Four new positive cases of COVID-19

There are four new cases of COVID-19 to report: two River Campus students, one Eastman Campus student, and one Eastman Campus employee. Please note that the University’s COVID-19 Dashboard is updated when a new case is reported. Find the latest COVID-19 messages and updates here.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for those pregnant or breastfeeding?

Eva Pressman, who holds the Henry A. Thiede Professorship of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, answers common questions that she’s received from patients and others throughout the pandemic.

Three professors to receive Goergen Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

Will Bridges, an associate professor of Japanese; Jason Middleton, an associate professor of English and director of the Film and Media Studies program; and Elaine Sia, a professor of biology, are the recipients of this year’s Goergen Awards, an annual recognition of teaching excellence by faculty members in Arts, Sciences & Engineering. The three will be recognized in a ceremony on Thursday, October 28, at a campus location to be determined.

Projects use digital health technologies to study ALS, autism

Last fall, as part of the new Digital Health and Regulatory Science Core, the Clinical and Translational Science Institute launched the Digital Health Seedling, a new one-year award of up to $25,000 for studies that use or develop digital health tools, methods, or approaches. The first two projects are studying how wearable sensors—like the Apple watch—might help detect ALS earlier and help parents and children with autism avoid stress.

Flags will be lowered for Robert Boeckman Jr.

Robert Boeckman Jr., the Marshall D. Gates Professor of Chemistry Emeritus, is being remembered by colleagues for his impressive research accomplishments and as a giant in the organic synthesis field. Boeckman joined the University faculty in 1980. University flags will be lowered Tuesday, September 28, in memory of Boeckman, who died on September 5.

Education Abroad and Advanced Studies in England information session

Have you ever considered studying in England? Consider a semester in the World Heritage City of Bath. Join the Center for Education Abroad to learn about Advanced Studies in England at an information session today, September 14, at 3 p.m. in Dewey Hall, Room 2-161C. Students can choose from a range of experiences including seminar courses and internship programs. This program would be ideal for students majoring in English, film and media studies, political science, or religion and classics.

Meditation oasis

Stop by Havens Lounge in Wilson Commons, on Wednesday, September 15, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to take a study break and recharge. Meditations will be led by UHS health educator Rebecca Block and Jenny Lee ’23. The room will be equipped with meditation pillows, electric candles, and an ongoing video with relaxing visuals and music. Brought to you by the Mindful University Project.

Recruiting job candidates during COVID-19

Protein power

Be a pro at knowing your protein and wow your friends with your knowledge from Well-U’s lifestyle management team. On Friday, September 17, at noon EDT this virtual program will discuss why you need protein, how much is enough or too much, different sources—including ones you may not have thought of—and creative ways to add protein to your meals. Register for your protein know-how now.

Benefits overview webinar

Are you newly hired or newly benefit eligible? If yes, the Office of Total Rewards is hosting a webinar on Tuesday, September 21, at noon EDT to review and explain all benefit options. Representatives will be available to answer questions live throughout the presentation. Register to attend.

Retiree benefits webinar

Join the Office of Total Rewards for a webinar at 1 p.m. EDT on Thursday, September 23, to go over eligibility to retire, what steps to take if you plan to retire soon, health and dental benefits, life insurance, and other incentives offered to you after retirement. Register here. If you are unable to attend a live webinar, you can find a recorded version online.

Celebrate environmental services staff this week

Participating environmental services departments will be highlighting the contributions of staff to celebrate National Healthcare Environmental Services and Housekeeping Week, taking place through September 19. The week is dedicated to showing appreciation for the employees who work hard to provide a safe, clean, and healthy environment across all University facilities, including the Medical Center. Faculty and staff are encouraged to thank their area environmental services staff for performing their critical role each day.

‘Radical Care: Leadership for Justice in Education’

Recognize and honor Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month on Wednesday, September 15, at noon EDT with the next installment of the REAL Conversations series. Rosa Rivera-McCutchen ’96, ’97W (MS) will discuss concepts from her recently published book, Radical Care: Leading for Justice in Urban Schools. Learn more and register for the event, presented by the Office of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement in partnership with the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Latinx Alumni Network, Diversity Advisory Council, David T. Kearns Center, and the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center. A link to join the program will be included in your confirmation email. A recording of the program will be made available to registrants for a limited time. You can also explore the REAL Conversations archive.

Startup Bytes digital brown bag lunch series

Join the Ain Center for Entrepreneurship for a virtual panel with food and beverage entrepreneurs on Friday, September 17, at noon EDT. Learn more and register here.

‘Commit to Quit’ with new group smoking cessation program

Are you or someone you care about trying to quit smoking? The Center for Community Health & Prevention’s new virtual “Commit to Quit!” group program could be the right fit. Led by trained lifestyle counselors and smoking cessation experts, the free six-session program provides an encouraging environment designed to support participants on their quit journeys. The first 60-minute session kicks off at noon EDT on Thursday, September 23. Learn more and register.

After almost two years without in-person performing arts shows, the annual Keybank Rochester Fringe Festival returns with more than 425 events—including 25 staged by the University community. The festival starts today and runs through September 25.

• 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
• Current campus face mask policies
• Faculty and staff vaccine participation form (VPN or on-campus network connection required)
• FAQ on COVID-19 vaccination
• What to do if you or your close contacts have symptoms or have been exposed