Beginning in 2022, Rochester will recognize Juneteenth as an official University holiday. Juneteenth was declared a federal holiday earlier this year and was recognized by New York State as a public holiday in 2020. The official observation of Juneteenth reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to greater equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Juneteenth commemorates the announcement of the 19th century abolishment of slavery to the enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday has since affirmed the contributions of Black and African American communities to the growth of the United States while recognizing the ongoing challenges of inequity and systemic racism.
“I am truly encouraged by the decision to observe Juneteenth as a staff holiday,” says Mercedes Ramírez Fernández, the Richard Feldman Vice President for Equity and Inclusion and the University’s chief diversity officer. “It is a culturally significant day that should resonate with all of us. It is an open invitation for everyone to reflect, remember, and celebrate the resilience and the contributions of our Black and African American communities.”
In today’s issue:
There’s an AlertUR test scheduled for November 4
Wendi Heinzelman, dean of the Hajim School of Engineering, gives a State of the School address next week
“Hallowgreene” for students and the annual Scare Fair for the University community take place on Friday
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.
AlertUR test set for November 4
A test of the AlertUR system will take place on Thursday, November 4, at 6 p.m. EDT. AlertUR is the emergency notification system for the University, including the Medical Center. In the event of an emergency, alerts are sent by voice, text, and email message. The purpose of this November 4 test is to confirm that recent changes made to AlertUR will deliver reliably in quickly reaching students, faculty, and staff in the event of an emergency. Before the November 4 test, students and employees can review their contact information online. Sign in with your NetID and password to verify the fastest method for reaching you, including adding a current cell phone number. Employees with a NetID who do not have a University email address may enter a personal email or phone number to receive emergency alerts. The November 4 test will not disrupt scheduled activities. Find more information on AlertUR here.
David Primo, the Ani and Mark Gabrellian Professor and a professor of political science and business administration, talks about the latest version of the Democrats’ plan to tax billionaires to pay for a social policy and climate package they are trying to pass this week including how the proposal would work, why conservatives opposed it, and how likely it is to pass.
Celebrate Halloween early at the Greene Center for Career Education and Connections’ annual “Hallowgreene” party on Friday, October 29, from 1 to 4 p.m. in Dewey Hall, Room 4-200. Grab festive treats and limited-edition merchandise, challenge yourself to a game or two with the Peer Career Advisors, trick-or-treat around the office, and decorate your own pumpkin cookies to go. Dress up and enter the costume contest for your chance to win the grand prize: a Canon mini photo printer. Register to attend in Handshake.
Entrepreneurship workshop for international students
Are you an international student interested in entrepreneurship? Do you need help understanding the restrictions for international students trying to start a venture in the US? Join attorneys from Harter, Secrest, and Emery LLP, and staff from the International Services Office and the Ain Center for Entrepreneurship to learn about how your status as an international student plays into your entrepreneurship journey. The workshop takes place Monday, November 1, at 1 p.m. EDT via Zoom. Contact Meghan Plate in the Ain Center with questions.
‘BIC-Ture This’: A queer art-making series for LGBTQ students
The next “BIC-Ture This” class of the semester, “Stitch to Bliss: Intro to Cross-Stitch,” which brings together LGBTQ+ students, takes place Friday, November 5, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center, 305 Douglass Commons. Register by Tuesday, November 2. You will be provided with embroidery floss, needles, a hoop, and fabric to use for a beginner pattern inspired by Eastern European folk art. No previous skills are required.
The University’s homeownership program provides new homeowners assistance in purchasing their dream home. Benefit-eligible employees are free to take advantage of the program with no service requirement. Learn more on the homeownership web page.
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. The River Campus experience takes place from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 2.
Hajim ‘State of the School’ address
On Tuesday, November 2, at noon EDT, join Wendi Heinzelman, dean of the Hajim School of Engineering, for the latest news and updates about the Hajim School and her vision for the School’s future. There will be a moderated question-and-answer session following Heinzelman’s remarks. Students, faculty, and staff can register here.
Zero-cost hero: Andrew White
If you’ve been following along, you know it’s day four of Open Access Week. Andrew White, an associate professor of chemical engineering, has spent nine months building his open textbook, Deep Learning in Chemistry and Materials Science. And he recently received a River Campus Libraries grant to keep going. Learn more about his textbook and the other “zero-cost” heroes
Step into the big tent within Evans Lam Square in the Rush Rhees Library for “Scare Fair 2021: Creepy Library Carnival.” Are you ready to experience the highest highs from the top of the Rush Rhees tower? You’ll have to complete the library’s scavenger hunt first, which will take you through twists and turns to places in the library you never knew existed. Tower tour and scavenger hunt tickets are first-come, first-served for the first 300 participants. Come dressed in your finest Halloween costume for a chance to win a special prize. Other attractions include snacks, games, and fun prizes. Learn more about the event’s attractions on the River Campus Libraries Instagram.
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