Blue & Gold Today

Is there someone on campus who goes above and beyond, not just meeting expectations but consistently setting the standard for excellence? Here's your chance to recognize and celebrate their outstanding contributions! Nominations for the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service are now being accepted for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Submit names and a brief statement of support by electronic form. Contact C.J. Rahr at (607) 587-3541 for more information.

Criteria 2026-2027

• Nominees for the award should be individuals who have repeatedly sought self-improvement, campus improvement, and ultimately, the State University’s excellence.
• They should serve as professional role models for the University system in pursuing excellence.
• Candidates must have completed three full-time academic years at the nominating campus within the past five years.
• They must be presently serving in full-time professional service capacities, with over 50% of their assignment in non-teaching services.
• Promotion within the same department doesn’t prevent nomination.

Deadline: All nominations must be submitted by January 5, 2027.

College Council’s Leadership Through Civic Engagement Award 

Do you know a member of our campus community (faculty, staff, or student) that is having a big impact on our culture of care and championing community service? If so, please nominate them for the College Council's Leadership Through Civic Engagement Award! 

• Who: Anyone may nominate a student or faculty/staff member. Nominations for faculty/staff should be for civic engagement service within the past two years and no self-nominations are permitted.
• Description: College Council recognizes members of the Alfred State community annually for leadership in civic engagement.  Reviewers assess nominations based on 5 primary categories (leadership, teamwork, partnership, impact, and innovation).
• How to Nominate: Use the online application (link here) to find further instructions and to upload and submit your nomination letter(s).
• Recognition: College Council selects up to 2 faculty/staff and unlimited # of deserving student awardees. Student awardees are recognized at Honors Convocation while faculty/staff awardees are recognized at the Reward & Recognition Luncheon.
• Due Date: January 22nd for nominations

This is a great way to recognize members of our campus that are hard at work fostering a caring community! Whether it is a student who is always taking initiative and enhancing team dynamics or a faculty or staff member who is leading the way with partnerships and innovation that enhance our civic impact, help us recognize and celebrate all the ways our community members are showing up and making a difference by nominating folks you feel exemplify the spirit of this award. 

The E-Learning Committee is now accepting nominations for this year’s Excellence in Online Teaching Award. Excellent online teaching includes:

• Creativity in course content design
• Use of alternative teaching strategies
• Classes structured with online students in mind
• Prompt and thorough feedback; being accessible and reachable when needed
• Empathy, compassion, and fostering a positive personal connection with students

Please consider nominating a deserving candidate using this form and direct any questions to stefannl@alfredstate.edu. This year the committee is circulating the call for nominations in both fall and spring semesters to broaden the pool of nominees.

Pioneers, we need YOU in the stands tonight!

The Conference Tournament is here, and our women's volleyball team takes on Plattsburgh at 4:30 PM in the Orvis Gym. Show your Pioneer pride by wearing BLUE and bringing the energy!

Because this playoffs: ✅ Alfred State students get in FREE  💵 Cash-only ticket purchase for faculty/staff, families & community members.

• Adults: $5
• Children under 13: $3

After volleyball, stay and support women's basketball as they face St. John Fisher at 6:30 PM.

Let's pack the gym and make some noise!

GO PIONEERS! 💙💛

Admissions would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and dedication to making Sunday's Open House such a success! We welcomed 379 prospective students, resulting in an impressive 74% show rate, along with their families and guests for a total attendance of 1,061 visitors across both campuses. Additionally, 164 prospective students took the opportunity to explore the Wellsville campus.

Thank you for all you do to create a welcoming, engaging, and memorable experience for our guests! Your efforts play a vital role in helping prospective students and their families envision themselves as part of the Alfred State community.

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
Tickets: https://www.accffw.org/event-details/bingo-blooms-holiday-cheer

The Heating Plant has an opening for a Plant Utilities Assistant. Interested candidates can apply here 

Minimum Qualifications: Successful performance on a training and experience examination that you will receive from HR.  

Facilities Services also has an opening for a Facility Operations Assistant 2. Interested candidates can apply here

Minimum Qualifications: Non-competitive: one year of service as a Facility Operations Assistant 1 or Motor Vehicle Operator; OR, two years of full-time, verifiable experience in custodial, grounds, or maintenance operation or assisting in a journey-level trade. When required to operate motor vehicles, incumbents must possess a valid New York State driver's license appropriate for the type of vehicle being operated.

*OPERATIONAL NEED:  Valid driver's license required.  At the time of appointment, the candidate must possess one of the following AND will be required to obtain another certification from the following list within the first year of employment:

1. A valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B
2. A New York State Pesticide License in 3A-Ornamentals, Shade Trees & Turf OR 7A-Structural & Rodent Control
3. At least 35 hours in the following areas:
4. Master Gardener Program
5. Certified Turf Grass Management
6. Certified Sports Field Management
7. All other grounds-related certifications or educational achievements may be considered, subject to approval of the Hiring Manager

The University Police Department will again be collecting donations for ACCORDS: Community Action Angels.

This year ACCORD is looking for: 

Children ages 0-9: Donations of new, unwrapped toys valued up to $50  

Children ages 10-18: Monetary contributions to help provide $50 gift cards, allowing older children and teens to choose a gift

Please drop off all donations at the University Police Department by 12/4.

Everything helps!

🍎🍩 Friday, November 13 | Cider & Donuts | Fall Friday Fun with HR 🍎🍩

Fall is in the air, and HR has a little something sweet up our sleeves! 🍂
We're spreading some fall cheer with a classic seasonal favorite — Cider & Donuts! 🍎🍩

Happy Fall from your HR team! 🍁
 

🎨 Friday, November 20 | Sip & Craft | Lake Lodge (3:30–5:30 PM) 🎨

Unwind, get creative, and make something fun! Reach out to Kristen Fitzpatrick (HR) to explore the available craft options, choose your favorite, and reserve your spot!

Please be sure to reserve your spot no later than November 16! To allow us time to prepare, reservations will close after this date.

Mark your calendars and come enjoy some Fall Friday Fun with HR! We look forward to seeing you there! 🧡🍁

The Print and Mail Center is currently upgrading its package processing system. During this transition, we have experienced an issue with the automated email notifications that normally alert you when a package is ready for pickup.

Our team is actively working to resolve the problem and expects service to be restored within the next 24 hours. 

In the meantime, if you are expecting a package, please feel free to stop by the Print and Mail Center, and we will be happy to check its status for you.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we complete this upgrade.

Please excuse the following students from Alfred State’s Student Senate who will be participating in the SUNY Student Assembly's Fall Conference in Syracuse, NY, from November 20 to November 22: 

1. Nakido Guy-Diaz
2. Christain Moore
3. Zoé Estwick
4. Omari Denton
5. Adel Hashimov
6. Janiesha Dureny
7. Franck Nanfack Chezing
8. Caleb Raiford

Join students, faculty, and staff at this panel event about incorporating Indigenous practices into teaching, learning, and community-building on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 5 PM in SET 215 (the Engineering Technology building). Co-organized by Hinkle Library and the Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) department, Let's Talk: Centering Indigenous Knowledge and Issues will feature panelists from the SBS, Architecture, Agriculture & Vet Tech, and Student Life departments in addition to students Joe Dellavalle and Angel Hill. Please come and contribute to a discussion about how we can elevate Indigenous knowledge here at Alfred State. Food will be served!

The Procurement and Payment Services Office will be closed November 11th for Veteran's Day.  We will reopen on the 12th. Thank you!

Dear faculty,

SUNY’s Faculty Advisory Council on Teaching and Technology (FACT²) is inviting faculty and staff from every campus to join its 2026–27 task groups. Participation is open to all, and it’s a chance to shape SUNY-wide guidance alongside colleagues from across the system.

• Adapting Online Course Quality in Asynchronous Education Co-chairs: Meghan Pereira (Buffalo State) and Chilton Reynolds (SUNY Oneonta). Building on OSCQR, this group explores how to keep online course quality strong as AI, assessment, and technology change. Meets every other Tuesday at 9:00 AM, starting Nov 17.
• Discipline-Specific AI Tools for Workforce Readiness. Co-chair: Dave Ghidiu (Finger Lakes Community College). This group identifies the AI tools and practices graduates will meet in their fields, and how faculty can bring them into courses and learning outcomes.
• Writing Across the Curriculum in the AI Era. Co-chairs: Dana Gavin (Dutchess Community College) and Shyam Sharma (Stony Brook University). This group develops resources for anyone who teaches writing or uses writing to assess learning, toward a FACT² Guide to Writing Across the Curriculum in the AI Era.

