Per the SUNY Policies of the Board of Trustees Title H: Appointment Year

§ 1. Term of Obligation. The term of professional obligation, except in the case of part-time or temporary employment where the obligation may be less, shall be one of the following:

 (a) Calendar Year — an annual obligation of service for the full year, i.e., 12 months
 (b) Academic Year (faculty only) — an annual obligation of service for the academic year, not to exceed 10 months (Buffalo State's academic year obligation is set by the President each year.)
 (c) College Year — an annual obligation or service for any period less than the full year

For example:

  • Professionals have either a Calendar or College Year obligation.
  • Faculty in 10 month positions have an Academic Year obligation.
  • Faculty in 12 month positions have a Calendar Year obligation.

§ 2. Professional Obligation. The professional obligation of an employee consistent with the employee’s academic rank or professional title, shall include teaching, research, University service and other duties and responsibilities required of the employee during the term of the employee’s professional obligation.

§ 3. Appointment Year. Unless the terms of appointment otherwise provide, the normal appointment year shall be from September 1 to August 31, regardless of payroll mode; provided, however, that an academic year employee may be required to commence the employee’s professional obligation at a date reasonably prior to September 1 as may be necessitated by a college’s operating requirements.

§ 4. Other Employment. No employee may engage in other employment which interferes with the performance of the employee’s professional obligation.