University flags will be at half-staff today to acknowledge the one-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic at the University. At noon the University will also hold a moment of silence to reflect on the events of the past year, which brought struggle and loss for many but also showcased great compassion and heroism throughout the University and the broader Rochester community.
If you’re looking for support, the University offers many programs and services for employees and their families. The UR Medicine Employee Assistance Program and Behavioral Health Partners Programs provide confidential, short-term, evidence-based treatment for stress, depression, and anxiety. Well-U has stress-focused programs including guided relaxation, group stress reduction, and mindfulness-based stress reduction programs. Learn more on the HR website.
Since Monday’s notice in @Rochester, there are two new cases of COVID-19 to report: both River Campus students. 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.
New orthopaedics campus construction set to begin
Building design is complete for the 330,000-square-foot UR Medicine Orthopaedics & Physical Performance Center, which will combine ambulatory surgery and other essential services in one convenient spot. Located at the Marketplace Mall, the project, first announced in November 2019, will create one of the largest and most comprehensive ambulatory orthopaedics facilities in the US by 2023.
“The country of Honduras has become incredibly dependent on migration to the United States and the incomes that migrants in the US get and send back to their families,” says Daniel Reichman, an associate professor and chair of the Department of Anthropology. Reichman argues that US immigration laws should better reflect the desire for many migrants to work in the country, but then return home.
'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 9, 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 Daniel Kuehler ’20E (DMA) playing an eclectic program of piano music.
Learn about Simon executive and professional MBA programs
This webinar will provide an overview of the executive and professional MBA programs offered by the Simon Business School. Broken into a fifteen-minute presentation of the programs and fifteen minutes of Q&A, the event takes place Wednesday, March 10, from 5 to 6 p.m. EST. Register here to attend.
Benefits overview webinar
Are you newly hired or newly benefit eligible? The Office of Total Rewards is hosting a live webinar on Tuesday, March 16, at noon EST to review and explain all benefit options. Representatives will be available to answer questions live throughout the presentation.
Utilize your tuition benefits this summer
Arts, Sciences & Engineering offers a variety of courses for students, faculty, staff, and the community during Summer Sessions, taking place May 24–August 13. With over 100 courses, including fully asynchronous options, anytime is a good time to take a class. Summer is a great way to learn something new and different, like a language, and to gain additional professional skills. University employees may be eligible for tuition benefits.
Registration is currently open in UR Student. Connect with the Office of Summer and Continuing Studies via email if you have questions.
Increase your tax refund with the Saver’s Credit
If you made contributions to your retirement account in 2020 the Office of Total Rewards wants you to know that you may qualify for the Saver’s Credit, a federal tax credit of up to $1,000, or $2,000 if married and filing jointly. Unlike a deduction, a credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction of your federal income tax liability, and this credit can reduce the amount you owe or increase your refund for taxes already paid. Visit IRS.gov to learn more and find out who can claim the Saver’s Credit.
Long-term care insurance
Legacy Services, an independent agency, offers one-on-one phone consultations to answer your personal questions regarding long-term care insurance. To schedule a consultation, contact Legacy at (800) 230-3398 or email custsvc@4groupltci.com. For general information, visit www.legacyltci.com. More information is also available on the Total Rewards website.
This 60-minute yoga practice is for all levels because every pose can be modified or intensified. Flow moves one breath at a time, with intentional space for stillness; it’s mindfulness meditation in motion, which means you will leave class with powerful strategies to help navigate through daily stressors. Join Tuesdays from 6–7 p.m. EST via Zoom.
Neilly Author Series features Edmund Hajim ’58
On Thursday, March 11, at noon EST, join Ed Hajim ’58, financier, philanthropist, and chair emeritus of the University’s Board of Trustees, for a compelling and inspirational conversation about his new memoir, On the Road Less Traveled: An Unlikely Journey from the Orphanage to the Boardroom. Learn about Hajim’s improbable story, why writing his memoir was so meaningful to him, and what he hopes others can learn from his experiences. Students, faculty, and staff can register here. This event is part of the Neilly Author Series.
'Community Conversations on Cancer' lecture on COVID-19 and health disparities
Join Monroe County Commissioner of Public Health Michael Mendoza, an associate professor of family medicine, of public health sciences, and of nursing, and Phyllis Jackson, a registered nurse, in a conversation about COVID-19 in Monroe County and the systemic health disparities highlighted by the pandemic. Sign up here to attend.
Join the University's virtual book club
Enjoy the second selection from the University’s virtual book club, The Vanishing Half, by Brit Bennett, a novel that tells the story of twin sisters who ultimately choose to live in two very different worlds––one black and one white. Launched earlier this year in the spirit of strengthening lifelong learning, the virtual book club encourages the University community around the world to connect, share recommendations, and virtually discuss thought-provoking titles on a variety of topics. The reading period will begin on Thursday, March 18. Learn more and sign up here.
Weekly workshop on the intersection of mindfulness practice and racial justice
Deepen your mindfulness practice and explore issues of racial justice through reading and discussing The Inner Work of Racial Justice: Healing Ourselves and Transforming our Communities through Mindfulness by Rhonda Magee and Jon Kabat-Zinn. This four-week workshop is offered on Fridays from noon to 1:15 p.m. EST via Zoom starting on March 26. Registration is required. Open to all students, faculty, and staff, this program is brought to you by the Mindful University Project.
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