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In This Issue
Official News/General Announcements
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ITS is pleased to announce that we will be migrating to a new platform for telephony on October 12th, 2026 (academic mini-break). This new platform is designed to work with a headset and your computer (desktop or laptop). As part of this project we will be providing everyone with a headset. The current desk phones will not be compatible with this new platform. This initiative supports our efforts to reduce equipment costs and aligns our communications environment with a more efficient operating model.
Under this new approach, we are encouraging departments and employees to move to telephone headsets. We believe headsets provide more comfort, flexibility, and usability while also being significantly less expensive than traditional handsets.
For locations or individuals that require a physical telephone handset, supervisors and budget managers should submit a brief business justification explaining the operational need to [email protected]. Each handset will carry an additional cost of $30 to the division.
ITS will provide additional details regarding the transition process, timelines, and planning requirements in the coming weeks.
This change will allow us to modernize aging equipment while managing costs and provisioning resources more effectively across the institution.
Submitted by: Gary Roberts
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The AI Faculty Development Working Group is pleased to host an AI reading group in conjunction with AU's Teaching and Learning Center. The book for this fall will be Real Intelligence: Teaching in the Era of Generative AI, by James F. McGrath and Ankur Gupta.
The discussion will consist of a singular meeting and will be hosted on Friday, October 2 from 1:20 to 2:10pm over Zoom, and will focus on the following chapters:
Chapter 2: Non-Solutions and Why They Don't Work Well
Chapter 3: The Process is the Point
Chapter 4: Starting with AI
The book is available for free at https://pressbooks.palni..... The Zoom link for the discussion is included below (meeting ID: 963 1661 9216, passcode: 573537).
All faculty and staff are welcome to participate, with no need to sign up. If you would like to request a calendar invitation, please email Meghanne Freivald.
Link: AI Reading Group Discussion - October 2
Submitted by: Meghanne Freivald
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Fall 2026, Episode 4, Sep 24, William Mahunda
Habitat for Humanity
Alfred University Students discuss their experiences in community engagement volunteering for Habitat For Humanity.
Bergren Forum - Fall 2026
The Bergren Forum, sponsored by the Division of Human Studies and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, runs 12:15-1:10 on Thursdays in Nevins Theatre, Powell Campus Center and by zoom. Bring a brown bag lunch if you wish. Coffee and tea will be provided. For further information contact or a calendar invite with the zoom link, contact John D'[email protected]
Meeting ID: 963 4978 6030
Passcode: 173599
Link: Join the zoom here
Submitted by: Nickcole Klesa
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Are you an employee or student commuter who would benefit by having a place to stay in Alfred occasionally? The Saxon Inn currently hosts several guests who take advantage of having a regular, welcoming, comfortable place to stay one (or more) nights a week. If this sounds like you, why not get in touch with the Saxon Inn to learn about our special discounted rates! Depending on the frequency needed, we can offer rates under $100/night.
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Contact Saxon Inn at [email protected], or phone 607-871-2600 and ask for details.
Submitted by: Rebecca Bergren
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Get ready for some spooky fun! We're excited to invite all departments to participate in this year's Faculty & Staff Halloween Competition!
Each department is encouraged to:
-Coordinate costumes among team members
-Welcome students who will be trick-or-treating across campus
A starter supply of candy will be provided to participating departments. Departments are encouraged to supplement the provided candy with additional candy as needed for their trick-or-treaters.
During the event, students will vote for their favorite department, and the winning team will receive a special prize!
Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
If your department would like to join in the fun, please have one representative complete the participation form by Friday, October 9, 2026.
Please note: There will be no late submissions after October 9. This deadline is necessary so we can finalize the campus map for our trick-or-treaters.
Participation is completely optional! We hope to see you there!
Link: Halloween Competition � Participation Survey
Submitted by: Christine Harris
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The University of Rochester/Jones Memorial Hospital will host The 34th Annual RidgeWalk & Run on Sunday, Oct. 18, in Wellsville, NY. The event is the Wellsville hospital's largest fundraiser in support of its wellness programming.
Each October, more than 1,000 outdoor enthusiasts from all over Western New York, Northern Pennsylvania, and around the country participate in the annual RidgeWalk & Run in Wellsville. The event follows a gorgeous network of remote hiking trails, woven along linked parcels of private land, and open for public participation only once each year.
This unique event is an opportunity for families and competitive runners to enjoy the beautiful fall colors and the rolling hills in Allegany County's Alma Township. The RidgeWalk & Run has an event for all ages and fitness levels, and each one promotes good health in a family-friendly environment. It includes 2K, 6K, 9K, and 25K walks as well as professionally timed 5K, 10K, and 25K trail runs. The Finish Line Arena is on a gorgeous horse farm where there are festivities, lunch, music, raffles, vendor tables, and activities for kids.
