“The development of RNA vaccines is a great boon to the future of treating infectious diseases,” says Lynne Maquat, the J. Lowell Orbison Distinguished Service Alumni Professor in biochemistry and biophysics, oncology, and pediatrics at Rochester and the director of Rochester’s Center for RNA Biology.
COVID-19 vaccines will be the topic of a live panel discussion on WXXI-TV and AM 1370/FM 107.5 at 8 p.m. EST on Thursday, December 17. A panel including Medical Center faculty will address vaccine science, distribution plans, how to ensure the vaccines reach underserved populations, new COVID-19 treatments, and more.
Here are a few highlights from today’s issue:
A reminder about the update to the University’s WiFi connections, happening today
Check out the newly launched Department of Public Safety website
There’s a sale this week at the URMC Fitness Center store
Since Monday’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.
If 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
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
New Public Safety website launchedÂ
The Department of Public Safety has a new online presence featuring improved navigation of services, policies, data, and ways to connect with DPS. The new website is a complete site redesign completed by the University Communications Digital Team. Working closely with DPS staff, project leaders ensured all content on the new site is current, mobile-friendly, and meets accessibility standards; provided a new, fresh look with easy navigation; and added important FAQs to communicate the department’s mission, structure, and practices.
Update today on University WiFi connections
University IT is making an update to the certificate for its wireless networks that will require you to take an 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.
System powering down 35 years of information management
With the switch to UR Financials, UR Student, and eRecord Revenue Cycle, the computer server system (mainframe) that supported the Student Information System (SIS), Financial Reporting System (FRS), and Flowcast Legacy Reporting is ready for retirement. On January 4, after the final end-of-year reports are completed, University IT will close out this chapter of its platform modernization by shutting down the mainframe. While access to the mainframe has been limited to the Bursar’s Office as of December 15, the effects of the shutdown should be minimal. Contact the University IT Help Desk at UnivITHelp@rochester.edu with any concerns or questions.
The Fitness Center in Goergen Athletic Center—previously closed under Orange Zone restrictions—reopens for use by full-time students today at 8 a.m. under revised New York State guidelines. Holiday hours are in effect; find details on the aquatics or fitness center web pages. As previously planned, the entire Goergen Athletic Center facility will close at 6 pm, Friday, December 18, and reopen to students on January 4, at 8 am.
Finals week meditation
Join the Mindful University Project for peer-led meditations throughout reading period and finals week. Sylvia Lin ’21 will lead meditations on Instagram live using the Mindful University Project Instagram account. Meditations will be offered on Thursday, December 10, at 4 p.m. EST, Sunday, December 13, at 10 p.m. EST, and Wednesday, December 16, at 3 p.m. EST. Whether you are on campus or at home, drop in and give your mind a break.
Seeking UR Connected coaches for spring 2021
UR Connected is a peer-to-peer network that connects students to the resources they need when they need it most. UR Connected coaches are trained in areas of effective communication, helping students in distress, and suicide prevention. They are educated on all of the resources that campus has to offer, from academic support to navigating an off-campus therapy appointment to finding a program to improve your sleep habits. Learn more and apply online by January 8.
Help find solutions for community health crises
Take part in the second iteration of the UR COVID-19 Challenge, UR Innovation Challenge: Community Health Crises. It will be held from January 11 to 22 and is open to all University undergraduate and graduate students. In the challenge, students will work in virtual teams to develop solutions for addressing various problems related to the health and community crises in the city of Rochester. At the end of the challenge, they will present their solution to their respective community partner and a panel of judges. Cash prizes will be awarded. Registration is open here.
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 Wednesday, December 16, from noon to 12:45 p.m. EST with 15 minutes for questions after the class. Registration is required.
Sale at the Fitness Center storeÂ
The URMC Fitness Center, G5680, will be hosting a holiday sale on Wednesday, December 16, from 11 a.m to 5 p.m. Shop for T-shirts, workout clothes, exercise balls, tubing, and more. Everything in the store will be 30 percent off.
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