Next year's dates are April 23-25, 2010

Spring Family Weekend is designed to give you an opportunity to visit with your son or daughter, to enjoy special events and activities and to experience the coming of Spring to our campus.

The schedule of events from Spring Family Weekend 2009 is included below, followed by a list of frequently asked Spring Family Weekend questions and answers.

Details regarding Spring Family Weekend 2010 should be available on this page by early March, 2010.

Families planning to attend are encouraged to make lodging reservations as soon as possible because spaces at local hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts fill up very quickly.

Please call the Office of Summer and Parent Programs at 607.871.2612 if you have any questions or concerns about the weekend. We hope you will plan now to join us for this very special event.

Weekend Schedule

Please note: The schedule below is from Spring Family Weekend, 2009. It is included here to give you an idea of what to expect. Spring Family Weekend 2010 information will be available in early March, 2010.

Friday, April 24, 2009

8:00 am-5:00 pm Silent Art Auction for Charity - Sponsored by the Alfred Student Art Union, proceeds from this auction of donated student artwork will benefit the Alfred Food Pantry. (Continues through Saturday with closing reception from 4:30-5:00 p.m. Bidding ends at 5 p.m. on Saturday.) View further information >>> Location: Harder Hall, 3rd floor

8:20 am-4:00 pm "Students for a Day" - Parents are invited to share in the Alfred University experience by visiting selected classes. View updated list of classes open to visiting family members >>> (A printed list of open classes will also be available at the Campus Center Information Desk on Thursday and Friday, April 23 and 24.)

8:30-4:30 pm Financial Aid Office Open - Parents with questions are welcome to stop by. Location: Alumni Hall

9 am-Noon Experience the Sights and Sounds of Harder Hall - Families are welcome to visit Harder Hall to observe art students in action. This is an informal opportunity to stroll through the building on your own and see student artists working in various media. Location: Harder Hall

11 am-1:30 pm Lunch - Ade Hall
11:30 am-1:30 pm Lunch - Powell
Meal plan students can use guest meals to pay for their families. Cash prices will also be posted in the dining halls.

12:20-1:10 pm Women’s Studies Roundtable featuring senior Breann Bresovski presenting “GLBTQ Youth and School Climate,” and senior Cori Pignatelli discussing promoting feminism on campus. Women’s Leadership Center

2:00-10:00 pm DogFest Concert - Music at the Village Bandstand, Main Street

3:00-6:30 pm Family Weekend Information and Sign In - Sign our guest book, pick up updated weekend schedule, family buttons and other materials and information. Location: Powell Campus Center, 2nd Floor Lobby

3-5 pm AU Women's Softball vs. Ithaca College - Empire 8 Contest. Location: Hornell, NY. (Please contact Athletics Office for details and directions - 607.871.2193.)

4 pm Honors Convocation - Families are encouraged to attend this very special event. Awards will be presented and recognition given for outstanding achievement at this annual ceremony honoring student & faculty excellence. Location: McLane Center

5 pm Reception for Students and Families Hosted by President Edmondson immediately following Honors Convocation. This is an opportunity for families to enjoy refreshments and visit with President Edmondson, University administrators, faculty and staff. Location: McLane Center Lobby

5-7 pm AU Women's Softball vs. Ithaca College - Empire 8 Contest. Location: Hornell, NY. (Please contact Athletics Office for details and directions - 607.871.2193.)

5-7:30 pm Dinner - Powell
5:30-8:30 pm Dinner - Ade Hall
Families are welcome to enjoy dinner on campus at Powell Campus Center or Ade dining hall. (Meal plan students can use guest meals to pay for their families. Cash prices will also be posted in the dining halls.) Alfred and area restaurants look forward to serving you during Family Weekend, as well (reservations suggested). View a list of local restaurants >>>

6:00 pm Pine Hill Derby - Sponsored by AU's student chapter of the Society of Automotive Engineers. Location: Pine Hill (weather permitting). (Barbecue for spectators will also begin at 6 pm.)

