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December 1, 2021

University’s COVID-19 safety measures align with new Monroe County policies

Yesterday, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello implemented several new county policies aimed at addressing the high rates of COVID-19 infection and hospitalization in our region, as compared to other parts of New York State. The University closely followed this news to ensure that we are aligned with all of the county’s recently announced protocols and are making decisions that help to preserve the health and safety of our University community, as well as the continuity of our University operations.

The policies and practices that are in place at the University are in line with those recommended by the county executive, public health commissioner, and our own epidemiologists and public health experts. These include masking while indoors, social distancing when possible, and providing free vaccines and COVID testing for all employees. In addition, the University has gone a step further in requiring that all faculty and staff be vaccinated against COVID-19 unless granted an approved exemption. These practices have proven to be extremely effective at keeping our workplace safe. As always, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and respond to expert guidance.

In addition to health and safety practices, the University implemented a new remote work policy over the summer. Employees who may be eligible for remote work should discuss options with their managers. 

In the event that University leaders need to implement additional safety measures to align with the county and to curtail the spread of COVID-19, this guidance will be communicated broadly to all members of the University community and include details and resources about how to effectively respond.

At this time, the University encourages everyone to:

  • Get vaccinated. There are so many opportunities to start or complete a COVID-19 vaccination locally, and the Finger Lakes Vaccine Hub continues to provide up-to-date information on these locations.
  • Get a COVID-19 booster. See the COVID-19 Resource Center for more information.
  • Mask up. Face masks 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.
  • Complete Dr. Chat Bot.  Dr. Chat Bot is a requirement for being on campus.
TODAY’S UPDATES

Seven new positive cases of COVID-19

There are seven new cases of COVID-19 to report: two River Campus students and one employee, two Eastman Campus students, and two Medical 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.

Need to know: Winter weather operations and communications

Wintry weather is upon us in New York state and the University’s emergency preparedness teams are ready with the plans and tools that keep the University operational and community members informed during snowstorms or severe weather.

When thinking about a possible “snow day,” it’s important to know that only under extreme weather conditions do University officials consider reducing or delaying on-campus operations and canceling activities, provided that essential services can still be maintained. The University is equipped to deal with snow and ice and, in general, remains in operation and continues with regular activities, classes, and services. Here are other key points to remember about staying informed this winter.

Leveraging primary care networks to increase breast, colon cancer screening

In a recent seven-year quality improvement project, safety-net primary care practices across upstate New York boosted rates of colorectal and breast cancer screenings after receiving education and support from regional academic medical centers. The project was run by practice-based research networks across the state, including the Clinical and Translational Science Institute’s Greater Rochester Practice-Based Research Network.

ISD Service Portal invites Medical Center, affiliates to search, submit, and check request status

Medical Center faculty, staff, and students have a new way to interact with their IT services through the ISD Service Portal. Quick online forms for making requests or reporting non-urgent issues are easy and convenient ways to contact ISD for yourself or on someone else’s behalf. Check the status of open requests, and search or browse for information, including eRecord training documentation. Read more, take a short video tour, and then sign in online to explore how ISD can help you. For issues that are urgent or affect patient care, call the ISD Help Desk at (585) 275-3200.


ROCHESTER IN THE NEWS

Has money lost its influence in elections?

NewsNation Now, November 24

Do campaign funds still decide elections? David Primo, the Ani and Mark Gabrellian Professor and a professor of political science and business administration, appeared on Dan Abrams Live to break down the latest trends.


FOR STUDENTS

Safe Sex Express

Get safe sex supplies delivered to your campus mailbox anonymously, and for free, with Safe Sex Express, a program created by students on the UR Student Health Advisory Committee. Your order will be delivered about a week after it is placed, so be sure to place it with enough time if you need supplies for winter break.


FOR THE COMMUNITY

Lecture: ‘Love, Death, and Rivers: Native Californians and Native Hawaiians Remember the Confluences of History’

The Humanities Center welcomes David Anthony Chang, a professor of history at the University of Minnesota, for the third public lecture in the Sawyer Seminar series on migration. Drawing on collaborative, community-engaged historical research, Chang considers how colonial processes and the movement of diverse peoples on the Pacific Coast have shaped racial and ethnic identities as well as interethnic relationships in the region. The free lecture takes place Thursday, December 2, from 5 to 6 p.m. EST in the Hawkins-Carlson Room, Rush Rhees Library. The event will also be streamed live. Learn more and register.

Lecture on historical trauma, health disparities in American Indian and Alaska native communities

Attend “Historical Trauma and the Health Disparities that Perpetuate in American Indian/Alaska Native Communities,” a virtual public health grand rounds lecture on Thursday, December 2, at 6 p.m. EST. Dean Seneca, CEO and founder of Seneca Scientific Solutions +, will discuss leading health inequities, causes of death, health workforce, and other challenges while working in Tribal communities. This lecture is presented in partnership with the URMC Office of Equity and Inclusion, Department of Public Health Sciences, and Center for Community Health & Prevention with additional funding from the Clinical and Translational Science Institute.

Inaugural theater production at Sloan Performing Arts Center opens December 2

Molly Goonan (Nina) '25 (R) and Miles Harrison (Con) '22.

The International Theatre Program returns to in-person performances, presenting Aaron Posner’s Stupid F***ing Bird in the new Smith Theater at the Sloan Performing Arts Center. The production, a modern adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull, opens Thursday, December 2, and is the program’s first to be held in the new performance space. Pictured above, Molly Goonan ’25, right, playing Nina, and Miles Harrison ’22 playing Con. Find more information and performance times.

Participate in the Simon Executive Experience

The Simon Executive Experience provides the opportunity to attend class and participate in a roundtable discussion with current students. An admissions committee representative will provide an overview of Simon Business School, the executive MBA program, and the application process. Register to attend on Friday, December 3, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST in Schlegel Hall.

Get answers to your career questions

Find guidance on interviewing, résumé writing, professional transitions, and more at monthly virtual meet-ups presented as part of the “Headhunter on Tap” series. Join the next session on Friday, December 3, at noon EST with recruitment experts Barbara Grossman ’77 and Jay Berger. Register here to attend.


SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

Screenshot of the University’s Instagram showing the menorah in Wilson Commons

Earlier this week, students from Hillel and Chabad House lit the menorah at a Hanukkah party in Wilson Commons.


COVID-19 QUICK LINKS


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