RETURNING STUDENT NEWS
Hello everyone! I hope you're enjoying your summer. We are getting ready to welcome another large first-year class, and there are lots of great new facilities and programs to look forward to. Here's some news for the coming semester.
If you want regular student affairs updates throughout the summer & school year, join our Facebook page.
See you in a month!
Kathy Woughter, Vice President for Student Affairs
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School of Art and Design
College of Professional Studies
School of Engineering
Liberal Arts and Sciences
Library News
Student Affairs Updates
Building Project Updates
Academic Updates
School of Art and Design
The School of Art and Design welcomes the following new faculty members to Alfred University: Ms. Lydia McCarthy, Assistant Professor of Photography joins the Division of Drawing, Painting and Photography, she has completed the MFA degree in Studio Art at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; joining the Division of Ceramic Art as the Turner Teaching Fellow is Ms. Ashley Lyon, who has completed the MFA degree at Virginia Commonwealth University; Mr. David Crenshaw joins the School of Art and Design as the Research Associate and Technical Specialist in Digital Fabrication; joining the Division of Drawing, Painting and Photography are Mr. Josef Schützenhöfer from Austria, Mr. Stephan Küten and Ms. Jutta Haeckel from Germany as the Randall Professors.
In 2012/13, the student-run Robert C. Turner Gallery will continue its exhibition programs centered on the artwork of Alfred University students. The Cohen Gallery will present exhibitions focused on the work and curatorial projects of alumni. The Fosdick Nelson Gallery will host Reading through Beuys, an examination of the work and influence of artist Joseph Beuys through printed and recorded media; Boundary Hunters, an exhibition of contemporary painting; Gaze/Gage the sculptural work of Æsa Björk and Hiromi Takizawa; At a Glance, drawings by the faculty members of the School of Art and Design; and the MFA Thesis exhibitions.
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College of Professional Studies
This fall brings the launching of a new academic unit, the College of Professional Studies. This college was created to bring together programs across campus that prepare students for careers in professional settings. These programs include Business, Education, Athletic Training, and graduate programs in Counseling and School Psychology. All of these programs are accredited by their professional associations, and share common goals for students to combine a broad education in liberal arts courses with courses and experiences they need to become successful professionals. The Dean of the College of Professional Studies is Nancy Evangelista, with Maeghen MacDonald serving as Assistant Dean, and offices on the 4th Floor of Olin.
The School of Business has been nicknamed AUBiz, and is an important part of the College of Professional Studies. We are pleased to welcome James Bamberg as a new Assistant Professor of Law and Taxation. He comes to Alfred from Jacksonville, Florida where he served as Chief Counsel for the Internal Revenue Service in Federal Tax Court. Over the summer Dr. Francie Viggiani took advantage of an opportunity for an early retirement to take a teaching position at Southern Connecticut State University, while Dr. Joe Paniculangara returned to Canada to teach there. Mr. Mark Lewis will continue as a Visiting Instructor of Business, and he and Dr. Theresa Gunn will lead a short-term study course to study Global Business Strategy in Heidenheim, Germany in January 2013.
The business and athletic training faculty members worked together to develop a new minor in Sports Management, which will be enrolling new students in the minor this fall. This is an exciting new program where students will combine skills and knowledge in business with sports industry information, including facility management, public relations, and sports ethics, culminating in an internship in a sports management setting.
This summer the Division of Education bid farewell to Connie Synakowski, who retired after her years teaching and supervising student teaching experiences in our region. Joining the division for the year is Dr. Roger Catania, who will be teaching courses in social and educational foundations and fieldwork and student teaching supervision. He is moving from Saranac Lake, NY, where he worked as a high school counselor.
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College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
General CLAS news:
- The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences faculty will continue to work on the revitalization of our general education curriculum this year. We welcome student input and participation in the focus groups and forums we host during the academic year.
- Heather Coyle joined the CLAS Dean’s Office in May as Assistant to the Dean.
- For students interested in teaching art in Pre-K through 12th grade, CLAS now offers a new B.S. degree in Interdisciplinary Art with Art Education.
- As of July 1, 2012, the Athletic Training and Early Childhood majors have moved from CLAS to the new College of Professional Studies.