Learn more on the [FACT² Task Group website]. Questions? Contact Alfred State’s FACT² Campus representatives, Deepa Deshpande (deshpad@alfredstate.edu) or Susan Gorman GormanSF@alfredstate.edu.

Faculty Senate DEI Committee Open Meeting 

The Faculty Senate DEI Committee will hold its second meeting of the academic year on Tuesday, November 10, at 4:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams.

The committee is focused on creating opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to discuss issues broadly related to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging across our campus community. Anyone interested in joining the conversation is welcome to attend. Please email the committee chair, Angela Graves, at gravesa1@alfredstate.edu for the Teams link.

Winter Break Transportation Options for Students

Megabus is offering non-stop bus services to New York City and Alfred for Winter break. Dates and times of bus travel are listed below! 

To New York City: 

Friday, December 18, 2026 departing 

• West University St at 7:45 am
• Orvis Activities Center at 2:30 pm
• West University St at 2:45 pm

Sunday, December 20, 2026 departing from West University at 7:45 am

Secure your ticket today at https://us.megabus.com 

Rochester Airport Shuttle 

Depart Alfred Wednesday, December 16, 2026 at 6 am

• Amtrak/Bus drop off around 8am 
• Airport drop off after the Amtrak/s station drop

Depart Alfred Saturday, December 19, 2026 at 6 am

• Amtrak/Bus drop off around 8am 
• Airport drop off after the Amtrak/s station drop

Requests for Airport Shuttle must be to the Rochester Airport and students will have to fill out the Online travel request form for both their trips to and from the airport two weeks in advance. 

The Academic Advising Center is hosting one virtual Registration Readiness workshop to help prepare students for Spring registration. The workshop will be on TEAMS and is scheduled for Tuesday, November 10th at 12:00pm. It's time to look to the future and plan for next semester! Learn about course registration, meeting with your advisor, staying on track with your degree planning, and graduation requirements! Most students get to register themselves for classes. The sooner you can get registered for next semester, the better schedule you will have. Learn about the digital tools that can help make registration quick and easy!

Tuesday, November 10th at 12:00pm - Join via TEAMS! 

View our Fall 2026 Workshop Schedule on the My Academics portal page under Student Success Center: https://alfredstateedu14176.sharepoint.com/sites/MyAcademics 

FREE EVENT!

Head over to CDH in the Student Gathering Place (near The Nook) to frost your own vanilla cupcake! 

When? Tuesday, November 10th, 3pm-5pm

Parking Lots 20 & 22 (by Pioneer Stadium/Orvis) will be closing at 4pm on Friday, November 13th. The parking lots will remain closed until the conclusion of the football game and the Pioneer Woodsmen Club competition on Saturday afternoon. Students and visitors should park in any other available residential student parking lots. 

Vehicles that remain in closed parking lots, or re-enter after the closing time are subject to enforcement up to and including towing at the owner’s expense. Please spread the word to your fellow classmates and continue to monitor your daily announcements, for future parking lot closures.

Thanksgiving Break Housing

Residence halls will close at 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24, 2026, for the Thanksgiving Break. The Residence halls will reopen at Noon on Sunday, November 29, 2026. Residential Services is aware that the final bus scheduled to leave Alfred leaves before 10:00 p.m. If you are here for an academic reason and cannot make travel arrangements for the evening of Tuesday, November 24, please contact your Residence Director to remain on campus that night. However, you must plan travel arrangements for the morning of Wednesday, November 25.

Only students who have been approved to stay for the break will be allowed in the residence halls.

All others may be charged with trespassing.

Students will only be approved who:

• Live over 500 miles away (according to your home Banner Address)
• Have a Special Circumstance (ex. You do not have a place to go)
• Working for the college during the break (with Supervisors Approval)
• Athletics commitment during the break (must be on roster submitted from Athletics)

If you wish to apply to stay for the break, please complete the "Break Housing Request" form on eRezLife. To access this form, please sign in to my.alfredstate.edu, select "housing," and then select the "Break Housing Request" form. 

Please note, that this form will close on Thursday, November 19.

If you have any questions, please contact Residential Services at 607-587-4371 or email: reslife@alfredstate.edu.

Thanksgiving Break Transportation Options for Students

Megabus is offering non-stop bus services to New York City and Alfred for Thanksgiving break. Dates and times of bus travel are listed below! 

To New York City: 

Tuesday, November 24, 2026 departing from Orvis Activities Center or West University St at 2:30 p.m. 

To Alfred, NY 

Sunday, November 29, 2026 departing from Port Authority at 10:15am 

Secure your ticket today at https://us.megabus.com 

Rochester Airport Shuttle 

Depart Alfred Wednesday, November 25, 2026 at 6am 

• Amtrak/Bus drop of at 8am
• Airport: Drop off after the Amtrak/Bus station stop

Return trip departs Rochester Airport Sunday, November 26, 2026 at 5pm 

• Airport pick up at 5pm
• Amtrak/Bus pick up at 6pm

Requests for Airport Shuttle must be to the Rochester Airport and students will have to fill out the Online travel request form for both their trips to and from the airport

Want personalized help with retirement planning, financial goals, or your TIAA accounts?  Stephen Smith, Sr. Financial Consultant, will be on the Alfred State campus and available to meet via teams as well.

What you can do:

• Get one-on-one guidance tailored to your goals
• Ask questions about retirement, investments, and savings
• Review your TIAA account and options

Bring recent investment, retirement, and savings statements to make the most of your session.  Take advantage of this opportunity to check in on your financial future.

For more information or to RSVP, click here. 

Please join us on Friday, November 13th at 3 pm in PHS, Rm. 223 for a special moment to celebrate the University of Rochester Jones Memorial Hospital for all of their generosity and support that they have shown our Nursing Department. There will be some amazing snacks and refreshments and we would LOVE to see you there!

If you recall back to opening remarks when President Mauro talked about SEFA.  What is SEFA - Sefa is the State Employees Federated Appeal.  Instead of making donations outside to your favorite charities, you can look online at the Sefa web site: https://sefanys.org .  There are hundreds of charities to choose from.  Whether you want to donate $26($1 a pay or more).  Money will not start coming out of your check until January and last all year, next year.  There are charities from each county and anywhere from cancer, scouting, animal charities.  We also will be having giveaways this year. The Buffalo United Way is our administrator for this campaign, and they have their own giveaways- weekly for donating.  Ashley furniture gift cards, bills tickets, tops gift cards or Wegman's gift cards. You can be thrown into Buffalo's giveaways just by donating. For our giveaways, the first one will be an Adirondack chair (courtesy of the building Trades).  An Alfred State T shirt - courtesy of the Book store, gift cards to the Jet - courtesy of President Mauro and then a couple certificates for the Refinery in Wellsville, curtesy of culinary.  Won't you consider making a donation?  I have paper forms here if you would like or you can go right online and make your donation.  This is a quick and easy way of making your donation and having it count towards our campaign also. Please get your donations in now to be included in our giveaways.

Also, when you make a donation, please let me know, take a screen shot of your donation and send to me.  That way i can make sure you are a part of both our giveaways and Buffalo's.  thank you

Dear faculty,

Much of our conversation about AI and learning runs on worry and anecdote. This week’s Reading Exchange article argues that decades of learning science already give us a sound way to decide where AI helps students learn and where it gets in the way. Schwartz, B., & Hakala, C. (2026, October 23). AI in teaching: What the science of learning already tells us. Faculty Focus. [article link] 

Choose how you engage:

• Reflect in the thread: Tue 11/3 – Sun 11/8, [Reading Exchange Channel] on CITE Team. Read the article and respond to one prompt. 
• Talk it through live: Roundtable, Thu 11/5, 12:00–12:30 PM, [Teams]. 
• Try it in your course: Email cite@alfredstate.edu to implement and document one idea.

You can also earn credits year-round by joining a peer learning community this Spring, implementing an innovative teaching strategy using a CITE resource in Spring, or facilitating a CITE event [PDW or CITE Social & Tech Talk]. Details are on [CITE SharePoint]. Click on the opportunity that interests you, to complete a brief interest form.

Spring 2027 registration begins Monday, November 16 at 9 AM. Don’t miss your opportunity to register on time—prepare now to avoid delays.

Before Registration Opens:

• Clear your holds: View and pay your hold(s) and contact the appropriate office with questions.
• Print your Course Selection Form
• Meet with your advisor: Review your course selections and receive your Alternate Registration PIN and time ticket. 

