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Alfred Today

October 16, 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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Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Drop-in Hours

On Monday, October 19, 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: Universal Design for Learning

Submitted by: Meghanne Freivald

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RidgeWalk and Run set for October 18 in Wellsville

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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Last day to Withdraw

Don't forget Tuesday, Oct. 20, is the last day to withdraw from a class that meets all semester. Be sure to fill out the form and obtain the necessary signatures before submitting to the Registrar's office at [email protected].

Link: Course Withdrawal Form

Submitted by: Alex Holbrook

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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://tuitionexchange.o... The AU Human Resources (HR) TR/TE form (please return to the HR office for approval at [email protected]).

Link: Tuition Exchange Export Application

Attachment: Tuition Exchange Community Memo

Submitted by: Barbara Landries

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Sticker Making Contest at Alfred University Libraries

October is National Book Month!

To help us celebrate National Book Month please help us design a promotional library themed sticker to give out at both libraries!

Design Submissions are due on Oct 18th
Library Staff Voting will be Oct 19-21
Social Media Voting will take place Oct 22-31 so
be sure to follow us on instagram @Alfredulibraries

Submitted by: Amber Weinar

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Let's Talk About The Cornell 7

Safe Space Conversation - Cornell Conversation

Thursday, October 22 | 11:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m.
Susan Howell Room

Join us for a small, informal Safe Space Conversation focused on creating a welcoming environment for dialogue and reflection following recent events at Cornell University.

Michelle Carroll will facilitate the conversation, with Christa also joining us. This gathering is an opportunity to come together, listen, ask questions, share perspectives, and engage in meaningful conversation with one another.

The goal is to create a space where participants can talk openly, thoughtfully, and respectfully while learning from different perspectives.

Lunch will be provided. Space and food are planned for the first 25 participants to RSVP/register.

RSVP through AU Connect!

We hope you will join us for this important conversation.

Link: https://youtu.be/BuDNGtf0L5Q

Attachment: Let's Talk About The Cornell 7

Submitted by: Angie Taylor

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Foster Lake Beach Area - Lost and Found

The lifeguards have saved several items that were found in the beachfront area over the summer, so if you are missing something, please contact Amanda McMahan in Facilities Services - [email protected] - x-2154 - to claim your item(s). All items are currently located in her office. If not claimed by Nov. 1st, they will be disposed of accordingly. Thank you!

Submitted by: Amanda McMahan

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Job Opportunity-Web and Digital Content Specialist

Please see the link below for the open Web and Digital Content Specialist position.

Link: Web and Digital Content Specialist

Submitted by: Christine Harris

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Environmental Studies Speaker Series - Wetland Biologist Jeremy Waddell

Jeremy Waddell, a wetland biologist with the Upper Susquehanna Coalition, will present "An Overview of the Upper Susquehanna Coalition Watershed Initiatives and Partnerships" for the Fall 2026 Environmental Studies Speaker Series. Join us Friday October 16th at 12:20pm in Roon Lecture Hall (rm 249) of the Science Center. Light refreshments will be served; Everyone is welcome!

Attachment: Poster for ENVS Speaker Jeremy Waddell

Attachment: Fall 2026 - Schedule of Speakers

Submitted by: Nicole Munkwitz

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9th Annual Leaf Rake by AU Women's Basketball

Alfred University Women's Basketball will be hosting
our 9th annual Community Leaf Rake on
Sunday, Nov. 1 from 9:00am-12:30pm.

Available for anyone residing in the Alfred area!
Please contact [email protected] for more information.
*This is on a first come, first serve basis. Availability is limited!*

Submitted by: Michael Moskowitz

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Join Alfred University Concert Band!

Looking for an opportunity to make music, meet new people, and be part of a fun and engaging ensemble? Join the Alfred University Concert Band for the Spring 2027 semester!

The Concert Band brings musicians together to rehearse and perform a variety of exciting concert band repertoire. Whether you're looking to continue playing your instrument or get back into music after some time away, this is a great opportunity to make music with others in a welcoming and collaborative environment.

Rehearsal Schedule:

Tuesdays and Thursdays

5:20-6:50 PM

Performance:

One concert at the end of the Spring 2027 semester

With just one concert at the end of the semester, the Concert Band offers a rewarding musical experience.

Come be part of the music this spring! We look forward to making music with you in the Alfred University Concert Band!

Questions? Contact Dr. Mason St. Pierre for more details.

Submitted by: Mason St. Pierre

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