- CLAS is still looking for students to fill positions on various CLAS committees, specifically the Curriculum & Teaching Committee (consisting of representatives from each of the CLAS academic divisions and two student representatives), and the Student Advisory Committee to the Dean. You can make a difference by helping to shape our educational environment at Alfred through participation in these committees. If interested contact Jennifer Posener, Assistant Dean, CLAS, 607-871-2171. Deadline for nominations for the C&T Committee is August 6.
- The Division of Performing Arts is hosting a guest director fall semester; Abigail Zealey Bess of NYC will be directing students in the production of The Majestic Players Storm Kansas City.
- Check out the Miller Theatre Building for a wonderful surprise; a new art installation by A&D faculty member Wayne Higby.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is pleased to welcome new full-time faculty in the following areas:
Dr. Joseph Kirtland, Assistant Professor of Physics
Dr. Nathan Reff, Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Dr. Nathan Lamarre-Vincent, Assistant Professor of Biology and Biochemistry
Dr. Paul Dingman, Visiting Assistant Professor of Medieval Studies
Also, Mr. Zachary Rhone, who taught part-time for us last year, will be joining us full-time as Visiting Instructor in Writing.
During the 2012-13 academic year, the following CLAS faculty members will be on sabbatical:
--Fall semester: Dr. Andy Eklund (Chemistry); Dr. Juliana Gray (English); Dr. Bob Myers (Anthropology/Social Sciences); Dr. Dave Toot (Physics & Astronomy).
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Spring semester: Dr. Vicki Eaklor (History); Prof. Marketa Fantova (Performing Arts); Dr. Bob Maiden (Gerontology/Psychology); Dr. Becky Prophet (Theatre); Dr. Melissa Ryan (English).
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Full year: Prof. Laurel Carpenter (Interdisciplinary Art).
New Division Chairs as of 2012:
Dr. Garrett McGowan, Chemistry (2012-2015)
Dr. Michele Hluchy, Environmental Studies & Geology (2012-2014)
Dr. Roger Loucks, Physics & Astronomy (interim, Fall 2012)
CLAS is offering several exciting short-term study abroad courses this year:
--Mozart in Italy with Professor Luanne Crosby (Music), Spring 2013.
--Crossing Borders: Islam and the West, going to Morocco and Spain with Professors Greyson (Political Science) and Morehouse (English), Spring 2013.
--Buenos Aires: Literature and the Arts with Professors Redmond (Spanish) and Sluyter-Beltrao (Political Science), Spring 2013.
--Equine Industry in Ireland and its Economic and Cultural Impact with Ms Nancy Kohler (Equestrian Studies), Spring 2013.
--African Ecology, Cultures, and Conservation with Professors Zimbler-DeLorenzo (Biology) and Stein (Political Science), Spring 2013.
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School of Engineering
Dr. Dawei Liu, Assistant Professor of Materials Science, will be joining the Inamori School of Engineering. Dr. Liu will be teaching Introduction to Fuel Cells Principles and Technology and Structure and Structure and Properties of Materials.
Dr. Aisling Coughlan will teach Introduction to Bioengineering as an adjunct professor.
Mr. Matthew Degges will join the School as an instructor, teaching Introduction to Computer-aided Design and Fluid Mechanics.
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Library News
Congratulations to Scholes Library. This year is Scholes Library's 20/65 Anniversary, and boy, do we have plans. After 20 years in our beautiful building and 65 years of providing excellent specialized service and resources we are proud to announce our anniversary facelift. Come see the refurbished main floor of Scholes. We are working towards brighter and a more visually stimulating, service focused atmosphere. Keep an eye out for special anniversary events scheduled through the academic year.
It's also the 125th anniversary of libraries at AU. Melville Dewey (a one-time AU student and creator of the Dewey Decimal system) sent a group of his students to Alfred University in summer of 1887 to create its first library from the collections of several of Alfred's Lyceums (literary societies). Plans for an event to mark this milestone are underway.
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Student Affairs updates
New Student Affairs Staff- welcome to....
