Ten new positive cases of COVID-19

There are 10 new cases of COVID-19 to report from over the weekend: seven River Campus students and one employee, one Eastman Campus student, 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.

Thanks to clinical trials, big leaps in lymphoma treatment

Newer therapies are outpacing the current treatment for diffuse large B cell lymphoma, according to data from two major clinical trials that included the Wilmot Cancer Institute.

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.

‘Lunch and Listen’ program for Medical Center staff and clinical workers features mix of music

The final “Lunch and Listen” concert of the year from Eastman Performing Arts Medicine and the Office of Patient Experience takes place today, December 14, from noon to 1 p.m. EST. Medical Center staff and clinical workers can join via Zoom and call in to make requests. This week’s concert features guitarist Patrick Peralta, currently pursuing a doctoral degree at the Eastman School of Music, and a mix of holiday, light classical, and Beatles music.

Say yes to healthy holidays

Enjoy the holidays and stay on track with your health goals. By modifying holiday recipes and practicing intuitive eating techniques, Leah Webster from Well-U’s lifestyle management team can help you celebrate without feeling deprived. Register now for the noon session on Thursday, December 16.

Workshop series to support students’ mental health

The Mindful University Project is continuing to offer workshops centered on various topics related to supporting student mental health. Fill up your toolbox with skills to effectively meet the needs of students in the upcoming semester. Find a list of all of the sessions and registration information here.

In January, workshops will be offered on:

• Using Motivational Science to Enhance Student Motivation and Well-Being
• UCC’s UR Connected Suicide Prevention Training
• The “Good Enough” Professor
• Creating a Contemplative Classroom

Holiday discounts available

Are you still holiday shopping? Seasonal employee discounts are available through LifeMart by Care.com. As part of the free Care.com premium membership, eligible employees have access to a number of seasonal discounts, including food delivery, gift cards, and travel deals. This benefit is part of the current offerings available to employees along with RARES benefits and discounts and YOUR Benefits Extras.

Over the weekend, the Medical Center welcomed a group of Northwell Health nurses to Strong Memorial Hospital. The team is here to support Emergency Department and ICU staff during the COVID surge. In April 2020, when New York City was a pandemic “hot spot,” Medical Center staff traveled downstate to help at Northwell.

• 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