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Alfred Today

November 6, 2026

In This Issue

Official News/General Announcements

Events

View More Events

Announcements

AI Open Mic Conversation - November 18, 12:30 - 1:00pm

An AI Open Mic Conversation will be held over Zoom on Wednesday, November 18, from 12:30 to 1 pm. This is an opportunity for faculty and staff to share their experiences with AI in a collaborative, informal setting. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask each other questions. The conversation will be guided by ITS staff and members of the AI Faculty Development Working Group, but there will be no formal presentation; the goal is to foster discourse on the topic of AI and learn from each other. The Zoom link is provided below (meeting ID: 968 5972 4118, passcode: 963035).

Link: AI Open Mic Conversation - November 18

Submitted by: Meghanne Freivald

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Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Drop-in Hours

On Monday, November 16, 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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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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AI Meet & Eat - November 6

On Friday, Nov. 6 from 12:15 to 1 pm, the AI Faculty Development Working Group will host 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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Two-Factor Authentication Moving To Authenticator App

I want to make you aware of an important change that will take effect in February 2027.

All members of our campus community currently use two-factor authentication (2FA) through either the Microsoft Authenticator app or text message verification.

As part of Microsoft's authentication roadmap, support for text message-based authentication will be discontinued.

Beginning in February 2027, all Alfred University users will be required to use the Microsoft Authenticator app as their second factor when accessing university systems.

To prepare for this change, please download and configure the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smartphone if you have not already done so. The app provides a simple and secure authentication experience and is already in use by many members of the campus community.

You may switch to the Authenticator app at any time. However, migration will be mandatory before February 2027. I encourage you to make the change well in advance of the deadline.

I have included information from Microsoft below regarding the Authenticator app and the enrollment process. If you need assistance with installation or configuration, please contact the ITS Help Desk.

The ITS team will be available throughout the coming months to support users as we complete this transition.

If you feel that you cannot install the application on your phone, please reach out to the helpdesk so they can assess your situation and explore other options if necessary.

Thank you for your attention to this important security update.

All my best and Fiat Lux!

Gary Roberts
Chief Information Officer
Alfred University

Link: About Microsoft Authenticator App

Submitted by: Gary Roberts

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Interested in obtaining funding for a research project?

Student proposals requesting Spring 2027 funding from the Alfred Research Grants for Undergraduate Students (ARGUS) program are due by midnight on Friday, Nov. 20. Instructions for preparing and submitting a proposal, along with supporting application materials, can be found at the link below. Proposals that do not follow the required format will be returned without review.

If you have questions, email Dr. Wallace at [email protected].

Link: ARGUS application information

Submitted by: Desmond Wallace

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Wellness Wednesday � Goat Yoga Comes to Alfred University!

Wellness Wednesday: Unwind, Recharge, and Enjoy Goat Yoga!

Looking for a fun and unique way to take a break, relax, and recharge? Join the Institute for Cultural Unity (ICU) for a special Wellness Wednesday featuring NY Goat Yoga!

Come experience the joy of yoga with some adorable four-legged companions! Whether you're an experienced yoga participant o or simply looking for a fun way to relieve stress, connect with others, and enjoy a little laughter, this event is for you.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Location: Powell Campus Center, Second Floor

Hosted by: Institute for Cultural Unity (ICU)

Co-Sponsored by: Office of Residential Life

No yoga experience is necessary! Come ready to relax, have fun, and enjoy a little goat-inspired wellness.

Bring your friends, take a break from your busy schedule, and join us for an unforgettable Wellness Wednesday!

Namaste with the Goats! A Little Stretch, A Lot of Smiles!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Link: https://youtu.be/-MGTPecpxA0

Submitted by: Angie Taylor

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Celebrate International Student Day at Alfred University � November 16!

International Student Day Celebration: Celebrating Cultures, Connections, and Community!

Alfred University invites the campus community to join us in celebrating International Student Day! This special occasion recognizes and celebrates the diverse cultures, experiences, perspectives, and contributions of international students who enrich our university community.

Our international students bring the world to Alfred through their languages, traditions, talents, and unique experiences. This celebration is an opportunity to recognize their impact, build connections across cultures, and strengthen the sense of community that makes Alfred University special.

Join us for an evening of cultural celebration, connection, and community!

Event Details:

Date: Monday, November 16, 2026

Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Location: Holmes Auditorium

Hosted by: Institute for Cultural Unity (ICU)

Enjoy an opportunity to celebrate the many cultures represented at Alfred University, connect with fellow students, and recognize the importance of global perspectives and cultural exchange.

Whether you are an international student, a domestic student, faculty, or staff member, everyone is welcome!

The world is represented here at Alfred University. Let's come together to celebrate our differences, share our stories, and recognize the connections that unite us.

One Campus. Many Cultures. One Community.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Link: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/halil-zaim-b72189130_it-was-a-great-pleasure-and-honor-to-take-ugcPost-7396593933591687168-Ly0K?utm_medium=ios_app&rcm=

Submitted by: Angie Taylor

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2027 Open Enrollment Virtual Sessions

The Open Enrollment window for the 2027 plan year opened on Monday, November 2nd and will close Monday, November 16th at 5:00 p.m. This is your annual opportunity to review, change, or enroll in benefits effective January 1, 2027, by logging into Employee Navigator using your Alfred University credentials to enroll in or make changes. The complete Benefits Guide is attached for your reference.

Virtual Sessions will be held - Friday, 11/6
? 8:30 a.m.
? 12:15 p.m.

Attachment: 40227_1.pdf

Submitted by: Bridget Bodnar

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The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)[revised][again]

A FREE event, put on by Alfred University's Performing Arts and Theatre Department!

A comedic, chaotic parody as actors attempt to perform all 37 Shakespeare plays in 90 mins.

Friday, November 6 2026 at 7:30 PM

Link: AU Connect Event

Attachment: Shakespeare Poster

Submitted by: Arts Events

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SAXON FRIDAY=FREE lunch for Faculty/Staff with ID on November 6th

Join us FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6th at ADE HALL (11:30am-1:30pm) for Saxon Friday and celebrate National Nacho Day!

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 is one more this semester - save the date- December 4th.

Attachment: Saxon Friday Flyer- November

Submitted by: Maggie Alsworth

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