Amid student mental health challenges, Rochester broadens outreach and access
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic created new stressors that affected the mental health of college students: closed campuses, mask mandates, physical distancing, and in many cases, a shift to online learning—not to mention concerns about the health and safety of family and loved ones. Amid these disruptions, the University’s administration has prioritized new programming and outreach to help address the mental health and wellbeing of its nearly 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students including peer counseling, mindful practice, therapy dogs, and 24/7 care. Learn more about the resources offered.
In today’s issue:
The Undergraduate Research Fair takes place today
Trick-or-treating? You can recycle candy wrappers with the “Trick-or-Trash” program
Attend the pumpkin launch this afternoon on Wilson Quad
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.
Black-and-white will be default printer setting
A change is coming to network-connected printer settings—a move initiated by the Purchasing Department that will lessen the University’s environmental impact and optimize our resource consumption.
In a phased rollout beginning November 1, the University will restore the default black-and-white print setting to all printers in our managed print queues. Rollout begins at the Medical Center and is expected to take several weeks to complete across the University. After that, if you need to print something in color, you can select color for that printing job within printer properties. Additionally, if regular color printing is a business necessity in your area, you can request approval to return the default to color. Reach out to your department’s support team to make a request.
Those who have printers that aren’t managed through the University’s print queues, such as local desktop printers, are encouraged to change the default print setting to black and white to support sustainability and cost-saving efforts. Note that multifunction printers that are currently maintained by Xerox are not affected by the change. Also, with options such as email, file-sharing platforms, and MyChart, consider alternatives to printing that can further reduce the University’s resource consumption.
If you have questions on managing your printer settings, contact your department’s IT support, the University IT Help Desk, or the ISD Help Desk.
Alumni give back to future history students
The Kelly Family History Book Fund, which will be housed in the Department of History, is made possible by the support of David Kelly ’13 and Ann Kelly. The fund supports students pursuing a history degree who may be struggling with the added expense of course materials. Students enrolled in history courses who have expressed interest in majoring in history also qualify. Students may apply for funding through the department.
In honor of Richard Kaeuper’s 50-plus years of teaching medieval history at the University, Paul Kreuzer ’72 has pledged funds to develop the Richard W. Kaeuper Collection of Medieval Manuscripts in the River Campus Libraries Department of Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation. David Burkhardt ’88, a new George Eastman Circle member, and his employer have also made substantial commitments to the fund. Kaeuper has agreed to donate to River Campus Libraries his own 1297 Parisian manuscript to inaugurate the collection.
Flags will be lowered for Elizabeth Wayman
University flags on the Eastman Quadrangle and near the entrance of Strong Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department will be lowered Thursday, November 4, for Elizabeth Wayman, a senior information analyst at the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, who died on October 18. Wayman joined the University staff in 2017.
Having a safe and fun time during Halloween is easy if you have strategies to prevent anything from turning spooky or scary. Here are some tips from the Department of Public Safety:
Go with a friend. It’s always safer to attend parties or outings with others you know and trust. Travel in pairs or groups. Let others know your destination and when to expect your return. Use a smartphone tracking app for safety; many of these apps can track your location and send out alerts to trusted contacts as you make your way to your destination. Have a plan for who you are leaving with and how you are getting home.
Think ahead when planning your costume. Make sure your costume will keep you warm, and if you plan on walking a lot, avoid wearing shoes or costumes that will restrict your movement or vision. Stay visible when walking outside, and stay alert to your surroundings.
Drink responsibly. If you are of legal drinking age and choose to drink, make sure you do so safely. Practice moderation and know what is in your drink. Never leave your drink unattended—take it with you everywhere you go and don’t accept drinks from strangers. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or get a ride with someone who has been drinking.
Don’t be spooked. Call or text Public Safety at (585) 275-3333 if you see anything that concerns you, or pick up a Blue Light phone. The phone and text lines are monitored 24 hours a day.
