As we leave 2020 behind and look ahead to the new year, resolutions may be on our minds. Read more below from Richard Ryan, a clinical psychologist and an international expert on motivational research, on why we set resolutions—and what we should focus on to make changes stick.
Also in today’s issue:
Tips from University IT on creating stronger passwords
The Department of Public Safety’s annual security and fire safety report is now available
Attend an open house hosted by the Daybreakers Toastmasters club
Register for a one-day meditation and yoga retreat for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members
Since the last notice in @Rochester on Friday, December 18, there have been 26 new cases of COVID-19 to report: nine River Campus students; 11 River Campus employees; five Medical Campus students; and one Eastman School of Music employee. The University’s COVID-19 Dashboard was regularly updated over this period of time and will continue to be updated daily. When a new case is known, the contact-tracing process begins immediately with confirmed exposures being contacted and required to quarantine.
If you think you’re experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, it’s important 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. 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
Public Safety's annual security and fire safety report available
The University’s annual security and fire safety compliance document, Think Safe, is now available on the Department of Public Safety’s website. The website and Think Safe report contain information regarding campus security and personal safety, including topics such as crime prevention, fire safety, University law enforcement authority, crime reporting policies, and disciplinary procedures. Think Safe contains crime statistics for the three previous calendar years for reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University, and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible, from the campus. If you would like to receive a printed copy of this combined annual security and fire safety report, you can stop by the DPS Office at 612 Wilson Boulevard, or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling (585) 275-3437.
Security tip: the worst passwords of 2020
Passwords are the primary vulnerabilities when it comes to data breaches within companies because employees too often use easy to guess credentials. Hackers pay attention to highly used pop culture or sports terms, knowing users will often resort to those easy to remember words. Even if your password did not make the list of “Top 200 Most Common Passwords of the Year 2020,” think about better practices for your New Year’s resolution. Never reuse your passwords and visit University IT’s Password page for tips on creating strong credentials and keeping your data safe.
Flags will be lowered for Nixon Cox
University flags will be lowered Tuesday, January 5, for Nixon Cox, an environmental services worker at Strong Memorial Hospital, who died December 11. Cox joined the University in 2008.
These unprecedented times have presented many new challenges to employees. Dedicating time to find support and to engage in self-care may seem impossible. Well-U and UR Medicine EAP invites you to join one of its 30-minute Connect for Support sessions. These sessions are designed to provide you with coping strategies and to create a space to connect and support one another. There are 3 different groups to join: Employees in a non-management role, Managers and Supervisors, and Faculty members. Email Well-U with any questions.
Join the University’s Daybreakers Toastmasters club for an open house and guest day. Learn about how Toastmasters can help you improve your public speaking and presentation skills. The event takes place virtually Thursday, January 7, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. EST Email vpm-3685@toastmastersclubs.org for more information.
Meditation, mindfulness, and yoga retreat
Join the Mindful University Project’s team of meditation and yoga instructors on Saturday, January 9, for a retreat the can help you to reconnect with yourself and live your life with more meaning, intention, and authenticity in the new year. Sessions will include yoga, guided meditations, a community-building virtual lunch, and a variety of independent mindfulness activities.
The retreat will be hosted from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST, but you can engage in as much or as little as you’d like throughout the day. Find the full schedule of sessions here. Registration is required. Open to all students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community friends. Participants are welcome to invite their families as well.
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