Proud History
Alfred University is proud of its history of promoting equality and respecting diversity. Not only did the school have a distinctive early role in co-education, but it also fostered acceptance of varied religious beliefs, ethnic minorities, gays and lesbians, as well as international students. The founders of the University were strong, radical, and not afraid to speak out for what they saw as right: all people should be equal.

Caring Environment
Multicultural Affairs is committed to creating a community that celebrates and welcomes diversity. The diversity and multicultural life staff promote multicultural education, advise ethnic support groups, combat ignorance about differences, and facilitate understanding and compassion.

The Office of Multicultural Affairs advises and supports ALANA (African, Latino, Asian, and Native American) student organizations as well as any student organization that promotes diversity, acceptance, and cultural awareness.

Innovative Programs and Events

• Student-Created Events - We believe the key to an active social life is encouraging students to produce their own events. Student-produced events include dances, charitable events, and educational programs. Recent examples include:
  • The CSA Fashion Show
  • AIDS Charity Basketball Game
  • Alfred to Asia stage show
  • Glam Slam - a campus-wide dance sponsored by Spectrum
  • Kwanzaa Dinner
  • Raices Latin heritage stage show
• Drawn to Diversity - an award-winning program whose mission is "to build an appreciation for diversity and to champion equality by exploring various media and art forms," including comic strips.
• Heritage Month Celebrations - these celebrations feature dinners, movies, performing arts, and guest speakers helping to educate all Alfred University students about different cultures and their relationship to our shared culture.
• Visiting performers - Multicultural Affairs and its clubs bring individuals and groups to campus to entertain and educate. Highlights have included performances by the Roots, the Black Eyed Peas, Ebony Washington, and the Sal Soul Comedy Troupe.

Nurturing Community
The Office of Diversity and Multicultural Life brings students together by sponsoring social events, trips, entertainment, visiting performers, and educational programming. In addition, there are a variety of clubs and organizations that support diversity:

• Alfred Steppas - dance team
• Caribbean Student Association
• Middle Eastern Dance Organization
• Pacific Rim, Asian Culture
• Poder Latino - study and support of Latino culture and lifestyles
• Shades - support groups for women of all colors
• Spectrum - GLBTQQIA student alliance
• Students Acting for Equality - anti-discrimination committee
• Taste Buds - cross cultural cooking club
• Umoja - study and support of African-American culture
• Women's Issues Coalition

Contact
Craig Arno
Coordinator of Diversity Programming
Powell Campus Center
1 Saxon Drive
Alfred, NY 14802

Ph: 607.871.2175

Email