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Alfred Today

November 10, 2026

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Official News/General Announcements

Events

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Announcements

Attention: String Players- Join the AU Orchestra !

Students, Faculty, Staff and Community- Join the AU Orchestra next semester!
Rehearsals: Monday and Wed. 5:30
MUSC 275 Free overload credit - No audition
Instruments and lockers are available !
Contact Dr. Lisa Lantz for more information [email protected]

Submitted by: Lisa Lantz

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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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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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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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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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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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Accounts Payable Invoice Deadline - Thanksgiving Week

There will be no checks processed the week of Thanksgiving (11/23-11/27). All invoices must be received in the AP inbox by end of day Tuesday, November 17th to be paid on November 19th. Any invoices received after this date will not be paid until December 3rd.

Submitted by: Ericson Harris

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Music Concert Weekend

Audiences will have an opportunity to experience a wide range of musical traditions and artistry this weekend in Miller Theater.

Friday, Nov. 13 at 5:30 pm
AU Orchestra featuring the music of Antonio Vivaldi with soloists, Caleb Zelch, Lila Condie and Jeanne Sperber.

Saturday, Nov. 14 at 3:00 pm
AU Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble will present a dynamic performance featuring a diverse selection of music spanning centuries and styles, from the Renaissance to the iconic works of John Williams.

Sunday, Nov. 15 at 2:00
Student Recital showcasing the talents and accomplishments of students enrolled in private music lessons and chamber music seminars.

All concerts are free and open to the public.

Submitted by: Lisa Lantz

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Zotero Workshop Nov. 17

Reference management software is a game-changer for keeping track of your sources and formatting citations.

This workshop will introduce you to the reference manager Zotero and guide you through everything you need to get set up and get started. For current EndNote users, this session will also cover exporting your EndNote library and importing it to Zotero.

Bring your laptop to get everything configured on your own device. (Some loaner laptops will be available, but you will not be able to complete the software install piece of the workshop.)

This workshop will be offered at two times on Tues. Nov. 17 in Scholes 221: 12:20-1:10pm and 5:30-6:30pm. Please RSVP to Samantha Dannick with the session you will be attending.

Submitted by: Samantha Dannick

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