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.
Winter break and holiday shuttle changes
Reduced shuttle service to the River Campus will begin on Monday, December 20. Medical Center shuttles—Corporate Woods, evening staff shuttle, and Lot 24–Scottsville Road—will operate according to their normal schedules during winter break. There will be no shuttle service for any University shuttle routes on December 24 and 31. Visit the Transportation and Parking Management website for up-to-date shuttle information and schedules.
The Institute of Optics is expanding its recruitment of PhD candidates thanks to a $900,000 US Department of Education award. The Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need award will pay for six PhD fellowships, at least half of which will be awarded to students from underrepresented groups. Students interested in applying can email Kai Davies. Applications for fall 2022 entrance are due by January 15. Instructions and details are available on the Institute of Optics website.
In the coming weeks, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield will be sending out new member ID cards to all University members and their dependents enrolled in medical or dental coverage effective January 1. For existing members, your subscriber ID should not change. Call (800) 659-2808 or email EROC.SelectDedicated@Excellus.com with questions.
Share the Warmth: A coat drive for patients in need
Friends of Strong, Advantage Federal Credit Union, and Strong Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department are collecting clean, gently used—or new—men’s winter coats for patients in need who are being discharged from the hospital throughout the coming winter months. For Medical Center staff and students, donation collection boxes are located in the hospital’s main lobby, and on the ground floor between the University ID and post offices located just inside the Whipple Circle entrance on Crittenden Blvd. The general public may use the donation bin located outside of Advantage’s Penfield branch at 2515 Browncroft Blvd. Call (585) 275-2420 with questions or if you would like to arrange a collection drive in your location or department.
Seasonal masses, celebrations with the Catholic Newman Community
Catholic Newman Community will host a Christmas concert that will be streamed live on Monday, December 20, at 7 p.m. EST. A Christmas Eve mass will be held on Friday, December 24, at 6:30 p.m. EST in person at the Interfaith Chapel on the River Campus or virtually. No registration is required and parking is available.
Purchase the 2022 pet therapy dog calendar
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.
Apple items in stock now at UR Tech Store
Just in time for the holidays, iPads and AirPods are in stock now at both UR Tech Store locations. Shop online, at the Medical Center location (G-7220B), or at the Rush Rhees Library location. Items are available while supplies last.
‘Commit to Quit’ with new group smoking cessation program
Are you or someone you care about trying to quit smoking? The Center for Community Health & Prevention’s new virtual “Commit to Quit!” group program could be the right fit. Led by trained lifestyle counselors and smoking cessation experts, the free six-session program provides an interactive and encouraging environment designed to support participants on their quit journeys. The first 60-minute session kicks off at 4 p.m. EST on Thursday, January 13. Learn more and register.
Boys and girls youth volleyball clinics
Volleyball clinics for boys and girls ages six to 14 who are familiar with, but relatively new to the sport of volleyball and wish to improve their skill and learn the game, will take place January 23, February 6, and February 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Goergen Athletic Center. The clinics will focus on teaching the game of volleyball, the associated skills, and having fun. Campers are encouraged to attend all three sessions. A 10 percent discount is available for families with more than one child attending. Email Ladi Iya or call (585) 275-9461 with questions or for more information. Register here.
Earlier this week, Primetime585—a local nonprofit that uses sports as a bridge to the community—donated over 300 toys and coats to sickle cell disease patients at Golisano Children’s Hospital. These donations were made in partnership with several student-athletes throughout Monroe, Wayne, and Ontario counties, and they tagged along to help personally deliver these gifts.
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