Software uses selfies to detect early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
Ehsan Hoque, an associate professor of computer science—in collaboration with Ray Dorsey, the David M. Levy Professor in Neurology, and the University’s Morris K. Udall Parkinson’s Disease Research Center—has harnessed machine learning to accurately identify signs of Parkinson’s disease. The computer vision software analyzes selfies and detects subtle movements of facial muscles that are invisible to the naked eye.
In today’s issue:
This month’s issue of HR Intercom highlights minimum wage and more
Attend a roundtable discussion today on Haudenosaunee displacement and migration as part of the Sawyer Seminar series
Staff can sign up to take part in a two-part workshop on creating a queer-inclusive AS&E
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.
Strategic plan focus group summaries available online
As part of the University’s strategic planning efforts, a series of focus groups was organized to gather ideas and feedback on the five strategic pathways. To date, those conversations have been very productive and have included sessions for students, faculty, and staff. Some of the focus groups have been small, while others have seen over 100 registrations and attendees. While the feedback and data are still being collected and analyzed, a preliminary review of the focus group conversations indicates that Rochester faculty, students, and staff care deeply about several strategic priorities for the institution. A review of those priorities and summaries of the focus groups held to date are now available on the strategic plan website. Leadership invites and encourages your feedback. If you were unable to attend a focus group session, use the feedback form to offer your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions.
Decking the halls? Fire marshal's office shares decoration guidelines
A reminder from the Fire Marshal’s Office that holiday decorations must adhere to certain guidelines during the upcoming holiday season.
Join the UHS Health Promotion Office in Havens Lounge, Wilson Commons, on Saturday, November 20, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. for a discussion on Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) mental health. There will be a screening of a video featuring Rochester AAPI students sharing their mental health stories and holding a conversation about mental health stigma and seeking help. The first 10 people to show up will receive a prize bag including Asian snacks, stress balls, lavender sachets, and more. This event is open to all undergraduate AAPI students and allies.
Pet some therapy dogs
Come pet some dogs with Paws for Stress Relief on Monday, November 22, at the Goergen Athletic Center from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Peer health advocates from the Health Promotion Office also provide stress-relief giveaways such as lavender sachets, quote cards to hang up in your dorm, information about upcoming wellness events, and answer any questions you may have about University Health Service.
College shuttles to airport and bus, train stations
Complimentary shuttles will be available on select days to transport students in the College to and from the airport and train and bus stations. The Students’ Association has coordinated with the Department of Transportation and Parking Management to provide shuttles on Wednesday, November 24, and Sunday, November 28, for those traveling during Thanksgiving Break. Follow SA on Instagram or Facebook for the full schedule and stop locations.
This month’s issue of HR Intercom, a newsletter with information about human resources programs and materials, includes information about the changes to the University minimum wage, vacation payout, and more.
‘Creating a Queer-Inclusive AS&E’ two-part staff workshop
Due to the interest in the new AS&E virtual workshop series, “Creating a Queer-Inclusive AS&E,” a second staff option is being offered this semester on Wednesdays, December 1 and 8, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. EST. Registration is required.
In part one, participants will learn some basic information about LGBTQ culture including current language and terms. This will allow participants to immediately begin the journey of creating more inclusive spaces in their work. In part two, participants will begin to gain an understanding of cissexism and heterosexism in higher education. They will then explore how these themes manifest in their work and grapple with strategies to shift these norms on an individual and school-wide level. Participation in part one is required. If you previously participated in part one in person, register to receive the link. Contact Col Raimond with questions.
Summer 2022 National Science Foundation REU seeking project proposalsÂ
Projects should have a strong computational component and be related to music, media, and minds. Interested faculty can submit a proposal via Google form by December 1. Acceptance of proposals will be communicated by December 15. Email Ajay Anand or Zhiyao Duan with questions.Â
The tipping point of stress
There’s a limit at which ongoing stress takes its toll on physical and mental health. In Behavioral Health Partner’s November blog, explore ways to step back from stress and recover your work-life balance.
Roundtable: ‘Haudenosaunee Displacement, Migration, and Mobility’
The yearlong Sawyer Seminar’s events regarding migration are occurring on Haudenosaunee homelands. Join the Humanities Center today, November 17, from noon to 2 p.m. EST in the Humanities Center Conference Room D, Rush Rhees Library, for an event that brings together acclaimed local and regional scholars to dialogue about Haudenosaunee histories, settler colonialism, and immigration/migration. Moderated by Brianna Theobald, an assistant professor of history, the roundtable will feature Peter Jemison (Seneca), historic site manager, Ganondagan; Theresa McCarthy (Onondaga), associate professor of Africana and American Studies, University at Buffalo; and Michael Oberg, distinguished professor of history, SUNY Geneseo.
Book Talk: Teaching Nabokov's Lolita in the #MeToo era
Join Elena Sommers, a principal lecturer in Russian and global literature in the Department of English at RIT, for a book talk on how to approach Nabokov’s Lolita in the #MeToo era. The talk, hosted by the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures, takes place today, November 17, at 5 p.m. EST in the Gamble Room, Rush Rhees Library.
Learn about TEAM master’s program
Are you looking for a master’s degree that is both business and technical? The master of science in technical entrepreneurship and management program (TEAM) is tailored to professionals seeking to advance their careers in the industries of engineering and business. Learn more at an information session on Thursday, November 18, at 7 p.m. EST via Zoom. The session will feature a Q&A, and attendees will receive application fee waivers.
Preparations are underway in the Sloan Performing Arts Center’s Smith Theater for the December opening of the International Theatre Program’s fall production. Find details on the play online and photos chronicling the set’s construction on the program’s Instagram.
@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.
