahead. With classes beginning this week, I encourage students to take some time and think about what they would like to accomplish or work toward over the next few months. Maybe it is trying a new study technique, landing a summer internship or discovering new communities to be a part of. Whatever their intentions may be, we are here to help them in the Division of Student Affairs.ÌýÌýÌýÌý

One thing for students to consider this semester is how they can take a step outside of their comfort zone and try something new. This practice often relates to other goals or aspirations that students might have. Depending on your Buff's plans, here are a few examples of what this could look like:Ìý

• Attending a career workshop to get tips on starting an internship or job search.ÌýÌý
• Joining a student organization to meet new friends.Ìý
• Visiting faculty office hours this week to meet their professors and build rapport.Ìý
• Applying for a part-time job on campus.Ìý
• Trying a new fitness class at the Rec Center during Spring Kickoff.Ìý
• Volunteering for a cause that is important to them.Ìý
• Participating in a leadership program.Ìý
• Checking out student events to have fun and meet fellow Buffs.ÌýÌý

New experiences offer an opportunity to learn and grow and students strive to meet their objectives. These moments can help shape their overall experience at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ, and it is often worth it to take that leap! I encourage you to check in with your Buff and ask them what they plan to try this semester. Ìý

Something new that I am excited about for spring is the grand opening of the Alienware Buffalo Esports & Gaming Lounge. Located on the first floor of the University Memorial Center (UMC), the full-scale gaming space will be outfitted with 17 Alienware gaming desktop stations, three Alienware gaming laptops, a varsity esports training area, a broadcast studio, console games and a tabletop game space. Cultivating a sense of belonging and connection is critical to our students’ success, and I am proud that we are providing an additional space on campus for our students to gather, meet peers with similar interests and engage during their free time.ÌýÌý

Please encourage your student (particularly if they are a gamer) to attend the on Thursday, Jan. 25, to check out the lounge and enjoy free food and giveaways. I look forward to seeing them there!Ìý

°Â²¹°ù³¾±ô²â,ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý
Dr. D’Andra MullÌýÌýÌýÌý
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs