No new positive cases of COVID-19

Since Tuesday’s notice in @Rochester, there are no new cases of COVID-19 to report. Please note that the University’s COVID-19 Dashboard is updated daily and dashboard numbers may reflect additional cases confirmed later in the day. When a new case is known, the contact-tracing process begins immediately with the Monroe County Health Department, with confirmed exposures being contacted and required to quarantine.

Jannick Rolland named fellow of National Academy of Inventors

Jannick Rolland, the Brian J. Thompson Professor of Optical Engineering and director of the University’s Center for Freeform Optics, is now the fourth University faculty member to be named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors.

“Jannick is the epitome of the inventor,” says Scott Carney, director of the Institute of Optics. “Her research has opened new vistas in imaging and free form optical design. She has brought her ideas to market through her entrepreneurial efforts. Graduates from her group lead the field and credit Jannick’s mentorship for their success.”

University applauds ruling on DHS and DOL H-1B rules

On December 3, a federal judge ruled in favor of the University’s October 19 lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Labor (DOL), deciding that both the DHS interim final rule restricting H-1B qualifications, scheduled to take effect December 7, and DOL’s interim final rule, already in effect and dramatically raising wage requirements for H-1B employees, must both be set aside. In October, the University joined forces with several leading research universities and national organizations to file a federal lawsuit against the DOL and DHS in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, challenging these “fast-tracked” H-1B visa regulations announced on October 8 as unlawful. Last week’s summary judgment set aside both regulations, acknowledging that they were both issued on an emergency basis without proper notice and comment.

Researchers find nationwide links between vaping and COVID-19

A new study led by Dongmei Li, a professor of public health sciences, and an associate professor of clinical and translational research and of obstetrics and gynecology, shows that states with more vapers had larger numbers of daily coronavirus cases and deaths in the early weeks of the pandemic—with New York state as a hot spot.

• Dr. Chat Bot: Non–Medical Center faculty, staff, and all students | Medical Center employees
• What to do if you or your close contacts have symptoms or have been exposed
• Medical Center’s COVID-19 update page
• COVID-19 Concern Report

EAP Benefits—new name, same benefits

UR Medicine EAP (formerly Life-Work Connections/EAP) provides advice and support with parenting, depression, work, stress, and other concerns. EAP counselors will assist with problems in a focused, confidential, and goal-oriented environment. As part of your Total Rewards package, the University employee wellness program offers all employees and their immediate family members up to five no-cost visits to UR Medicine EAP per person, per calendar year. All visits can be done via telehealth. Learn more.

Look for your 2021 benefits confirmation statement

You will receive your benefits confirmation statement by the end of the month in the mail. Keep it in a safe place to review details on your health and dental elections, including your covered dependents. If you elected to contribute to an HSA or FSA in 2021 those specifics will be included.

Apply to be a Geriatric Faculty Scholar

Applications are being accepted for Geriatric Faculty Scholars, a challenge grant awarded to current junior Medical Center faculty with a specific interest in inter-professional geriatric education and practice. Find details on the application process here; the deadline to apply is Monday, February 8, by 5 p.m. EST.

Planning to announce special holiday hours for your office?

@Rochester will include a listing of holiday hours for offices and services around the University in the Thursday, December 17, issue. Send the details to at-rochester@rochester.edu by noon on Tuesday, December 15, to be included.

Riding your bike more during the pandemic?

Gain the confidence you need to bike with a series of virtual classes offered by the Department of Transportation and Parking Management throughout the riding season. A winter cycling class will be held on Thursday, December 10, from noon to 12:45 p.m. EST with 15 minutes for questions after the class. Registration is required.

Nominations open for the Susan B. Anthony Center Professional Women's Leadership Awards

Submit nominations by Tuesday, January 12, for the Susan B. Anthony Center’s 2021 Professional Women’s Leadership Awards. The Susan B. Anthony Lifetime Achievement Award honors women who have achieved significant professional stature and influence and who have used their experience to help other women advance as leaders. The Emerging Leader Award recognizes female leaders in the early stages of their careers who have strong engagement in the community, show excellent leadership ability, and exhibit high potential for collaboration. Nominees should have a strong affiliation with the University.