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Alfred Today

November 12, 2025

In This Issue

Official News/General Announcements

Events

View More Events

Announcements

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Drop-In Hours

On Monday, November 17 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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UDL Tip of the Week: Accessible Tables

AU's Universal Design for Learning 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:

Accessible Tables

Tables can be helpful for illustrating information, especially data. However, tables are often not accessible to individuals using screen readers, because screen reading software struggles to read tables, unless they are formatted and labeled appropriately. The first recommendation is to avoid using tables unless the purpose is to share data. Non-data information should be shared narratively or in a formatted list. If a table is necessary, it must contain a header row and each column must have its own heading. This can be done easily with Microsoft programs (instructions below).

Link: Create Accessible Tables in Word

Submitted by: Meghanne Freivald

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Interested in obtaining funding for a research project?

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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Join Alfred University's Concert Band in Spring 2026!

Are you a student, faculty, or staff member who plays a wind, brass, or percussion instrument? The Alfred University Concert Band welcomes all members of the AU community to join us for the Spring 2026 semester!

Enjoy performing a wide variety of music in a friendly, collaborative environment - no audition required.

Come share your talent and be part of one of Alfred's musical ensembles!

For more information, click on the attached flyer.

Attachment: 39472_1.pdf

Submitted by: Mason St. Pierre

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Informal Faculty and Staff Biweekly Gathering at Alex's

On Wednesday 11/12 from 5pm-7pm join AU TLC for another informal faculty and staff mixer at Alex's College Spot Bar at 23 N Main Street in Alfred, NY. Based on its initial popularity and the interest of those that attended the first gathering, this event is going to be recurring biweekly for the remainder of the semester. We will then gather on Wednesday 11/26, and 12/10 each from 5-7 pm at Alex's.

Submitted by: Liz Stearns

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Robert C Turner Gallery Spring 2026 Exhibition Proposals NOW OPEN

The Robert C Turner Gallery is now accepting exhibition proposals for spring of 2026 from now until November 12th 2025



Please fill out this form for your proposals: https://forms.office.com/...



If you have any questions please contact [email protected]

Link: Exhibition form

Submitted by: College of Ceramics

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Workshop: Black Friday Tech Essentials (11/13)

On November 13 from 2:20pm-3:10pm, the Prunty-Russo MediaLab is holding a workshop designed to help attendees navigate the often-confusing marketplace of technology.

This workshop will provide a basic understanding of technology concepts and commonalities. We will cover many fundamentals, from basic terminology to brand/model comparisons.

The goal is to help attendees research and identify the best technology purchases for their needs. Prospective graduates can gain insights on technology needed as they enter the job market. If you are tech-averse and you would like to improve your base of knowledge, this workshop is for you, too!

If you are interested in attending, please RSVP by clicking the link below. Using feedback gathered from the RSVP forms, we will tailor the presentation and provide targeted information on how to proceed with specific purchases.

Link: RSVP here!

Submitted by: Ian Bentham

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Win a North Face Puffer Jacket! ($200+ Value)

Whether you're in the market for a new jacket for yourself or as a convenient holiday gift, this is the perfect opportunity to score big!

The Alfred Marketing Association (AMA Club) is raffling off a brand new, down-insulated puffer jacket from The North Face just in time for another frigid Alfred winter!

This raffle is open to the public and funds from the raffle will be used to support the club.

You can purchase tickets from AMA reps at the next two football games, 11/8 and 11/15, or look for flyers across campus and in town for a Venmo QR code.

If purchasing via Venmo, be sure to include your full name and contact information with your purchase so we can easily track ticket purchases and communicate if you've won.

Thank you for supporting the AMA Student Organization!

Submitted by: Sarah Pratt

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Thanksgiving Recess

Thanksgiving Recess begins Tuesday, November 25. Classes resume on Monday, December 1st. Enjoy!

Submitted by: Alex Holbrook

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McMahon Lecture

2025 McMahon Lecture
Ceramics in MOSFET-enabled Electronics
Dr. Sandwip K. Dey
Materials Science & Engineering Program, SEMTE
Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
Arizona State University
Tempe (Phoenix metro), AZ 85287, USA
Thursday, November 13, 2025, 11:20 a.m., Holmes Auditorium, Harder Hall

Link: 2025 McMahon Lecture

Submitted by: Carole Volpe

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Environmental Studies Speaker Series- Dr. Sari Rivera

Please join us this Friday, November 14, 2025, to hear this week's speaker, Dr. Sari Rivera give a talk titled "Considering Environmental Law". Dr. Rivera is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Alfred University. She earned a doctorate in political science at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, a masters in political science at New York University and a bachelors in environmental policy from Binghamton University. Her research and teaching interests take an historical approach to American political institutions.

