Two new positive cases of COVID-19

Since Thursday’s notice in @Rochester, there are two new cases of COVID-19 to report: two 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.

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.

Recreational marijuana remains prohibited on University’s campuses

Despite the new New York State law legalizing the recreational use of marijuana for adults over the age of 21, the University will continue to prohibit possessing, consuming, and distributing marijuana on campus and on University-owned and -leased properties because of federal restrictions.

Looking to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment for children 12 and older?

The Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control, and New York State have approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 12 through 15. Learn why the pediatric vaccine is safe and effective.

Faculty and staff who are interested in having their children vaccinated have a number of options, including two upcoming clinics being held by UR Medicine at the Saunders Building this Saturday, May 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and next Tuesday, May 18, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Find out how to sign up. Slots are filling up quickly. Children can also be vaccinated at the New York State vaccination sites, including the Dome Arena in Henrietta.

Edward Peck Curtis Award honors excellence in teaching by graduate students

The Edward Peck Curtis Award for Excellence in Teaching by a Graduate Student was established to encourage excellence in the work of graduate students who assist undergraduate instruction. The 2021 recipients are

• Ashley Clark, a PhD candidate in brain and cognitive science, nominated for work with the brain and cognitive science program
• Kendall DeBoer, a PhD candidate in visual and cultural studies, nominated for work with the art history program
• Michael Ormsbee, a PhD candidate in English, nominated for work with the Writing Speaking and Argument Program
• Alice Wynd, a PhD candidate in history, nominated for work with the history program.

• 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

‘I am ready to be many things’

As he prepares for graduation, Beirut native Marc Haddad ’21 says he’s had “some of the best experiences of my life” at Rochester.

Graduate fulfills her dream with Rochester degree

First-generation student Eden Thomas ’21 discovers that “one opportunity opens a whole bunch of other doors and connections.”

Supervisor Series: Workplace conflict

Learn to assess your conflict management style, consider your role as supervisor in resolving conflicts, and explore the value of defining the problem before intervening. Join Well-U and UR Medicine EAP on Thursday, May 20, from noon to 1 p.m. EDT for this virtual session for all managers and supervisors. Register to attend.

Virtual happy hour with Simon Business School

Chat with representatives from Simon Business School in an informal setting about executive and professional MBA programs and discover which may be the best fit for you. These unstructured events allow for your questions to be answered by experienced program staff. Register here to attend on Tuesday, May 18, from 5 to 6 p.m. EDT.

Wilmot Cancer Institute seminar

Join Jonathan Coloff, an assistant professor of physiology and biophysics at the University of Illinois at Chicago, for “Targeting Serine Auxotrophy in Luminal Breast Cancer.” The seminar takes place today, Friday, May 14, at noon EDT via Zoom.

Middle and high school summer programs at Eastman Community Music School

The Eastman Community Music School is hosting two programs in person this summer. Adventure Music Camp is a week of music-making for middle school string and band students, taking place August 2–6. The High School Wind Ensemble Workshop is a week-long intensive for students to play in an ensemble during the summer, taking place July 19–23 from 9 a.m. to noon. Many University employees are eligible for a 25 percent tuition waiver for dependent children through the Office of Total Rewards.