College students' eating habits can usually be compared to those of starving animals-they'll eat anything you put in front of them and may bite off your hand if you get too close. They don't even use utensils let alone know the difference between a salad and dinner fork. But as graduation approaches and the reality of interview lunches and business dinners approach, they realize that proper manners must be learned. That's why Buffalo State College is holding "Manners Matter: The In's And Out's Of Professional Etiquette," its first "mocktail" party and etiquette dinner, which will be held on Nov. 7 at 5 p.m. at the Fireside Lounge in Campbell Student Union.

The seven-course gourmet dinner will include plenty of eating challenges along with professional etiquette experts to teach students how to handle these situations. The focus of the event is to teach students the importance of making positive first impressions and how to network and mingle during business meals as well as how to manage a place setting and how to use utensils correctly.

The event is sponsored by the Buffalo State College Faculty-Student Association, Career Development Center, Hospitality and Tourism Department, National Society for Minorities in Hospitality, Auxiliary Services and Buffalo State Dining Services.