Two new positive cases of COVID-19

Since Thursday’s notice in @Rochester, there are two new cases of COVID-19 to report: one Medical Campus student and one River Campus employee. Please note that the University’s COVID-19 Dashboard is updated daily. Whenever a new case is known, the contact-tracing process begins immediately with confirmed exposures being contacted and required to quarantine.

It’s extremely important for the health of the University community that individuals continue to adhere to the face masking and social distancing protocols. Even as some individuals are now receiving their first or second dose of the vaccine, these practices to prevent the transmission of the virus cannot be relaxed.

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.

How the COVID-19 recession will end

Researchers including Lisa Kahn, a professor of economics, documented the evolution of the labor market from mid-March through September 2020. The findings led them to predict a mismatch between job seekers and employers when the pandemic wanes.

• 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
• University’s COVID-19 Resource Center
• Medical Center’s COVID-19 update page
• COVID-19 Concern Report

Biden called for unity in his inaugural address. American science provides it.

NBC News, January 20

“Throughout all our turmoil, American science has not wavered. Instead, American science in all its forms—the institutions, individuals, and culture—has not only remained solid through the crises, but also provided us a path out of the darkness,” writes Adam Frank, the Helen F. and Fred H. Gowen Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

2020 W-2s now available

2020 Form W-2s are available for viewing and printing in HRMS. Log on to HRMS with your NetID and password and follow the path Main Menu > Self-Service > Payroll and Compensation > View W-2/W2-c Forms. If you did not consent to receive your W-2 form electronically, it will be mailed out by January 31.

2020 Forms 1042-S will be issued electronically by January 31, and will be available in Glacier. If you have a complete Glacier record as of December 31, 2020, you will receive an email from Glacier explaining how to view and print your form. Contact the payroll office at (585) 275-2040 or payroll@rochester.edu with questions.

Apply for the 2021 University Research Awards

Applications open for the 2021 University Research Awards, which provide “seed” grants for promising, high-risk projects. Applications are sought from faculty across the University, and funding is awarded to recipients who demonstrate their projects favor new research with a high probability of being leveraged by future external funding. A review committee of faculty from across the University provides peer review of the applications.

Applications must be received by 5 p.m. EST on February 12. Selected applicants may be asked to present their research project to the Executive Research Committee prior to the final award decisions, which will be announced mid-May. Recipients of this award are required to peer review future University Research Award proposals. Completed applications should be directed to Adele Coelho at adele.coelho@rochester.edu.

EAP blog explores loneliness and health

Are wondering how loneliness can affect your health? Read this week’s UR Medicine EAP blog to learn more. UR Medicine EAP is brought to you by Well-U, helping eligible individuals to assess issues, and provide short-term counseling and referrals.

Webinar on establishing an online identity

“Famous Not Infamous,” is a webinar on how to establish and effectively manage your online identity to get noticed. During this hands-on session, hosted by River Campus Libraries, you will discover why you might want to develop an online professional presence and explore tools that will help you distinguish yourself from others in your field. Combined with an asynchronous activity to build your own website, you will learn the skills to build and maintain your online identity. The event takes place Friday, February 5, at noon EST.

Wilmot Cancer Institute seminar on targeting resistant breast cancers

Join Ruth O’Regan, the Charles A. Dewey Professor and chair of the Department of Medicine, for “Targeting Resistant Breast Cancers.” The seminar takes place today, Friday, January 22, at noon EST via Zoom.

Attend a virtual movie screening

Enjoy a virtual movie screening of “Picture A Scientist,” a selection from the 2020 Tribecca Film Festival, starting today, Friday, January 22, through Monday, January 25. The film chronicles the groundswell of researchers who are writing a new chapter for women scientists. Learn more about the film and register with your NetID on CCC to receive information on how to access the viewing room where you can start the movie on your own. This opportunity is sponsored by Wilson Commons Student Activities, the Hajim School of Engineering, Cinema Group, College Feminists, the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, the Society of Women in Astronomy and Physics, and Women in Computing.

During his inaugural address Wednesday, President Joe Biden quoted from his favorite song, “American Anthem.” The music and lyrics are by Eastman School of Music alumnus Gene Scheer ’81E, ’82E (MM). Here, he’s pictured in Eastman Theatre, receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award during commencement ceremonies in 2017.