First-ever Downstate Commencement Ceremony

Some 79 graduate candidates received Alfred University degrees in education-counseling and education-literacy during the first-ever commencement ceremony of the University's new downstate program on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008.

Alfred University offers courses for the downstate program through the Center for Integrated Teacher Education (CITE) in Manhattan. The program is designed specifically for individuals who are seeking graduate classes that are scheduled at times that make them more accessible to busy educational professionals. View Commencement press release >>>

AU Goes Green

Students from Green Alfred, a group of students who promote sustainability, have joined with members of the Student Dining Advisory Board and students from the interdisciplinary Environmental Studies Program to press for the elimination of trays in Alfred University dining halls. John Dietrich, director of dining services, says that simply by not offering trays, food and beverage waste can be reduced by between 30 and 50 percent. "At Alfred University, that equates to approximately 1,000 pounds of solid waste and 112 gallons of liquid waste on a weekly basis," he said. Read more about going 'trayless' at AU >>> .

AU Grads Know How to Succeed

Each August Alfred University's Career Development Center surveys graduates to find out what they are doing. This year's Destinations Report shows the following for our 2006 graduates:

• 69% of our undergrads were employed
• 31% of undergrads were pursuing graduate education
• 66% of graduate students were employed
• 32% of graduate students went on for further study

AU graduates found work with employers such as: Ralph Lauren, PPG Industries Inc., Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, AVX Corp., New York City Police Department, General Electric, and the Archie Bray Foundation.

Top graduate school destinations included AU, American University, Cornell University, Georgia Technical Institute, University of Pittsburgh, University of Texas, Washington State, SUNY (State University of New York) Downstate Medical, and The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

View Destinations Reports >>> For more information regarding specific majors and other detailed information regarding the report, contact Mark McFadden, director of the Career Development Center at mcfaddenm@alfred.edu, or 607.871.2164.

It's All About Numbers

It is no secret that U.S. students and teachers lag behind other countries in mathematical skills. According to the Programme for International Student Assessment, U.S. students were below the average in mathematics literacy among all students participating in the study.

Alfred University's new Numeracy Program is designed to call attention to the importance of mathematics and to provide certified teachers from all levels and disciplines with the skills and confidence to incorporate appropriate quantitative concepts into their teaching. The ultimate goal is to develop a population of students and adults who are able to understand and apply relevant mathematical content to their daily lives.

What's with the Walrus?

When Alfred University established its Honors Program about 20 years ago, we knew we didn't want it to be one of those stuffy, "overly impressed with ourselves" programs and so we may be the only one in the country with a seal that's really a walrus.

This fall's honors seminars continue a distinguished tradition of intellectual panache. From "Bullhorns, Breastplates and Brunhildes" to "Paris and Penguins" these courses offer students and faculty the opportunity to explore an eclectic array of topics in a convivial atmosphere.

Honors students not only learn together, they play together too. The year begins with an annual Death By Chocolate reception and is followed by special events, road trips, and of course, academic recognition. These are just a few of the many "real deals" in Alfred University's Honors Program.