There are some updates coming to the University WiFi connections next week, which you can read more about below. And speaking of the internet: new University research shows that social media use could encourage new ways of thinking and different perspectives—if creativity were considered part of the platforms’ algorithms.
Also in this issue:
A virtual edition of Eastman School of Music’s annual tradition, the Holiday Sing, goes live at noon today.
The Memorial Art Gallery is starting docent-led tours of the Season of Warhol exhibit.
Students, faculty, and staff can learn how to meditate in a four-part series of classes.
Since Thursday’s notice in @Rochester, there are four new cases of COVID-19 to report: two River Campus employees, and one student who lives on campus; and one Medical Campus student. 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.
If you think you’re experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, it’s best to report them through Dr. Chat Bot immediately. Even if you think your symptoms might be something else, like a cold, seasonal congestion, or allergies, it’s still important to tell University health professionals and contact tracers what you’re experiencing—they always want to receive more, not less, information. Common COVID-19 symptoms include:
A temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher
Chills
Muscle or body aches
Severe fatigue
Headache
Congestion or runny nose
Sore throat
Loss of taste, smell, or appetite
Cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
On Tuesday, December 15, University IT is making an update to the certificate for its wireless networks that will require you to take action if you use the University’s WiFi. If you use the UR_Connected or UR_Connected5 networks, you should expect a prompt on your wireless device any time after 5:30 a.m. EST asking you to verify the certificate for auth.net.rochester.edu.Once you accept this new certificate, you will be connected to the wireless network. If you cancel the popup, you will need to reconnect and accept the certificate. Contact the University IT Help Desk at UnivITHelp@rochester.edu or (585) 275-2000 if you need assistance.
Flags will be lowered for Fred Rogosch
University flags will be lowered Tuesday, December 21, for Fred Rogosch, a senior research associate in clinical and social psychology at the Mt. Hope Family Center, who died November 26. Rogosch joined the University in 1989.
The room-temperature superconducting material synthesized in the lab Ranga Dias, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering and of physics and astronomy, has been named a “Breakthrough of the Year” finalist by Physics World.
Join Well-U and the lifestyle management team today, Friday, December 11, at noon EST, to learn how to balance your plate based on your goals. Explore meal planning, portion distortion, and proper serving sizes for you and your family plus a few recipes for practice at home. Save your spot by registering in advance.
Eastman School of Music presents annual Holiday Sing
Enjoy holiday favorites at Eastman’s annual Holiday Sing, which this year has gone virtual. Videos by faculty, students, and staff will go live at noon today, December 11, on a special website created for the event.
Eastman is also spreading holiday cheer to patients at Strong Memorial Hospital. The Holiday Sing program and Holiday on the Rocks, an album by Bob Sneider, associate professor of jazz studies and contemporary media at Eastman, will be available on the Get Well Network, available in patient rooms at the hospital.
Take a one-hour docent-led tour of the Season of Warhol exhibit at the Memorial Art Gallery and learn more about Andy Warhol who, 33 years after his death, is still seen by many as the most influential artist of the 20th century. Upon your arrival, let the Admission Desk know that you wish to join the tour. Reserve your timed tickets to the museum in advance. The tours take place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 11:15 a.m. and are included in the cost of museum admission.
Webinar on applying to the nurse practitioner programs
The School of Nursing’s admissions team hosts a webinar at noon on Saturday, December 12, to talk about how an advanced degree can transform your nursing career. Learn more about application requirements and admissions processes for the various nurse practitioner program pathways. Register to attend live or receive the recording. Email School of Nursing admissions with questions.
Take a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season with this four-week meditation class. Participants will learn two new meditation techniques each week, engage in a short daily practice, and bring more mindfulness and gratitude to their lives. This class is open to all students, faculty, and staff, and takes place on Mondays from 1 to 2:15 p.m. EST via Zoom starting on December 21. Registration is required. Brought to you by the Mindful University Project.
Holiday pricing at the Tech Store
The UR Tech Store has discounts on previous-generation Intel MacBook Airs. Shop for this and other clearance items on the UR Tech Store website. Shipping is available. Clearance items are available while supplies last.
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