As a new twist on the Day of Caring concept, the University at Buffalo has formed UB Pros, a unique consulting/service program that allows UB faculty and staff to use their talents and expertise to benefit the Western New York community year-round.

UB Pros enables individuals and companies throughout Western New York to hire a volunteer from the university community to perform a variety of tasks at market rates. In return for these services, the user writes out a check to the United Way.

UB Pros offers a wide range of services: consultation on issues ranging from the Internet and local area networks to equal opportunity/affirmative action issues, grant proposals to patent laws. UB Pros also offers a wide range of workshops and motivational speakers who can address topics such as teamwork, market strategy and personality in organizations. Entertainment is not neglected in the mix: through UB Pros, the Amherst Saxophone Quartet is available to perform music ranging from popular and ragtime to classical.

Fees are determined by the individual service providers based on their normal consulting or other fee schedules. Fees are determined on an hourly or per project basis, and range from $25 per hour to $3,000 per event. Since most service providers are full-time employees of UB, arrangements must be made to accommodate the schedules of both the service provider and user.

All UB Pros services can be arranged by calling Louis Schmitt at 645-3678.