University at Buffalo (UB)
The State University
of New York
Undergraduate Education
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Strategic Priorities and Areas of Focus

The Office of Undergraduate Education works in partnership with academic and administrative units to strengthen the undergraduate academic experience and advance student success at every stage of the educational journey.

As the University at Buffalo continues to build on its role as a leading public research university, Undergraduate Education is focused on fostering a coordinated, student-centered culture that places academic success, equity and innovation at the forefront of decision-making. Our strategic priorities align with the university’s broader goals of delivering transformative, research-informed learning experiences and cultivating an inclusive environment in which all students can thrive.

First-Year Experience, Access, Retention and Student Success

Undergraduate Education prioritizes initiatives supporting student retention and persistence through coordinated, campus-wide stratigies that promote academic support, engagement and belonging for all our students.

  • Collaborating with campus partners to develop and implement a cohesive First-Year Experience framework.
  • Aligning central academic support services with the academic preparation, needs and profiles of incoming students.
  • Using data and assessment to identify barriers, inform decision-making and guide continuous improvement in student success efforts.
  • Collaborating across Undergraduate Education units, including the Cora P. Maloney Center, Tutoring & Academic Support Services, University Honors College and the Office for Undergraduate Research to advance educational access and refine and expand student success programming and experiential learning.
  • Advancing the collective work of the campus in support of the SUNY Academic Momentum Campaign.

Academic Advising and Student Success Coaching

Effective advising and coaching are critical to helping students navigate their academic pathways and achieve their goals. Undergraduate Education supports a coordinated and collaborative approach to advising and student success initiatives across the university.

  • Promoting the sharing of best practices across academic advising units.
  • Supporting coordination and alignment among advising and student success coaching efforts.
  • Advancing common frameworks and professional development opportunities that enhance consistency and quality in the student experience.

Transfer Student Success and Transition

Transfer students are an integral part of UB’s undergraduate community. Undergraduate Education is committed to enhancing the transition and academic experience for transfer students through intentional collaboration and targeted support.

  • Strengthening transfer pathways and articulation processes.
  • Enhancing academic onboarding, advising and support structures for transfer students.
  • Partnering with academic units and student support offices to improve transfer student outcomes and persistence.

Curricular Innovation and Program Development

A high-quality, forward-looking undergraduate curriculum is central to a transformative academic experience. Undergraduate Education provides leadership and support for curricular innovation and academic program development across the university.

  • Oversight of academic policies, curriculum management and general education.
  • Supporting academic units in the development of new academic programs and the revision of existing curricula.
  • Leading campus-wide initiatives that promote academic quality, relevance and student engagement.

Faculty-Mentored Undergraduate Research

Faculty-mentored undergraduate research enriches learning, fosters critical inquiry and supports student academic and professional development. Undergraduate Education is focused on strengthening and sustaining a culture of undergraduate research across disciplines.

  • Expanding access to high-impact undergraduate research experiences.
  • Supporting faculty engagement and mentorship of undergraduate researchers.
  • Enhancing coordination, visibility and assessment of undergraduate research opportunities.

Data, Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration

Stregthening data integration, data sharing and predictive analytics to support earlier identification of student needs and more targeted interventions is essential. Undergraduate Education sustains and deepens partnerships with administrative and academic units that support shared goals for academic excellence and student success. Key external partners include the University Innovation Alliance and the Association for Undergraduate Education at Research Universities.

Through these strategic priorities and areas of focus, the Office of Undergraduate Education advances a cohesive, inclusive and student-centered approach to undergraduate learning at the University at Buffalo.