Extra masks available to students who want to double-mask
For students on campus who wish to start double-masking, free medical masks (for the base layer) are available for pick-up. Two masks per person, per visit, will be provided, and students should show their University ID and completed Dr. Chat Bot screening when picking up. Find pick-up locations and more information about the CDC’s report on double-masking here. Faculty and staff on the River Campus, at Eastman School of Music, and on any other non-Medical Center campus can also pick up free medical masks through their departments. The Medical Center has separate face mask guidelines for their students and those working in health care.
In today’s issue:
Several faculty members have recently been appointed to named professorships
This week’s “Lunch and Listen” program for Medical Center employees
Since Monday’s notice in @Rochester, there is one new case of COVID-19 to report: 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.
A special note about UHS’s surveillance testing program: all students, including off-campus students, who regularly access campus are included on UHS’s list of individuals to contact for surveillance testing. The surveillance testing program is based on testing 2,000 students per week using the quick, rapid test, and full participation is required from students in order for UHS to complete the required number of rapid tests needed to fulfill their weekly targets. This program has been a very effective way to monitor and contain the spread of the virus throughout this academic year.
Why the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is more effective than you think
In clinical trials, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine showed 66 percent overall efficacy against COVID-19 while the other vaccines showed percentages around 95 percent. But as Louis Papa, a professor of clinical medicine, explains those aren’t the numbers that matter. In Johnson & Johnson’s published results, the vaccine was 85 percent effective in preventing severe disease and, most important, “demonstrated complete protection against COVID-19 related hospitalization and death as of Day 28,” says Papa.
Named positions celebrate the work of Rochester’s faculty
The Bright Line Watch, a nonpartisan political science research initiative cofounded by Gretchen Helmke, a professor of political science, and colleagues at Dartmouth University and the University of Chicago, noted in a study released last month that one-third of Republicans said they support secession.
Talk to the experts about the Fulbright US Student Program
Do you have questions about the Fulbright US Student Program? Get them answered by the experts at an interactive online presentation featuring representatives from the Institute for International Education and the University’s own Fulbright program advisors. Students will need to register ahead of time to join this virtual conversation, open to undergraduates, graduate students, and alumni. This event takes place today, Tuesday, March 2, at 2 p.m. EST and begins with a group general session presentation regarding the Fulbright US Student Grant Program with participants from multiple universities. Once the general session portion has ended, there will be a Breakout Room specifically for those participants who are from the University. Register here to attend.
The Fellowships Office will also host an online conversation about Fulbright specifically for students interested in a study or research Fulbright. Ask questions directly to some of the University’s current Fulbright semifinalists and past and present Fulbrighters. Register to attend this session, taking place Friday, March 5, at 2 p.m. EST.
'Lunch and Listen' program for Medical Center staff and clinical workers
The next “Lunch and Listen” concert from Eastman Performing Arts Medicine and the Office of Patient Experience takes place today, Tuesday, March 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST. Medical Center staff and clinical workers can join via Zoom to hear artists from the Eastman School of Music, and call in to make requests. This week’s concert features Maya Loncar, a doctoral student at the Eastman School of Music, on guitar.
Health Bites: Raised bed gardening
Ready for spring? Join Well-U and UR Medicine EAP to learn key steps to ensure a successful vegetable garden. The session will also cover planting and harvesting techniques, the advantages of raised bed gardening, and the top 10 vegetables for home gardening. This Health Bites presentation takes place Tuesday, March 9, from noon to 1 p.m. EST and will be presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension. Register here to attend.
Community-Engaged Sustainability Fellowship call for proposals
The College supports an individual faculty member or team of faculty members to employ a cohort of up to four undergraduate students working on a community-engaged sustainability project during summer 2021. The student financial award is based on eight weeks of full-time work; the faculty stipend is intended to support the time commitment required to establish meaningful relationships with community partners and to supervise the cohort of students. Proposals are due March 8.
“Spread the Word >> Inclusion” is a global initiative that promotes the inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The campaign’s early focus was on eliminating the “R* word,” an insulting and demeaning term used to describe this population that has been replaced with the more respectful term “intellectual and developmental disability.” This year’s Spread the Word Day is March 3 and focuses on connection and the importance of supporting, valuing, and listening to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Rochester chapter of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry, the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, and the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities program invite you to take the pledge.
'Feast and Famine: COVID-19 Vaccine Local Efforts' lecture
The next public health grand rounds lecture will take place Friday, March 5, at noon EST. Nancy Bennett, a professor of medicine and public health sciences, founder and director of the Center for Community Health & Prevention, codirector of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, and cochair of the Finger Lakes COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force, will discuss the region’s approach to the deployment of the COVID-19 vaccine to all populations, address current barriers to vaccinating our community, and address how the hub and task force are working to ensure the vaccine rollout is equitable, transparent, and efficient across all communities. Pre-registration is required. ASL interpreters will be in attendance. Email Carolyn Settle with questions.
Meet 'Zero-Cost Hero' Nancy Chin
Nancy Chin is an associate professor in the Department of Public Health Services and at the Center for Community Health and Prevention. Find out why she thinks free course materials are a matter of equity and inclusion. Come back tomorrow to meet another “Zero-Cost Hero”: Julie Papaioannou, an associate professor of instruction in French. “Zero-Cost Heroes” is part of an ongoing effort on behalf of River Campus Libraries (RCL) to ensure equity, access, and empowerment for all Rochester students.
Mindful lunch break meditation
Explore a path to a happy life through the practice of mindful meditation during the next Koru mindfulness four-week workshop. Participants will learn two new meditation techniques each week, engage in a short, daily(ish) practice, and bring more mindfulness and gratitude to their lives. Sign up for the Tuesday or Friday sessions, both beginning this month. Registration for the program is required and is open to all students, faculty, and staff. Brought to you by the Mindful University Project.
Clinical trial on dementia caregiving
A clinical trial is being conducted to investigate brief in-home programs, designed to reduce stress and promote cognitive health for people ages 55-85 who are caring for a loved one who has any type of dementia. Scheduling is flexible and subjects receive up to $400 for participation. Enrollment ends in April. For more information, call 275-6835 or email mindbody@urmc.rochester.edu.
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