Attend today’s Undergraduate Research Fair
To assist in providing students with local, discipline-specific guidance about getting started in undergraduate research, the Office of Undergraduate Research holds an annual Undergraduate Research Fair. Experts from many departments and programs will answer student questions about undergraduate research in that discipline. This is a great opportunity for students to investigate research opportunities. Attend the fair today, October 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Feldman Ballroom, Douglass Commons.
Greene Center evening collaboration hours
Do you have quick questions about your resume? Want to practice your elevator pitch or need advice with preparing for an interview? Drop by evening collaboration hours, located in Barbara J. Burger iZone, on Monday, November 1, from 8 to 10 p.m. EDT and Tuesday, November 2, from 8 to 10 p.m. EDT. The GreeneCenter for Career Education and Connections’ peer career advisors will be available to help with your career-related questions. They can assist you with internship and job searches, explore networking and interview resources, and provide feedback on documents, including resumes critiques and cover letter development. No appointment is necessary.
‘Pitch Imperfect’ event
The Barbara J. Burger iZone invites you to “Pitch Imperfect” on Wednesday, November 3, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. EDT in the iZone Kessler Forum. This is an event series that allows you to unleash your creativity while mastering important skills like communication, pitching, and storytelling. During the event, you will present on a random, never before seen slide deck (provided) to a panel of judges. To be eligible for prizes, including AirPods and a Bluetooth speaker, register here.
Faculty support, development workshops for new and early-career faculty
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost, a series of workshops and social events offer practical knowledge and expanded alliances that link faculty to research and scholarship resources, clarify the path to promotion, and support faculty progress. Learn more about each session and register online to attend or email Adele Coelho.
When Students Are Struggling, Troubled, or Troubling: Sources of Insight and Assistance: Wednesday, November 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST
Perspectives on the Promotion Process, Part I: Promotion to Associate Professor: Thursday, November 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST
Mapping, Aligning, and Assessing Outcomes: Tuesday, November 16, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. EST
It’s that time of year when student teams use the trebuchets and air cannons they’ve built to hurl pumpkins into the sky over Wilson Quad. Drop by starting at 1 p.m. today, October 29, to see practice shots, followed by a competition at 2 p.m., hosted by the University’s American Society of Mechanical Engineering student chapter. You can also visit Studio X, located on the first floor of the Carlson Science and Engineering Library near the Vista Collaboratory, to try out some spooky AR/VR experiences.
Lecture: ‘Is Big Government Back?’
Join David Primo, the Ani and Mark Gabrellian Professor and a professor of political science and business administration, as he moderates a discussion of leading experts from across the political spectrum as they discuss the future of American politics—and why it matters for you. Attend the lecture, “Is Big Government Back? The Biden Budget, the Bernie Effect, and Your Future,” on Wednesday, November 3, from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. in Wegmans Hall 1400, River Campus. Learn more about the event’s sponsor, the Politics and Markets Project, on Instagram and Facebook.
Recycle candy wrappers with ‘Trick-or-Trash’ program
If you’re out trick-or-treating this weekend, save your candy wrappers and recycle them through the “Trick-or-Trash” program. A collection box will be available in Hirst Lounge, Wilson Commons until Friday, November 5. Learn more about the program.
Zero-cost heroes: Raffaella Borasi and David MillerÂ
Open Access Week closes out with “zero-cost” heroes Raffaella Borasi, the Frederica Warner Professor, and Dave Miller, director of the Digitally-Rich Teaching and Instructional Technology program. The Warner School of Education faculty members couldn’t find case studies they needed for a course. So, they created their own. Find out how they are helping students become authors and share their expertise, and meet four other “zero-cost” heroes.
Above, MUSC 104 carillon students pose outside of Rush Rhees Library, home of the University’s Hopeman Carillon. The Carillon Society continues its Sunday carillon concerts this weekend at 5 p.m. EDT with a Halloween-themed program. Listen from the Eastman Quadrangle or online.
@Rochester is produced daily by University Marketing and Communications. You are receiving this message as a member of the University of Rochester community or as a subscriber. Please do not forward this newsletter to other distribution lists.