Helpful Reminders:

• Register early: Courses fill quickly—sign up as soon as your time ticket opens.  
• Check financial aid messages: Some courses (like repeats or those not counting toward your degree) may impact your aid and result in additional charges.
• Need help? Registration How-to Guides are available in my.AlfredState.edu under Academics → Additional Academic Info on the Academic Resources card.

Special Situations:

• Graduating and returning in a new major? Complete the Joint Intent to Enroll form (2 + 2 = MORE!) or apply for readmission and submit your enrollment deposit to receive a registration time and PIN.
• No longer graduating this semester? Ask your Academic Department Chair to remove you from the graduation list so you can be assigned a registration time. 

Do you belong to a club or organization actively involved in making a difference in the larger community? Are you solving problems, taking on opportunities, and using your passion and skills to help others? This could take the form of volunteerism, community service trips, public awareness campaigns, fundraising efforts, advocacy, and education.

If so, we invite you to view our Civic Engagement Pioneer page to submit a Leadership Suite proposal. Leadership Suites are designed to celebrate our clubs and organizations leading the way with civic action and help broaden visibility to get others involved in community-minded causes and initiatives locally, regionally, and/or globally.  

Generally, there are 2-5 suites up for review each semester. Suite applications must be submitted by December 14th, 2026, to be considered for Spring 2027.

Interested but have questions, please reach out to civicengagement@alfredstate.edu.

The New York State Deferred Compensation Plan (457b) will be hosting educational webinars in the coming weeks for all employees who wish to attend and who are thinking of enrolling into the Plan and/or learn more about the Plan.  The NYSDCP is a supplemental retirement plan which is also known as a 457(b) plan and their mission is to help State and local-public employees achieve their retirement savings goals and help bridge any potential financial gap in retirement.  Please keep in mind, that you can have both a 403b & a 457b.  Registration for the webinars are below.

NYSDCP Enrollment Webinar - Wednesday, November 11, 2026 10:00 AM - Join us for a conversation about the benefits of joining the NYS Deferred Comp Plan. We will go over the basics of the Plan and how to enroll.  We also will discuss the differences between a 457b and a 403b.  All are welcome to participate. Registration required.

https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/e4366f51-acfb-4a12-b1bf-b2712c90eebc@22140e4c-d390-45c2-b297-a26c516dc461

NYSDCP Pre-Retirement Webinar - Wednesday, November 18, 2026 4:00 PM - Join us for a conversation about important considerations as you get closer to retirement. We will discuss longevity, income sources, asset consolidation, and required minimum distributions. All are welcome to participate. Registration required.

https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/8a4e3552-908e-43b5-a0db-4691a9a56fc7@22140e4c-d390-45c2-b297-a26c516dc461

Ways of contacting NYS Deferred Compensation Plan:

• AE Connect (investment specific questions): 1-844-867-8197 (9am – 4:30pm)
• Helpline (general questions): 1-800-422-8463 (8am – 11pm)
• Prefer us to call you? Schedule an appointment here: https://outlook.office365.com/book/TeamAccountExecutiveConnect@nationwide.com/
• Website: www.nysdcp.com 

Support XAE (Chi Alpha Epsilon), the Honor Society for EOP students, though our Fall fundraiser that will cover the Induction packets for our Spring 2027 Inductees. For inside decoration at your desk or table, order a beautiful 6 inch RED Poinsettia supplied by East Wind Landscape Nursery in Belmont! Need something for outside? Lisa’s Wreaths are seasonally decorated with ribbons/cones/berries, with your choice of Red, Burgundy, or Plaid ribbon! Order using the link below or in person in the EOP Lab SDC 252 or Student Success Center SDC 205 by Tuesday, November 17th. Pick up will take place after December 1st.

Red Poinsettias $15. Red, Burgundy, or Plaid Wreaths are $35 each. Want to make an online poinsettia or wreath purchase? Click Here  

New this year - stop by the table in the SLC Monday - Thursday, November 9th - 12th between 11 am - 2 pm to purchase Oliver's Candy Bars! For $3 a bar, you can choose from six different options, including peanut butter, caramel, dark chocolate and more! Plus a Build-Your-Own Hot Cocoa Bar for $2 a cup - lots of delicious toppings! Cash only for the candy bars and hot cocoa. We will also take orders for poinsettias and wreaths are our SLC table.

Questions? Contact Lynn Hayes at 607-587-4128 or at HayesLC@alfredstate.edu 

Join Global Engagement and Civic Wellbeing for our fall commUNITY Potluck series in the village of Alfred!

Make a dish to share a taste of “home” and help enhance our culture of care in Alfred. The commUNITY potlucks are a monthly gathering for our entire community to engage in conversation and foster care and connection over foods that remind us of home. We are in our 3rd academic year running this initiative, which is sponsored through the Center for Civic Leadership.

• Location: Union University Church Center (building next to the Collegiate on the corner of Main and Church street - enter in center of building on Church Street)
• Time: 6pm-8pm
• Remaining Dates:
  • Wednesday, November 18th  
  • “Tasters Choice” awards are given at each event for the favorite dishes on the night.

We give thanks to all our wonderful contributors (which could be you) who warm the event with a homemade dish and conversation. We also have some very special shoutouts to our sustained contributors:

• Special thanks to N'Dulge Bakery for sponsoring a birthday treat each potluck so we can celebrate birthdays at our event!
• Special thanks to Collegiate Restaurant for sponsoring one dish each potluck!
• Special thanks to Alfred Box of Books Library for supporting an engaging activity for young attendees at each potluck!
• Special thanks to Union University Church Center for allowing us to utilize their space for this community building initiative 

Come join us and help celebrate commUNITY!

Hey, try your luck on Friday the 13th by coming to the UUP Coffee Hour! UUP members are invited to join us for coffee and snacks in the Hinkle Library main floor gathering area on Friday November 13, 7:30 to 9:30. Chapter officers will be there to share updates about topics such as:

• Individual Development Awards and other JLMC programs
• Chapter events and the updated calendar
• Statewide updates and legislative activity
• Anything else that's on your mind!

These are member events. UUP MEMBERS make good things happen, both locally and worldwide! A higher proportion of membership adds to our negotiating leverage for improving our work lives and benefitting SUNY as a whole. Membership is NOT automatic; check your pay stub and if you’re not already a member, you can sign up at http://uupinfo.org/join

Check out the latest news from Alfred State. 

Big Afternoon for Alfred State in Alfred Cup

Contact Paul Welker - welkerpm@alfredstate.edu if you have a story idea! If you are posting pictures on your social media make sure to tag @AlfredState or ask us to collaborate with your posts!

Hey First-Gen Pioneers!

This one is for YOU! 💙

Being a first-generation college student is worth celebrating, and we want to take a moment to recognize YOU, your accomplishments, and everything you've worked hard for. Join us for a First-Gen Celebration made just for our first-gen students!

📅 TODAY! Monday, November 9th
⏰ 2:30–4:30 PM
📍 CDH – 1st Floor

Let us know you're coming - RSVP on Pioneer Link: https://pioneerlink.alfredstate.edu/event/12878002

What's in store?

• ☕ Hot cocoa to keep you cozy
• 🍿 A popcorn bar with all the toppings
• 🔥 Indoor s'mores (yes, really!)
• 👕 FREE shirts for all first-gen students
• 🎶 Music, fun, and more!

Whether you can stop by for five minutes or hang out all afternoon, we'd love to see you there. Bring a friend, grab a snack, snag your free shirt, and take a moment to celebrate everything YOU bring to our campus community.

You've earned this celebration. We can't wait to see you there! 💙

FINAL WEEK!!

Do you know a faculty member who should be recognized for their dedication to Alfred State College?  The SUNY Chancellor’s Award committee is soliciting nominations in the following four categories for the 2026-27 award cycle:

• Faculty Service – consistently superior service to the college and/or students
• Scholarship and Creative Activity – excellence in scholarship/research and/or creative performance
• Teaching – consistently superior classroom/laboratory/studio teaching
• Adjunct Faculty - superior classroom/laboratory/studio teaching by an adjunct faculty member

These awards are based on student, faculty, and staff nominations.  Please take a moment to submit a nomination by completing the brief survey available at: SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence - Fall 2026 Nominations

Anyone wishing more information may contact Wayne Bensley at benslewd@alfredstate.edu. Submit nominations by November 13. A complete listing of the awards and criteria is available at  The Chancellor's Awards for Excellence

When submitting any transaction through Procurement and Payment Services, including Travel, please remember to include a brief justification explaining:

What is the expense, and why is it necessary?

