Today is the University’s annual Day of Giving, an annual online fundraising event. For 24 hours, the Rochester community—alumni, patients, community members, friends, families, faculty, and staff—will come together to support any school, program, or giving area. Read more about the campaign in Today’s Updates.
Also in today’s issue:
Institute of Optics researchers have come up with a novel technology to create the next generation of AR/VR headsets and eyewear
There’s an urgent need for people to assist with this year’s commencement ceremonies
May is National Bike Month, and this week’s Go Green newsletter features resources for cyclists
Since Tuesday’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.
Commencement is fast approaching and this year features more ceremonies than in the past to comply with social distancing guidelines and to allow graduating students the chance to safely enjoy an in-person commencement experience. Commencement organizers are urgently looking for staff and faculty willing to work at various events. Most urgent is the need for ushers. This year, ushers will be asked to help ensure the integrity of each of the sites and ceremonies, and may need to redirect individuals who are not permitted to enter a ceremony; a script will be provided to all ushers. With ceremonies being conducted over a number of days, both weekday and weekend opportunities for ushering are available, in either two-hour or four-hour blocks of time. Individuals without any ushering experience are welcome. Opportunities include:
Sunday, May 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for two Simon School ceremonies on the Eastman Quad
Wednesday, May 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for two Phi Beta Kappa ceremonies in Strong Auditorium
Thursday, May 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 1:30 to 5 p.m. for AS&E ceremonies on the Eastman Quad
Friday, May 21, at various times between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. for diploma ceremonies at various locations on the campus
Saturday, May 22, at various times between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. for diploma ceremonies at various locations on campus
If you would like to participate, contact Rhonda Smith by email at rhonda.smith@rochester.edu or by calling (585) 481-0440, or contact your HR Business Partner with your available times and the specific ceremonies you would like to assist with.
Together for Rochester this Day of Giving
Today is the University’s annual Day of Giving. Over the past year, members of the Rochester community have saved lives, ensured students had access to emergency funds and a stocked food pantry, promoted equity and access, provided critical funding for researchers, and connected graduates with mentorship opportunities and career assistance. Join today’s Day of Giving and be a part of the Together for Rochester Campaign. It’s about everyone pitching in today to make life better.
University flags will be lowered Tuesday, May 11, for Larry Cunningham, an emergency department access specialist at Strong Memorial Hospital, who died on April 23. Cunningham joined the University staff in 2012.
Eligible employees can use their free premium Care.com membership to search for safe care options. Care.com features CareCheck—an annual background check required for all care providers on the site as well as resources and tools to help parents evaluate risk and stay savvy about safety. Visit the Family Care web page for eligibility information and access to this benefit.
Participate in the Simon Executive Experience
The Simon Executive Experience provides the opportunity to virtually attend class and participate in a roundtable discussion with current students. The session will begin with a presentation that gives an in-depth look at the executive MBA program. Register to attend on Saturday, May 8, from 9 to 11:45 a.m. EDT.
May is National Bike Month and the University has opportunities to celebrate including new and improved bike stations, a pit stop event, and free classes.
Final Campus Times of the semester
The Campus Times has released its final issue of the semester, which is available digitally here. Printed copies are also available for pickup in public spaces like Rush Rhees Library, Wilson Commons, and the common areas of the residence halls. Access all articles published by the Campus Times at campustimes.org.
Celebrating 75 years of ASME
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers student chapter is celebrating its 75th anniversary with an in-person event from 1 to 5 p.m. on Friday, May 7, in and around a tent between Schlegel Hall and Strong Auditorium. Events include the announcement of the Art of Science Competition winners, the unveiling of the Baja Society of Automotive Engineers off-road vehicle, an expo-style display of projects from various engineering clubs, plus a talk on diversity in engineering. University students, staff, and faculty are invited to attend. In accordance with COVID-19 safety protocols, attendance is limited to 200 people at a time, with a maximum of 50 allowed in the tent at any time. Register to attend here.
Spend Mother's Day at the Memorial Art Gallery
The Memorial Art Gallery is offering a special docent tour celebrating the artworks and accomplishments of women artists in the collection on Sunday, May 9, at 11:15 a.m. and 2 p.m. The public tours are included with museum admission. Upon arrival, let the Admission Desk know that you wish to join the tour; space is limited.
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