6-7:30 pm Ice Cream Bash - $3 adults, $2 children. Pay at the door. Location: Fire Hall, Main Street

6:30 pm Arabian Nights VI - AU’s Middle Eastern Dance Organization brings its sixth annual “Arabian Nights” program to the stage in Holmes Auditorium, featuring live belly dancing in Egyptian, American Tribal, Bollywood/Indian, Veil, and Cane styles. This is a charity event. Tickets are $3 at the door. (There will be a second performance Saturday evening at the same time.)

8 pm AU Performing Arts presents “King Lear” - This tragedy, considered by many to be Shakespeare’s greatest work, explores the nature of human suffering and kinship and questions the possibility of justice in the world. Our production is directed by the great British director Graham Watts and features AU Theater Professor Stephen Crosby in the title role. Tickets are required and seating is limited. General Admission: $5, AU students with ID: $1, other students aged 12 and older, and senior citizens: $3, children under 12: free when accompanied by an adult. Phone reservations only accepted during the week of the production. To make reservations call the box office at 607.871.2828 or order tickets via the website. (AU Performing Arts main office number is 607.871.2562.) Reserved tickets must be picked up no later than 20 minutes prior to the beginning of the production. All reservations are released 10 minutes prior to curtain. (There will also be a performance Saturday night.) CD Smith Theater, Miller Performing Arts Center

8 pm Movie - Paul Blart: Mall Cop - Paul Blart is a mild-mannered, dutiful family man who works as a security guard in a New Jersey mall. For years, he has applied to become a cop, but he always fails the physical exam because he is overweight. One day, a gang of organized criminals put the mall under siege and take hostages. Blart becomes trapped inside, and because of his sense of duty, refuses to leave. He thus becomes the police department's eyes on the inside and attempts to stop the criminals on his own. $3 general admission. Pay at the door. Nevins Theater, Powell Campus Center

7-11 pm Indoor Ice Skating - Free ice skating experience for students and families. Stop by for some fun! Skates provided. Powell Knight Club

9 pm Observatory Open House - If the sky is clear, this is your opportunity to view the April sky through the sophisticated instruments of the John L. Stull Observatory. (Note: if the sky is cloudy the observatory will be closed.)

11 pm Movie - Paul Blart: Mall Cop - $3 general admission. Pay at the door. Nevins Theater

Saturday, April 25, 2009

8:00 am-5:00 pm Silent Art Auction for Charity - Sponsored by the Alfred Student Art Union, proceeds from this auction of donated student artwork will benefit the Alfred Food Pantry. Reception at 4:30 p.m. in Harder Hall lobby. Bidding ends at 5:00 p.m. View further information>>> Location: Harder Hall, 3rd floor

8:30-10 am Complimentary Coffee/Tea for Visiting Families - Powell Campus Center, 2nd Floor Lobby

9-11 am Continental Breakfast - Ade Hall
Meal plan students can use guest meals to pay for their families. Cash prices will also be posted in the dining halls.

9:00-Noon Family Weekend Information and Sign In - Sign our guest book, pick up updated weekend schedules, family buttons, campus maps and other materials and information. Location: Powell Campus Center, 2nd Floor Lobby.

9-11 am Parents Advisory Board Meeting - Powell Board Room

10 am-12:30 am Cyber Fresh Cafe open - Powell Campus Center

10 am Campus Tour - Interested families should meet the student tour guide in the lobby of Alumni Hall.

10-11 am Parents Information Session: Internships - Gaining Valuable Hands-On Experience - Should your son or daughter seek an internship position? Would this increase his/her chances of getting a great job? Tips and pointers will be presented along with suggestions on how students can find and excel at internships. Location: Kenyon-Allen Room, Powell Campus Center

10 am Fun Bun Run/Walk - Everyone is welcome to participate in this community event. The first 75 registered walkers and runners will receive T-shirts and other fun prizes will be awarded! Meet at the Bandstand on Main Street. (This event is co-sponsored by the AU Counseling and Wellness Center and Friends.) To register in advance please contact Pamela Schu, Health and Wellness Educator via email or by calling 607.871.2300.

