May 1, 2020
Our Academic Continuity Plan has been updated for those courses that initially required additional face-to-face instruction. Out of hundreds of courses offered this spring, only 29 will require additional in-person elements.
We are also working as hard as possible to help seniors graduate as soon as possible through the use of simulated hands-on learning. If you are part of a curricula that had expectations regarding additional time on campus, please see how the academic continuity plan has been adapted to facilitate your course completion. Your progress is important to all of us.
I also want to encourage you to finish this semester strong. If you need any help we are here for you. The web page www.AlfredState.edu/4U has a comprehensive list of contacts and resources available. This semester you also have the opportunity to choose Satisfactory on a course instead of a letter grade. You may also contact advising@alfredstate.edu to register for fall classes. Your progress is important to all of us.
Sincerely,
Kristin Poppo, Ph.D.
Provost
April 9, 2020
Academic Grades and Class Registration
At the end of the semester, students will have the opportunity to change letter grades to Satisfactory/ Unsatisfactory through an appeal process in some classes. This will not be an option for students who need a specific grade as a prerequisite for a future course. Satisfactory/ Unsatisfactory grades are not part of the calculation for a student’s grade point average.
Please note, the option for allowing Satisfactory/ Unsatisfactory grades in major courses will be determined by the department. Each department chair will communicate with students in the near future regarding their program. If you are concerned about a course or your GPA, please reach out to your advisor to discuss your options.
If you need to earn additional credits, summer courses are available now for registration. It’s also time to prepare for next semester. We encourage you to plan your fall classes when registration opens on Monday, 4/13.
If you have any questions, there are many ways to contact your advisor for assistance. Through my.AlfredState.edu simply click on StarFish and then select your advisor’s name. With this online system you can schedule a time for a virtual appointment. You may also send an email request to advising@alfredstate.edu.
April 3, 2020
Semester End Dates Announced
Due to the extended spring break, we made adjustments to the ASC academic calendar.
For the Schools of Arts and Sciences (SAS) and Architecture, Management, and Engineering Technology (SAMET): Classes will end May 8 and any needed final exams will be scheduled May 11/12.
For the School of Applied Technology (SAT) in Wellsville, Alfred, and Northland: Classes will end May 15. SAT instruction includes a large number of shorter courses. Faculty determined the need for one additional week of instruction to be able to complete all lectures for courses.
Remaining Academic Calendar:
April
13-17 Course Registration for Fall
24 4:00 PM Last Day to Drop a Course
May
1 4:00 PM Last Day to Withdraw/Leave
8 10:00 PM Classes End – All but School of Applied Tech
11-12 Final Exams/Scheduled Sessions
15 10:00 PM Classes End – School of Applied Technology
March 24, 2020
Deadlines Extended
Drop Date Now 4/24: The transition to online can be difficult, and the times are challenging. For this reason, Alfred State is extending the date for dropping classes until Friday April 24, 2020. This will allow students to drop courses without penalty until late April in order to give all students an opportunity to determine what is in their best interest.
This extension will allow students to transition to online studies, work with their faculty, and in some cases, drop classes to ensure that they maintain satisfactory academic progress and financial aid eligibility for fall. Please consult your academic advisor and financial aid counselor prior to dropping any classes.
Enrollment Management extending deadlines: To allow prospective students and families additional time to make fall enrollment decisions, the enrollment deposit due date has been extended from May 1 to June 1.
To assist families that may be feeling a financial crunch, the monthly payment plan due date has been extended from April 4 to May 4.
March 22, 2020
Dear Commuter Students,
If you are accustomed to using internet connections on campus, we want to give you options. The buildings on campus are no longer available for open access during this healthcare emergency.
Wi-Fi Hotspots for commuters: We have identified parking areas where you may use ASCNOWIRE from your car.