Environmental law refers to a broad range of legal principles and regulations aimed at protecting the natural environment, human health, and natural resources. This area of law encompasses various policies and statutes that address critical issues such as air and water quality, waste management, and pollution control. An environmental lawyer specializes in navigating this complex framework to ensure compliance and advocate for the protection of the environment.

The purpose of environmental law is to protect human health, preserve the environment for present and future generations, and ensure sustainable development. Environmental laws are implemented and enforced by various government agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States.

Environmental law is continually evolving to address new environmental challenges, advancements in environmental science, and society's increasing demand for better environmental protection. Consequently, both environmental science and law are becoming more important and complex, making them essential components of modern society.

Friday, Nov. 14th

Roon Lecture Hall, Science Center-2nd floor

12:20pm - 1:10pm

This talk is being co-sponsored by the Social Science Division

Light refreshments will be available

Attachment: 39519_1.docx

Submitted by: Shannon Yocum

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Support Staff Council Meeting- Nov. 13

Please join us on Thursday Nov. 13th for this months Support Staff Council meeting.

All support staff are welcome to attend.

Thursday Nov. 13
Herrick Library- Drake Wing
9:00 - 10:00am

Submitted by: Shannon Yocum

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Free Passport Photos courtesy of Global Studies

The Global Studies program will be offering FREE professional passport photos to university students, faculty, and staff on Tuesday November 18th from 11-3pm in Perlman Hall. Just stop by Office 203 or Classroom 204 for your photo session. You can receive free prints and/or email copies. Free prints can send it to your Powell Campus Center mailbox.

For Global Studies majors and minors, the Global Studies Passport Grant goes a step further by paying for the student's entire passport application or renewal fees. Recipient are expected to "pay it forward" by helping others navigate the passport application process. The grant is contingent on the program's yearly budget.

Submitted by: Janet McClain

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First Gen Day is this Thursday, November 13th, 2025

This Thursday, AU will be celebrating First Gen Day! A First Generation student is a student whose parents/guardians did not complete a bachelor's degree. This means that even if a parent attended college but did not graduate, the student is still considered first-generation.

We will be tabling in Powell from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm and will have t-shirts and pins to give away. Followed by a short celebration at 4:45 pm in the Knight Club. This year, there will be a First Gen Champion named for all that they do to support first-gen students.

If you believe you are a First Gen Student (this includes faculty and staff), please confirm on the short 1-minute survey below. Also, add a few motivating words for our fellow First Gen students!

https://forms.office.com/...

Link: https://forms.office.com/r/jzXZf3NFmx

Submitted by: Gabe Iturbides

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Dry Land Auditions

AUDITIONS! | Dry Land | November 13 6-9Pm in Miller Performing Arts Center Acting Studio - Room 211

DRY LAND
by: Ruby Rae Spiegel

Directed by: Nkanyiso Dlamini
(Theatre Performance major, class of 2026)

Performance dates: April 3 - 4 and 10 - 11, 2026
Venue: Miller Performing Arts Building | CD Smith III Theatre

AUDITIONS ARE OPEN TO EVERYONE! NO ACTING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!

AUDITION INFO:
Please prepare a monologue in the style of the show - contemporary monologue. If you don't have a monologue, just come with any text that you're comfortable reciting. It can be a poem, an excerpt from a book, etcetera.


IMPORTANT NOTE: Please read the script before the auditions. Be prepared to answer questions about the play. Email Nkanyiso Dlamini / [email protected] for a digital copy.

Link: Auconnect

Attachment: Dry land auditions

Submitted by: Arts Events

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Dry Land Auditions

AUDITIONS! | Dry Land | November 13 6-9Pm in Miller Performing Arts Center Acting Studio - Room 211

DRY LAND
by: Ruby Rae Spiegel

Directed by: Nkanyiso Dlamini
(Theatre Performance major, class of 2026)

Performance dates: April 3 - 4 and 10 - 11, 2026
Venue: Miller Performing Arts Building | CD Smith III Theatre

AUDITIONS ARE OPEN TO EVERYONE! NO ACTING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!

