In this final issue of @Rochester for 2020, we take a look back at the extraordinary lengths members of the University community have taken this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A collection of stories, featured in the forthcoming issue of Rochester Review, highlights just some of the people who have stepped up, in the face of daunting challenges, to support our students, faculty, and staff; to research and develop vaccines and therapies; and to care for patients and members of the larger community facing hardships.
In today’s issue:
The Blackboard learning management system will be temporarily unavailable from December 24 to 31
How to update your W-2 preferences and information
The Genesee Staff Council has published its first annual report
@Rochester will be back in your inbox on January 4. In the meantime, remember that the COVID-19 Resource site continues to be the place to find updates on the University’s response to the pandemic.
Since Thursday’s notice in @Rochester, there is one new case of COVID-19 to report: a River Campus employee. 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
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Blackboard learning management system unavailable starting December 24
Blackboard will be temporarily unavailable for one week between Thursday, December 24, 12:01 a.m. EST, and Thursday, December 31, as system maintenance occurs. Contact the University IT Help Desk at univithelp@rochester.edu, (585) 275-2000, or submit a support ticket for issues experienced after the upgrade.
Flags will be lowered for Donna Salmon
University flags will be lowered Tuesday, December 29, for Donna Salmon, a director of development in University Advancement, who died December 8. Salmon joined the University in 2005.
Faculty, staff, and students can elect to receive their W-2 forms electronically. Consenting to receive your Form W-2 electronically protects your identity by eliminating the possibility of your W-2 statement, which contains your social security number, being misplaced or lost in the mail. By consenting, you will receive notification in January via email when your W-2 is available to view or print. To consent, log in to HRMS and go to Self Service > Payroll and Compensation > W-2/W-2c Consent, check the box to consent, and submit by January 8. Individuals who previously consented to receive their W-2 statements electronically do not need to consent again. If you have not consented by January 8 to receive your W-2 electronically, your W-2 will be mailed to the mailing address indicated in HRMS. To verify and update your address in HRMS, go to Self Service > Personal Information > Personal Details. Address updates need to be completed by January 14. Contact the Payroll and Tax Compliance Office at (585) 275-2040 or payroll@rochester.edu with questions.
Genesee Staff Council annual report
The Genesee Staff Council has completed its inaugural year by producing its first annual report. The report is now available to the entire University community. This report describes the undertakings of the Genesee Staff Council from August 2019 through September 2020 and identifies priorities and themes that will guide the council for the following year.
EAP blog on boredom and the pandemic
With the continuation of the pandemic, people are experiencing an unexpected feeling: boredom. Read this week’s EAP blog to learn how boredom can affect you. UR Medicine EAP is brought to you by Well-U, helping eligible individuals to assess issues, and provide short-term counseling and referrals.
Holiday clearance sale at Strong Memorial Hospital gift shopÂ
Strong Memorial Hospital’s gift shop, located on the first floor of Golisano Children’s Hospital, is holding a clearance sale on all holiday-themed merchandise: 25 percent off through Saturday, December 19; 30 percent off Monday, December 21, and Tuesday, December 22; and 40 percent off Wednesday, December 23, and Thursday, December 24. The store is open until 4 p.m. today, Friday, December 18; from noon to 4 p.m. on Friday; from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday. The store is closed Sunday, December 20.
Catholic Newman Community hosts Christmas concert, masses
Start off the new year with a resolution to be more mindful. In a four-week meditation class, participants will learn two new meditation techniques each week, engage in a short daily practice, and bring more presence and gratitude to their lives. This class is offered on Wednesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. EST via Zoom starting on January 6, and is open to all students, faculty, and staff. Registration is required. Brought to you by the Mindful University Project.
Submissions sought for community art show on racial justice
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