No new positive cases of COVID-19

Since Monday’s notice in @Rochester, there are no new cases of COVID-19 to report. 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.

The Medical Center is continuing to make vaccine clinic appointments available to all University faculty, staff, and students. Visit the URMC COVID Clinic List to register.

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.

Feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed in these COVID times? Students can reach out to the University Counseling Center for help. UHS also maintains a site with COVID Coping and Resources for students. Employees can contact the UR Medicine Employee Assistance Program, one of several support services for faculty and staff.

Listening sessions scheduled for provost search

University faculty and staff are invited to participate in listening sessions with the executive search firm Isaacson, Miller as part of the search for the next provost.

Sessions will be held at the following times:

• Staff: Tuesday, April 27, from 4 to 5 p.m. EDT. Register for the staff session.
• Faculty: Wednesday, April 28, 4 to 5 p.m. EDT. Register for the faculty session.
• General open forum:  Monday, May 3, 11 a.m. to noon EDT. This session is open to all who may have scheduling conflicts. Register for the open forum.

A separate forum and communication are being organized for students.

These discussions will help the search consultants learn about the role and gain an understanding of the University’s culture, current environment, and the organizational context in which the next provost will operate. If you are unable to attend a meeting, you can share your thoughts with the consultants and the committee via this survey.

Upcoming changes to RTS routes, schedules to Medical Center and River Campus

On Monday, May 17, Regional Transit Service (RTS) will launch “Reimagine RTS,” the redesign of its transit system in Monroe County. Changes to RTS bus routes, schedules, and bus stops will affect getting around the River Campus and the Medical Center.

As of May 17, changes will be made to the following routes to the Medical Center and the River Campus: RTS Route #48/Elmwood Ave; RTS Route #4/Genesee; and RTS Route #47. Full details on the changes are posted here.

Additionally, RTS has discontinued direct service to the River Campus. Parking and Transportation Management offers alternative routes to get to the River Campus.

Go Green: Celebrate Earth Day

Earth Day is April 22. If you are looking for ways to get involved, the Go Green blog from University Facilities and Services offers a few suggestions on how to honor the planet.

Hospital volunteers persevere during the pandemic

For National Volunteer Week, Friends of Strong Memorial Hospital reflects on a remarkable year of perseverance for its volunteer program. Since COVID-19 first emerged, the hospital’s volunteer group has worked hard to redesign its program to meet the challenges of these historic times and, with strict safety protocols in place, an estimated 170 enthusiastic volunteers have logged more than 10,000 hours since returning in June 2020. Read more about their impact on patient care.

• 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

Counseling Center offering support sessions today

The University Counseling Center is offering two opportunities today for students to get support after yesterday’s verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin.

• BIPOC students, 2 p.m. EDT
  Zoom ID is 954 2342 9772
• All students, 4 p.m. EDT
  Zoom ID is 978 9611 0005

You can also speak with a UCC therapist by calling (585) 275-3113.

Wellness Wednesday: Interfaith support

Needing to be physically distant doesn’t mean you need to be disconnected from your faith. There are virtual and in-person ways for you to worship and gather with your religious community. And everyone, including those who are not religious but feeling spiritually depleted, can reach out to Denise Yarbrough, director of religious and spiritual life.

Check in next Wednesday for more tips and resources that will help you stay focused, healthy, and connected.

HR Intercom highlights support resources and more

This month’s issue of HR Intercom, a newsletter with information about Human Resources programs and materials, includes information on support resources, emergency funds for renters, and more.

Eligible faculty and staff can apply to state grant program for financial relief

A new program designed to support essential workers facing urgent economic needs amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is now available through New York State. The Empire Pandemic Response Reimbursement Fund is accepting grant applications for first responders, health care, and many multi-industry workers who have accrued expenses such as out-of-pocket childcare, transportation, lodging, and other qualifying expenses that enabled them to perform their duties during the COVID-19 crisis. University faculty and staff could be eligible for this program, which offers reimbursements on a first-come, first-served basis and up to $1,000 per household. Check your eligibility and apply online.

Reduce workday stress with mindfulness

Are you looking for ways to reduce stress during the workday? Read Behavioral Health Partner’s April blog to learn how to use mindfulness for stress reduction.

Financial Health Bite: Home ownership incentive program

The Office of Total Rewards invites you to a webinar on Wednesday, April 28, at noon EDT  about the University’s home ownership incentive program for benefits-eligible faculty, staff, residents, and fellows. This program is a joint program with the University, the City of Rochester, and participating banks and credit unions to offer you $9,000 toward the purchase of a primary residence. There will be time for your questions at the end of the presentation.

'Stop the Hate: The Rise in Violence Against Asian Americans'

Join a virtual moderated discussion on Wednesday, April 21, at 6:30 p.m. EDT as Juju Chang, coanchor of ABC News’ Nightline, shares how seemingly harmless perceptions of Asian Americans as “foreigners” can be weaponized by racialized statements. Chang investigates how within weeks of the pandemic outbreak, thousands of acts of racial abuse against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders were reported. Learn about unconscious bias, how to detect it, and why it matters. Register here to attend. This event is hosted by AS&E Dean for Diversity, Beth Olivares.

CRoFT seminar, Career Story

The Western New York Center for Research on Flavored Tobacco (CRoFT) hosts presentations by Elaine Hill, an associate professor of public health sciences, and Tariq Bhat, a research associate at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, of their year-two mentored pilot projects. The presentations take place virtually on Friday, April 23, at 11 a.m. EDT. Register here.

Following the presentations, trainees will have the opportunity to attend a virtual “Career Story” with Hill and Bhat, taking place from noon to 1 p.m. EDT. Registration is required.

Data science seminar

Join the Goergen Institute for Data Science on Friday, April 23, for “Using Data Science to Uncover the Morphogenetic Blueprints of the Fly Embryo,” a research seminar with Tomer Stern, a postdoctoral research fellow at Princeton University. This free, virtual talk will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. EDT via Zoom.

Lecture on intervention failure

Join Wendi Cross, a professor of psychiatry and of pediatrics, who will describe the key constructs associated with implementer fidelity, measurement of those constructs, studies that show their importance, and emerging issues. The virtual lecture takes place Tuesday, April 27, at 4 p.m. EDT. Learn more and register here.

Discussion on emergency responses to mental health crises in the community

This panel will discuss emergency responses to mental health crises, how effective the new Rochester City Person in Crisis team and the expanded Monroe County Forensics Intervention Team will be, and what advances still need to be made. Register in advance to attend this virtual event, taking place Thursday, April 29, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. EDT.

32nd Annual Genetics Day Symposium

The 32nd Annual Genetics Day Symposium will be held virtually on Monday, May 24, from noon to 4:30 p.m. EDT. The symposium includes a keynote presentation, three invited talks by University faculty, a presentation on imaging resources, a virtual talk and poster competition, and six short talks by the winners of the competition. The deadline to submit short talk presentations is Friday, April 23. Register to attend the symposium by Friday, April 30. Contact Michel_Powers@URMC.Rochester.edu with questions.

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