AUDITION INFO:
Please prepare a monologue in the style of the show - contemporary monologue. If you don't have a monologue, just come with any text that you're comfortable reciting. It can be a poem, an excerpt from a book, etcetera.


IMPORTANT NOTE: Please read the script before the auditions. Be prepared to answer questions about the play. Email Nkanyiso Dlamini / [email protected] for a digital copy.

Link: Auconnect

Attachment: Dry land auditions

Submitted by: Arts Events

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Dry Land Auditions

AUDITIONS! | Dry Land | November 13 6-9Pm in Miller Performing Arts Center Acting Studio - Room 211

DRY LAND
by: Ruby Rae Spiegel

Directed by: Nkanyiso Dlamini
(Theatre Performance major, class of 2026)

Performance dates: April 3 - 4 and 10 - 11, 2026
Venue: Miller Performing Arts Building | CD Smith III Theatre

AUDITIONS ARE OPEN TO EVERYONE! NO ACTING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!

AUDITION INFO:
Please prepare a monologue in the style of the show - contemporary monologue. If you don't have a monologue, just come with any text that you're comfortable reciting. It can be a poem, an excerpt from a book, etcetera.


IMPORTANT NOTE: Please read the script before the auditions. Be prepared to answer questions about the play. Email Nkanyiso Dlamini / [email protected] for a digital copy.

Link: Auconnect

Attachment: Dry land auditions

Submitted by: Arts Events

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Join AUTLC Again at Alex's Tomorrow Night

On Wednesday 11/12 from 5 - 7 pm join Alfred University Teaching and Learning Center for another informal faculty and staff mixer at Alex's College Spot Bar at 23 N Main Street in Alfred, NY. Based on its initial popularity and the interest of those that have attended, this event is going to be recurring biweekly. We will then gather on Wednesday 11/26 and 12/10 each from 5-7 pm at Alex's. Depending on interest, these gatherings can continue through winter break for those still in town.

Submitted by: Liz Stearns

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French Caf�

Do you want to speak French in an informal setting? Join the French Caf� at Terra Cotta Thursday November 13 and 20 from 2:20 - 3:00. We are a group of professors and students. Everyone and all levels of French are welcome.

Submitted by: Janet McClain

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The Foreign Language Placement Exam (Thursday, November 13th)

The Foreign Language Placement Exam is an online test that is administered in person with proctoring. Online exams can be taken in French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Chinese. Students must PREREGISTER by emailing Prof. S. Singer ([email protected]). In the email, include the language (French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Chinese) in which you would like to be tested. Modern Languages will offer this test on Thursday, November 13th from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. in Seidlin 016. You must pre-register by Thursday, November 13th 3:00 p.m. Bring your student ID with you to the exam!

Who should take a Placement Exam? Students who have taken more than two years of French, German, Spanish, Italian, or Chinese in high school and who intend to take the same language at AU should take the exam in that language. Students who are bilingual or native speakers of French, German, Spanish, Italian, or Chinese (or who have spoken the language at home) should take the exam in that language.

Who does NOT need to take a Placement Exam? Students who are planning to take French, German, Spanish, Italian, or Chinese in college but have NOT studied that language in High School (or spoken it at home) do not need to take an exam. They should start by taking 101 in their chosen language.

Students who wish to demonstrate proficiency in a language OTHER THAN French, German, Spanish, Italian, or Chinese should contact Prof. S. Singer ([email protected]) about procedures for taking a Placement Exam through another institution.

PLEASE NOTE: The Foreign Language Placement Exam is online but only offered in person on specific dates during each semester. You must register ahead of time. There is a limit of 15 for each session.

Submitted by: Janet McClain

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Diabetes Awareness Month Display with Free Blood Glucose Screenings! -11/12

Please join the AU Wellness Center on November 12th in Powell Campus Center (2nd Floor) from 10:30 am to 12 pm to learn about Diabetes and Diabetes Awareness Month which is observed every November! Educational materials will be provided and you will be able to ask any questions you may have.

In addition, free blood glucose (blood sugar) screenings will be offered!

We hope to see you there! If you have any questions, please call the Wellness Center at (607)871-2400.

Submitted by: James Ward

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