Elaina Braun – Volleyball coach
Valerie Daciw – Executive Assistant to the VP for Student Affairs
Josh Ellis – RD Tefft
Shane Farnum – RD Reimer
Vinnie Gravanda – RD Lower Pine
Chad Hojnoski – Catering Director
Shawn Isaacs – Assistant Director of Residence Life
Paul Keeley – RD Upper Pine
Kim MacCrea - Counselor, Wellness Center
Javied Townsend – RD Kruson
Kristen Tuxbury – RD Openhym
Paul Vecchio – Athletic Director
Beth Viszt – Barn Manager at the Equestrian Center
Transportation to return to AU
Shuttle service from the airports is available again this year; there is a $30.00 one-way fee for the Rochester airport and $35.00 one-way for Buffalo. To ensure a seat reservation, you must purchase a ticket in advance through the Center for Student Involvement no later than 24 hours prior to the shuttle run. Click here for our transportation page with schedules.
Residence Life news
Residence Halls will open for returning students Saturday, August 25th. Early arrivals are not allowed unless you are a member of an organization or athletic team that is required to return early. Your coach, supervisor or program director will contact you with details about how to get your room key. If you want to return early but are not required to by an AU program/team, you must contact the Office of Residence Life (607-871-2186) for permission to return. If permission is granted, a $50/night fee will be charged to your student account.
Zero Sort is coming! Zero Sort recycling allows for all recyclables to be collected together, without you having to separate everything. Paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, aluminum, tin cans and more will all go into the Zero Sort bin outside your residence hall. Please help us by bringing back a recycling container for your individual room.
We value your safety in the residence halls. New this year, the University is providing an approved surge protector, one per student, in each residence hall room. These meet the standard requirements of our NYS Fire Marshal. If the surge protector is missing upon checking out of your room your student account will be charged for replacement. The Residence Life staff conducts periodic, announced, Health & Safety Inspections of all residence hall facilities each semester. If unapproved surge protectors are discovered, they will be confiscated and returned to you upon your next departure from campus. You may purchase an additional surge protector by visiting this website: http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/POWER-FIRST-Surge-Protector-6CYY6 or purchasing a surge protector from the AU bookstore. TrippLite brand surge protectors are also allowed. All other brands are not approved for use in residence hall room.
Career Development Center
The annual Engineering Career Fair is Thursday, October 4th from noon to 3pm. Details, as they become available, can be found online.
Graduate School Fair: We will be hosting a graduate school fair on Tuesday, October 23rd from 11:30am to 1:30pm. This typically includes over 60 graduate schools and is a great way to start your search and learn more about available programs and the application process.
Job and internship search: Many of you will be looking for a job or internship during the year. Although it is best to meet with a career counselor or advisor to gain access to all of our resources, a good place to start is with CareerShift.
Health Insurance
Like most universities, AU requires students to provide proof of health insurance each academic year. All students are automatically billed for AU insurance (provided through Academic HealthPlans) but if you have other coverage you can get the $1042 charge removed from your bill. Click here for the Insurance Waiver, which must be completed by August 14.
If you WANT the insurance and wish to sign up dependents or purchase optional catastrophic coverage, you should also visit the link above. Graduating seniors, you may want to consider purchasing the insurance; it goes for a full year even if you leave AU in December or May.
Center for Student Involvement
SAB is planning their fall event schedule. An early highlight includes a hip hop concert in Davis Gym featuring two rising young artists TeeJay and B. Martin. Tickets (engraved dog tags this time) will be $5. Renowned comedian and juggler Mark Nizer will be performing for Family Weekend on Saturday, 9/22. SAB is also investigating a one-day-only zip line to be strung across campus by an outside company.
The CSI office will lead Buffalo Bills trips to see the Bills play Kansas City (9/16) and New England (9/30). Also, look for a return of the Alfred Runway fashion competition this fall.
Block Party: On Saturday, August 25th, returning student leaders are encouraged to create a table at the Block Party. This year we will having the Block Party in the Olin Building Plaza. This is a great way to recruit new members as our new students are eager to make connections with existing clubs. Contact Jessica Seyfried or SOMA to reserve your table.
Orientation: If you are interested in seeing all the exciting things going on during orientation check out the website.