As a state institution, we are responsible for ensuring expenditures are in the Best interest of the college, Actual, Reasonable, and Necessary.

Your justification doesn't need to be long. One or two sentences explaining the business purpose is usually enough.

Remember: telling us what you are buying is only part of the justification.  We also need to know why the college needs it.

Providing this information upfront helps us properly document the expense and keeps requests moving through the process.

Thank you!
Procurement and Payment Services

Join the Cultural Life Center along with students Joe Dellavalle and Angel Hill on November 16 from 4:30-6:30 pm in the SLC Parkspace for Haudenosaunee History: Culture, Traditions, Continuity; a vibrant celebration of Indigenous life, culture, food, song, and dance in honor of Native American History Month! 

Join the Cultural Life Center on Wednesday, November 18 from 12-5 pm in the SLC Parkspace for Piece by Piece, We Stand. Piece by Piece We Stand is a Cultural Life Center initiative focused on promoting bystander awareness, survivor support, and campus solidarity. Students will have the opportunity to learn about bystander intervention, write optional messages of encouragement to Jane Doe, and sign a collective pledge demonstrating their commitment to supporting survivors. The signed pledge will become a large-scale installation displayed in the CLC as a symbol of community support and accountability. 

The Student Success Center will be hosting the Real Talk: Your Struggles Workshop on Wednesday, November 11th at 5pm in the Student Development Center, Room 109. Temperature check time. What are you struggling with, and let’s get through it.  As we enter the homestretch of the semester, let’s discuss how everything is going.  What challenges and barriers are you encountering, then discuss resources and options for progress available around campus.  Time to finish strong!

View our Fall 2026 Workshop Schedule on the My Academics portal page under Student Success Center: https://alfredstateedu14176.sharepoint.com/sites/MyAcademics 

Ready for a little fall sweetness?! Join HR TODAY Friday, November 6, for Deconstructed Caramel Apples at the Admin Building from 12-2pm!

Choose your favorite toppings and create your own delicious fall treat! 😋🍏

✨ Stop by and join the fun while supplies last!

We can’t wait to see you there! 🧡

Parking Lot Closures for Weekend Events.

Parking lot 1 will close on Friday, 11/6 at 4 pm for the Alfred Cup on Saturday. The lot will reopen after the football game.

Parking lots 3, 4, 20, 21 and 22 will close on Friday, 11/6 at 4pm for the Open House event on Sunday. The lots will reopen at 4pm on Sunday.

Please move your vehicles out of these lots by the time indicated. Students may utilize any other available parking lots until 4pm on Sunday.

Join us for National Nacho Day at our campus dining locations! Stop by for lunch or dinner!
 

All equipment with a useful life of at least two years requires an ownership tag. Any piece of equipment with a unit value of $10,000 or greater and a useful life of at least two years requires a bar code label and entry into the SUNY Property Control System. Generic ownership tags can be provided to any department for application onto equipment below the $10,000 threshold by contacting the Property Control Office; bar code labels on equipment above the threshold will be affixed by Property Control.

If your department has surplus equipment, please contact the Property Control Office with information concerning the surplus asset. The Property Control Office will advertise the asset locally for potential use by another department. If there is no interest in the asset across our campus, the asset will subsequently be offered to all SUNY campuses for transfer. If unable to relocate the asset within SUNY, it will be reported to the Office of General Services for public sale. 

The Property Control Office can be reached at x3986 or mcclaipm@alfredstate.edu.

UUP Benefit Trust Fund invites you to “Trot Over to Benefits”  for our Know Your Negotiated Benefits webinar on Monday, November 9, 2026, at 12:00pm.

This is a great opportunity for all to learn more about UUP’s negotiated benefits package, along with the many additional discounted services and programs.

Please register today using the link below:

https://forms.gle/TQtE4D55HENFMCTBA

The following students will be attending a field trip to tour the Monroe County Crime Lab and Medical Examiners Office on Friday, 11/6/26. We will be leaving campus around 8:00 AM and will be returning around 3:30 PM. 

• Jorfry Almanzar
• Rylee Barcza
• Aubrea Broker 
• Kseniia Demina 
• Liana Dion
• Tianna Fazio
• Joe Ferguson 
• Claire Hanlon 
• Zaina Hussein 
• Markino McFarlane 
• Victorialyn Perez
• Shyan Reid 
• Haylie Rizzo 
• Matisen Roy 
• Kaylee Santos
• Haylee Smith 
• Shakiera Stupart 
• Ryleigh Weader 
• Raiden Westad

Check out the latest news from Alfred State. 

Alfred State Day of Giving aims to raise more than $350,000
Drama Club to present the musical, Catch Me if You Can

Contact Paul Welker - welkerpm@alfredstate.edu if you have a story idea! If you are posting pictures on your social media make sure to tag @AlfredState or ask us to collaborate with your posts!

Admissions will be hosting our next High School Visitation Day this Thursday, November 5, from 9 am - 1 pm. We will be welcoming the following high schools to campus: Alfred-Almond, Dansville, Genesee Valley, Haverling, Letchworth, Livonia, Perry, and Springville-Griffith. Thank you for making all our campus visitors feel so welcome!

Today, Thursday, November 5, is Alfred State’s Day of Giving! Campus is buzzing with activities celebrating our students, recognizing our generous donors, and highlighting the incredible impact giving has on the Alfred State community.

Faculty and staff, we invite you to join in the excitement! There’s still time to participate in Accentuate Alfred and show your support for the people, programs, and opportunities that make Alfred State special. Every gift, no matter the size, helps make a difference in our students’ lives.

Thank you for everything you do to support our students and make Alfred State such a special place. Let’s come together, celebrate our college, and make this Day of Giving a success!

Go Pioneers!

As part of this Thursday's Alfred State Day of Giving, we are excited to accept donations of nonperishable food items and gently used thrift items to support the Alfred State Community Needs Hub.

Donations can be dropped off at either of these locations:

SLC Park Space on the Alfred Campus

Zero Energy House on the Wellsville Campus

Your generosity helps provide essential resources to Alfred State students facing food insecurity and other challenges. Whether you make a financial gift, donate needed items, or both, your support makes a meaningful difference.

Thank you for helping us strengthen our Alfred State community!

Ready for a little fall sweetness?! Join HR tomorrow, November 6, for Deconstructed Caramel Apples at the Admin Building from 12-2pm!

Choose your favorite toppings and create your own delicious fall treat! 😋🍏

✨ Stop by and join the fun while supplies last!

We can’t wait to see you there! 🧡

Dear faculty,

Today: Reading Exchange Virtual Roundtable, 12:00–12:30 PM on Teams. Talk this week’s article through with colleagues. 

Much of our conversation about AI and learning runs on worry and anecdote. This week’s article argues that decades of learning science already give us a sound way to decide where AI helps students learn and where it gets in the way. Schwartz, B., & Hakala, C. (2026, October 23). AI in teaching: What the science of learning already tells us. Faculty Focus. [article link] 

Please note that reading the article is not a precondition to join the live discussion. We typically begin with a short summary of the article and move on to a live discussion around the topic of the article. You are welcome to share your experiences that connect to the topic.

Parking Lot Closures for Weekend Events.

Parking lot 1 will close on Friday, 11/6 at 4 pm for the Alfred Cup on Saturday.  The lot will reopen after the football game.

Parking lots 3, 4, 20, 21 and 22 will close on Friday, 11/6 at 4pm for the Open House event on Sunday.  The lots will reopen at 4pm on Sunday.

Please move your vehicles out of these lots by the time indicated. Students may utilize any other available parking lots until 4pm on Sunday.

Dear Course Leaders,  

Please consider helping students complete the Student Life Survey.  You could present a QR in your seated courses, post/announce in your my learning,  or forward via to email to your students.   
A QR for presenting in a class is linked here: QR Code for Student Needs Survey Fall 2026.png   Kindly have student reply by 11/6/2026.  Thanks! 

Survey Link: https://forms.office.com/r/UyaVfRu4wN 

------ Suggested Script  

Subject/Heading: Student Voices Matter! Complete the Student Life Survey 

Message:  

The Student Life Committee of Faculty Senate is interested in your feedback. 

Please take 10 minutes to fill out the survey linked here: https://forms.office.com/r/UyaVfRu4wN 

Student suggestions in the past have led to various improvements in the student experience around campus. 