1. Parking between R/C and Getman at the intersection of Upper College and Hillcrest Drives.
2. Near the Pioneer Stadium locker rooms.
3. In Wellsville near Pioneer Student Union or Zero Energy Home.
It’s called Drive-By Wi-Fi where people park near a store, office, or school that offers free Wi-Fi internet connectivity. As this situation continues to unfold we will keep you aware of any additional places that are available.
Other Wi-Fi Hotspots: As advised on our COVID-FAQ webpage, many Wi-Fi Hotspots have been opened for free access during this time. There’s an app to help find them called Boingo.
Home internet options: Both Spectrum and Empire Access offer 60 days free internet access to students at this time.
If you have additional technology questions please contact helpdesk@AlfredState.edu.
March 21, 2020
How to be a Successful Online Student
In order for all students to virtually hit the ground running, we will be hosting live Online Learning Training Sessions. The Alfred State community has been working hard to prepare for online learning. This how-to session is one of the many ways we are actively supporting students in this transition.
What students learn: We will discuss how to use Blackboard Collaborate in your classes including all of the technology tricks, how to communicate with your instructors and how to submit assignments and take quizzes and tests. This will be an interactive session, so you will be able to ask your questions, as well.
When are the sessions: Daily at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Sunday, March 22, Monday, March 23, and Tuesday, March 24. We encourage you to attend at least one session.
Where and how to attend: Sessions will be run in Blackboard Collaborate. Use a laptop, desktop or phone to connect to the session. At the start of the training click this link:Online Learning Training Sessions
For those unable to attend live training, log into my.AlfredState.edu and look for the My Learning Icon to watch a recording of one of the live sessions.
Blackboard is a critical tool for your online studies. You can access it by logging into my.AlfredState.edu or download the Blackboard App for Apple/IOS or Android.
If during the training session you are having connection issues, please call or email the Student Success Center at 607-587-4122 or studentsuccess@alfredstate.edu. We will be ready to help you!
March 17, 2020
Dear Students,
All classes that were face-to-face will begin an online delivery format on Monday, March 23, with classes meeting virtually on the scheduled days and times. The Academic Continuity by School, Department, and Course Information below, clarifies which programs and courses will require additional face to face instruction to complete applied learning/laboratories. For classes that have applied learning content (laboratory and hands-on learning) that cannot be completed online, we will be in contact as to when students will be invited to campus to complete laboratory/hands-on learning. I want to assure you that we understand how a switch to distance learning will present new challenges, and our faculty members pledge to work with each of you to ease the transition.
Student Internet Options: Currently, Spectrum is providing free internet to students for 60 days. Additional opportunities for wireless connections are listed on the COVID-19-FAQ under Student Support.
Library Services: The library will remain open to support students. Please email library@alfredstate.edu or call 607-587-4313.
Student Support: For students who have not used Blackboard, there will be resources and tutorials available on the Blackboard home page. You will be receiving an email from your faculty with course specific directions as to how to continue your course in Blackboard. We are further expanding our ability to provide advising, tutoring and multiple forms of virtual support for students.
You can also reach out for support to the following offices:
- Academic advising advising@alfredstate.edu
- Academic concerns studentsuccess@alfredstate.edu
- Disability services disabilityservices@alfredstate.edu
- Health and wellness healthandwellness@alfredstate.edu
- Library services library@alfredstate.edu
- Print and mail services printmail@alfredstate.edu
- Residential life for returning to campus to retrieve items ResLife@alfredstate.edu
- Student financial services sfs@alfredstate.edu
- Technology support helpdesk@alfredstate.edu
- General or unspecified student affairs concerns hermannr@alfredstate.edu
The Academic Continuity by School, Department, and Course Information below will allow you to find in which department your course or program resides. Please recognize, even if your major is in a department that is fully online, you may have individual courses that require additional face-to-face instruction. Students enrolled in internships and practicum should bring any concerns to their internship instructor. Students in clinical will hear directly from their faculty.
Log into Blackboard through my.alfredstate.edu to begin your online studies. Our goal is to support your academic success. Please reach out to us if you need additional help.
Sincerely,
Kristin Poppo, Ph.D.