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Alfred Today

October 28, 2026

In This Issue

Official News/General Announcements

Events

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Announcements

UDL Tip of the Week: Captions in YouTube Videos

AU's Universal Design for Learning (UDL) 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:

Captions in YouTube Videos

If you would like to share a YouTube video with your students, it is important to make sure that it contains captions. Captions are helpful to a variety of users, including English Language learners, students with shared workspaces, and students with hearing impairments. If closed captioning is available for a YouTube video, the closed captioning icon (CC) at the bottom of the viewing window will be clickable. If captions are not available, the CC icon will be grayed out and will not be clickable.

Link: YouTube: Search for Videos with Captions

Submitted by: Meghanne Freivald

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Alumni Speakers

Do you have an alum coming to campus to speak to a class or part of a speaker series? Let the Donor Relations team know by filling out a brief questionnaire and we will provide you with a small gift for them as a token of appreciation.
You may email [email protected] or call Maggie Alsworth x2527 or Anne Cornell x2547 with any questions.

Link: Alumni Speaker Questionnaire

Submitted by: Maggie Alsworth

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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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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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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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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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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Performing Arts Courses and Experiences for Non Majors

Find Your Place in the Performing Arts at Alfred!

Whether you're looking to rediscover an old passion, try something completely new, or simply bring more creativity into your life, Alfred University's Performing Arts Division has a place for you!

Explore courses in music, sound studies, theatre, dance, and performance design, join a music ensemble (no audition required!), audition for a theatre production, or get moving through our dance opportunities. No matter your major, background, or experience level, ALL are welcome!

The Performing Arts are about more than what happens on stage. They're about connecting with others, challenging yourself, discovering new possibilities, and enriching your life through creativity and collaboration.

Jump back in. Try something new. Find your people. Create something beautiful!

Attachment: PAD Non Major Courses

Submitted by: Jessie Thoman

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Halloween at the Student Service Center

Stop by the Student Service Center on Oct 30th for treats (or maybe tricks) ??

Students in Costume may get a prize. ????

Submitted by: Alex Holbrook

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2nd Weave event November 4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WEAVE Explores Environmental, Social and Economic Justice at November 4 Event

ALFRED, NY - WEAVE, a community initiative of Union University Church, will host an evening exploring environmental and social/economic justice on Wednesday, November 4, at 6:30 p.m. at Union University Church, 5 Church Street, Alfred, NY. The event will feature presentations by Alfred University Professor Frederic Beaudry and community leader Melissa Jusianiec. The event is free and open to all, and light refreshments will be available.

Beaudry will discuss "Shades of Green? Understanding Environmental Justice," examining the connections between environmental issues and justice. Beaudry has taught environmental sciences at Alfred University since 2010, with research focused on bird ecology and conservation. Before coming to New York, he worked as a wildlife biologist in western states, earned a master's degree from Cal Poly Humboldt and a Ph.D. from the University of Maine. He lives in Alfred Station and is a member of the A.E. Crandall Hook & Ladder Company.

In her talk, "Who Gets the Opportunity? Exploring the History and Human Impact of Social and Economic Justice," Jusianiec will explore the history of the struggle for equal rights and opportunity, from women's suffrage and the Civil Rights Movement to ongoing challenges faced by underrepresented communities. Jusianiec is a co-founder of the Allegany-Cattaraugus-Chautauqua Fund for Women, a nonprofit that helps women in the region work toward sustained self-sufficiency. She also leads the diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging team at Dixon Schwabl + Company in Victor, NY.

EVENT DETAILS
WEAVE: Environmental, Social andEconomic Justice
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 6:30 p.m.
Union University Church
5 Church Street, Alfred, NY
Free and open to all | Light refreshments available

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




Submitted by: Luanne Crosby

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Opportunity from SUNY: Digital Accessibility & AI Webinar Series Fall 2026

The SUNY FACT2 Task Group on Digital Accessibility & AI will be presenting a webinar series during the month of November. The goal of the task group was to explore how AI could be leveraged to increase the accessibility of digital materials in order to comply with the April 2027 Title II update. Members of the task group will be sharing their work through specific case studies and general guidance for the use of AI for digital accessibility purposes. The sessions and dates are listed below:

CrossLink and IRIS: On-Demand Article Remediation for Accessible Resource Sharing

Presenter: Mark Sullivan

November 2, 1:00 - 2:00pm

Adapting AI Tools for Accessibility: Accessibility Remediation with Agentic AI as a Case Study for the Evaluation of Tools and Practices

Presenters: Ed Beck & Ken Fujiuchi

November 10, 1:00 - 2:00pm

Beyond the Prompt: Making Informed Decisions about AI and Digital Accessibility

Presenters: Lindsay Bryde, Angela Thering, & Linda Santos

November 16, 1:00 - 2:00pm

The registration link is available below.

Link: FACT2 Digital Accessibility & AI Webinar Series

Submitted by: Meghanne Freivald

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Alfred University Faculty & Staff Trick-or-Treating and Costume Contest!

Halloween fun is coming to Alfred University! Join us on Friday, October 30, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM for a campus-wide celebration filled with costumes, creativity, and treats!

Trick-or-Treating: Students are invited to visit participating departments throughout campus for Halloween treats. Check out the attached map to find all participating locations!

Department Costume Contest: Our departments are bringing their Halloween spirit to life with creative costumes, festive decorations, and teamwork.

Student Voting: Students will be invited to vote for each participating department based on three categories:

* Creativity
* Collaboration
* Overall Appearance

Who will take home the trophy? One department will earn the bragging rights and be crowned this year's Halloween champion!

Come explore campus, enjoy some treats, cast your votes, and help us celebrate the creativity and teamwork of our Alfred University community!

We look forward to seeing everyone's Halloween spirit!

Attachment: Halloween Campus Map

Submitted by: Christine Harris

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Remember to AU Report It!

As we head into Halloween Weekend, this is a gentle reminder that Alfred University has reporting forms to report different incidents such as sexual assault, dating violence, hazing, bias related incidents, and general safety concerns.

The webpage is linked below but you can also google "AU Report It" and you'll be brought to the same page. Bookmark it!

Remember, call Public Safety (607-871-2108) in an emergency where your or someone else's safety is at risk.

Halloween is a lot of fun but remember to always look out for other Alfred University community members.

Link: AU Report It

Submitted by: Michelle Carroll

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Human + AI - What Could We Achieve Together?

Few Organizations Can Find the Value in AI.
Himanshu Joshi Shows Why.

Thursday, October 29, 2026
11:20 AM- 12:10 PM
Join the upcoming seminar on ZOOM

AI use is nearly universal, yet few organizations can find the value. A meta-analysis of 106 experiments shows why: human-AI combinations often perform worse than the better performer working alone. Teams that structure the collaboration perform far better.

Drawing on his research and the latest 2026 evidence, Himanshu Joshi shows how collective intelligence emerges from how humans and AI interact, not from either one's brilliance.

He introduces a practical model of:

Risk-based autonomy tiers
A named human owner for every AI agent
Structured handoffs

The audience will gain insight into how best to leverage Agentic AI to build solutions.

Link: Zoom Link

Submitted by: Mona Ilges

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