Coffee Break Newsletter Masthead

September 2, 2025


Send your announcements for the Coffee Break (employees) or Solutions (students) newsletters to newsletter@sage.edu by the end of the day on Wednesday to appear in next week’s issues.

☕ Coffee Hour Returns This Week: Zoom in to Coffee Hour at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3, for an update from Director of College Services Mike Rossman. See the Coffee Hour schedule or sign up to present.


Save the Zoom link to your calendar; find recordings of previous Coffee Hours; volunteer for the Innovation Committee, or email the Coffee Hour team at innovation@sage.edu.

 

What's New

 

Time to Get Your Parking Pass


A reminder that parking permits for the 2025-2026 academic year are available. Parking warnings will be given for the first two weeks of the semester, but ticketing will begin on September 8, so please register for your parking pass by then. It’s easy to do online.

Calling all Coffee Lovers!


Coming to Hazels at the library on the Albany campus … Starbucks drinks!


A full-service brewed coffee and espresso program, including favorites like Frappuccino and Refreshers, is now open. Hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. Flex, Declining, credit, and cash accepted.



Due to the nature of the program, the Starbucks app is unavailable for use. Look for specials, limited-time offers, and more in the coming weeks.

Building-Access Changes: Do You Have a Fob Yet?


Reminder, as shared by Public Safety last week, beginning Monday, September 8, we will lock the majority of buildings on both campuses during all hours, including daytime hours. Most buildings will either be accessible using your fob or by only one entrance (you’ll still be able to use other doors to exit).


If you don’t already have a fob, head to the library on either campus, and they can help you. You'll then have to head to Public Safety in Troy or email publicsafety@sage.edu to have it programmed.


Russell Sage has two great campuses in Albany and Troy, but because they’re a seamless part of the community, the community sometimes forgets our buildings are not public buildings, so we just want to make sure we’re keeping things secure. Learn more on the Public Safety area of the website.

Encourage Students to Stop by the Club Involvement and Student Employment Fair!


Student Activities and the Career and Self Discovery Center will hold a fair on each campus to help connect students to our clubs and work study opportunities. Please encourage students to attend. You'll find printable fliers for both campuses here.


Troy campus:

Tuesday, September 9, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Outside Buchman Pavilion  


Albany campus:

Thursday, September 11, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

KCC Quad

child saying I'm focused on my career

Two More Great Opportunities to Get in Front of Students


Get Ready for an Internship: This workshop will cover essential skills for success, including professional communication, workplace etiquette, professionalism, networking while interning, and how to exit an internship on a strong note. Students should register for the Internship Prep Workshop online.

When: Wednesday, September 10, 1-3 p.m.

Location: KCC 224, Albany Campus 

Bonus: Students who register and attend will be entered into a raffle to win their share of $50!


A Guided Networking Experience: Set within the inspiring backdrop of the Compass Roses: Maps by Artists gallery exhibition, this two-hour event invites students and women executives from the Times Union's Women@Work network to explore professional growth, leadership, and mentorship as a shared journey. Through rotating small-group conversations and reflection stations, participants will build relationships, share stories, and uncover common milestones, values, and aspirations.

When: Wednesday, September 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Location: Opalka Gallery, Compass Roses: Maps by Artists exhibition, Albany campus

More: Registration is required for this networking event.

Join Us for the Moving Message on September 13


The Moving Message Walk/Wheel/Roll, a fundraising and awareness event to support work at The Aphasia Center at Russell Sage, will be held Saturday, September 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Albany campus.


It is a festival-like event, complete with a one-mile walk, motivational speeches by those with Aphasia, music, raffles, kids’ activities, vendors, artists, food, messages and bios posted around the quad, and merchandise for sale.


The money raised goes into a fund called The Moving Message Fund, and helps pay for group sessions, technology, and other supports for those in need. Often when someone has a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other neurological disorder that interferes with their ability to communicate, there is little financial support for the long-term support they need.

Mmmmm. Pizza Deals from a Sage Athletics Sponsor


Papa John's, a proud supporter of Sage Athletics, is offering special discounts to all of our Gators.


Use any of these online-only coupon codes to score deals at their location on 571 New Scotland Avenue, not far from campus in Albany.


Use code GATOR1: 1 large pizza, 1 topping, $7.99

Use code GATOR2: 3 medium pizzas, 1 topping, $18

Use code GATOR3: 2 medium pizzas, 1 topping, $5 each (must buy 2)

Use code GATOR4: 1 medium pizza, 1 topping+ breadsticks OR 6 garlic parmesan breadsticks, $12.98

Free Couch-to-5K Program for Survivors


Strong Through Every Mile (STEM), a nonprofit organization that empowers survivors of interpersonal violence and abuse and DV through the sport of running, will once again offer its free couch-to-5K program to students and employees at Russell Sage.


Runners of all genders and abilities are welcome. The program starts Monday, September 8, but you can still join within the first two weeks. Reach out to Jenn Gish at gishj@sage.edu if you're interested in participating.

Stylized geometric compass rose with COMPASS ROSES text

Compass Roses: Maps by Artists, at Opalka Gallery September 2-October 11


Compass Roses: Maps by Artists—Albany opens September 2 at Opalka Gallery on the Albany campus. The exhibit feature 30 maps by local visual, literary, and performing artists, and a calendar of events ranging from art talks to yoga.


Read more about Compass Roses.