Judson Leadership Center
The Judson Leadership Center will host the first Leadership Week this fall, to be held the second week of classes. The theme is "True AU". Students can attend as much or as little as they wish to learn about their own potential for leadership, how to lead at AU, or about special leadership opportunities like athletics, women's leadership, GLBTQ, student senate and more. Open to any AU student. Watch for details during week one of the fall semester.
Equestrian Center
Welcome Beth Viszt, our new barn manager. Beth has an undergrad degree in Biology and a Masters in Education. She taught Biology for 25 years at the high school and community college level along with human anatomy, physiology and nutrition. Beth has re-trained a number of off the track thoroughbreds and loves to ride jumpers. She also has her USEF small r Jumper Judge card and announces at horse shows. Beth is happy to be in a new career involving her passion and we are very happy to have Beth on board.
The Equine Business in Ireland class is being offered again Spring Semester, 2013 and will once again involve an 11 day trip to Ireland which will leave the day after graduation. Be sure to watch for more information regarding this class!
The first meeting about the Riding Teams will take place Thursday, August 30 at 6 pm at the Equestrian Center and this meeting will be for new students or students who have never been on the team only. A second meeting for returning team members only will take place Monday, September 3rd at 6 pm at the Equestrian Center.
If you are interested in Work Study jobs at the Equestrian Center, the applications are available here or contact Beth Viszt.
Dining
Ade Hall is getting a major facelift! See the Building Projects section for more details, but in addition, we’re adding some new food choices to Ade Hall in the fall. We’ll have our own pasta maker to serve homemade pasta dishes daily, a peanut grinder for homemade PB on some days, a gelato maker and larger dessert station, and our new PURE concept – vegan, mostly raw items at each meal.
New Emergency Alert system
Alfred University has implemented an Emergency Alert System through e2campus. This system will be used to provide information to our campus community in response to any event or situation on the campus that poses a serious safety concern. This system is one of a number of alert mechanisms that may be used during such an emergency but is the only alert system that sends alerts directly to you.
This system will be used to send information regarding serious safety issues, and/or campus closures and class cancellations created by dangerous travel conditions or other emergencies.
The e2campus system is capable of sending e-mail messages, recorded voice messages and text messages to multiple addresses and phone numbers that you provide. All full-time students are automatically included in e2campus, through the Banner system. While the alert service is provided to you at no cost, please be aware that depending upon the phone service package you have selected, you might be charged for alerts received on your phone. Only a single e-mail address is required to participate. If you have previously enrolled in NY-ALERT at Alfred University, the information you provided has been moved to the new system. If you would like to change it, please go to the Personal Information section of Banner and update the Emergency Contact Information section.
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Building Projects
The University has partnered with AVI Fresh to undertake a renovation of Ade Hall. The renovation will include new infrastructure, new ceiling and lights, and new furniture in the downstairs of Ade. The floor space will be divided into a fireplace room, some TV areas, soft seating and traditional restaurant seating. The upstairs will also be getting some new furniture, ceiling treatments and lighting to create a more inviting space.
Cannon and Barresi are being spruced up with new bathrooms, new flooring and other upgrades. New bathrooms are being installed in Norwood, and Phillips is getting new flooring and furniture.
Academic buildings are also seeing some improvements, with upgrades to Seidlin Lecture Hall, and to a classroom in the Science Center.
On the athletic and recreational front, Alfred University will spend more than $10 million this summer to upgrade athletics and recreational facilities for students. Construction will start this summer on a softball field that will allow the varsity softball team to play games on its home turf. The field will meet, or exceed, all requirements established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. In McLane Center, the women’s locker room is being renovated, and other improvements, including installation of a new boiler for heating, are being undertaken. The “big ticket” item that will begin this summer, with anticipated completion date of fall 2013, is an addition to McLane Center that will have open court spaces and a multipurpose room and locker room facilities. Last but not least, another result of the “Score One for Alfred” campaign is a pavilion to be built on the south end of Merrill Field, thanks to a gift from Greg ’92 and Jeni ‘93 Connors. The pavilion will be used to host alumni receptions and other events during home games on Merrill Field, where football, men’s and women’s soccer and men’s and women’s lacrosse are played.
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