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Alfred Today

April 10, 2026

In This Issue

Official News/General Announcements

Events

Sunday

View More Events

Announcements

Drop-In Office Hours with Provost Dobie

The Office of the Provost is pleased to announce drop-in office hours for the Spring semester.

Faculty and staff are invited to stop by to share thoughts or concerns, ask questions, or offer feedback to Provost Dobie. No appointment is needed.

Spring 2026 Drop-In Office Hours
12:30-2:00 p.m.

Monday, January 26
Monday, February 9 & 23
Monday, March 9 & 23
Monday, April 27

We look forward to seeing you!

Submitted by: Crystal Henshaw

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Interested in obtaining funding for a research project?

Student proposals requesting funding for Fall/Winter 2026 from the Alfred Research Grants for Undergraduate Students (ARGUS) program are due by midnight Friday, April 17. 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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Order your Cap, gown, tassel and hood!

Order your required cap, gown, tassel and hood at the Alfred University Bookstore, Powell Campus Center. For answers to any questions, please contact Heather Miller.

Last day to order for delivery to the bookstore: 3/18/2026

Last day to order for home shipment: 4/12/6

Submitted by: Alex Holbrook

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AI Open Mic Conversation - April 22, 12:30 - 1:00pm

In conjunction with The Teaching & Learning Center, The AI Faculty Development Working Group is pleased to present an AI Open Mic Conversation on Wednesday, April 22 from 12:30 to 1 pm. This is an opportunity for faculty and staff to share their experiences with AI in a collaborative, informal setting. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask each other questions. The conversation will be guided by members of the AI Faculty Development Working Group, but there will be no formal presentation; the goal is to foster discourse on the topic of AI and learn from each other.

The Zoom link is provided below (meeting ID: 983 3909 9327, passcode: 869405).

Link: AI Open Mic Conversation - April 22

Submitted by: Meghanne Freivald

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College of Business Deans Role Presentations!

You are invited to the campus presentations from candidates for the College of Business Dean role!


Each presentation will be from 10:15-11:15 AM in Seidlin 104:

Monday, April 6th

Wednesday, April 8th

Friday, April 10th

Friday, April 17th


If you have any questions, or would like additional information, please contact Rachel Lehman at [email protected].

Submitted by: Rachel Lehman

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Ring of Fire

Alfred University's 2026 Ring of Fire Returns

When sparks begin to rise, furnaces glow, and the rhythm of hammers, flame, and molten material fills the air. At?Alfred University, this can only mean one thing: the return of?Ring of Fire, an immersive, high-energy celebration of flame-based art and community.

The 2026 Ring of Fire invites visitors into a world where fire is not just a spectacle, but a tool for transformation. Across the event, students, faculty, and technicians bring creative processes to life through live demonstrations in iron & aluminum casting, glass blowing, glass casting, neon bending, forging, raku demonstrations and more.

Ring of Fire is not only something to watch, it's something to experience. Guests are invited to take part in hands-on activities. These interactive opportunities reflect Alfred's deep commitment to experiential learning, where knowledge is built through doing, and where the boundaries between artist, student, and visitor dissolve.

The event showcases the collaborative spirit at the heart of Alfred's New York State College of Ceramics, School of Engineering and Art & Design. It is a moment when disciplines intersect, when art meets science, and when the campus opens itself fully to the surrounding community.

Details
Date: April 11th, 2026
Time:?2pm-7pm

2:00 PM - Event Begins
2:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Kids Forging
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Scratch Molds are available for purchase for both Aluminum and Iron Pours
2:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Raku Glazing Available
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM - Raku Firing Begins
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM - FINAL Pick Up Aluminum and Iron Pieces
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM - FINAL Pick Up Raku Fired Pieces
7:00 PM - Event Ends

Location:?Cushing Alley
Food truck information
Free smores bar
Interactive Activities:?Opportunities to create your own cast metal or Raku-fired pieces

Payment:?Cash only?for hands-on making activities

What to Wear:?Closed-toed shoes are recommended; dress for the weather

All Are Welcome:? Free and open to the public

Attachment: 39872_1.pdf

Submitted by: Carole Volpe

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Health and Wellness Tips

Sponsored by AU Health and Fitness Management Program John Ulinger 2026

Attachment: Move Your Body, Improve Your Mind

Attachment: Weekly Wellness Tips

Submitted by: John Ulinger

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Call for Human Books: Share Your Story � Human Library Event (April 20)

Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni, and Community Members,

You are invited to take part in a powerful and meaningful experience as a Human Book for our upcoming Human Library event, hosted by the President's Committee on Inclusivity at Alfred University.

