On Friday, July 23, University Facilities and Services will hold the 11th annual Shred Fest, from 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Zone 3 South. University faculty, staff, students, and alumni can drop off up to five boxes or bags of unwanted personal documents to be securely shredded and recycled.
Heartfelt thanks for supporting the United Way
Due to the generosity of the University community, the 2021 United Way campaign surpassed its goal and raised more than $1.2 million. Although online pledging is no longer available, you may still access a pledge form or contact the University’s United Way office at uwco@hr.rochester.edu to facilitate your pledge. Thank you for your support!
There are excellent reasons to search for extraterrestrial life, but there are equally excellent reasons not to conclude that we have found evidence of it with UFO sightings, writes Adam Frank, the Helen F. and Fred H. Gowen Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
As previously announced, the University is returning to a full reinstatement of the direct contribution formula to the 403(b) retirement program. Beginning July 1, the University’s direct contribution will be 6.2 percent of eligible compensation up to a breakpoint of $63,100, then 10.5 percent of eligible compensation in excess of the breakpoint, up to the IRS compensation limit of $290,000.
In addition, the University is adding a birth/adoption distribution provision to the 403(b) retirement program effective July 1. This allows eligible employees to take a penalty free withdrawal from their retirement account within the first year of a qualified birth or adoption. To learn more about these benefits, visit the Retirement Program website.
Health Bites: Post-traumatic stress disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has received increased attention from both the media and the broader public over the past decade. Join UR Medicine EAP on Tuesday, June 8, from noon to 1 p.m. EDT for a discussion to sort out the myths from the science of PTSD, including what makes an event traumatic and how trauma can lead to PTSD for some people and not others. Register here.
Early-stage faculty boot camp
The “Early-Stage Faculty Boot Camp” is a free, year-long course created to address a professional development need for early-stage faculty engaged in any of the career paths available in academic medicine. It is designed to facilitate career development based on practical knowledge from local experts and peers. Virtual meetings will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. EDT on the second Wednesday of each month from October 2021 through June 2022. Apply by Tuesday, August 31. For questions, contact Janine Shapiro or Ronnie Guillet.
The M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence offers three weeks of exploration and practice in nonviolent communication through thought, speech, and embodied practices for youth. The classes take place June 8, 15, and 22, from 7 to 8 p.m. Learn more and register here.
Virtual event on COVID-19 vaccine
Attend “Protect Your Team, Learn about the Vaccine,” a virtual conversation on the COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday, June 15, at 7 p.m. EDT. Hear stories from local community members about their vaccine hesitancy, and why they ultimately decided to get vaccinated. Angela Branche, an assistant professor of medicine and codirector of the Vaccine Trials and Evaluation Unit, will be on the call to answer questions. The event is hosted by Norma Holland, director of public relations and engagement for the Office of Equity and Inclusion at the School of Medicine and Dentistry. Register here to attend.
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