Three new positive cases of COVID-19

There are three new cases of COVID-19 to report: three River Campus students. 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.

A reminder on face masks: they must be worn properly covering the nose and mouth indoors on the University’s campuses and properties. Visit the face mask FAQ page for full information. Face masks with air valves are not permitted, nor are face shields alone without a proper face mask underneath.

Presidential Stronger as One Diversity Awards 

Honor those whose actions, activities, or accomplishments support the University’s five institutional equity, diversity, and inclusion priorities toward making Rochester a welcoming and inclusive environment. There are five award types: Advocacy and Action Award, Inclusive Workforce Award, Change Maker Award, Bridge to Equity Award, and Social Impact Award. Nominate an individual or an organization for the Presidential Stronger as One Diversity Awards by Sunday, October 31.

I want to believe: What would religious leaders do if aliens showed up?

Slate, October 18

Adam Frank, the Helen F. and Fred H. Gowen Professor of Physics and Astronomy, recently argued that while “UFO sightings, which date back to at least 1947, are synonymous in the popular imagination with evidence of extraterrestrials … scientifically speaking, there is little to warrant that connection.” Frank also emphasized the fallacy of searching for aliens close to home when possibly inhabited exoplanets beckon: “You wouldn’t look for Manhattanites somewhere other than Manhattan!”

Writing support for AS&E graduate students and postdocs

The Graduate Writing Project is offering writing workshops, boot camps, and consultant-led writing groups for AS&E graduate students and postdocs this fall. Learn more and register online.

Event highlights safe sex resources

The annual “Sex and Chocolate Carnival” features multiple campus resources, student groups, and community organizations that educate about safe sexual practices. Groups will include University Health Service, the University Counseling Center, Trillium Health, CARE Network, RESTORE, and more. Find interactive activities, free STI testing, free chocolate, safe sex supplies, and pizza. The first 150 attendees will get an extra goodie bag, and all attendees will be entered into a raffle for a gift basket. The event takes place Monday, October 25, from 3 to 5 p.m. in Hirst Lounge, Wilson Commons.

Nutrition Kitchen: Get comfy

Join Nina Rosien from Well-U’s lifestyle management team and explore healthy comfort food options. October’s recipe will focus on constructing a filling yet nutritious comfort creation.  

School of Medicine and Dentistry ‘Med Talks’

Register to join the School of Medicine and Dentistry for “Med Talks,” taking place Wednesday, October 20, from noon to 1 p.m. EDT. The virtual lectures include “Environmental Factors That Influence Public Health” by Deborah Cory-Slechta ’82M (Flw), a professor of environmental medicine and of public health sciences, and “Allocation of Scarce Resources and Data-Driven Ethical Frameworks: Lessons from the COVID-19 Crisis” by Marjorie Hodges Shaw ’04 (MA), ’11W (PhD), an associate professor of medical humanities and bioethics.

‘Startup Bytes’ talk with finance and business innovators

The next event in the “Startup Bytes” digital brown bag lunch series, hosted by the Ain Center for Entrepreneurship, takes place Friday, October 22, from noon to 1 p.m. EDT. Simon Business School student Brittany Floyd ’22 (MBA) will interview Sandra Gault ’94S (MBA), Theresa Mazzullo, and Myneco Ramirez, professionals in the startup industry who have a focus on funding, founding, or finances. Learn about the challenges founders face while looking for investors, tips for pitching to investors, and what funders look for when making investments. Bring any questions along, as there will be time for a Q&A. Register here to receive the Zoom link.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion events with Rachael Gatling

Rachael Gatling, a business executive at Philips Healthcare and champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion has years of experience leading teams, executing positive change, and creating a brighter future for all stakeholders. Since joining Philips in 2015, she initiated a network to connect women to help support, inspire, and empower each other and is a founding member and chair of the Black Employees Resource Group. Gatling will host two events at Rochester on Wednesday, October 20; register at the links below.

• “DEI in the Workplace, from the Workplace” from noon to 1 p.m. at the Greene Center for Career Education and Connections, Dewey Hall, Room 4-200. Join Gatling for an interactive session on how she found a way to create meaningful and rewarding work for herself and others. Share your values and goals, and walk away with fresh perspectives that may advance your own views on inclusion and equity in the workplace.
• “Fireside Chat with Rachael Gatling and Forte Campus” from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Kessler Forum in the Barbara J. Burger iZone, Rush Rhees Library. Join a discussion moderated by Forte Campus and learn how Gatling has managed her career path, landed top opportunities in the industry, challenged herself to find and achieve meaningful work, and advocated for diversity and inclusion. Bring your perspectives and your questions.

Biomedical ultrasound symposium day

Attend the Rochester Center for Biomedical Ultrasound’s annual biomedical ultrasound symposium day. The event takes place Wednesday, November 3, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Feldman Ballroom, Douglass Commons, and features topical lectures, student presentations, poster sessions, lunch, and networking opportunities. Registration is required; find full details here.

Bring your little ones for an afternoon of Halloween fun at the Memorial Art Gallery on Saturday, October 23, from noon to 4 p.m. “Mini Monster MAGic” includes storytime with the Submarine School of Music at 1 and 3 p.m., trick-or-treating in the museum, arts and crafts projects, a movie, and more. Costumes are encouraged. Learn more and purchase tickets.

• 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