Our committee is interested in gathering information about concerns that students have on campus; general or specific, urgent or not, all feedback is welcome! We are excited to keep advocating for you and your needs. 
Please submit your responses by October 30th.   
 
Thank you,   

The Student Life Committee of Faculty Senate

Please excuse the following students from classes on Wednesday 11/4 for their ARCH 3104 Design Studio 1 fieldtrip. Student will be off campus from 8am-4pm. 

Brigette Argenal, Jordan Armstrong, Riana Barron, Rhys Clancy, CJ Clayton, Matty Eygabroad, Bradley Guida, Luke Hall, Danye Howell, Marek Kaszynski, James Montgomery, Chase Pettengill, Jay Santiago, Abbey Szumla, Jesse Tompkins, Lyndsay Young, Kenzie Haeffner

Please excuse the following students for a mandatory field trip in ARCH 3104

• Luke Alfieri
• Dexter Barnhart
• Elizabeth Chappell
• Zoe Estwick
• Isi Hurlbut
• Ryleigh Laverty
• Jamison Mancari
• Christopher Marrasquin
• Sammy Odinya
• Karla Pinales
• Charlotte Sheffield
• Gloria Stem
• Amare Stevens
• Tiara Teal
• Alex Vaccaro
• Brian Williams

Please excuse the following students as they travel to Rochester all day on 11/4:

Beecher, Keagan
Benedict, Emily
Cass, Liam
Casse, Adolphe
Conrad, Savannah
Cox, Madi
Granger, Quinn
Israel, Emma
Jensen, Luke
Lucarini, Gianna
Olmstead, Micah
Paluzzi, Christina
Smith, Josiah-Ray
Waterman, Jaidyn
Wickes, Lauren
Williams, DaQuam 

Please Excuse Students- DBIA Conference 11/3-11/6 – William Dean 

The following students will be attending the DBIA Conference & Expo in Cleveland, Ohio, as volunteers or region winners. We will be leaving campus around 4:00 PM on Tuesday and will be returning early Friday evening. 

Kyle Battaglia
Jessica Budd
Fernanda Ceja
Ruby LaDue
Stephen Meeker
Francisco Mendes Reyes
Diego Multini
Mason Myers
Connor Welsh

Global Engagement and Civic Wellbeing invite you to join in various supply drives, collections beginning on Thursday November 5th as part of our Day of Giving celebrations and concluding December 9th during the ACES Its a Wonderful Life themed Anniversary and Student Engagement's Season of Giving Celebration.

Items being collected:

• Non-Perishable Food Pantry Donations and Hygiene Items
  • All donations will be distributed through regional food pantries (including our own) and through other ACCORD programs
• Book Drive 
  • Help Hinkle Library and Global and Civic Leadership unite with local and global partners to share books with meaning by contributing to our book drive beginning Media Literacy week and running throughout November
    • What: Donate a book (gently used or new) on the following requested topics from community partners:
      • Political history from 2000's - Present, Poetry, Feminism, Spirituality, Civil Rights and Human Rights (novels or history books), Young Adult, and Children Books. 
    • Where: Books can be dropped off at the Information Desk in Hinkle Library or at the Global and Civic Wellbeing office in SLC 416 
    • Who Benefits: Books collected will be shared first through Arkport Catholic Worker initiatives and other regional connections including schools. Remaining books will be donated to Better World Books, to support their mission to improve global literacy while maintaining strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• Holiday Toy and Spare Change Drive for Community Action Angles
  • It may seem early, but we like having time on our side to do the greatest good for our wider community. 
• Holiday Card Drive for Ardent Solutions Hospice and Nursing Home Initiative
  • Decorate cards for the winter holidays to support Ardent Solutions card care initiative. Civic Leadership will have pop-up tables for folks to design cards in December but welcome contributions at any time. 

All of the above donations can be made at the Civic Leadership table on Thursday, November 5th as part of our Day of Giving celebration or dropped off at the Global and Civic Wellbeing Office in SLC 416. Questions or desire to collaborate with other drop locations? Please email corwincy@alfredstate.edu

Our new NYSHIP website makes it easier for enrollees to find information about plan benefits, changes to coverage and NYSHIP resources and support.

Check out the video and article libraries to learn how to make the most of your NYSHIP coverage now, and plan for your future with tools like the sick leave credit calculator. Learn More About the New Website 

CITE is excited to launch three Faculty Learning Communities for 2026–27:

🌎 Think Global. Teach Collaborative. Imagine students in your course collaborating with peers halfway around the world—without leaving Alfred State! Tamanna Kabir's Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) FLC will help faculty explore international partnerships, design cross-cultural learning activities, and develop a practical COIL project. Whether you are curious about COIL or already have a project in mind, this community can help turn your ideas into action. 

♿ Small Changes. More Accessible Learning. How accessible are your course materials? What changes could make learning more inclusive for all students? Join Kevin Hofmann's Advancing Accessibility and Inclusion FLC to explore digital accessibility, UDL, accessible course design, and practical strategies you can apply in my Learning and beyond. Learn alongside colleagues while developing resources that can benefit the wider campus community.

💬 Disagree Without Disconnecting. How do we create spaces where people can discuss difficult topics with respect, curiosity, and intellectual openness? Brian Saltsman's Sustaining Civil Dialogues Across Differences FLC invites faculty and professional colleagues to explore approaches to productive disagreement, meaningful dialogue, and constructive communication. Participants will practice strategies and collaborate on resources that can support teaching, student engagement, and campus conversations.

To Learn more about each FLC visit our SharePoint page. To express interest, please complete this very brief survey right now! FLCs Kick-off in November. 

Thursday, November 5 · 2:30–3:30 p.m. · Teams 

Your portfolio does not have to be “finished” before you ask for help. Bring whatever you have—an outline, a teaching philosophy draft, a folder of artifacts, or simply a list of questions—and stop by Portfolio Academy for focused, individual support. No appointment needed. Drop in, work for a while, ask a question, and leave with a clearer plan.

We can help you think through:

• what to include,
• how to organize your evidence,
• how to strengthen your teaching philosophy, and
• what your next step should be.

Participation earns you 10 points toward the Annual CITE Excellence in Professional Development Certificate and Award.

Are you an employee or student commuter who would benefit by having a place to stay in Alfred occasionally? The Saxon Inn currently hosts several guests who take advantage of having a regular, welcoming, comfortable place to stay one (or more) nights a week. If this sounds like you, why not get in touch with the Saxon Inn to learn about our special discounted rates! Depending on the frequency needed, we can offer rates under $100/night.

Contact Saxon Inn at saxoninn@alfred.edu, or phone 607-871-2600 and ask for details.

Check out the latest news from Alfred State. 

National Champs – Trap team shoots to top honor

Contact Paul Welker - welkerpm@alfredstate.edu if you have a story idea! If you are posting pictures on your social media make sure to tag @AlfredState or ask us to collaborate with your posts!

Today’s the day! 💉🦠

If you signed up for your flu shot in Alfred, this is your friendly reminder to get yourself over to the Flu Clinic! 😊

We’ll see you there — sleeves up and flu-fighting ready! 💪

Stay healthy, everyone!

The votes are in! Congratulations to our winners and runners-up:

Individual Costume
Winner: Jennifer Curran — 82 likes
Runner-up: Todd McDowell — 77 likes

Group Costume
Winner: Math Department — 72 likes
Runner-up: Business Affairs Office — 70 likes

Thank you to everyone who participated! We loved seeing your creativity, teamwork, and Halloween spirit. You helped make this year’s contest a fun celebration for our campus community! We already can't wait until next year's contest! If you haven't already, head over to our Human Resources Facebook page to check out all of the photos! 

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town… and Mrs. Claus Too!  

Get ready for a magical family evening filled with holiday cheer! 
Join us for festive food, fun crafts, and a joyful celebration guaranteed to delight kids and grown-ups alike. 

Date: Wednesday, December 2nd 
Time: 5:00–7:00 PM 
Location: The Lake Lodge 

Please complete the RSVP form here for you and your family. 

Santa will be arriving in his sleigh, and he can’t wait to meet everyone! Bring the whole family to snap a holiday photo and let the kids share their wishes for what they hope to find under the tree this year. 

Come make memories, enjoy the magic, and kick off the season in the most festive way! 

The Student Success Center will be hosting the Motivation Myth: How to Get Things Done When You Don't Feel Like It workshop on Wednesday, November 4th at 5pm in the Student Development Center, Room 109. Struggling to stay motivated? Putting off assignments? Feeling overwhelmed by everything you need to do? You're not alone. Learn why motivation disappears, how procrastination works, and practical ways to get yourself moving again—even when you don't feel like it. 

