Ahead of the fall semester, the University of Findlay’s Buford Center embraced exciting transformations, including a relocation and a dynamic merger with other departments. These changes mark a new chapter of growth, all while staying true to the center’s core mission: creating a welcoming and supportive environment for the entire campus community.

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency and collaboration across campus over the past year, the Buford Center, the Department of Recreational Services, Student Activities and Student Organizations joined together as one. As these transitions became official, the Student Activities area, located in the Alumni Memorial Union (AMU), became the perfect place to house the revamped Buford Center for Campus, Community, and Global Engagement. The new location has already led to positive results.

“With the move to the AMU, the Buford Center has seen a drastic increase in student foot traffic and participation in programming across the board,” noted Maria Guarnieri, assistant director of leadership development. “Students now see the Buford Center as a hub to ask questions about campus, to study, to socialize, or to hang out during the day in the lounge.”

Increased Accessibility to Services and More

The Buford Center’s move to the heart of campus has also increased visibility to its wide range of services. Student programs are more easily accessible to students, faculty, and staff. Under the Buford Center umbrella, students can take advantage of resources such as the UF Pantry, Bike Shop, Computer/Calculator Loaner Program, and Student Organization Resource Center.

In addition to its resource services, the Buford Center supports leadership development, peer mentoring, student organizations, the Student Activities Board (SAB), Greek Life, cultural programs, Rec Services, volunteer opportunities (including the Orientation Service Project and Oilers Serving Abroad), as well as student programming and events throughout the year.

Further Streamlined Efforts

The recent transformation of the Buford Center has also helped to streamline efforts from once competing priorities. One example is the creation of the student organization resource center, where the SAB and the Student Government Association (SGA) have combined all their resources into one centrally located area for all student organizations to use. This approach opens the door to increased collaboration across campus, according to Alex Parker, assistant director for campus and community engagement.

“We now provide opportunities for SAB, SGA, student organizations, and UF offices to come together and work on programming, events, activities as well as share resources amongst one another,” said Parker.

Leadership & Engagement: Near and Far

Student leadership programming remains as an important point of emphasis through the Buford Center’s Leadership Development Office. This office regularly coordinates seminars, events, retreats, and guest speakers. It also oversees the Student Peer Mentor Program, which provides extensive pre-orientation leadership training to help mentors support and guide fellow undergraduate students.

Additionally, the Buford Center encourages students to be engaged both on campus and globally. It oversees several student-led initiatives, including committees for MLK Celebration Week, International Night, the President’s Student Council, and Oilers Serving Abroad.

“Through programs like Oilers Serving Abroad, students gain meaningful international service experience, while events like International Night create opportunities for domestic and international students to connect and celebrate cultural diversity,” added Parker.

Looking Ahead

As the changes grow cohesively at the Buford Center this school year, its strong commitment to student and campus life continues to drive a promising future.

Our goal at the Buford Center is to enhance student engagement and to empower student voices,” said Bryan Golding, senior director of campus, community, and global engagement. “Ultimately, these goals will lead to higher student satisfaction and retention.”

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