University updates policy against discrimination and harassment
After a year-long effort involving stakeholders and contributors from across the institution, the University has substantially revised its Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment (PADH). The revisions include a new decision-making model that relies on a panel to determine responsibility for alleged violations rather than a single decision-maker. The new policy also changes the standard for hostile environment harassment for students, providing greater protection for students (even more than required by federal law), creating equity among students and employees.
Charged by President Sarah Mangelsdorf last November, the PADH Advisory Committee—made up of faculty, staff, and students—and the committee’s working group collaborated for months to create the new policy that is built on transparency and accountability, and centered on the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion. “The revised Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe, respectful, and welcoming climate,” Mangelsdorf said. “It is a prime example of how we are setting the highest standards for the entire University community so that Rochester is a place where we all can thrive.” The new policy will officially go into effect on January 1, 2022. For more information, please contact the Office of Equity and Inclusion.
Members of the University community are encouraged to report discrimination and harassment based on a protected class as well as retaliation based on a prior complaint of discrimination or harassment. Members of the University community who feel that they have experienced behavior that violates the policy, as well as those who witness or become aware of concerning conduct, should file a report using the online PADH report form.
In today’s issue:
The University’s iGEM team has developed a device that instantly detects sepsis via sweat
The Medical Center and Wilmot Cancer Institute are expanding an enhanced lung cancer screening program in the region.
This month’s drop-in counseling sessions for students
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.
Please complete Dr. Chat Bot—it’s a requirement for being on campus.
Looking at the lungs: Getting more people screened for the region’s deadliest cancer
Lung cancer remains the most common cause of cancer death nationwide and in the Rochester area. Teams at the Medical Center and Wilmot Cancer Institute are working to address low rates of lung cancer screening by expanding an enhanced lung cancer screening program in the region.
Rochester students’ award-winning device instantly detects sepsis via sweat
Early sepsis can turn into full-blown septic shock within an hour after the first symptoms emerge. A team of Rochester undergraduate students has developed a new device to instantaneously diagnose sepsis based on biomarkers in a person’s sweat. The team recently entered their device in the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition, where it was nominated for best diagnostics project, best hardware, and best education awards and won a gold medal, making the team the second-most-awarded iGEM team in North America.
The Writing Fellows will be available to help AS&E students on Sunday, December 5, at 5 p.m. through Monday, December 6, at 3 a.m. The fellows will tutor papers—from any discipline and at any stage in the writing process—while you refuel with snacks. Join the session in the Writing, Speaking, and Argument Program main office, Rush Rhees Library, Room G-122.
The University libraries have made it easier and more cost-effective for Rochester-affiliated researchers to publish their work as open access resources. Join Rochester librarians on Thursday, December 9, from 10  to 11 a.m. in Carlson Science and Engineering Library, Room 103, for a comprehensive look at open access publishing agreements and the potential impact they have on publishing prospects. There will also be a Q & A section.
Online travel booking tools
The University is offering employees the option to make their own travel arrangements online, which provides 24/7 access to plan and book business travel. Save money by taking advantage of the preprogrammed University-contracted discounts with American, United, and JetBlue airlines, as well as with car rental companies and thousands of hotels worldwide. The travel agency fee for online bookings is significantly lower than the fees associated with agent-assisted phone or email bookings. DePrez Travel is using Concur for its online reservations. Town and Country Travel is using Etta (Deem) for its online reservations. Both online booking tools are available for use, visit the travel arrangements web page for more details.
Find the right path to financial well-being
TIAA offers in-person and virtual one-on-one consultation sessions, at no cost, to help you with your retirement and other financial goals. You can sign up for a session online or by calling (800) 410-6497, weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST.
Seeking secret Santas for Strong’s Baby Love program
Help brighten the holidays for more than 350 babies, infants, toddlers, and children from throughout the Rochester area. Each year, departments, teams, and individuals throughout the University and Strong Memorial Hospital make a difference for new families who are enrolled in the Baby Love and Building Healthy Children programs. Participate by donating a gift card. Learn more, including where to deliver or send donations.
Comic book lovers unite
River Campus Libraries is hosting the 2021 University of Rochester Comic-Con on Wednesday, December 8, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The full-day event, which includes displays of comics and graphic novels, will begin with a keynote conversation with comic artist Dave Chisholm ʼ13E (DMA), creator of the graphic novel Instrumental, and Jeffrey Tucker, an associate professor of English. Check the full schedule for segment times and details.
Take a class with Warner
Learn if a Warner School of Education graduate degree is the right program for you by taking a nonmatriculated class this spring. Course topics include online teaching and learning, diversity and equity in education, leadership and management in higher education, family and social dynamics, and more. View the complete list of nonmatriculated course opportunities. Register now with the Warner nonmatriculated student application. Contact Admissions with questions.
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