10 am Equestrian Center Tour I - Families are welcome to visit the Bromeley-Daggett Equestrian Center and take a guided tour of the facility (directions will be available at the Campus Center desk). Families are also welcome to visit the Equestrian Center anytime during the weekend to look around on their own.

11 am-12 pm Career Development Center Open House - Will your son or daughter find a good job or graduate school after Alfred? What can they do now to prepare? Find out all about the resources and services provided by the Career Development Center at this Open House. Location: The McComsey Career Development Center at the Steinheim.

11 am Admissions Information Session for visiting parents and siblings or friends interested in the University. Alumni Hall Lobby

11 am Equestrian Center Tour II - Families are welcome to visit the Bromeley-Daggett Equestrian Center and take a guided tour of the facility (directions will be available at the Campus Center desk). Families are also welcome to visit the Equestrian Center anytime during the weekend to look around on their own.

11 am-1:30 pm Brunch - Ade Hall
Meal plan students can use guest meals to pay for their families. Cash prices will also be posted in the dining halls.

12 pm Hot Dog Day Parade - Main Street

12-5 pm Lions Club Chicken Barbecue - Fire Hall, Main Street

12-5 pm Hot Dog Day Carnival & Activities on Main Street - Booths, arts & crafts, games, kiddie rides, live music, raffles and of course HOT DOGS! Come and participate in one of Alfred's oldest traditions at the carnival and other events down on Main Street. Proceeds to benefit local charities.

12-5 pm Bandstand Concert - Village Bandstand, Main Street

12-5 pm Arts & Crafts Fair - Main Street

1:30 pm Hot Dog Launching Competition - Who can propel their hot dogs the farthest? Student teams use home-made launching devices and compete for trophies. The team with the hot dog landing the greatest distance from the launch site wins! Tucker Field

2 pm Mud Olympics - A Hot Dog Day tradition. Student teams get down and dirty in the mud playing volleyball, tug-of-war and wheelbarrow racing. Tucker Field

4-5 pm Carillon Recital and Hands-On Open House - Enjoy the beautiful music of the Carillon played by Laurel Buckwalter, A.U. Carillonneur, then join her in the Carillon to see just how she does it! Location: Davis Memorial Carillon

4:30 pm Silent Art Auction Closing Reception - After you check out all the art tables at the Hot Dog Day Carnival, head up to Harder Hall for some silent auctioning on great student art! Bidding ends at 5:00 p.m. Location: Harder Hall lobby

5-7:30 pm Dinner - Ade Hall (Meal plan students can use guest meals to pay for parents and other family members. Cash prices will also be posted.)

6:30 pm Arabian Nights VI - AU’s Middle Eastern Dance Organization brings its sixth annual “Arabian Nights” program to the stage in Holmes Auditorium, featuring live belly dancing in Egyptian, American Tribal, Bollywood/Indian, Veil, and Cane styles. This is a charity event. Tickets are $3 at the door.

6:00 pm-Midnight Big Concert: The Bamboozle Road Show sponsored by Wonka McLane Parking Lot (Rain location is McLane Gym) Features 5 bands - We The Kings, Forever the Sickest Kids, The Cab, Mercy Mercedes and Never Shout Never. Food vendors will include Barbecue Bandits, Fried Dough, Pizza, Ice Cream Truck and more. $5 AU and ASC Students, $10 public. (Students can purchase tickets at the CSI Office in Powell Campus Center. Parents who wish to order tickets by credit card may contact the AU Bookstore at 607.871.2350.)

