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June 14, 2021

Provost appointments aim to strengthen University roles

Provost Rob Clark has announced several important updates to central leadership roles, including:

  • Jeffrey Runner, who has been reappointed to a second five-year term as dean of the College, will also become the University’s new vice provost and dean for undergraduate education.
  • Julie Myers, deputy chief information technology officer, has been named vice president and chief information officer.
  • Sandra Cannon, the University’s chief data officer, has been promoted to vice provost for data governance.
  • Sandhya Dwarkadas, the Albert Arendt Hopeman Professor of Engineering, has been named interim associate vice president for research.

Read more about the changes, which will strengthen a University-wide perspective on essential areas of institutional responsibility. The appointees will be members of the University cabinet when they begin their new roles on July 1.

In today’s issue:

  • On Flag Day, we highlight Francis Bellamy, a member of Rochester’s Class of 1876, who composed “The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag” in 1892
  • University IT reminds the University community why it’s important to have strong passwords that you change routinely
  • The Genesee Staff Council has launched a new website
TODAY’S UPDATES

Security Tip: Largest password leak of all time

A popular forum amongst hackers has exposed what is said to be the largest collection of passwords. Known as “RockYou2021,” this leak contained 8.4 billion credentials targeting individuals on a global scale. Hackers with access to this information will be sure to use and store this collection for future attacks. The University community is strongly encouraged to use the data leak checker or leaked password checker. Whether or not your data has been jeopardized, you should change your passwords immediately and routinely. Visit University IT’s password page for more tips on creating strong credentials and use the tool to test your password strength. Read this CyberNews article for more information.

Bacterial cellulose: now maybe for helmets, too

Anne S. Meyer, an associate professor of biology, and her collaborators from Delft University of Technology report additional advances in using bacterial cellulose—this time in combination with calcium carbonate, a substance commonly found in eggshells and seashells—to fabricate durable materials inspired by nature. The unique characteristics of the material may make it a useful building block for objects such as furniture, cellphone holders, or protective helmets.


DID YOU KNOW?

On Flag Day, remembering Rochester's most quoted alumnus

Francis Bellamy, a member of Rochester’s Class of 1876, has been described as the University’s most quoted alumnus for composing “The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag” in 1892. The Department of Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation houses the Francis Julius Bellamy papers, which include letters, programs, news clippings, and other documents related to the Pledge and Bellamy’s life.


COVID-19 QUICK LINKS


FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

New Genesee Staff Council website launched

The Genesee Staff Council in partnership with University Communications launched a new cohesive Genesee Staff Council website. The site communicates and reinforces the council’s mission, services and resources, structure, and role at the University. It also offers both current and prospective staff members a more accessible, user-friendly experience designed to work well on all screens. Visit the website to find FAQs, representatives and committees of the council, staff spotlights and awards, the council’s resources and materials—including both meeting minutes and an annual report, and to submit questions and concerns.

Benefits overview webinar tomorrow

Are you newly hired or newly benefit eligible? If yes, the Office of Total Rewards is hosting a live webinar Tuesday, June 15, to review and explain all benefit options. The webinar will begin at noon EDT and representatives will be available to answer questions live throughout the presentation. Register here.


FOR THE COMMUNITY

Presentation covers migraines and how to address them

Learn more about migraine symptoms, triggers, and prevention, and when to seek emergency care. The taped presentation​ led by Krystalyn Bates, a resident in preventive medicine, will be available on the Center for Community Health & Prevention’s Facebook page on Thursday, June 17, at 11 a.m. EDT.


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