 

Way to Go!

 

Wall of Wins: A Smooth Start for Resident Students


Shoutout to Grace Giancola, director of Res Life, for coordinating a seamless move in day for students! I was amazed at how quickly everything went, and I think it was a wonderful way to welcome our newest Gators!! I had so much fun! – Love, Tori


We’re always glad to hear how EVERYONE at Sage supports students and each other, and we’re even gladder to shout about it via the Wall/Google Doc of Wins. Please share your wins or celebrate a colleague!

Future Teachers Help Kids Have a Smooth Start at School


Future Educators Club and Kappa Delta Phi led a Back-to-School Supplies Drive benefiting Joseph's House. 


With the support of their peers, they were able to donate 12 completely packed backpacks and countless supplies to students who might otherwise be starting the school year without the tools they need. 

Do you have good news to share? Send it to newsletter@sage.edu!

 

From IT and HR

 

Be Sure to Get Emergency Alerts: Sign Up for AlertMedia


Russell Sage College uses AlertMedia as our official emergency communication system. This platform delivers critical updates — such as inclement weather alerts, safety notices, and urgent campus communications — straight to you via text, email, or phone call.


If you haven’t already set up your AlertMedia account, now is the time! An invitation has been sent to you — please use that link to register your account and select your preferred contact methods. Having your account registered and updated ensures you’ll receive these important messages.


📢 System Test Scheduled: A test of AlertMedia will take place on Wednesday, September 10, at 2 p.m. Please make sure your account is active and your contact information is up to date before then so you don’t miss any alerts.


💡 Need Help? If you experience any issues with registration, please submit a service request at sc.sage.edu – IT Service Desk


Stay connected with Sage when it matters most!

Save The Date for Managing Stress Lunch and Learn


CDPHP and HR are hosting a lunch and learn on Wednesday, September 24, noon-1:30 p.m. in Bush Memorial, Troy campus.


CDPHP professionals will be presenting on Tools to Manage Stress. Click the RSVP link to register for the lunch and learn. 

 

TIAA On-site Representative Schedule 



September 17: 9 a.m.-4p.m., Troy campus, Cowee 3rd floor 

October 23: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Albany campus, West Hall 

November 19: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Troy campus, Cowee 3rd floor 

December 11: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Troy campus, Cowee 3rd floor 


RSVP online today for a TIAA meeting as space is limited.

 

Events

 

Looking for something to do? New events are added to The Chomp every day. Check it often to see what is going on!


Have an event to promote? Add it to The Chomp first, then email the details to newsletter@sage.edu.

outdoor scene of band and crowd at dusk

Starts this Week: Pop-Up Beer Garden Series 

Music, Art, Craft Beer, Food Trucks, Make-Your-Own Screenprints, and More!


When: September 5, 6-9 p.m., First Friday Albany

Where: Opalka Gallery, Albany campus


Bands: Super 400, Buggy Jive

Brewers: Druthers, Frog Alley

Food: Dotty Lou's BBQ, West Ave. Woodfired Pizza, Kona Ice


See the beer garden schedule for bands, food trucks, and more.

MORE EVENTS


Tuesday, September 2


🪷 Sign up for Yoga Fitness (weekly though November 18)

Tuesdays, 5:15 p.m., McKinstry 206, Troy


Wednesday, September 3


☕ Coffee Hour, 9 a.m., Zoom in to Coffee Hour Wednesday at 9 a.m. for an update from Director of College Service Mike Rossman.


🔥Sign up for Zumba Fitness (weekly through November 19)

Wednesdays, 5:15 p.m., Robison Gym, Troy


Monday, September 8


🪩 Sign up for Dance Fitness (Weekly through December 1)

Mondays, 5 p.m., Robison Gym, Troy


Saturday, October 10


💚 Sage is forming a team for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Walk on Saturday, October 11, 10 a.m. Find more info and register for the NAMI Walk.

 

Reminders

 

Fall Pickleball League: The Student/Staff Gator Pickleball League begins September 8. Find out more, then sign up for pickleball!


"How-To" Links from IT:



Volunteers Needed


  • Intercultural Cafes, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Mondays (Spirituality Center, Troy) and Thursdays (West Hall, Albany), are friendly gatherings where English language learners practice conversation with volunteers. Drop in, or email Nana Owusu-ofori (Troy) or Noora Ahmed (Albany) to learn more.


  • Please complete the ECAR volunteer interest form if you are available to work with Every Campus A Refuge to help a young woman from Afghanistan get settled and find community in the Albany area.


Find past issues of Coffee Break in the newsletter archive.


Free online fitness classes: Log in at BODi/Beachbody on Demand with

Username: Recreation@sage.edu and Password: Thrive2020


Free CDPHP Cycle! membership: Free daily bike rides with the CDPHP Cycle! app and the promo code RussellSage: www.cdphpcycle.org.


Coffee Hour links: Find Coffee Hour recordings; see the Coffee Hour schedule or sign up to present; or email the Coffee Hour team at innovation@sage.edu.


Moodle help: Find updated Moodle links and important information for 2025-2026 in this PDF. You can also schedule a training session with Sage Online via the Training Request Form. 


For reference:

 

Thanks for Reading!

 

Send your announcements for the Coffee Break (employees) or Solutions (students) newsletters to newsletter@sage.edu by the end of the day on Wednesday to appear in next week’s issues.

 

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