SUBMISSIONS WANTED FOR ERGO, ALFRED STATE’S LITERARY MAGAZINE

Take a break, sit quietly, and create a piece of artwork, poem, story, or whatever and send to Ergo, Alfred State’s literary magazine, at Ergo@alfredstate.edu. Become part of the Ergo Committee by attending the 1st meeting on Monday, Sept. 14, at 1:00 p.m. in the SDC Faculty Lounge (Rm. 242). 

SUBMISSION DEADLINE:  November 13, 2026

ERGO COVER CONTEST DEADLINE:  November 13, 2026

Wondering what to submit?  Full wrap cover (front & back) 17.25" wide by 11.25" high or just the front cover 8.75" wide by 11.25" high, 300 dpi, jpeg.  All entries must fit these specifications for consideration.  Submit to Ergo@alfredstate.edu.

And better yet, there's a prize!  Winner and a runner-up will both get a $100 gift certificate for the ASC Campus Store, and boasting rights for being featured as the author of the cover on the Fall 2026 ERGO publication! 

POETRY READING:  Monday, November 9, 2026, Small Event Space within Student Leadership Center (Rm. 310) starting at 6 p.m. Come and enjoy an hour of music, poetry, artwork, and tasty desserts from the Wellsville Baking Production & Management culinary students.  

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 PM at 5 Church Street, Alfred, NY. Free and open to all, the event features Alfred University Professor Frederic Beaudry and community leader Melissa Jusianiec.

Beaudry will discuss environmental justice, drawing on his expertise in environmental sciences, bird ecology and conservation. Jusianiec’s talk, “Who Gets the Opportunity?” explores the history of equal rights and ongoing barriers facing underrepresented communities. She co-founded the Allegany-Cattaraugus-Chautauqua Fund for Women and leads the DEIB team at Dixon Schwabl + Company. 

Light refreshments will be served.

Fall is better with a little fun, sweet treats, and creativity! Join HR for three Fridays of fall festivities this November!

🍎 Friday, November 6 | Deconstructed Caramel Apples

📍 Alfred Campus: Admin Building | 12–2 PM
📍 Wellsville Campus: Zero Energy Building | 1–3 PM

Build your own caramel apple creation with a variety of delicious toppings! Stop by and enjoy a sweet fall treat while supplies last!

🎨 Friday, November 20 | Sip & Craft | Lake Lodge (3:30–5:30 PM)

Unwind, get creative, and make something fun! Reach out to Kristen Fitzpatrick (HR) to explore the available craft options, choose your favorite, and reserve your spot!

Mark your calendars and come enjoy some Fall Friday Fun with HR! We look forward to seeing you there! 🧡🍁

Any students who are planning to graduate this December from either an associate (or certificate) program who wish to continue their education at Alfred State College in a corresponding baccalaureate (or associate) degree program need to complete a SUNY Joint Admissions/Intent to Enroll Form.  

This includes any graduates who wish to pursue the Technology Management or Interdisciplinary Studies baccalaureate degree!

This form should be submitted online by November 9 in order to sign-up for spring classes when course registration opens on November 16.  As a reminder, there is no application fee since students will be either associate degree (or certificate) recipients continuing in the corresponding program. 

The SUNY Joint Admissions/Intent to Enroll form is available at https://www.alfredstate.edu/academics/continuing-education/2-2-more

Dear faculty,

AI can make learning richer or let it go shallow, and the design decides which. This week's asynchronous workshop "Creating Rich Learning Experiences with and without AI" is open on My Learning, Monday, Nov 2 – Sunday, Nov 8. Work through it on your own schedule and finish the short closing task to earn credit. [5 points]

• Prefer to work through it together? The live session is Monday, Nov 9, 3:00–4:00 PM, in EJ 106 and on [Teams].

• Want to implement it in one of your courses instead? Email cite@alfredstate.edu and we'll help you structure and document it. [15 points]

You can also earn credits year-round by joining a peer learning community, implementing an innovative practice, or facilitating a CITE event. Click on an opportunity that interests you and complete a short form. Details are on CITE SharePoint.

Check out the latest news from Alfred State. 

Strong start for Western Equestrian at Slippery Rock

Contact Paul Welker - welkerpm@alfredstate.edu if you have a story idea! If you are posting pictures on your social media make sure to tag @AlfredState or ask us to collaborate with your posts!

Admissions is pleased to host our Fall Open House programs on:

• Saturday, October 24th
• Sunday, November 8th

The program will begin at 9:30 a.m. with presentations on both the Alfred and Wellsville campuses. After completing their academic tours on the Wellsville campus, students will travel to the Alfred campus for a residence hall tour and to participate in financial aid and campus life presentations. Open House is a wonderful opportunity to showcase all that Alfred State has to offer to prospective students and their families.

If you have any questions, please contact Erin Patanella at patanee@alfredstate.edu.

This is your LAST CALL! 🚨💉 Today is the last day to sign up for the flu clinic happening TOMORROW! 

If you haven’t had a chance to get your flu shot yet, there’s still one more opportunity to do so right here on the Alfred Campus!

Walgreens will be back on campus for our final Flu Clinic of the season, so don’t miss your chance to get protected before flu season is in full swing! 🍂🦠

🩺 Final Flu Clinic Date & Time

📍 Alfred Campus
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
⏰ 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Huntington Administration Building, 1st Floor, HR Training Room

📅 Sign Up for Your Appointment

Simply click the link below and complete the registration. Once you finish, your information will be sent directly to Walgreens, and your selected time slot will be reserved.

👉 https://www.walgreens.com/offsite-experiences/vaccinations/register?oid=6aa2b8ef34be9fc38fe7e839

Please remember to bring:

• A valid form of ID
• Your insurance card

This is the last one, folks! 😄 If you’ve been putting off that flu shot, now’s the time to get it checked off your list. 💪💉

Stay healthy and happy this fall! 🍁

Residential Services wanted to send a friendly reminder regarding our process for student locator requests during business hours.

If you need Residential Services to assist with locating a student, please contact our main office at X4371, option 2, or email locator@alfredstate.edu. This will generally connect you with either Erika Winans or Cass Stone, and we can gather the necessary information and coordinate with an available professional staff member to locate the student.

When submitting a request by email, please provide as much information and context as possible. This is especially helpful because it allows us to appropriately brief the staff member responding to the request and helps ensure they understand the nature and context of the conversation they may need to have with the student.

I also wanted to provide a little context as to why we ask that locator requests come through the main office rather than directly to an individual staff member. Our Residential Services professional staff members do not always work the same hours each day. Staff may flex their schedules, be attending to other responsibilities, or be out of the office due to scheduled or unexpected leave. If a request is sent directly to one individual, there may unintentionally be a delay before it is seen or addressed.

By routing requests through the main office, we can identify who is available and assign the request to the appropriate staff member as quickly as possible. Our goal with this process is simply to make student locator requests as efficient and responsive as we can while ensuring that staff have the information they need to appropriately connect with the student.

We truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation with this process. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out Erika Winans.

Thank you!

The following students will be attending a field trip with Nicole DiRado to tour the Monroe County Crime Lab and MEO on Friday, 11/6/26. We will be leaving campus around 8:00 AM and will be returning around 3:30 PM. 

Jorfry Almanzar
Rylee Barcza
Aubrea Broker 
Kseniia Demina 
Liana Dion
Tianna Fazio
Joe Ferguson 
Claire Hanlon 
Zaina Hussein 
Markino McFarlane 
Victorialyn Perez
Shyan Reid 
Haylie Rizzo 
Matisen Roy 
Kaylee Santos
Haylee Smith 
Shakiera Stupart 
Ryleigh Weader 
Raiden Westad

FREE FOOD SAMPLING EVENT!

Join us for another delicious event on Wednesday, November 4th upstairs in the Student Gathering Place (CDH-near The Terrace) from 11am - 1pm! Come hungry, stop by the ACES table to pick up your voting stickers and sample it all! 

Your opinion contributes to our Meal Planning for next semester. Your Vote Matters so be sure to show up and dig in!

Faculty are invited to review the following course outlines and programs which will be presented at the Faculty Senate meeting, November 17. The documents can be found on the CDR shared drive, in the 2 - Approved CDR - 2026-2027 folder. CDR meets in an open meeting each week on Wednesday at 1500 in SDC faculty lounge. Faculty may review but not alter courses being considered at CDR by going to the CDR Drive. The agenda may be altered but courses for consideration are posted in the New Submission file. The CDR Drive instructions are posted on the Faculty Senate web page.

