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In This Issue
Official News/General Announcements
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AU's Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Task Force is pleased to share weekly tips to help faculty and staff provide an inclusive learning environment for all students, regardless of differences that may impact learning. This week's tip is:
Captions in YouTube Videos
If you would like to share a YouTube video with your students, it is important to make sure that it contains captions. Captions are helpful to a variety of users, including English Language learners, students with shared workspaces, and students with hearing impairments. If closed captioning is available for a YouTube video, the closed captioning icon (CC) at the bottom of the viewing window will be clickable. If captions are not available, the CC icon will be grayed out and will not be clickable.
Link: AU Universal Design for Learning
Submitted by: Meghanne Freivald
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On Monday, October 20 from 10:30am to 12:00pm, the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Task Force will be hosting UDL Drop-in Hours. Faculty may stop by to seek assistance with applying UDL principles in their courses. Universal Design for Learning is the practice of creating learning experiences appropriate for all students, regardless of learning differences or diversity factors. The goal of UDL is to remove barriers to learning.
Faculty who visit the drop-in hours may choose to focus on one of the following areas:
- Applying UDL principles to a syllabus
- Applying UDL principles to an assignment
- Applying UDL principles to a Canvas course
- Increasing the accessibility of electronic materials
- A self-directed UDL goal related to teaching and course delivery
UDL Drop-in Hours will be held in Scholes 218. If seeking assistance with a syllabus or assignment, please bring two paper copies. Please bring your laptop if seeking assistance with Canvas, digital accessibility, or another goal involving technology.
Link: AU Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Submitted by: Meghanne Freivald
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Student proposals requesting funding for Spring/Summer 2026 from the Alfred Research Grants for Undergraduate Students (ARGUS) program are due by midnight Friday, November 21. Instructions for preparing and submitting a proposal, along with the supporting application materials, can be found at the link below. Please note that proposals not adhering to the required format will be returned without review.
If you have questions, email Dr. Wallace at [email protected].
Link: ARGUS application information
Submitted by: Desmond Wallace
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It's Almost Halloween! Let's Talk About Cultural Misappropriation
Alfred University is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all students, faculty, staff, and alumni. As Halloween approaches, we want to remind our community to celebrate responsibly and respectfully when choosing costumes.
Every year, concerns arise when costumes cross the line into offensive or discriminatory territory. Costumes that mimic cultures, races, or religions-such as "blackface" or "Pocahontas" costumes-are not just insensitive, but can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and stigmas.
Ask yourself before choosing a costume:
1. Does my costume perpetuate a stereotype or stigma about a race, culture, or religion?
2. Does it replicate garments or symbols that hold cultural or religious significance I do not identify with?
3. Is it based on a historical period or look now recognized as offensive or discriminatory?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, it's time to rethink your choice. Remember: there is a big difference between a creative costume and an offensive one.
Be creative. Have fun. Be respectful.
Costumes should never come at the expense of others' identities or lived experiences.
To learn more about avoiding stereotypes and cultural misappropriation, check out these helpful resources:
* PBS: What is Cultural Appropriation?
* PBS: Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation
* LS PIRG: Costumes
* Good Housekeeping: Offensive Halloween Costumes
* Washington Post: Culture, Not Costume
Let's make this Halloween a time to celebrate creativity, community, and respect for all.
Link: https://youtu.be/hBf3xG0NN0g
Attachment: ALFRED UNIVERSITY HALLOWEEN REMINDER
Submitted by: Angie Taylor
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Inclusive Practices in Mental Health & Higher Education
Friday, October 24, 2025, | Monroe Community College
Location: R. Thomas Flynn Campus Center Monroe A&B (Room 3-205 A/B)
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, October 21
Alfred University students, faculty, and staff are warmly invited to attend an engaging and impactful professional development and community-building event hosted at Monroe Community College on Friday, October 24, 2025. This full-day conference centers on trauma-informed care, equity in mental health, and best practices for supporting LGBTQIA+ students in higher education.
We are proud to announce the registration of Ryan Sforza (they/them), a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC-DP, NYS; LPC, MI), Certified Trans Health Provider, and Clinical Trauma Therapist. Ryan is the owner and clinical director of Thriving Mental Health Counseling NY PLLC, where they lead a cooperative practice committed to social justice and reducing barriers to care for marginalized and underserved communities.
With over 16 years of experience as a clinical educator, community mental health therapist, and LGBTQ+ health consultant, Ryan brings a deeply intersectional lens to their work. Their clinical focus includes trauma, chronic illness, identity development, neurodivergence, IPV/DV, and tiered gender minority stress. Ryan is also an active member of multiple legislative and advocacy boards, as well as a mentor and trainer for emerging mental health professionals.