Event Details:
Monday, April 20
11:20 AM - 1:10 PM
Herrick Memorial Library (Bookend & First Floor)
Snacks will be provided

Theme:
"Cautionary Tales: Building Empathy Through Lived Experience"

We are seeking volunteers willing to share personal stories that reflect moments when life didn't go as planned experiences that shaped who you are today.

These might include:
A time your life changed direction unexpectedly
Overcoming adversity or significant challenges
A choice you would approach differently now
Thinking you had everything figured out only to discover otherwise
As a Human Book, you'll engage in small-group conversations with participants who are eager to listen, learn, and grow through dialogue. Your story can help foster empathy, challenge assumptions, and create meaningful connections across our campus and community.

What to Expect:
A welcoming, respectful environment
Small-group conversations (15-20 minutes each)
The opportunity to set your own boundaries around what you share
Light preparation guidance provided in advance
You do not need to be an expert-just willing to share your authentic experience.

If you are interested in participating as a Human Book, please contact Angie Taylor at [email protected]
Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive and understanding community.

Warm regards,
President's Committee on Inclusivity
Alfred University

Link: https://youtu.be/Lzw1nenMe_o

Submitted by: Angie Taylor

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Orwell's 1984: Community Book Discussion

One Book One Alfred

The classic novel 1984 by George Orwell has been selected for the 4th annual "One Book One Alfred" community read and book discussion.

Need a copy? Pick up a free copy of the graphic novel from any library in Alfred, NY. (Free copies of the traditional version are already gone. But audiobook and ebook versions are available to borrow through the Southern Tier Library System.)

Free copies of the graphic novel are still available from:

-The"Box of Books" Alfred Public Library (Main Street)

-Hinkle Memorial Library (Alfred State College)

-Herrick Memorial Library

-Samuel R. Scholes Library

Book Discussion

Wednesday, April 15th, at 5:00 pm at the Terra Cotta Coffeehouse.
Join us for a friendly book discussion. Refreshments will be provided.

Free and open to the entire Alfred area community. Students, staff, faculty, and community members are invited!

Submitted by: Mechele Romanchock

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Final Answer? Team Trivia Night at Herrick Library!

Team Trivia Night sponsored by Alfred University Libraries will be held from 7 - 9 pm on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Herrick Library's Bookend Lounge. Bring your friends and compete for prizes!

The veteran Team Trivia Host Mike Allen has all the right answers for entertaining, thought-provoking, brain-draining evenings of fun.

Groups are welcome to compete as a team; individuals are also welcome to play either solo or to join others to compete for the prizes awarded to the top teams.

The event is free and open to all.

Don't bother studying for Trivia...you may be surprised how much (or how little) you really know!

Submitted by: Amber Weinar

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Undergrad Research Forum workshops

To help students prepare for the Undergraduate Research Forum, the AU Writing Center is offering a series of workshops on preparing and presenting academic posters:

Poster Design
Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Scholes Library Ground Floor (G03)
Learn the dos and don'ts of poster design and get feedback on your poster before printing for the URF. Students may drop-in to get feedback on their poster designs throughout this session.

Presenting an Academic Poster
Thursday, April 16, 2026, 5 to 7 p.m., Powell Campus Center Kenyon-Allen Room
This workshop will cover delivery, responding to questions, and dealing with anxiety. Attendees will have the opportunity to practice presenting their posters and get feedback. Students should have access to their poster as a PowerPoint file on a USB drive for the practice presentations; posters do not need to be finalized for this session.

2026 Undergraduate Research Forum
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Joyce & Walton Wellness Center - McLane Annex
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

For more information on AU's Undergraduate Research Forum, please contact Shannon Yocum.

Link: AU Undergrad Research Forum

Submitted by: Chloe Hansen

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