CDR Approved Courses:

• MATT 2005 - Lathe Operations
• MATT 2015 - Vertical Milling Operations
• MATT 2024 - Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing
• MEDR 4214 - Healthcare Reimbursement and Revenue Cycle Process
• MEDR 4312 - Health Information Management Operations Professional Practice Experience
• MEDR 4322 - Coding Professional Practice Experience
• RADT 1001 - Radiology Observation
• RADT 1013 - Fundamentals of Radiologic Science
• RADT 2021 - Radiographic Procedures I Lab

CDR Approved Programs:

• Criminal Justice AS
• Criminal Justice BS

*Please remember that CDR materials for Full Faculty Senate must be submitted and approved by the Executive Committee, which typically meets on the first Tuesday of the month. CDR will be reviewing materials for the December F/S meeting from now through November 25.

Thank you,

CDR Committee

Employees are encouraged to begin planning now by estimating their anticipated eligible expenses for the upcoming plan year. When selecting an annual contribution amount, please remember that FSA contributions are deducted from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis and are generally non-refundable once deducted. Employees may enroll in one, two, or all three available FSA benefits. However, funds cannot be transferred between FSA accounts, so it is important to carefully consider your anticipated expenses for each account before making your elections.

The 2027 FSA Enrollment Guide provides additional information to beginning planning for the 2027 plan year. 

Ready to Enroll? Follow These Simple Steps!

1. Access Bentek: Visit https://app.mybentek.com/nysfsa

2. Log In or Register:
•    Returning participants: Log in using your existing Bentek username and password.
•    New participants: Select “Don’t have an account? Create one.” You will need your N Number, Department - 28350, Bargaining Unit, and your last name. Follow the prompts to create a username and password.

3. Make Your Benefit Elections: Once logged in, navigate to My Benefit Elections and select your benefits for the upcoming plan year:
•    HCSA: Health Care Spending Account – helps cover eligible out-of-pocket medical expenses.
•    DCAA: Dependent Care Advantage Account – helps with eligible dependent care expenses.
•    Adoption Advantage Account: Provides assistance with eligible adoption expenses.

A Few Reminders:
•    Review your options carefully before submitting your elections.
•    You do not have to contribute your own money to receive the employer-funded DCAA contribution.
•    Contributions are made on a pre-tax basis, helping you save on taxes.

Be sure to complete your enrollment during the Open Enrollment period, November 2 – December 7, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. EST.

Alfred State’s Day of Giving is coming up on Thursday, November 5, and we’re looking forward to a day filled with excitement, engagement, and opportunities to give back!

Throughout the day, we’ll have activities happening across campus to give our students opportunities to enjoy the festivities, learn about the impact of Day of Giving, and celebrate and thank the generous donors who help make the Alfred State experience possible.

Faculty and staff, we hope you’ll join in the excitement, too! If you haven’t already, please consider participating in Accentuate Alfred and showing your support for the people, programs, and experiences that make our campus so special. Every gift helps strengthen the Alfred State community and makes a difference in the lives of our students. 

Accentuate Alfred Form

Thank you for all you do to make Alfred State a place where students can learn, grow, and thrive. Let’s make this year’s Day of Giving a memorable one!

As a reminder, please do not move computers, monitors, printers, classroom technology, audiovisual equipment, or other technology-related items without first contacting Technology Services.

While moving equipment may seem straightforward, even a simple relocation can affect inventory records, licensing, network connectivity, security, support coverage, and classroom or office functionality. In many cases, equipment is assigned to a specific space, department, or configuration, and it may not be obvious how moving it could affect other users or services.

If equipment needs to be relocated, our team is happy to assist with the move and ensure everything is properly documented and continues to function as expected. To help us manage this process effectively, we strongly request that employees contact the Technology Services Help Desk before moving any equipment so that appropriate coordination can take place.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us maintain a reliable technology environment across campus.

Copilot for Productivity - Hosted by Danyelle O'Brien and Christina Kent 

LIFT is offering an opportunity for both Faculty and Staff to attend a workshop on using Microsoft Copilot for Productivity in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and using Copilot as a standalone application to help streamline day to day processes.

Work smarter, save time, and discover what Copilot can do for you. In this LIFT session, we’ll explore ways to use Microsoft Copilot to support everyday productivity, from drafting and refining content and emails to summarizing information, brainstorming ideas, and tackling routine tasks and scheduling more efficiently. You’ll leave with real-world examples and prompts you can put to use in your own work today!

One Day Only! Signup is required. 

SIGN UPS END November 4th!
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO ATTEND

Date: November 12th 2026 from 1:30PM - 2:30PM

Meeting will be available in Person as well as on Teams for those who cannot attend in person. 

Location will be determined based on sign up. 

Check out the latest news from Alfred State. 

Architecture students Reimagine the Village of Andover

Contact Paul Welker - welkerpm@alfredstate.edu if you have a story idea! If you are posting pictures on your social media make sure to tag @AlfredState or ask us to collaborate with your posts!

UUP 2026 Discretionary Salary Increase (DSI) Requests 

Alfred State College is pleased to continue the merit-based request process for awarding Discretionary Salary Increase (DSI) funds in 2026. The process recognizes sustained, meaningful contributions that advance the College’s mission, strategic priorities, and service to students.

The UUP contract provides for discretionary salary increases in Fall 2026 with a pool amount equal to one-half percent of the total of the basic annual salaries on June 30, 2026. This round of DSI is intended to recognize employee performance from June 1, 2025- May 31, 2026. Approved increases will be added to employee’s basic annual salary retroactively to July 1 or September 1 as appropriate to professional obligation.  

Eligibility - Eligible UUP-represented employees may submit a request documenting accomplishments from the applicable evaluation period.

1. Eligibility Dates:
   1. For full-time UUP employees: Must be active or on an approved leave as of June 30, 2026.
   2. For part-time employees: If their employment expired prior to July 1, 2026, they must have been active as of April 30, 2026.
2. Payroll Status: Must be on the payroll as of December 16, 2026.
3. Performance requirement: The employee must have received at least a satisfactory rating for “Performance of Assigned Duties and Responsibilities” during the most recent evaluation period.

How to apply

Each Division has criteria and request form posted on the Human Resource website.

Performance Period

The 2026 DSI process recognizes eligible employee performance and accomplishments from June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026. Requests will be reviewed using the criteria established for the employee’s area and the submission form appropriate to the employee’s classification.

Salary Adjustment and Retroactive Pay

Approved DSI increases will be added to the employee’s basic annual salary retroactive to July 1, 2026, or September 1, 2026, as appropriate to the employee’s professional obligation. The December 16, 2026 paycheck will include the ongoing salary adjustment and any retroactive amount due from the applicable effective date. Employees on an approved leave without pay at the time of distribution will receive the salary adjustment and any applicable retroactive pay upon returning to payroll, provided they were selected for an increase.

Timeline:

October 14, 2026       DSI program announced
November 3, 2026     Forms due to Chair/Director/Department Head
November 9, 2026     Forms due to Dean/AVP, where applicable
November 15, 2026   Forms due to Vice President
November 21, 2026   Forms due to President for allocation decisions
November 23, 2026   Final allocations due to Human Resources
December 3, 2026     Award letters emailed
December 16, 2026   DSI increases reflected in paychecks

Submission materials: The applicable criteria and submission forms are available on the Human Resources intranet page under DSI. Employees should submit the completed form to the appropriate Chair, Director, or Department Head by November 3, 2026.

Questions about eligibility, the appropriate form, or the review process may be directed to Human Resources or the employee’s supervisor or division leader.

Election Day 11/3/2026 - NY Time Off to Vote

If you are a registered voter, and if you do not have 4 consecutive hours to vote, either from the opening of the polls to the beginning of your working shift, or, between the end of your working shift and the closing of the polls, you may take off up to 2 hours, without loss of pay, to allow you time to vote.

Employees must provide their supervisors with at least two working days’ notice of the leave request. Whether the leave is to be taken at the beginning or end of the employee’s regularly scheduled work shift shall be determined at the employer’s discretion and based on the operating needs of the department or college. 

Sefa has started and I hope that we can encourage you to make a difference and make a donation.  Also, Tressa Cody was the winner of our first giveaway of an Adirondack Chair. There are still some great giveaways for here but if you make a donation, send me a copy of your donation and i will get you in on Buffalo's giveaways also. Those are Ashley gift cards, Tops, Wegmans and could also win some Bills tickets for next year.  

