Medical communities across the world continue to sound the alarm about the Delta COVID-19 variant, which is causing severe disease, hospitalizations, and death, particularly among those who are unvaccinated. “We must use every available weapon in our tool kit to keep our faculty, staff, students, patients, and visitors safe, and prevent another surge of COVID in our community,” says Michael Apostolakos, chief medical officer at the Medical Center. “Our health care workers, who have helped our community through the last two surges, need all of us to pitch in and do everything we can to tamp down what surely is looking like a third wave of COVID.”
Security Tip: Delete text message ‘smishing’ scams to protect your phone, privacy, and identity
Scammers have found one more way to trick you into giving up access to your personal information: text messages with links to tap. “Smishing” scams—similar to phishing email and vishing calls—can appear as your bank, streaming service, a retailer with an account issue, student loan debt assistance, or even a lottery prize. Tap that link and you open the door to a cybercriminal who can steal your identity, infect your device with malware, and make off with your social security number, credit card numbers, accounts, and passwords. If the text looks suspicious, delete it immediately. Go directly to the source if you have a concern. Find more information from University IT on scams and how to protect yourself.
The Fed has long been a “consensus” body that derives much of its credibility from policy actions that for decades have been overwhelmingly backed by voting members.
Still, even “the threat of dissent is powerful,” says Narayana Kocherlakota, the Lionel W. McKenzie Professor of Economics. “If you were a voter, there was an attempt made to stretch what the committee was putting together in order for everybody to go along with it … the chairs I worked under preferred not to have dissents.”
Interim Provost Sarah Peyre will be hosting a series of monthly conversations with faculty to address questions and gather feedback on a number of pressing topics. Join the first session on Wednesday, August 18, from 9 to 10 a.m. EDT over Zoom for a conversation focused on preparations for the fall semester and teaching through COVID. Michael Leonard, chief healthcare safety officer for the Medical Center, will join Peyre for an overview on the latest COVID preparations and updates and to address questions you may have. Jane Gatewood, vice provost for global engagement, will moderate the discussion. Register here to attend.
Benefits overview webinar reminder
Are you newly hired or newly benefit eligible? If so, the Office of Total Rewards is hosting a live webinar on Tuesday, August 17, 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.
Family care programs can help if you’re returning to the workplace
Get help with child, elder, or pet care while you’re back in the office through the University’s family care program. Eligible employees can sign up for their free premium Care.com membership and search for providers or post a job for their specific needs. Learn more about the program and sign up.
The Eastman School of Music faculty artist series features 17 performances for the fall 2021 semester and kicks off on Sunday, August 29. The series includes several world premieres and commissions by world-renowned composers. Tickets are $10 for the general public and free to current season subscribers. General admission tickets will be available for purchase at each concert. Find the full schedule here.
This year’s M&T Bank Clothesline Festival takes place Saturday, September 11, and Sunday, September 12, at the Memorial Art Gallery. Pre-sale tickets are required to ensure all visitors can enjoy the festival safely, as space is limited. Find the full details online and revisit festivals of the past through photos on the Memorial Art Gallery’s Facebook page.
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