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.

Douglass Leadership House to undergo operational, physical changes

Douglass Leadership House, located on the Fraternity Quad of the River Campus, soon will be under an umbrella of support consisting of the College, the Office of Minority Student Affairs, the Frederick Douglass Institute for African and African-American Studies, Residential Life and Housing Services, and the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

With this new support and operational structure, Douglass Leadership House will become the University’s first “living-learning community,” designed to allow members of the house to offer academic, social, and housing options through partnerships with several University curricular and cocurricular units.

Faculty honored with 2021 Satcher Awards

Three Medical Center faculty members were recognized last week for their contributions to improving health in the Greater Rochester region at the 12th annual Dr. David Satcher Community Health Improvement Awards, presented by the Center for Community Health & Prevention. For their work in pediatrics, Laura Jean Shipley, a professor of clinical pediatrics and vice chair for population and behavioral health at Golisano Children’s Hospital, and Jeffrey Kaczorowski, a professor and vice chair for community and government affairs in the Department of Pediatrics, were jointly awarded the Senior Faculty Award. Angela Branche, an assistant professor of medicine and codirector of the Vaccine Trials and Evaluation Unit, received the Junior Faculty Award for her efforts in infectious disease and the COVID-19 pandemic.

100 years on: The partition of Ireland explained

This year marks 100 years since the Government of the United Kingdom and Ireland divided the Emerald Isle into two self-governing political entities—Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland—under the Government of Ireland Act. According to Stewart Weaver, a professor of history, over time both sides developed two very different and incompatible conceptions of what it means to be Irish.

• 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

Extended library hours, available study spaces

Through Thursday, May 13, Rush Rhees Library will be open until midnight, and Gleason Library will be open until 2 a.m. to provide more on-campus study time. This is a two-hour extension for both spaces and the direct result of the Students’ Association successfully lobbying for the Gold Line shuttle to run until 2 a.m.

For undergraduate students, subject-specific and general study spaces are available for use through 6 p.m. on Friday, May 14. Find the full schedule online including room locations and subject area designations.

Mindfulness, de-stressing for finals week

Are you feeling overwhelmed from final exams, projects, and papers? The Mindful University team offers seven sessions of mindfulness and meditation practices almost every day during finals week. Visit the Mindful University Project Instagram account to find a schedule of offerings and to drop into Instagram live sessions.

The River Campus Libraries also has a few ways to help you de-stress this week. Today, Tuesday, May 11, take a study break with the baby goats at Bowen Family Farms. The River Campus Libraries will be going live with the goats on Instagram at 3:30 p.m. EDT. On Wednesday, May 12, turn your brain “off” and tap into your playful side. Sarah Gerin from iZone will lead you in some creative collaging at 4:30 p.m. EDT. And on Thursday, May 13, escape your studying by escaping the Eastman Quad—if you can. Studio X is challenging you to defeat its virtual escape room at 6 p.m. EDT. Prizes will be awarded to the first three participants that escape in the allotted time!

'Lunch and Listen' program for Medical Center staff and clinical workers features eclectic guitar program

The next “Lunch and Listen” concert from Eastman Performing Arts Medicine and the Office of Patient Experience takes place today, Tuesday, May 11, 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 guitarist Patrick Peralta, currently pursuing a doctoral degree at the Eastman School of Music, bringing the music of Japan, Bach, easy blues, and the American Songbook to today’s performance.

Benefits overview webinar

Are you newly hired or newly benefit eligible? The Office of Total Rewards is hosting a live webinar on Tuesday, May 18, to review and explain all benefit options. The webinar will begin at noon and representatives will be available to answer questions live throughout the presentation.

What's your savings strategy?

Set up a virtual meeting with a TIAA consultant, at no cost, to establish investment goals and select the appropriate funds for those goals. Start by reading TIAA’s retirement savings tips and use their tools and calculators to design a plan that will meet your individual financial needs in retirement. Schedule your one-on-one consultation through TIAA.org/urschedulenow or by calling (800) 410-6497.

Tuition reimbursement reminder

To ensure timely tuition reimbursement, proof of tuition cost, proof of payment, and proof of successful course completion need to be received by the Office of Total Rewards via email no later than 90 days following course completion. For more information, visit the tuition web page.

National Bike Month: Fix a flat virtual class

If you’ve ever wondered how to fix a flat tire on a bike, this virtual class is for you. Receive step-by-step instructions that will have you pedaling in no time. You’ll also have hands-on time to learn how to check your brakes, gears, and chains to be sure you’re safe to ride. “Fix a Flat and Other Bike Maintenance” will be held on Wednesday, May 12,  from noon to 1 p.m. EDT, including time for questions at the end. Registration is required.