More than 100 higher education and student affairs program alumni, faculty, and students are expected to participate in a conference focusing on the theme “Social Justice and Social Agency in the Promotion of Access and Success: The Role of Students Affairs,” Friday, September 9, at the Burchfield Penney Art Center.

The conference, which marks the 15th biennial Student Affairs Professional Development Day, coincides with the Student Personnel Administration Department’s name change to the Higher Education Administration Department (HEA). Following a three-year examination process of how best to reflect the program’s mission, the college officially changed the name of the department on September 1. The HEA Department offers a master of science in higher education students affairs administration (HESAA).

“Student Personnel Administration is simply an antiquated title, but it continues to provide a philosophical foundation for our graduate program and profession,” said Tim Gallineau, interim chair and associate professor of higher education administration. “The new name reflects what the graduate program represents, as it refers to career opportunities and the involvement of our alumni. The response from the alumni, students, and colleagues has been very positive.”

The graduate program has a proud 39-year legacy. Hundreds of its graduates have landed senior level positions locally, regionally, and nationally, and are among the 1,600 alumni who have graduated from the program since its inception in 1970. You don’t have to look far to find them; 68 alumni work right here at Buffalo State, holding leadership roles in the Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Finance and Management, and Institutional Advancement offices.

The Buffalo State program is one of 174 graduate programs in the country that prepares students to work in colleges and universities. Gallineau noted that Buffalo State provides more flexibility for its students than many other programs by offering both full-time and part-time studies.

“So many of our students already work in the profession,” Gallineau said.

Because of their varied work schedules, HESAA students are not required to attend the conference Friday, but are highly encouraged to. “The conference is a great networking opportunity,” Gallineau said.

The conference’s keynote speaker is Vasti Torres, education leadership and policy professor and director of the Center for Postsecondary Research at Indiana University, Bloomington, and president of the American College Personnel Association.

The preregistration cost is $20 for graduate students and $40 for professionals. Registration is available online. Conference attendees can register on-site; however, the cost increases by $10.