ALFRED STATE COLLEGE

'Alfred State College' is a State University of New York College of Technology located in Alfred, New York in Allegany County. This college, formerly the Agricultural and Technical College at Alfred, now grants baccalaureate degrees in 14 areas, associate degrees in nearly 60 areas, as well as a number of certificates; fully accredited through the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Alfred State College is a member of the Rochester Area Colleges consortium along with Alfred University, the University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, Saint John Fisher College, Roberts Wesleyan College, Nazareth College, Monroe Community College, SUNY Brockport, and SUNY Geneseo.
Full-time (12+ credit hours) students may cross-register at Alfred University to supplement their education with classes not offered at Alfred State College at no additional cost.

Contents

History

Annual festivals

Student government

Greek life

Public schools and departments

External links

References

History

Both Alfred University and Alfred State College have their roots in an early teaching college called the Alfred Select School. This school, under the leadership of the Seventh-Day Baptist church, was visionary in its equal opportunity policy. In 1908 President Boothe C. Davis of Alfred University persuaded the New York State legislature to locate the New York State School of Agriculture at the Alfred University Campus; the resulting allocation of $75,000 for three buildings, a farm, livestock, and machinery would set the school in motion. In 1941 the school was given Junior College status, and renamed the New York State Agricultural and Technical College at Alfred.
In 1948 the enrollment grew to such large numbers that the state government decided to allow it room to expand, moving the school across Main street from Alfred University, where it remains today. In addition to a new campus would come greater autonomy, meaning that Alfred would now have two state-funded schools and one private university.
In 2003, Alfred State College and its neighbor Alfred University entered into merger talks that were eventually abandoned in the face of opposition from students, faculty, and alumni from both institutions, many of whom viewed the missions of the two colleges as largely incongruous.

Annual festivals

In 1972 two students, Mark O'Meara and Eric "Rick" Vaughn, started a charity festival entitled "Hot Dog Day". This festival was to be a charity fundraiser for the area and would focus on the hot dog. Now held in the third weekend of April, Hot dog day is a yearly celebration coordinated through both Alfred University and Alfred State College.

Student government

Alfred State College Student Senate administers over half a million dollars in club and administrative funds through the Student Activity Fee. Student Senate supports, facilitates, and leads its clubs and organizations through an annual Leadership Retreat, weekly leadership seminars, and various special projects. In addition to funding, Student Senate allows students of both Wellsville and Alfred main campus to participate in collaborative decision making processes.The Student Senate General Assembly has voting rights on the board of trustees of the college, known as the College Council, through its College Council Representative.

Greek life

Alfred State College has a long and valued history of fraternities and sororities on campus, starting in 1920 with its first fraternity. Fraternities and Sororities contribute to the campus and community through philanthropic works, charitable contributions, and alumni interest in the college. Pledging is a four week process requiring a minimum of ten hours of library time amongst other requirements, hence the common phrase "Four Weeks for Life".
Currently three fraternities and two sororities are recognized by the college and Greek Senate: Gamma Theta Gamma (ΓΘΓ) fraternity, Pi Rho Zeta(ΠΡΖ) fraternity, Mu Theta (ΜΘ) fraternity, Alpha Sigma(ΑΣ) sorority, and Delta Lamda Rho (ΔΛΡ) sorority. In addition, there are a handful of other organizations being considered for first-time recognition or resumption of recognition.
Greek Senate, in a joint effort with Student Affairs, has developed an autonomous Greek Judicial Board. This judicial board will allow for the full self-governance of the Alfred Greek System, governing matters from recognition to expulsion. No organization may be recognized by the college without Greek Senate approval.
Hazing is not allowable by 'any organization' on campus, but most especially in any fraternity or sorority. Regardless of recognition status all members of the campus community are expected to abide by college policy and all applicable laws.

Public schools and departments

Alfred State College offers more than 70 majors in the arts, applied technology, and management and engineering technology. Not only are the staff well-schooled in their area of expertise, but they typically maintain close ties with their profession.
The college is divided into the following schools:
[The School of Arts & Sciences]|[The School of Management & Engineering Technology]
[The School of Applied Technology]

External links

★ Alfred State College webpage

References

★ Alfred University/NYS School of Agriculture History

★ Images from the Jean B. Lang WNY Historical Collection