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In This Issue
Official News/General Announcements
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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:
Alternate Text for Images
Images can be a helpful supplement to text content, as they can help users better understand the material. However, they can be a challenge for individuals who rely on screen readers due to visual impairments. Alternative text should be added to every image that you include in any electronic document (email, Word document, PowerPoint, Canvas course, PDF, etc.). Alternative text (or "Alt text) is a description of the image. Best practices are available from Siteimprove. If you need instructions for adding Alternative text using a specific program, please contact the ITS Helpdesk.
Link: Accessibility: Image Alt Text Best Practices
Submitted by: Meghanne Freivald
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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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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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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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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
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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TEDxAlfred University is returning this spring, and our 2027 speaker interest form is officially live!
The theme for this year, "Uncharted Territory," explores what happens when we venture beyond the familiar, push past boundaries, and step boldly into the unknown. True discovery begins with deep curiosity, resilience, and the courage to ask "what if?" These moments of exploration spark transformative innovation, challenge long-held perspectives, and redefine what is possible for people and communities alike.
Our goal is to create a platform where thinkers, researchers, and innovators - from students to faculty and staff - can step beyond the familiar, share new perspectives, and spark conversations that drive real impact in our community. We know how much passion, creativity, and incredible work live here on campus.
Every TEDx talk simply needs a clear, well-focused core idea worth spreading. We invite applicant speakers to share the breakthroughs, ideas, and journeys that will inspire our audience to discover theirs!
Application Deadline: Oct. 14
Link: Apply Here
Submitted by: Vladyslava Makarenko
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Domestic and dating violence are prevalent in all communities, including college communities. One in five college students experienced dating or domestic violence in the last year.
At Alfred University, we are committed to serving all students who are experiencing violence, including domestic and dating violence.
If you are experiencing violence in your relationship or feel that you want help, please use the website, AU Report It, to report to the Title IX Office.
During the month, Alfred University's Rape Crisis Advocate, Christa, will visit campus to provide information to students. She will be in the Powell Campus Center on October 9th, 16th, 19th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd, and 26th. If you want to meet with Christa while she's on campus, please contact [email protected] to be connected.
Link: AU Report It
Submitted by: Michelle Carroll
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We are pleased to announce that Alfred University will be hosting a Flu Clinic to help protect our students, staff, and community from the flu this season.
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 7
Time: 9am-11am
Location: Alfred University Knight Club
To ensure a smooth and efficient process, we kindly ask that you register in advance. Please use the following link to complete the registration:
Registration Link: https://form.jotform.com/...
We will accept walk-in appointments as well.
Important Information:
* Please wear short sleeves.
* Bring Photo ID.
* Please bring insurance cards with you. It is the responsibility of the insured to make sure the Allegany County Department of Health is within the insurance's network and will cover the cost of the vaccine and administration fee. If insurance is not accepted, payment for the vaccine and administration fee will be billed to the patient.
* If you are bringing a minor age child for their immunization(s), a parent/legal guardian must accompany the minor to the appointment.
* If you are paying cash for Flu Vaccine:
o High dose flu for ages 65 and over is $123.
o Regular flu is $24.
The Flu Vaccine is not free, and the vaccine will be billed to your insurance, or a sliding fee scale will be offered as needed.
We strongly encourage participation in the flu clinic to help maintain a healthy school environment. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Allegany County Department of Health at 585-268-9250 or the Wellness Center at 607-871-2400.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
Drew Ward
Public Health Educator
Allegany County Department of Health
Phone: 585.268.9249
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.alleganyco.go...
Link: https://form.jotform.com/262284489748172
Submitted by: Thomas Boyle
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The Powell Campus Center will be open from 10AM - 2PM only on Thursday, October 8, and Friday, October 9, due to staffing constraints.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Thank you.
Submitted by: Melissa Badeau
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The Institute for Electronic Arts is gearing up for our 30th anniversary. Phase one includes our new newsletter (attached and please join!) which includes two limited edition fine art prints from Professor William Contino and Andrew Deutsch!
Link: iea Website
Attachment: Contino and Deutsh headshots
Attachment: newsletter
Submitted by: Myles Calvert
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