Eleven new positive cases of COVID-19

There are eleven new cases of COVID-19 to report: five River Campus students, three River Campus employees, two Eastman Campus students, and one Medical Campus student. 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.

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.

Free COVID-19 testing: Rapid COVID-19 antigen testing is available at no charge to asymptomatic students, faculty, and staff by appointment in Rettner Hall on River Campus.

Language Center study spaces available today

The Language Center has two study spaces available today, December 9, during Reading Period. Visit the Ambient Room, where there will be calm studying music playing, in Douglass Commons, Room 305, from 3 to 9 p.m. or the Quiet Room in Douglass Commons, Room 304, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Virtual writing boot camp for AS&E students

Seeking student mindfulness facilitators

Are you interested in or passionate about mindfulness, want to deepen your knowledge on the topic, and share practices with your peers? Become a student mindfulness facilitator and lead peers through meditations in the library, at events, during student group meetings, or on the Mindful University Project’s Instagram or YouTube channel.⁠

During the comprehensive training, students will learn the history of mindfulness, the neuroscience of mindfulness and meditation, various mindfulness practices, trauma-sensitive mindfulness, inclusive language, and online and in-person meditation facilitation best practices!.

Sign up if you are interested and for more information. This is open to all Arts, Sciences & Engineering and Eastman School of Music undergraduate and graduate students.

Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship applications are now open

Sixteen students of color nationwide will be awarded a fully funded, four-week fellowship in Ireland to follow in the footsteps of famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Each student’s program fee and travel costs will be covered for this summer study abroad program.

Applicants must be current undergraduate first-years, sophomores, or juniors and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership potential, communication skills, and history of service.  Applications are due February 14.

Learn more about the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship. Email questions to the Center for Education Abroad.

‘Get a Head Start’ retirement program webinar

TIAA is hosting a live webinar on Wednesday, December 15, from noon to 1 p.m. EST geared toward new employees or those who wish to hear an overview of the University’s 403(b) retirement program. Reserve your spot here.

EAP blog: Holiday gatherings can mean holiday stress

Read this month’s UR Medicine EAP blog to learn how to reduce conflicts during family gatherings. UR Medicine EAP is brought to you by Well-U, helping eligible individuals to assess issues, and provide short-term counseling and referrals.

Jingle all the way to the Friends of Strong Hospital Gift Shop

Gift-giving season is here and the Friends of Strong Hospital Gift Shop is all dressed up for the holidays. Find gifts from apparel to winter essentials, children’s gifts, and a unique selection of seasonal décor to share with friends, family, and colleagues this holiday season. Or take the uncertainty out of gift-giving with a gift certificate available in $5 denominations. The gift shop is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, as well as Saturday, December 11, and Saturday, December 18, from noon to 4 p.m.

Moving toward normative change in equity, access, diversity, and inclusion

Join the next installment of the REAL Conversations series on Thursday, December 16, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. EST as Cecilia Rios-Aguilar ’03W (MS), ’07W (PhD) explores how students’ cultural experiences can be used to develop strategies to overcome disparities and enact long-term normative change. Learn more and register for this virtual event, presented by the Office of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement in partnership with the Office of Equity and Inclusion and the Diversity Advisory Council. You can also explore the REAL Conversations archive.

‘Lift Off’ equity, diversity, and inclusion leadership summit

The inaugural equity, diversity, and inclusion leadership summit hosted by the Office of Equity and Inclusion will feature keynote speaker Gloria Ladson-Billings, president of the National Academy of Education, and experienced leaders and practitioners. Save the date for April 7 for a leadership summit that will inspire, encourage, and transform spaces for institutional and organizational excellence. Find more information about the summit, the call for workshop proposals, and innovative spotlights.

When Rush Rhees Library opened in 1930, the Welles-Brown Room was for leisure reading only—all coursework had to be left at the door and the shelves were filled with popular fiction and nonfiction books. The space has evolved to be a favorite quiet study spot, but one can’t ignore the calming qualities of the room: the cozy furniture, fireplace, wood trim, and white noise of the fans. Take a tour and learn more about what the “Welles-Brown Oasis” has to offer on the River Campus Libraries Instagram.

• Dr. Chat Bot: Non–Medical Center faculty, staff, and all students | Medical Center employees
• COVID-19 Resource Center | Medical Center’s COVID-19 update page
• Current campus face mask policies
• Faculty and staff vaccine participation form (VPN or on-campus network connection required)
• FAQ on COVID-19 vaccination
• What to do if you or your close contacts have symptoms or have been exposed