To register, please visit https://runsignup.com/Rac.... For more information on the RidgeWalk & Run, please visit www.ridgewalk.com.
Attachment: RideWalk & Run Poster
Submitted by: Mark Whitehouse
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The Union University Church recently installed a historical marker funded by the Pomeroy Foundation at the historic Seventh Day Baptist Church building which is now owned by UUC. The marker honors the contribution of the Seventh Day Baptist settlers who were instrumental in the founding of the village and of Alfred University.
The William G. Pomeroy Foundation� is a private, philanthropic organization located in Syracuse, N.Y. As the nation's leading funder of historical markers, the Pomeroy Foundation has awarded more than 3,300 grants for markers and bronze plaques in 49 states and Washington, D.C.
The public is invited to a thirty minute dedication ceremony on Friday, September 25, at 5 pm. Weather permitting, the ceremony will be held in front of the church building at 5 Church Street. Attenders might want to bring lawn chairs. Rain location will be inside the church.
Submitted by: Laurel Buckwalter
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The campus community is invited to Mentorship Day to hear the keynote presentation with Patricia "Patty" St. George '89 on from 3:20 to 4 p.m. in Harder Hall's Holmes Auditorium. St. George explores the power of mentorship and developing ethical, creative leaders in her presentation, "Leading with Purpose: Mentoring Ethical and Creative Leaders Across Disciplines and Why Alfred University Students Have a Unique Opportunity to Do the Same."
STUDENTS: Make the most of Mentorship Day! Thursday is the last day to pre-register through Handshake to reserve your spot and connect with alumni representing a wide range of careers and industries. Didn't pre-register? Students are still welcome to attend Mentorship Day sessions on Friday as space allows.
FACULTY AND STAFF: Join us for the keynote and be part of a campus-wide conversation about mentorship, leadership, and the relationships that can make a lasting difference. Faculty and staff do not need to register.
Link: go.alfred.edu/mentorshipday
Submitted by: Carol Marcy
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Dear Alfred University Community,
At Alfred University, we are committed to maintaining a campus environment in which every member of our community is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. When concerns are raised through Title IX, Human Resources, or other institutional processes, we have an obligation to take those concerns seriously and to address them through appropriate, established processes and procedures.
During an investigation, it is especially important that members of our community refrain from gossip, speculation, or sharing unverified information about the people or circumstances involved.
Investigations involving Title IX or Human Resources matters can be deeply personal and, at times, difficult for everyone involved. Gossip can cause significant harm. Repeating rumors or discussing allegations as though they are established facts can damage reputations, increase distress for those involved, interfere with a fair process, and discourage individuals from coming forward when they have legitimate concerns.
It is important to remember that an allegation is not a finding. Investigations are conducted so that investigators can gather information, consider the relevant evidence, and reach conclusions through a fair and established process. Allowing speculation or rumor to substitute for that process undermines the integrity of the process itself.
We ask all members of the Alfred University community to exercise particular care when discussing matters that may be under investigation:
* Do not spread rumors or unverified information.
* Do not speculate publicly about who may be involved or what may have occurred.
* Do not share confidential information, investigative materials, or personal details with others who do not have a legitimate need to know.
* Do not pressure, intimidate, or attempt to influence individuals who may participate in an investigation.
* If you have information relevant to a matter, provide it through the appropriate University process rather than through informal discussion by contacting the Title IX Coordinator ([email protected]).
At the same time, we want to be clear that asking our community to avoid gossip does not mean that individuals should remain silent about harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct, retaliation, or other concerns. Nor does this email serve as a curtail of anyone's first amendment rights.
Our shared responsibility is to create a culture in which concerns can be raised without fear, investigations can proceed without interference, and all individuals are treated with dignity while the facts are being established.
Sincerely,
Michelle Carroll
Title IX and Compliance Coordinator
[email protected]
Deb Drain
Chief Human Resources Officer
[email protected]
Submitted by: Michelle Carroll
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Are you planning to teach a course Spring Semester 2027 that is cross-listed with any of the following four academic programs: Social Justice Studies, Africana Studies, or Women's and Gender Studies? If so, please contact Janet McClain with this information.
If you are planning to teach a course that is cross-listed with WGST or that you would like to have cross-listed with WGST, please contact Meredith Field ([email protected]) by September 30th.
For Social Justice Studies please contact Beth Johnson ([email protected]) by October 2nd.
Thank you for your help with this!
Submitted by: Janet McClain
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