Updated guidance prohibits in-person University holiday gatherings
CURT and senior leadership have decided that for the safety and well-being of University community members and in an effort to prevent a post-holiday surge of COVID-19 cases, University-organized or -sponsored holiday gatherings among students, faculty, or staff, whether on campus or off, should not go forward at this time.
The decision to prohibit these holiday gatherings University-wide was made based on the increasing rate of COVID-19 cases locally, and how easily the virus can be transmitted—regardless of the size or vaccination status of the group—when individuals eat, drink, and socialize together. The prohibition is in effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice. Read the full guidance here.
Eligible students strongly encouraged to get vaccine booster over winter break
On November 29, a University update strongly encouraged all students, faculty, and staff to get a COVID-19 vaccination booster when eligible, and outlined the current available resources to do so. As a student update to this guidance, University officials continue to strongly recommend that eligible students receive a booster vaccination before the start of the spring semester and advise that winter break might be the best time to do this.
While it is not a current University requirement for enrolled students to receive the booster shot, it is anticipated that at some point in the spring semester it may become a mandate (with compliance required as a condition for remaining enrolled for the remainder of the semester). Therefore, eligible students getting the booster over winter break will ensure their compliance with a possible future student requirement, receive additional protection against getting COVID, and not have to worry about getting the shot during the busy academic year. For students staying on campus for winter break, the Medical Center is working on ways to provide the booster to those who are eligible, and more details will be communicated about these opportunities and included on the COVID-19 Resource Center. Find additional details on the student recommendation.
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.
Ashley Van Vechten ’08 named head coach of the women's soccer program
Eastman Institute for Oral Health to establish faculty development center
The US Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration has selected the Eastman Institute for Oral Health to collaboratively establish a first-of-its-kind primary care dental faculty development center. The center will serve as a resource and training hub for junior primary care dental faculty in the US, preparing them to become interprofessional clinical educators capable of addressing issues of diversity and health equity, as well as leaders in primary care dentistry.
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“Even though the residents are protected with their vaccination, they’re still relying on an additional layer of protection from the staff,” says Brian McGarry, an assistant professor of medicine and of public health sciences and one of the study’s authors.
COVID-19 self-test kits available for student pick-up
University Health Service (UHS) has a limited supply of COVID-19 self-test kits available to students who are currently covered by the mandatory health fee, and who are intending to spend time with family or friends over winter break. These kits are covered by the mandatory health fee and there is no additional cost to students.
Each kit contains two nasal swab self-tests—one to be completed prior to the holiday or traveling, and the second can be used upon return to campus. These test results will not be sufficient for international travel, surveillance testing requirements, or in lieu of any test ordered by a medical provider. All positive test results should be followed by a call to UHS, (585) 275-2662, to notify clinical staff of the positive result and to receive further instructions. Each student may receive only one test kit.
Students who are covered by the mandatory health fee—all full-time students are—can pick up a test kit at one of the locations below. A student ID must also be presented.
Goergen Athletic Center, River Campus: From noon to 1 p.m. December 13–16
UHS Medical Center Office: From 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, now through December 17
Study spaces available
The Language Center has two study spaces available today, December 10, during Reading Period. Visit the Ambient Room, where there will be calm studying music playing, in Douglass Commons, Room 305, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or the Quiet Room in Douglass Commons, Room 304, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Students are also invited to study in the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center, Douglass Commons 305, today, December 10, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, December 12, from 1 to 6 p.m. There will be coffee, tea, hot cocoa, snacks, and crafts. Email bic@rochester.edu with questions.
Take a study break with River Campus Libraries
Students are invited to join River Campus Libraries at any of the following study break events:
Monday, December 13:Paws & Relax in Rush Rhees Library
Tuesday, December 14:Paws & Relax in Carlson Library
Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to step into the Welles-Brown Oasis pop-up whenever they need a break. With the help of the UHS Office of Health Promotion, relaxing elements such as a meditation station, coloring, puzzles, a zen garden, labyrinth, and more have been added to the Welles-Brown Room in Rush Rhees Library. The pop-up will be in place throughout the spring 2022 semester.
Study tips lunch break
Join the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning for lunch and a discussion of exam-taking strategies to reduce anxiety and to maximize your time. The session takes place today, December 10, in Dewey Hall, Room 2.110D, from noon to 1 p.m. For further information, contact cetl@rochester.edu.
Free ‘Late Night Breakfast’ tonight
Undergraduate students can visit Feldman Ballroom in Douglass Commons today, December 10, starting at 9 p.m. for a free late night breakfast buffet served by faculty and staff. Enjoy an assortment of breakfast foods including waffles, eggs, fruit, and more. Plus, grab some giveaways to help keep you focused and motivated during your studies. Seating will be available in the Feldman Ballroom and downstairs in the Faculty Club. The breakfast is sponsored by Wilson Commons Student Activities, University Information Technology, the Greene Center for Career Education and Connections, and the Office of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement.
A series of one-hour “how-to” workshops can help get you started with some basic online learning activities. The series covers everything from giving live or recorded lectures, using various discussion board tools, giving an online test, and providing a platform for asynchronous student presentations. Find the list of workshops and registration links here.
Join a virtual update on HIV, featuring guest speakers Edwin Sanders from Nashville’s Metropolitan Interdenominational Church and Michael Keefer, a professor of medicine and at the Center for Community Health & Prevention. “HIV: Past, Present, Future” takes place today, December 10, from 10 a.m. to noon and is sponsored by Action for a Better Community, Common Ground Health, Interdenominational Health Ministry Coalition, and Rochester Victory Alliance.
Relax with a meditative labyrinth walk
The final meditation labyrinth walk of the semester will be Saturday, December 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Interfaith Chapel, River Campus, Sanctuary Room 301. Students, staff, and faculty can walk the labyrinth as a meditative practice, another form of relaxation.
Webinar: ‘Partnering with the Community to Improve Health’
Join the Susan B. Anthony Center on Monday, December 13, from 4 to 5 p.m. EST to discuss how the University is partnering with the community. The webinar, “Science to Practice: Partnering with the Community to Improve Health,” will focus on maternal health and sharing resources with families that need them the most, but the principles embedded in the dialogue can be applied to many challenges facing groups that have been historically marginalized or made vulnerable. Participants will also learn about Clinical and Translational Science Institute resources that are available to help support and advance researcher and community member partnerships. Register here to attend.
Adorn your home or office with the 2022 pet therapy dog wall calendar, the proceeds from which benefit patient- and family-centered care at Strong Memorial Hospital. The calendars are available for $9.99 plus tax at the Friends of Strong Gift Shop. If you can’t make it to the gift shop, call (585) 275-2577 to have a copy shipped; a $4.99 shipping and handling fee applies, and orders within the University may be sent via interoffice mail at no additional charge.
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