Faculty and staff vaccination requirement announced
University leadership announced yesterday in an email to faculty and staff that the University will require all faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
“Our epidemiologists, public health experts, and scientists have stressed the effectiveness and safety of COVID vaccines. Now that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has fully approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for individuals 16 and older (with full approval of the Moderna vaccine anticipated shortly), we believe it is in the best interests of the health and safety of our entire University community to ensure that faculty and staff join with our students, who are already required to be vaccinated,” the message reads.
Faculty and staff must have received at least one dose of the two-dose vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna) or have received the single Johnson & Johnson dose by September 27. URMC clinical staff will continue to follow New York State Department of Health directives, which require a first vaccine dose by September 27.
Additionally, two updated COVID-19 safety measures are being put into effect immediately
All students, faculty, staff, postdoctoral fellows, and trainees are now required to complete the Dr. Chat Bot screening every day they are physically on campus
Eating in a classroom during instruction is not permitted, and drinking (water bottles, coffee, etc.) should be minimized as much as possible.
Learn more about these changes in Today’s Updates below.
Dr. Chat Bot now required for all University faculty, staff, and students
Effective immediately, Dr. Chat Bot, the online tool to screen members of the University community for COVID-19 symptoms each day they are physically on campus, is now required for all students, faculty, staff, postdoctoral fellows, and trainees regardless of the campus or University property, and regardless of vaccination status. This is a return to the requirement that was in place during the last academic year. Also effective immediately, any departments or individuals hosting visitors on campus should ask them to answer the Dr. Chat Bot questions prior to their arrival on campus, regardless of the visitor’s vaccination status. A printable version of the screening form is available for visitors and others. Find the full updated guidance here.
Links to Dr. Chat Bot for non–Medical Center faculty, staff, and all students, as well as Medical Center employees, can always be found in the COVID-19 Quick Links section at the bottom of each issue of @Rochester.
Protocol update: Eating in classrooms
With fall semester classes now in progress, University leadership has made a protocol update. Effective immediately, eating in a classroom during instruction is not permitted, and drinking (water bottles, coffee, etc.) should be minimized as much as possible. Instructors may add other details about restrictions on eating and minimization of drinking on their syllabus and should make clear announcements in the first several class sessions. This update, which applies to classrooms on all campuses, is made in an effort to minimize the potential of COVID transmission. Classes with formal events or other activities with food are allowed and should follow University rules about events and gatherings.
Kick off the start of the semester during the first Community Weekend of the academic year, today through Sunday, August 29, and join in the celebration of this Rochester Tradition. Registration is not necessary, but most events will require check-in. Find the full schedule online and follow Wilson Commons Student Activities on Instagram and Facebook for updates and information, including how to find your personal QR code on CCC for check-in. These events are open to all undergraduates of the College and at the Eastman School of Music.
Activities fair: Explore your passions today from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Wilson Quad. Watch performances, visit booths, and meet members from over 280 student organizations to learn how you can get involved on campus.
Make-and-take macrame: Get creative today from 6 to 8 p.m. in Hirst Lounge and make something new to decorate your room.
Glow roller skating: Glide into the weekend today from 8 p.m. until midnight in the May Room, Wilson Commons. Show off your skills or take a spin for the first time—all skill levels welcome. Skates are provided.
Movie night: Watch a free screening of Minari in Hoyt Auditorium on Saturday at 8 p.m.
Fire pits: Cozy up under the stars on Saturday from 9 p.m. until midnight on Wilson Quad. Reflect on the day, meet new friends, or just enjoy the starry sky above Rochester.
“Feel The Sting” shirt giveaway: Grab a limited-edition long-sleeve shirt on Saturday at 2 p.m. on Wilson Quad. Each year features a new design to showcase your school spirit and your class year. Supplies are limited so get in line early.
Carnival and food trucks: Create new memories on Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m. on Wilson Quad. Win prizes and enjoy the festivities with carnival rides and games. Plus, fuel the fun with delicious treats from food trucks.
Luau dinner: Savor the last taste of summer on Saturday at 5 p.m. in Dandelion Square and Hirst Lounge, Wilson Commons.
Concert with Jesse McCartney: Live music is back on Saturday at 8 p.m. on Goergen Field. Dance the night away with your friends. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Late-night bingo: Get ready to win on Saturday from 9 p.m. until midnight in the May Room, Wilson Commons.
Blackout: Experience a welcoming ceremony on Sunday at 7 p.m. in Hoyt Auditorium that is designed to create a global, inclusive community. All black attire is suggested and all are welcome.
‘Careers in Data Science: What I Did on My Summer Internship’
Are you interested in a career in data science? Find out what your fellow classmates did on their summer internship at “Careers in Data Science: What I Did on My Summer Internship.” This event is open to all undergraduate and master’s students and takes place today, Friday, August 27, at 11 a.m. in Wegmans Hall 1400, River Campus.
Join UR Medicine EAP and Well-U on Tuesday, September 14, at noon EDT for an online presentation that provides participants with a clear understanding of the most up-to-date research on suicide prevention. Participants will learn common risk factors and warning signs associated with suicide, and how to keep themselves and others safe. Register here.
Do you have an exciting musical project to share with the world that needs funding? The Institute for Music Leadership grant and mentorship program provides funding and mentorship to encourage new thinking and the development of innovative ideas in music. The Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation and Research grant provides funding for innovative projects focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a prioritization of projects that advance anti-racism work in the arts. Learn more and apply by October 1.
Curious about your ancestry? Take part in the ‘FeGenes’ research study
Rochester is participating in a study with Cornell University to look at the genetics of iron status and absorption and is recruiting healthy adult men or women of East Asian or Northern European descent to participate. The study involves two visits to the University, two blood draws, consumption of a small amount of an iron supplement, genetic ancestry testing, and answering questions about your health and diet. Individuals that complete the study will receive an analysis of their genetic ancestry, two free meals, and a $20 gift card. If you are healthy, not pregnant or lactating, not a blood donor, between the ages of 18–50, and are interested in learning more, email FeGenesUofR@gmail.com or call (607) 279-0421.
The Eastman School of Music’s faculty artist series presents Nicholas Goluses, a professor of guitar, on Sunday, August 29, at 3 p.m. in Kilbourn Hall. The program includes the world premiere of “Fantasia” by Bill Dobbins, composed for Goluses. Find more information here.
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