7-9 pm MFA Thesis Exhibition Opening at the Fosdick-Nelson Gallery featuring the artwork of Eliza Au (Ceramics), Ying Miao (Electronic Integrated Arts) and Rachael Wong (Glass). Location: Fosdick-Nelson Gallery, adjacent to Harder Hall Lobby

7-9 pm MFA Thesis Exhibition Opening featuring the artwork of Mat Karas (ceramics). Location: Schein-Joseph International Museum of Ceramic Art (Binns Merrill, 2nd floor)

8 pm AU Performing Arts presents “King Lear” - This tragedy, considered by many to be Shakespeare’s greatest work, explores the nature of human suffering and kinship and questions the possibility of justice in the world. Our production is directed by the great British director Graham Watts and features AU Theater Professor Stephen Crosby in the title role. Tickets are required and seating is limited. General Admission: $5, AU students with ID: $1, other students aged 12 and older, and senior citizens: $3, children under 12: free when accompanied by an adult. Phone reservations only accepted during the week of the production. To make reservations call the box office at 607.871.2828 or order tickets via the website. (AU Performing Arts main office number is 607.871.2562.) Reserved tickets must be picked up no later than 20 minutes prior to the beginning of the production. All reservations are released 10 minutes prior to curtain. CD Smith Theater, Miller Performing Arts Center

8-11 pm 31st Annual Outdoor Light Show - Free admission. Location: Binns Merrill parking lot (rain date is Sunday)

Sunday, April 26, 2009

9-11 am Continental Breakfast - Ade Hall

10 am-11:30 pm Cyber Fresh cafe open - Powell Campus Center

11 am-1: 30 pm Brunch - Ade Hall

12-3 pm MFA Thesis Exhibition featuring the artwork of Mat Karas (ceramics). Location: Schein-Joseph International Museum of Ceramic Art (Binns Merrill, 2nd floor)

1 pm AU Women's Lacrosse vs. Stevens College - Empire 8 Contest. Location: Merrill Field

1-3 pm MFA Thesis Exhibition at the Fosdick-Nelson Gallery featuring the artwork of Eliza Au (Ceramics), Ying Miao (Electronic Integrated Arts) and Rachael Wong (Glass). Location: Fosdick-Nelson Gallery, adjacent to Harder Hall Lobby

2 pm Movie - Paul Blart: Mall Cop - $3 general admission. Pay at the door. Nevins Theater

3 pm Guest Recital - Jewel Buckwalter and Johanna Schilling - Performance by soprano Jewel Buckwalter and pianist Johanna Schilling. The duo will be collaboratively performing works by Bach, Bellini, Debussy and Hundley. Schilling will also perform solo piano works by Ravel and Liszt. Free Admission. Location: Howell Hall

*This schedule is subject to change.

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Spring Family Weekend FAQs:

Q: Do we need to register somewhere when we arrive on campus?
A: There is no need to formally register for the weekend, but we would be pleased to greet you at the Campus Center Information Desk during our "Family Weekend Information and Sign In" hours on Friday afternoon and/or Saturday morning. Updated weekend schedules and other information will be available at that location throughout the weekend.

Q: How will we be made aware of changes to the weekend schedule?
A: The schedule on this page will be kept up-to-date. An printed version of the updated schedule will also be available for students & families to pick up at the Powell Information Desk throughout the weekend.

Q: Where can I park on campus?
A: During Family Weekend parents can park in any available parking spaces, whether they are marked visitor, student, or faculty/staff (except those reserved for the handicapped). No special parking permits are required during special weekends. (Please do not park in fire lanes, "no parking" zones, on the grass, or blocking entries or exits.) Questions about parking may be directed to the AU Safety Office at 607.871.2108.

Q: Where are the athletic events being held?
A: Due to space considerations, only home games are listed in the Spring Family Weekend schedule. Please check with your son or daughter to see if they have any away games this weekend. For away game locations, please visit the athletics web page.

Q: Whom do I contact if I have suggestions for future Family Weekends?
A: If you have suggestions for Family Weekend programs and events we would be happy to hear from you. Please contact Melody McLay at 607.871.2612, email.