Afternoon Training Session
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
From Awareness to Action: Best Practices for Supporting LGBTQ Students
Presenters: Ryan Sforza, LMHC-DP & Caelan Holcombe, LMHC, NCC
This interactive session invites both students and higher education professionals to critically explore the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ students today. Through case studies and group dialogue, participants will collaborate on strategies to foster inclusion, reduce barriers to academic success, and create affirming educational spaces. Topics include policy review, accountability practices, and campus-wide advocacy.
Schedule of Events: Friday, October 24, 2025
Time Activity
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Coffee and light breakfast
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM Welcome and Introductions
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM Keynote Speaker: V Spehar
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM Break
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM Panel Discussion
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Reflective Practice (Small Group Dialogue)
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Community in Action: Trauma-Informed Care for the Queer Community
Registration & Access
* Prior registration is required
* Photo ID required at check-in
* Deadline to register: Tuesday, October 21
https://www.monroecc.edu/...
Questions?
Contact MCC Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Calvin Gantt at (585) 292-2125
Visit MCC's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accountability page to learn more.
We hope you'll join us in this opportunity to engage with leaders in inclusive mental health care and explore actionable steps toward equity on our campuses and in our communities.
If we get enough interest, I will reserve the school van and drive the group to the event.
Link: https://www.monroecc.edu/events/diversity-conference/
Submitted by: Angie Taylor
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If you have not yet received your 2025 Years of Service gift, please stop by Human Resources & Payroll in Greene Hall at your earliest convenience to pick it up. Our office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Any gifts not picked up by October 31, 2025, will be mailed out after that date.
Submitted by: Christine Harris
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The Alfred University Wellness Center is sponsoring a walk-in flu shot clinic for students on Thursday, October 16th and Friday, October 17th from 9:00 am to 3:45pm each day. Students may walk-in to the Wellness Center and request a discounted $10 flu shot to be billed directly to the student's student account.
Please call (607)871-2400 with any questions and we hope to see you there!
Submitted by: James Ward
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On Wednesday 10/15 from 5 - 7 pm join AU TLC for an informal faculty and staff mixer at Alex's College Spot at 23 N Main Street in Alfred, NY. Celebrate the completion of midterms, reconnect with coworkers, and have a chance to check out all the art on display inside this eclectic and iconic location. Note Alex's hosts karaoke on Wednesday nights at 8pm, so feel free to stay on later for this additional (non AUTLC) event! AUTLC aims to make this event recurring on a semi-regular basis.
Link: https://my.alfred.edu/teaching-learning-center/
Submitted by: Liz Stearns
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On Friday 10/17 from 12:20 pm to 1:10 pm, Pondering Pedagogy meets again in Olin 400. This month's discussion topic is "Quiet to Chaos: Increasing Student Engagement in Class along with Classroom Management Techniques." Pondering Pedagogy is a monthly discussion group organized by AUTLC for faculty and staff to ponder their teaching, learn from each other, and form deep connections across campus. Related resources will be shared after the event via email and on the AUTLC website.
Link: https://my.alfred.edu/teaching-learning-center/
Submitted by: Liz Stearns
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On Friday 10/17 from 12:20 pm to 1:10 pm, Pondering Pedagogy meets again in Olin 400. This month's discussion topic is "Quiet to Chaos: Increasing Student Engagement in Class along with Classroom Management Techniques." Pondering Pedagogy is a monthly discussion group organized by AUTLC for faculty and staff to ponder their teaching, learn from each other, and form deep connections across campus. Related resources will be shared after the event via email and on the AUTLC website.
Link: https://my.alfred.edu/teaching-learning-center/
Submitted by: Liz Stearns
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Please join us on Thursday Oct. 16th for this months Support Staff Council meeting.
All support staff are welcome to attend.
Thursday Oct. 16
Herrick Library- Drake Wing
9:00 - 10:00am
Submitted by: Shannon Yocum
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As part of our ongoing system upgrade, leave report submissions, timesheet submissions, and all approvals are now managed through Banner 9 Self-Service Banner (SSB).
To assist with this transition, we encourage all employees to consult the Banner 9 Help Page, which outlines specific procedures and protocols for:
--Submitting and approving leave reports
--Entering and submitting timesheets for approval
--You can access the Banner 9 SSB tutorials here:
https://my.alfred.edu/ban...
If you have any questions or need any assistance, please contact the ITS Help Desk by:
--Visiting in person
--Calling 607-871-2222
--Emailing: [email protected]
We appreciate your cooperation and patience during this transition.
Link: https://my.alfred.edu/banner-administrative-system/banner-tutorials.cfm
Submitted by: Gary Roberts
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