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Alfred Today

November 9, 2026

In This Issue

Official News/General Announcements

Events

There are currently no events scheduled for the next three days.

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Announcements

Canvas Tip of the Week: Add Announcements to the Course Home Page

ITS is pleased to highlight Canvas tools and features that can help faculty and students achieve their goals. This week's tip is:

Add Announcements to the Course Home Page

The Announcement tool in Canvas is a great way to communicate with students and share updates. You have the ability to place recent announcements at the top your course's home page. This places the announcements in a prominent location and ensures that the students see necessary information. Instructions are included in the guide below.

Link: Add Announcements to the Course Home Page

Submitted by: Meghanne Freivald

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Digital Accessibility Overview

AU's Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Task Force is pleased to offer an overview/ conversation on the topic of Digital Accessibility. Digital Accessibility is the practice of creating electronic materials that are usable by all individuals, regardless of disability status or the use of assistive technology. It is also an important step to further promote inclusivity among our students, staff, and faculty.

The session will provide a brief overview of Digital Accessibility, as it applies to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as practical steps everyone can take to increase the accessibility of their documents, web pages, and course materials. Instructions and resources will be provided.

Dates:

Thursday, November 12, 10:20 - 11:10am
Friday, December 4, 10:20 - 11:10am

To request a calendar invitation and Zoom link, please contact Meghanne Freivald, Chris Gause, or Samantha Dannick.

Link: AU Digital Accessibility

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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National Native American Heritage Month

Honoring National Native American Heritage Month at Alfred University
This November, Alfred University celebrates National Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich histories, diverse cultures, and enduring contributions of Native peoples.

Native American communities have shaped, and continue to shape, our nation's history and future through resilience, tradition, and innovation. At Alfred University, we take this time to recognize, learn from, and celebrate Native voices, histories, cultures, and stories.

Wellness Wednesday Celebration - November 18
Join us on Wednesday, November 18, for a special Wellness Wednesday celebration in recognition of National Native American Heritage Month. This gathering will provide an opportunity for our campus community to come together, learn, reflect, and celebrate Native cultures and traditions while promoting connection and well-being.
Powell Campus Center - knight Club
11:00 to 1:00 PM

Ways to Engage
Attend campus events and lectures highlighting Native history, art, and culture.

Join us for the Wellness Wednesday celebration on November 18.

Explore educational displays that honor Indigenous traditions, perspectives, and contributions.

Take time to reflect on the history of Native peoples and the importance of honoring their continued presence and influence today.

Learn more through resources that highlight Native voices and experiences.

By honoring National Native American Heritage Month, we affirm our commitment to celebrating cultural diversity, respecting traditions, and uplifting the voices of Indigenous communities.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9ZLGwTptcfQ?feature=share

Submitted by: Angie Taylor

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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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The Pink Perspective, Scholes Project Room Exhibition

The Pink Perspective
First Year Painting Grads Exhibition at Scholes Library Project Room. Opening on Tuesday, Nov. 17th, 4:30-5:30.
Exhibition dates: Nov. 17-30th

Attachment: 40212_1.pdf

Submitted by: Stephanie McMahon

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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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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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Midnight Breakfast Help

December 6th, is this semesters Midnight Breakfast and we are looking for faculty and staff willing to help us serve a pre finals meal to our students. The event includes music, prizes, and food for students. Volunteers are asked to arrive at 10:15pm and will be assigned tasks when they arrive. We need food servers, table bussers, prize wheel runners and more!
Please use the link below to sign up.

If you have questions email [email protected]

Link: Midnight Breakfast Volunteer Sign Up

Submitted by: Eliza Ordway

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BINGO, BLOOMS & HOLIDAY CHEER!

Celebrate the season with the Allegany-Cattaraugus-Chautauqua Fund for Women for Holiday Plant Bingo! Enjoy friendly competition, snacks and beverages, and a succulent to take home. Bingo winners choose from beautiful holiday plants, and a raffle offers even more chances to win. Whether you're a plant lover, bingo fan, or simply looking for a fun afternoon with friends, we'd love to see you! Your participation supports the Fund's mission to help women in our region build self-sufficiency through education, professional development, and business opportunities.
Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 3PM | Wellsville Creative Arts Center
Admission: $30

Link: purchase tickets here

Submitted by: Eliza Ordway

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Job Opportunity-HR Operations Coordinator

Please see the link below for the open HR Operations Coordinator position.

Link: HR Operations Coordinator

Submitted by: Christine Harris

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IMPORTANT NOTICE: THANKSGIVING BREAK STUDENT PAYROLL DEADLINE

Supervisors: Please review and plan accordingly!

Due to the Thanksgiving break and Alfred University being closed on Thursday, 11/26/2026, and Friday, 11/27/2026, there will be an adjustment to the student payroll submission deadline for PP#25.

Please Note:

* All student job entries and timesheets must be submitted by Monday, 11/23, at 5:00 PM.

* Any time sheets or job entries submitted or received after this deadline will be processed in Pay Period #26.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us ensure timely and accurate payroll processing!

Submitted by: Sabe Phelps

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AU Orchestra Concert's New Time: 5:30 Friday, Nov. 13

Viva Vivaldi !

The AU Orchestra is joined by soloists, Caleb Zelch, bassoon, Lila Condie and Jeanne Sperber, flute, in an all Vivaldi Concert this Friday, November 13 at 5:30* pm in Miller Theater.

This concert is free and the public is invited.

Submitted by: Lisa Lantz

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