Limited tickets remain for George Takei appearance
About 100 tickets remain for the conversation with actor and activist George Takei, scheduled for Thursday, October 21, from 7 to 8:15 p.m. in Strong Auditorium. The former Star Trek star will chat with Donald Hall, the Robert L. and Mary L. Sproull Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Sciences & Engineering, and take questions from the audience as part of the Difficult Conversations as a Catalyst for Change series. Registration is required for those who wish to attend, whether in person or virtually. Virtual registrants will receive a password-protected Zoom link on Thursday. Those attending in person must wear a mask.
In today’s issue:
This month’s issue of HR Intercom includes information on open enrollment and COVID-19 workplace safety plans
Faculty, staff, and students can get free tickets for Eastman Opera Theatre’s upcoming double bill
Take a guided mindful outdoor experience this fall
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.
Curtis Award spotlights PhD teaching assistants’ ‘amazing’ efforts during the pandemic
Managing stress is a key ingredient for improving concentration and decreasing performance anxiety. Research has found that petting an animal can help decrease stress and boost your mood. Relax with some therapy dogs at the Health Promotion Office’s Paws for Stress Relief event on Thursday, October 21, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. in the Eastman School of Music Student Living Center.
This month’s issue of HR Intercom, a newsletter with information about Human Resources programs and materials, includes information on upcoming open enrollment, COVID-19 workplace safety plans, and more.
Plan for 2022 open enrollment
Through the Total Rewards program, the University offers comprehensive salary and benefits, such as health care, tuition, and retirement to faculty and staff. Open enrollment, which is your opportunity to take action on many of the University’s benefits, takes place Monday, November 1, through Monday, November 15. Visit the open enrollment website to learn more about what’s new in 2022, and review the 2022 open enrollment planning steps.
Free tickets available for Eastman Opera Theatre double bill
Free tickets for next month’s Eastman Opera Theatre double bill of Kate Soper’s Here Be Sirens (Suite) and Missy Mazzioli’s Proving Up are available to all faculty, staff, and students. Performances are November 4, 5, and 6 at 7:30 p.m., and November 7 at 2 p.m. in Kilbourn Hall, Eastman School of Music. Get tickets online using promo code “EOT100” for University ID holders.
Ease yourself into business school
Begin your studies at Simon Business School by taking nonmatriculated classes before formally applying to the professional MBA program. Students who successfully complete two classes and receive a cumulative 3.3 GPA may be eligible to waive the GMAT/GRE test score requirement for admission to the program. Learn more at a virtual information session on Thursday, October 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. EDT. Email Shawn Denman to register.
Discussion: ‘Crisis in Afghanistan’
Join the Committee for Political Engagement for a discussion about the current situation in Afghanistan. “Crisis in Afghanistan: What Has Led to Taliban’s Takeover?” takes place Thursday, October 21, at 7 p.m. in Morey Hall, Room 321.
Careers in Data Science: Karim Osman ’16 (MS)
Join the Goergen Institute for Data Science for Careers in Data Science with Karim Osman ’16, a data scientist for Convoy Inc., a trucking software company based in Seattle, Washington. Learn about Osman’s career path, work projects, and tips for a career in data science on Friday, October 22, at 11 a.m. EDT via Zoom.
Mindful outdoor experiences
Spending time outdoors is good for both physical and mental well-being. Certified Kripalu Mindful Outdoor Guide Gaelen McCormick, an instructor of arts leadership at the Eastman School of Music, will lead a guided outdoor experience, including an outdoor walk with prompts to awaken the senses to the colors, sights, and smells of autumn. Events are free; registration is required as spots are limited. Guided experiences at the Eastman School campus take place from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 30, and Saturday, November 6. River Campus experiences take place from 6 to 7 p.m. on Friday, October 22, and Tuesday, November 2.
‘Relax and Renew’ retreat
On Saturday, October 30, the Mindful University Project will hold its “Relax and Renew” retreat. Held on the River Level of the Interfaith Chapel on the River Campus, participants will experience four hours of silence while engaging in a variety of contemplative practices including breath awareness meditation, gentle yoga, mindful walking, and dharma talks (a lesson about the practice of mindfulness in everyday life).
Retreats are cofacilitated by certified Koru mindfulness teachers and a University Counseling Center staff psychologist, who is available for individual support. Prior meditation experience is not necessary to participate. Bring a yoga mat if you have one, and dress comfortably. Retreats are free of charge and open to all students, faculty, or staff, and members of the University community. Register here to attend.
Signing, talk for book on academic writing
Mary Jane Curry, an associate professor at the Warner School of Education, and doctoral student coauthors Weijia Li, Ting Zhang, and Yanhong Zuo will hold a conversation and signing for their new book An A to W of Academic Literacy: Key Concepts and Practices for Graduate Students on Thursday, November 4, at 12:30 p.m. EDT in LeChase Hall, Room 215; a Zoom option is also available. Curry will moderate a discussion with her coauthors about the process and experience of collaborating on this publication and how the volume can be useful for graduate students of all language backgrounds and at any level of study, writing consultants, and instructors across the disciplines. Register to attend.
Mini-grant opportunity for community, Medical Center partnerships
The next round of mini-grant applications are being accepted and are due by noon on Monday, November 8. Supported and funded by the Center for Community Health & Prevention and the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, the mini-grants are one-time grants up to $2,000. Faculty, staff, and advanced trainees (postdocs, residents) at the Medical Center and community partners associated with a community-based 501(c)(3) organization are eligible to apply. Grant applicants must be part of a community-Medical Center partnership that serves the Rochester/Monroe County/Finger Lakes region. Learn more and apply online.
The Eastman School of Music continues to highlight events in Eastman history in celebration of its centennial. On the Eastman School’s Instagram and Facebook, learn more about violinist John Celentano ’37E, ’41E (MM), shown in 1983 at the unveiling of his portrait in Cominsky Promenade after 37 years of service on the Eastman faculty.
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