The official name of the institution is Buffalo State College.
“Buffalo State College” should be used in running text on first reference in most situations, including internal documents and communication (official memos and forms, Daily Bulletin messages, web pages and e-mail intended for current students, faculty, and staff, etc.), and external communication with audiences already familiar with the institution (1300 Elmwood, alumni e-newsletters, invitations, fundraising materials, etc.). On subsequent reference, “Buffalo State,” “the college,” or “the institution” may be used.
Writing produced for an external audience that may not be familiar with Buffalo State’s affiliation with the State University of New York system should use “SUNY Buffalo State College” on first reference in running text. Examples include official press releases, recruitment and admissions materials, journal articles and other publications, employment advertisements, and grant proposals. If it is necessary to spell out “SUNY” in these situations, “Buffalo State College, State University of New York” is also acceptable on first reference. On subsequent reference, “Buffalo State,” “the college,” or “the institution” may be used.
The abbreviation “BSC” should not be used in running text. “Buff State” is also discouraged in running text but may be permissible for social media, marketing content, external news headlines, or broadcast news coverage.
Please do not refer to the institution as Buffalo State University, SUNY Buffalo State, the university, BSU, SUCB, SUNYBSC, or any similar variation.
Examples
CORRECT USAGE: Buffalo State College offers unparalleled educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities. The college has nearly 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
CORRECT USAGE: SUNY Buffalo State College offers unparalleled educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities. Buffalo State has nearly 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
CORRECT USAGE: Buffalo State College, State University of New York, offers unparalleled educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities. The institution has nearly 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
INCORRECT USAGE: Buffalo State University offers unparalleled educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities.
INCORRECT USAGE: SUNY Buffalo State offers unparalleled educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities.
Legal Name
The official legal name of the institution, used by New York State and the State Education Department, is State University of New York College at Buffalo or State University College at Buffalo. This acknowledges our status as one of SUNY’s 13 university colleges and is found on Buffalo State’s official seal. The legal name often appears on documents and forms produced for or with the State of New York, for example, student application materials, state budget forms, and diplomas. While this name is accurate, it should be reserved for official state documents and forms and should not be used in any other capacity.
