The University has joined 150 other higher education institutions in signing onto an amicus brief opposing a lawsuit that aims to end Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows international students to work in the US for up to three years after graduating while staying on their student visas. Find out more in the Today’s Updates section below.
Also in today’s issue:
A reminder that updates to the University’s 403(b) retirement program take effect July 1
Faculty and staff can participate in the Mindful University Project’s workshops in support of student mental health
The Genesee Valley Writing Project’s annual Young Writers Summer Camp takes place in August
University joins amicus brief in support of Optional Practical Training
On Monday, the University joined 150 other higher education institutions in signing onto an amicus brief led by the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration and NAFSA: Association of International Educators opposing a lawsuit that aims to end Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows international students to work in the US for up to three years after graduating while staying on their student visas. The Washington Alliance of Technical Workers Union filed a lawsuit contending that OPT harms US workers and that the Department of Homeland Security did not have statutory authority to publish the regulations establishing OPT. The brief highlights the importance of international students and OPT in US higher education institutions, including international students on Rochester’s campuses.
Psychology professor to talk about stress on radio program
Jeremy Jamieson, an associate professor of psychology, is scheduled to be a guest on WXXI’s Connections on Thursday, June 24, at noon EDT. Jamieson will talk about stress, how it can be useful, and how the pandemic has affected people’s response to stress. Tune in at 1370 AM or online.
Sylvia Lin ’21, a health ambassador this past year through University Health Service, appeared on CNN to discuss the role of health ambassadors on campus and the rate at which college students are getting vaccinated.
Updates to the 403(b) retirement program start July 1
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 also 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.
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.
The Genesee Valley Writing Project’s 7th Annual Young Writers Summer Camp will take place August 2–6 for students in grades 6–12, who love to write and want to spend time with like-minded peers practicing different kinds of writing. New York State certified teachers will provide instruction on multiple writing strategies, but the writing genres are open to the writers themselves. The camp will take place in LeChase Hall on the River Campus from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and writers will need to bring their own lunch or plan to eat on campus from noon to 1 p.m. The deadline to register is July 16, and the cost to attend is $300. Find more information and apply here. The Genesee Valley Writing Project is sponsored by and housed within the Warner School and administered through the Warner Center for Professional Development and Education Reform.
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