The Daily Bulletin

The eclipse is just a few days away! We are expecting a vibrant campus with many events and visitors to Buffalo State University. United Students Government is hosting a student event in the Plaza; the main public event—Eclipse Fest—takes place at Coyer Field; and there will be a private event in the Science and Mathematics Complex. Here are a few reminders and updates as we approach this exciting event.

Staffing Reminders
While Buffalo State has canceled classes on Eclipse Day, state offices, including SUNY campuses, are expected to be open April 8; however, campuses in the path of totality are encouraged to allow as many individuals as possible to telecommute to lessen the volume of traffic on the roads while keeping campuses open and providing for continuity of all university services. Supervisors should consider the essential status of employees and whether they can telecommute where operations permit. Supervisor approval is required in advance for remote work. If employees cannot telecommute, supervisors are encouraged to be as liberal as possible with those who want to take time off and charge accruals April 8.

Supervisors must review their department operational plans with their respective VP this week (if they have not done so already).

Building Access
Please be aware that all buildings—with the exception of Butler Library, the Sports Arena, and the Campbell Student Union—will be locked, with swipe card access only. For more information on accessing buildings, please contact Facilities at (716) 878-6111.

Parking on Campus
We are expecting heavy traffic on and around campus throughout the day. Everyone who plans to come to campus on Eclipse Day is encouraged to arrive early. Please be aware that if our parking lots fill up, the University Police Department plans to restrict access to our campus roads and parking lots.

Eclipse Glasses
Thanks to a collaboration with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, all Buffalo State University students, faculty, and staff members will receive a free pair of eclipse glasses this week. Students can pick up their glasses at the Information Desk in the Campbell Student Union. Faculty and staff members’ glasses will be distributed through their units.

Additional eclipse glasses and viewers with other designs will also be available for sale through the Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium. Please visit the Eclipse website for updates.

Eclipse Fest at Coyer Field—Ticket Required
1:00–5:00 p.m.

• Access to Coyer Field viewing area and party
• Eclipse-related activities and demos for all ages
  ¤ Featuring a guided educational format led by experts from the Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium at Buffalo State
• Entertainment by Buffalo State and Western New York groups
  ¤ Headlined by Buffalo’s own XOXO Pop Band
• Food trucks available noon–5:00 p.m. (not included in ticket price)
• Eclipse swag bag
  ¤ Commemorative Eclipse Fest T-shirt
  ¤ Eclipse Fest reusable shopping bag
  ¤ Eclipse glasses
  ¤ Other eclipse information
  ¤ Bottle of water
  ¤ Two surprise eclipse souvenirs
• Kids Zone with activities for the younger eclipse fans
  ¤ Photo booth
  ¤ Eclipse scavenger hunt
  ¤ Face painting
  ¤ Eclipse viewer activities
• Memories to last a lifetime

Eye Safety
The most important thing to note is that individuals need to protect their eyes and should not look directly at the sun during the eclipse (except during the limited time of totality when the sun is completely covered by the moon—and even then, with caution). Sunglasses will not protect your eyes. If your eyes are exposed to the sun without the appropriate protection, it can cause “eclipse blindness,” which can temporarily or permanently damage your eyes. For more health and safety information, including tips for individual safety for those venturing out to view the eclipse, please visit the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse in New York State health and safety website.