Dear Campus Community,

Effective immediately, the Pioneer Purchasing override function will be turned off.

As a result, if there is insufficient allocation available in an account, the requisition will be returned to the requisitioner, and cannot move forward until the issue has been resolved. 

This change is intended to promote proactive account management by encouraging account managers to regularly review available funding and address potential budget issues before a requisition is submitted. Early identification of funding concerns helps avoid delays in processing and supports more effective budget management.

If you receive a returned requisition due to insufficient funds and believe the account being charged is correct, please do not charge the expense to another account solely because sufficient allocation is available there. Charging expenses to an inappropriate account can create budgeting and financial reporting issues which may necessitate other corrective action.

If a requisition is returned due to insufficient funds and you are unsure how to proceed, please contact the Budget Office. We will work with you to determine the appropriate course of action and help identify the best solution.

We appreciate your continued attention to monitoring account balances and your willingness to reach out when assistance is needed. Your efforts help ensure the accuracy of our financial records and support sound budget management across campus.

Admissions would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone for your time, energy, and commitment in making Saturday’s Open House such a success! We saw an impressive 78% show rate, welcoming 266 prospective students and their families to the Alfred campus, 91 of whom also explored the Wellsville campus.

We’re already looking forward to building on this momentum for our next Fall Open House on Sunday, November 8th where we anticipate an even larger turnout!

Thank you again for all that you do to create such a positive and memorable experience for our visitors.

Check out the latest news from Alfred State. 

Police Academy honors eleven at Graduation Ceremony

Contact Paul Welker - welkerpm@alfredstate.edu if you have a story idea! If you are posting pictures on your social media make sure to tag @AlfredState or ask us to collaborate with your posts!

🎀 PINK PRIDE VOLLEYBALL MATCH TONIGHT ! 🎀

Hope Through Awareness

Awareness leads to action. Conversations, screenings, support, and research continue to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

Tonight, let's come together as a community to support a cause that touches so many lives.

🏐 Alfred State Volleyball Pink Pride Match 📅 Friday, October 30 ⏰ 6:00 PM 💗 Wear Pink!

Bring your friends, bring your family, and let's turn the gym pink!

#PinkPride #WearPink #AlfredStateVolleyball #BreastCancerAwareness

Are you passionate about fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environment at Alfred State? We’re looking for employees interested in becoming JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Representatives!

JEDI Reps help support inclusive hiring practices and contribute to a positive experience for our candidates and campus community. We’ll be coordinating training opportunities for those interested in joining the team!

✨ Want to get involved? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to Kristen Fitzpatrick (HR) to express your interest in becoming a JEDI Rep and help us continue building a stronger, more inclusive Pioneer community! 💙💛

Our campus community provides faculty and staff the services of a campus ombuds to employees who may be having trouble in workplace relations and are seeking an independent, neutral, confidential, and informal avenue to address their issue or concern. If you have questions or would like to meet with the campus ombuds, David Ray, you can connect by selecting the campus ombuds tab in the Alfred State portal, or by calling 607-587-4287. 

A campus ombuds provides independent, informal and non-partisan counsel to faculty and staff within the Alfred State campus community.  Alfred State faculty and staff can seek the campus ombud’s assistance in dispute resolution or misunderstandings. The campus ombuds provides an opportunity for visitors to discuss matters of concern and may act as a listener, mediator, and factfinder. The campus ombuds answers questions and provides feedback regarding concerns or complaints.  The ombuds may also provide referrals to campus resources. Faculty and staff are not required to meet with the campus ombuds to access those resources. When appropriate, the campus ombuds can also speak generally with campus offices about concerns or assist with changes implemented to create a more supportive environment for faculty and staff.

Dear faculty,

Wrap up your week with us at the CITE Social & Tech Talk on Friday, Oct 30, 3:30–4:30 PM, in EJ 106 or on Teams. There’s no formal presentation, just an open conversation with the CITE team. 

Bring your questions and suggestions about:

• January PDW: what you’d like to see, learn, or lead.
• CITE’s AI programming: what’s working, what’s missing, and where you’d like support.
• The AI Pedagogy Studio: how drop-ins and booked sessions work, and how attending leads to a Copilot premium license.

Stop by for a few minutes or stay the full hour. Your input will help shape what CITE offers next.

On Monday, November 2 at 5 PM in the Hinkle Library classroom, Indigenous educator Perry Ground will share his presentation, "250 Years of Haudenosaunee History." When you think of the Haudenosaunee, you might imagine longhouses, planting the Three Sisters, or lacrosse. But what has happened to the Haudenosaunee since the United States was founded in 1776? Learn about the role the Haudenosaunee played in the history and culture of New York State and the formation of a new democracy, as well as their struggles to maintain their culture, land, language, and tradition. Refreshments will be served! This event is sponsored by the Alfred Box of Books Public Library and co-hosted by Alfred University's Herrick Library.

Sometimes unexpected circumstances come up, and you may need time away from work. Please remember to keep HR in the loop if you experience an extended or unexpected absence. Even when you have available leave accruals, letting us know allows us to explore whether FMLA or other leave options may apply and helps ensure you receive the information, benefits, and support available to you. You don’t have to navigate it alone! Reaching out early allows us to work together to make sure you have the guidance and support you need. 

Please contact Marci Johnson at johnsoma6@alfredstate.edu or (607) 587-4034. We’re here to help you work through whatever circumstances come your way!

Do you love getting scared by a horror flick? Or maybe you prefer sitting on the edge of your seat in suspense! Join Alfred State students and faculty in a discussion of horror movies, cinema, and monsters on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 5 PM (that's today!) in the Library Classroom for "Let's Talk: Scary Movies," a panel event. Panelists will share their knowledge, ideas, and experiences, and audience members will have a chance to ask and answer questions, too! Refreshments will be served!

🍽️ Etiquette Dinner Experience – A Night of Professional Growth

Join us for an exclusive Etiquette Dinner, a four-course dining experience designed to help students build confidence in professional social settings while enjoying a complimentary meal.

This event is more than just dinner—it’s a hands-on learning experience that will prepare you for internships, job interviews, networking events, and future workplace dining situations.

🌟 Special Guest

We are honored to welcome Heather Kolakowski from the Cornell School of Restaurant Management, who will guide students through proper dining etiquette, professional behavior at the table, and tips for making a strong impression in formal settings.

📚 What You Will Learn

During this engaging evening, students will gain practical skills including:

• Proper dining etiquette in professional settings
• Table manners for business meals and interviews
• How to navigate a multi-course formal dinner
• Networking and conversation skills during meals
• How to make confident, polished impressions in professional environments

🍽️ Event Details

Enjoy a free four-course dinner while learning essential career-readiness skills in a relaxed but professional atmosphere.

⚠️ Important Information

November 4th 5:30-7pm in the Small Event Space-Student Leadership Center 

• Seating is strictly limited to 60 students
• Reservations will be cut off THIS FRIDAY
• RSVP is required to secure your spot
• There is no waitlist
• Walk-ins will NOT be permitted
• Seats are expected to fill quickly—early registration is strongly encouraged

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to develop lifelong professional skills while enjoying an elegant dining experience.

Reserve your spot today before it’s gone!  Sign up on Pioneerlink 

Fitness classes PLUS Halloween costumes this week with Lynn at Shults Hall Studio! 

REFIT on Tuesday at 6 pm

REV+FLOW on Thursday at 5 pm

PILATES on Thursday at 6 pm

Join the fun as we celebrate Halloween! Plus some trick or treating surprises! Need a costume idea - maybe a "Ball Gown Get Down" or "Super Hero" or "Zombie", but remember you want to be able to MOVE in it!! Questions? Contact Lynn Hayes at HayesLC@alfredstate.edu

Confidential assistance is available for employees affected by domestic violence. Contact Alfred State's Domestic Violence Agency Liaison, Kayleigh Jones, at 607-587-4026 or joneskm1@alfredstate.edu. Free, confidential support is also available 24/7 through the New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline at 800-942-6906, by text at 844-997-2121, or via chat at OPDV.NY.GOV.

Planning for retirement? The NYSTRS Pension & Retirement Education Program (PREP) Fall 2026 seminar schedule is now available.

These free, half-day seminars cover:

• NYSTRS benefits and retirement options
• Financial planning and Social Security
• Estate planning
• The retirement process

Learn more and view the Fall 2026 schedule: NYSTRS PREP Program 

PREP seminars are educational and are not intended for individual benefits counseling.