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Alfred Today

October 2, 2026

In This Issue

Official News/General Announcements

Events

View More Events

Announcements

Launch of Student Phishing Awareness and Reporting Program

As part of our educational mission at Alfred University, we are expanding our cybersecurity awareness efforts to include a weekly simulated phishing campaign for students. This program mirrors the initiative already in place for employees and is designed to help you recognize and respond to social engineering attacks that you may encounter both here and in your future workplaces.

Throughout the semester, you will receive simulated phishing emails created through KnowBe4, a leading cybersecurity education platform. These simulations are based on real-world tactics used by malicious actors. Your role is to become familiar with how phishing attempts look and to develop the habit of reporting suspicious messages promptly.

When you receive an email that appears suspicious, please use the Phish Alert Button in Outlook on your phone or computer. Selecting this button will report the message to ITS.

* If the email is part of the simulation, your report will be recorded as a successful identification.

* If the email is an actual phishing attempt that made it through our defenses, it will be quarantined, and ITS systems will automatically search for similar messages across campus to protect others.

Your vigilance strengthens our "human firewall," which helps safeguard not only your own information but also the broader university community.

To make this program more engaging, students who accurately report two or more simulated phishing emails during the semester will receive a small packet of Swedish Fish gummies. In addition, all successful reporters will be entered into a drawing for a used laptop computer at the end of the semester.

The provided link describes how to identify and report suspicious emails the Phish Alert Button on different platforms. If you have questions, please contact the ITS Help Desk at [email protected] or 607-871-2222.

Thank you for your attention and willingness to help protect our campus community.

Link: How to detect and report phishing emails

Submitted by: Gary Roberts

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Drop-In Office Hours with Provost Dobie

The Office of the Provost would like to announce drop-in office hours for the Fall 2026 semester.

Please feel free to stop by to share thoughts or concerns, ask questions, or provide feedback to Provost Dobie. Open office hours will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the following dates throughout the fall semester:

August 31
September 14
October 12 and 26
November 23
December 7

We look forward to seeing you.

Submitted by: Crystal Henshaw

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The Office of Human Resources and Payroll Services - Limited Staffing

The Office of Human Resources and Payroll Services
are currently operating with limited staffing.

Walk-in assistance is currently available during the following times:


Monday, Wednesday, Friday - 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Thursday - 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.


Please contact us by email or phone, and a team member will respond as soon as we are able.

For Title IX-related matters, please contact Michelle Carroll at [email protected] or extension 2375.

If you are experiencing an emergency, please call Alfred University Public Safety at (607) 871-2108 or dial 911.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Submitted by: Deb Drain

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AI Meet & Eat - October 2

On Friday, Oct. 2 from 12:15 to 1 pm, the AI Faculty Development Working Group will be hosting an "AI Meet and Eat" at Ade Dining Hall. Join our table and discuss AI with your colleagues while you enjoy your lunch. All perspectives are welcome.

Submitted by: Meghanne Freivald

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WEAVE Launches with �Roots of Justice in Alfred, NY� on October 7

ALFRED, NY - A new community initiative at Union University Church will launch Wednesday, October 7, with "Roots of Justice in Alfred, NY," an evening featuring a talk by educator Chris Romanchock; music by local musician, singer and songwriter Emma Tyme Armstrong; and a photography exhibit by Bill Stephens, also known as Billamack.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. at Union University Church, 5 Church Street, Alfred, NY. Light refreshments will be served, and the event is free and open to all.

Romanchock, an Alfred University alumnus and social studies teacher at Canisteo-Greenwood Central School, was named the 2025 New York State Rural Teacher of the Year by the Rural Schools Association of New York State. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Alfred University, teaching history and education classes.

Emma Tyme Armstrong will bring the arts thread of the evening through live music.

Billamack is a U.S. photographer and documentarian based in New England whose work focuses on historical landmarks and spaces that are often overlooked or inaccessible to the general public. His subjects include schools, hospitals, prisons, churches, factories, power plants and other places that hold stories often hidden from view. Stephens' photographs of Union University Church were captured during a six-hour exploration of the church in January 2025, when he produced more than 350 images of its interior and exterior. The exhibit will showcase a selection of those photographs, offering a unique perspective on a familiar Alfred landmark.

WEAVE is a community initiative of Union University Church in Alfred, NY. WEAVE brings people together through events exploring two powerful threads: the arts and justice. Open to everyone, WEAVE creates opportunities for conversation, creativity, learning and connection among congregation and community members, residents of the region, artists, advocates, and Alfred University and Alfred State students. While WEAVE is rooted at Union University Church, its events are designed as welcoming community gatherings open to all.

The name WEAVE reflects the initiative's purpose: to interlace distinct strands to create something stronger together. By bringing arts and justice into conversation, WEAVE hopes to connect people and perspectives, inspire new ideas, and create a welcoming space where our community can learn, engage and imagine what's possible together.

Event Details
Roots of Justice in Alfred, NY
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 6:30 p.m.
Union University Church
5 Church Street, Alfred, NY
Free and open to all | Light refreshments served

For more information, contact Rev. Dr. Eileen Vanderzwan ([email protected], 607-587-9288).

Submitted by: Luanne Crosby

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, support those affected by breast cancer, honor those we have lost, and encourage everyone to learn more about breast health.

Starting Oct. 2, join us in Ade Dining Hall on the first floor as we kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with information, resources, and opportunities to connect and show your support.

Throughout October, Wellness Wednesdays on Oct. 7, 21, and 28 will also feature Breast Cancer Awareness activities. At each event, we will be collecting donations that will be provided to a local breast cancer center to support individuals and families affected by breast cancer.

Breast cancer can affect people of all backgrounds. Taking time to understand risk factors, know what is normal for your body, and talk with a healthcare provider about questions or concerns can be an important part of taking care of yourself.

Come out, join us, pick up information, participate in our activities, and help us spread awareness and support our community.

Wear pink. Start a conversation. Share resources. Show support.

Most importantly, remember that no one should have to navigate a cancer experience alone. Community, compassion, and support matter.

Come out and join us throughout October!

October 2 * Ade Dining Hall, First Floor
Wellness Wednesdays: Oct. 7, 21, and 28

Together, we can raise awareness and support one another.

Link: https://youtu.be/atqywLmD75g

Attachment: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Submitted by: Angie Taylor

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SAXON FRIDAY=FREE lunch for Faculty/Staff with ID

Join us FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2nd at ADE HALL (11:30am-1:30pm)for Saxon Friday and kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Faculty/Staff that show their Alfred ID will receive a complimentary lunch sponsored by the President's Office and Saxon Dining.

Can't make this one? There are two more this semester - save the dates for November 6 and December 4

Attachment: 40181_1.pdf

Submitted by: Maggie Alsworth

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2027-2028 Tuition Exchange Application Deadline is October 30, 2026

Faculty and Staff - the Tuition Exchange Export Application deadline is October 30, 2026. If your child is planning to begin college (or transfer to another college) next year, 2027-2028 you may wish to explore the schools participating in the Tuition Exchange (TE) Program. RENEWAL TE Export applications are also subject to the deadline of October 30, 2026. Please read the attached TE Information Memo for application procedures and details on the program. Two application forms are required: The AU TE Export Application must be completed online at the TE website using the EZ-App. https://telo.tuitionexcha... The AU Human Resource (HR) TR/TE form (please return to the HR office for approval). https://my.alfred.edu/hum...

Submitted by: Barbara Landries

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