Back to School 2009

Alfred State College kicked off another academic year Aug. 17, when President Dr. John M. Anderson welcomed new and returning faculty and staff to his opening remarks.

Despite the fiscal problems that face the college, the state, and the nation, Anderson said that “guided by our strategic plan and based on our proactive approach to budget allocation, Alfred State College is better prepared to face these fiscal challenges” than many other institutions. He lauded the community’s recruitment efforts which resulted in 100 students over the college’s enrollment target for this academic year. This rise in enrollment resulted in 15 programs on wait lists—higher than it’s been in recent memory.

Anderson also lauded the college community on its accomplishments in accordance with the strategic plan: three new baccalaureate programs accepting students this fall:  study abroad program.

Additionally, Anderson noted the completion of the gateway building at the athletic stadium, the rehab of Central Dining Hall, the extreme makeover at Hinkle Library, and the hiring of architectural firm William Rawn and Associates, Boston, MA, to design the planned student union and leadership center.

“I am proud to note that William Rawn and Associates has been named the number one architectural firm in America by Architect Magazine (May 2009).”

Incoming freshmen who volunteered to perform community service around Alfred arrived Aug. 18, with the remainder returning the following day. Those who had been unable to attend a summer orientation session caught up with their college indoctrination, finalized their class schedules, and participated in the 16^th annual New Student Convocation where they were officially welcomed by college dignitaries and dedicated themselves to the principles of community endorsed by the college.

Incoming and returning students, who arrived on campus at the end of the week, also returned to a full slate of events, including an Activities Fair which introduces students to the variety of organizations and activities available to them, followed by an Activities Carnival, where students played games of skill and chance—at booths staffed by faculty and other members of the college community—for play money which they turn in for prizes at the end of the evening.

Classes for academic year 2009-10 at Alfred State College begin Monday, Aug. 24.

Families will have an opportunity to visit campus during Homecoming/Family Weekend, Sept. 24-27, which will feature a full schedule of activities geared for students and their guests.

Additional planned events include the return of the Taste of Wellsville on the School of Applied Technology campus, Saturday, Oct. 10, where local eateries will showcase their signature dishes.

Other important dates include: two Admissions Registration may be done online or when the student arrives on campus starting at 8:30 a.m.

“Foodies” will want to mark their calendars as the Culinary Arts Department on the Wellsville Applied Technology campus announces its scheduled events: The a la carte dining room will begin serving lunch Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (reservations are appreciated; call 607-587-3170); fine dining begins Tuesday, Sept. 1 and runs through Thursday, Nov. 19 (reservations are required); culinary students will host a spaghetti dinner on Thursday, Oct. 8, a Halloween luncheon buffet, Friday, Oct. 30, and a holiday buffet on Thursday, Dec. 3.

Students will head off-campus for a break following their last class on Friday, Oct. 2, and return when classes resume on Wednesday, Oct. 7. Thanksgiving break is scheduled to begin Wednesday, Nov. 25; classes resume Monday, Nov. 30.

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