Dining Services is currently facing unprecedented staffing shortages at its River Campus locations and is making the needed operational adjustments to address these challenges while minimizing the impacts to students on campus dining plans. The shortage of dining workers is not a problem unique to the University; similar circumstances are seen at many colleges and universities—and more broadly food service industries—across the country. There is no definitive timeline for when regular Dining Services staffing levels will return, but recruitment is ongoing. Most of the operational changes announced to date can be expected to remain in place for the fall semester. Find the full update here.
In today’s issue:
University IT offers guidance on legally downloading files
COVID-19 testing updates for employees who have received an approved exemption from the University’s vaccination requirement and those who have received at least one dose of the vaccine, but are not considered fully vaccinated
Eastman’s morning chamber music series kicks off next month
Status of vaccination rates among students, faculty, and staff
As of September 17, 99 percent of the total University student body, and 85 percent of employees, including at the Medical Center, are vaccinated against COVID-19.
These figures may change as individuals continue to receive vaccinations at several convenient University locations, and as the employee population changes due to new hires and departures. The Medical Center also separately reports specific figures for their clinical operations to New York State, as required by the state. Currently, 92 percent of Medical Center health care workers are confirmed or reported as vaccinated.
The University’s efforts to encourage COVID vaccine uptake are part of its unwavering commitment to the safety of students, faculty, and staff.
University establishes Global Emergency Response Fund
The University has established its Global Emergency Response Fund, made possible through Board of Trustees Chair Rich Handler ’83 and his company, the Jefferies Group. The Jefferies Group recently raised $6 million for 45 charities to help Afghan refugees, military heroes, and victims of the Haiti disaster, and this generosity extended to the University. The fund will have broad utility and will support students, faculty, scholars, and others in the University community who are dealing with an international crisis. All new gifts made to this fund will be matched in a dollar-for-dollar Jefferies Challenge, up to $150,000. Read more.
Security Tip: Download files legally
Univesity IT reminds the University community to never download or share illegally obtained copyrighted materials. Beware of offers that seem too good to be true, Peer-2-Peer (P2P) networks, and other red flags indicating a site is illegal. Hackers understand how to hide viruses and spyware, which can be easily spread through P2P networks. The University has put steps in place to protect the network and its users; however, it’s important to be vigilant with your personal data, steer clear of any suspicious sites, and keep your devices current with antivirus and security updates. Read the University’s policy and other tips on downloading files legally.
Have a question about declaring a major or minor? Looking to learn more about campus resources? Want to talk with a student about their Rochester experience? Stop by the counter at Lattimore 312 to chat with a College Center for Advising Services peer advisor. Visit the website or email peeradvising@rochester.edu for more information.
In a follow up to the University’s requirement for all employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, testing will begin the week of September 27 for employees who have received an approved exemption and those who have received at least one dose of the vaccine, but are not considered fully vaccinated (which is generally two weeks after receiving a second dose). Those employees will have to report to a testing site on a weekly basis and their manager will assign and schedule a consistent day each week to complete the testing at the appropriate site. For non-Medical Center employees, the location will be Rettner Hall, located near Wilson Commons. For Medical Center employees, the location will be LeChase Assembly Hall, G-9576, located near Sarah Flaum Atrium. Explore these frequently asked questions to learn more. Employees required to test will receive more information from their managers soon.
Sign up for Well-U’s ‘Walktober’ today
In Well-U’s 31-day wellness program, you’ll take a virtual tour through some of the world’s most vibrant, breathtaking landscapes as you make physical activity part of your daily routine. Be motivated by your teammates or work on your personal wellness goals as an individual, interact with the message board, gather helpful resources and interesting articles, and more. Register online before October 8.
Benefits overview webinar reminder
Are you newly hired or newly benefit eligible? If so, the Office of Total Rewards is hosting a live webinar 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 here.
Tuesday, September 21, is National IT Professionals Day recognizing the roles that IT professionals—like those in University IT, URMC ISD, and departmental IT—play in keeping our institution running safely and securely while growing the University’s capabilities and transforming user experience as applications and technology evolve.
Tripods 2021 Careers in Data Science Lecture Series: Scott Kirila ’18 (PhD)
Join the Goergen Institute for Data Science for the first talk in the Tripods 2021 Careers in Data Science Lecture Series taking place today, September 20, at 8 p.m. EDT via Zoom. Scott Kirila ’18 (PhD) will discuss his current job in data analytics at the Parker Avery Group, and how his mathematics research skills gave him an edge in the highly competitive and rapidly growing data science industry.
School of Medicine and Dentistry virtual open house on PhD programs
Join the School of Medicine and Dentistry on Tuesday, September 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. EDT via Zoom for an information session on its 12 fully-funded PhD programs. Learn how you can attain a career in the biomedical and health sciences, including scientific research, and faculty roles in academia, government, and industry.
CRoFT annual meeting, virtual poster session
The Western New York Center for Research on Flavored Tobacco (CRoFT) will hold its annual meeting on October 12 and 13 via Zoom, and will be hosting a virtual poster session. All faculty and students are invited to submit scientific posters in the area of tobacco regulatory science, including posters that were submitted for previous or future conferences. Additionally, all accepted posters will be featured online where meeting attendees and guests can comment and rate each poster. Submit all posters as a PDF document via REDCap by Monday, September 27. Contact WNY_CRoFT@urmc.rochester.edu with questions.
Eastman morning chamber music series kicks off next month
The Eastman School of Music announces three concerts for its morning chamber music series. Each concert presents distinguished alumni performing alongside current faculty and students. All performances will take place at 11 a.m. in Hatch Recital Hall, Eastman School of Music.
Sunday, October 3: Curtis Stewart ’08E, violin
Saturday, January 21, 2022: Malcolm Merriweather ’19E (MM), baritone
Saturday, April 9, 2022: Jeffrey Ziegler ’95E, cello
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