Security Tip: Free mobile apps can cost you your privacy

Watch out for free mobile apps that may be collecting your device’s location, scooping personal info like pictures or banking data, or allowing your device to be hijacked. Apps from unofficial sources can bring more hassles than just pop-up ads. How can you avoid them? University IT recommends only downloading apps from official sources like Apple’s App Store or Google Play, which monitor apps to guarantee legitimacy, quality, and security. Keep your apps up to date, and check the application permissions on your device settings to ensure your contact list, camera, photos, microphone, and other data are not exposed.

Outstanding educators continued to shine during pandemic

Thomas Brown, a professor of optics, and Sina Ghaemmaghami, an associate professor of biology and the director of undergraduate research in Arts, Sciences & Engineering, are the latest recipients of the University’s Mercer Brugler Distinguished Teaching Professorships. The Brugler professorships, which are announced every three years, are held by the recipients until the next round of awards.

Summer Session B classes start soon

The College offers a variety of courses for students, faculty, staff, and the community during Summer Sessions. Session B courses take place between July 6 and August 13. Do you need a class to get ahead to go abroad in a future semester? Do you need to retake some classes, or would you like to gain additional professional skills, like learning a new language? With four- and six-week options and a variety of online courses anytime is a good time to take a class.

Visit the Office of Summer and Continuing Studies website to learn about important dates for summer. Registration is currently open in UR Student. Connect with the Office of Summer and Continuing Studies via email with questions.

Supporting student mental health series

A recent study conducted by the Boston University School of Public Health, the Mary Christie Foundation, and the Healthy Minds Network found that almost 80 percent of faculty stated that they spoke with students regarding their students’ mental health and wellness in the past 12 months. However, only 51 percent of respondents stated that they felt equipped to recognize a student in distress. With this knowledge, the Mindful University Project is offering a variety of workshops this month to help support faculty and staff in responding to the mental health needs of students in the upcoming year. Upcoming session topics include responding to and supporting students in distress, educator self-care and self-compassion, trauma-informed pedagogy, and more. Find the full schedule of workshops and register online. Recordings will be available after the series to all those who registered.

Meal planning made easy

Feeling overwhelmed with what to make for dinner, or tired of mealtime battles with picky eaters? Join Well-U and Kayla Womeldorff, a registered dietitian, on Thursday, June 24, at noon EDT for a virtual, interactive lunch and learn how to make healthy meal planning a breeze. Topics will include how to build healthy and tasty meals, managing picky eating from adults and kids, budget-friendly grocery staples for quick meals, and simple recipe ideas. Sign up now as space is limited.

Learn about the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine for expectant and lactating women

The Department of Public Health Sciences and ROC City Baby Café are hosting a virtual presentation, “Ask the Doc: A Conversation about the Importance of the COVID-19 Vaccines for Women.” Marielena Vélez de Brown, deputy commissioner of public health for the Monroe County Department of Public Health, will discuss how the COVID-19 vaccines work, with an emphasis on the importance of vaccination among pregnant, breastfeeding, and interpartum women. The presentation takes place today, Monday, June 21, at 5:30 p.m. EDT via Zoom. No registration is required.

Data science summer 2021 colloquium series

Join the Goergen Institute for Data Science on Wednesday, June 23, for “Developing Trust in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for High-Stakes Applications,” a research seminar with Kush Varshney, a distinguished research staff member and a manager at the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center. This free, virtual talk will be held from noon to 1 p.m. EDT on Zoom. Register here to attend.

50 Years in Hollywood: A Conversation with Barry Meyer ’64

Join the University’s Alumni Board for a conversation with Barry Meyer ’64, former chair and CEO of Warner Bros. Entertainment and a member of the University’s Board of Trustees, about his longtime and prolific career in the entertainment industry. The virtual event takes place Thursday, June 24, from noon to 12:45 p.m. EDT. Register here to attend. A link to join the program will be included in your confirmation email upon registering.

• Dr. Chat Bot: Non–Medical Center faculty, staff, and all students | Medical Center employees
• COVID-19 Resource Center | Medical Center’s COVID-19 update page
• FAQ on COVID-19 vaccination
• What to do if you or your close contacts have symptoms or have been exposed