The University will celebrate all members of the Class of 2022 during a University-wide, in-person ceremony on Friday, May 13, in Fauver Stadium on the River Campus. The University Commencement ceremony—which will mark the conferral of academic degrees for both undergraduates and graduate students—will kick off a weekend of celebratory events for graduates, their families and friends, faculty, and staff.
Also in today’s issue:
Joe Testani, Gwen M. Greene Center for Career Education and Connections executive director and associate vice provost, has been named deputy to President Sarah Mangelsdorf
Attend the Department of Psychiatry’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Grand Rounds lecture this week
The Environmental Humanities Department hosts an online seminar on sustainability culture
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.
Career education leader Joe Testani named deputy to president
Joe Testani, Gwen M. Greene Center for Career Education and Connections executive director and associate vice provost, has been named deputy to President Sarah Mangelsdorf, filling a position on the president’s team that has been vacant.
In his new role, Testani will support Mangelsdorf, the staff of the Office of the President, and other senior leaders. He will lead and coordinate University-wide strategic projects that address institutional priorities and planning. In addition, he will bring together a wide range of key external and internal constituencies to create alignment and ensure action on issues affecting the future of the institution.
An interim director for the Greene Center will be appointed in the near future while a search is conducted for Testani’s successor.
Located within the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, the Study Zone is a quiet, focused place to work. Students commit to spending at least three hours a week in the Study Zone and benefit from peer support in planning effective study sessions. By providing a productive location, personal support, and free beverages (new this semester), this informal study location will help students get past common barriers to turn their academic goals into reality. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. The program serves students in AS&E, the School of Medicine and Dentistry, Simon Business School, and Warner School of Education. Enroll here.
Registration for Page-Turners for Teaching now open
Curious about how to teach and train others? Looking for ways to keep your CV up-to-date on teaching? Register to join Page-Turners for Teaching, a biweekly discussion group for graduate students and postdocs interested in exploring their teaching practice with like-minded colleagues. Spring 2022 discussions will take place every other Wednesday at 4 p.m. EST starting February 2. Participants receive a free book on a first-come, first-served basis.
Apply for the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates
Conference: ‘Economic Justice for an Inclusive Recovery’
The University is sponsoring Action for a Better Community’s 2022 Virtual Signature Conference Series, taking place Thursday, January 20. This year’s theme is “Economic Justice for an Inclusive Recovery,” addressing the laws and policies needed to repair the historical injustices done by racism, redlining, health disparities, and other forms of economic marginalization.
Register for the conference and view the agenda online. You will be able to register as a group or individual. After completing the registration form, proceed to the checkout and apply the coupon code letters “IRS” and select the “free booking” button to complete the registration. All Zoom links will be sent 24 hours prior to each session for each person who has completed their registration with a valid email address.
VSP Vision Care reminder
If you enrolled in VSP Vision Care for 2022—you would see “Benefit Extras Before Tax” on your paystub—you don’t need a card to utilize your benefits. When you go to a vision appointment, you can tell them your VSP ID number, which is three zeros followed by your employee ID number. Find more information about your coverage here.
Health checks that help you set your New Year’s goals
Your quick and easy Well-U personal health assessment makes it convenient for you to get your numbers now so that you can have a full picture of your present health and set your goals for the new year.
Stress less with strategies from a wellness expert
Stress is a natural part of life, but high levels can leave you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and burned out over time. Join Laura Gavigan ’08W (MEd), ’15W (MS), owner of MindfulMatters585 and a certified mindful meditation instructor at the University, for an empowering lesson on caring for yourself. Explore how mindfulness can alleviate stress, learn simple strategies that can be used anywhere at any time, and enjoy a guided meditation. Register for the event taking place at noon EST on Wednesday, January 19.
Martin Luther King Jr. Grand Rounds lecture
Join the Department of Psychiatry on Wednesday, January 19, at noon EST for the 5th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Grand Rounds. Learn more about this year’s speaker, Harriet Washington ’76, author of Medical Apartheid, and register here.
Virtual talk on cervical cancer
Tune in to the Center for Community Health & Prevention’s Facebook page on Thursday, January 20, any time after 11 a.m. EST for “Cervical Cancer: Know the Risk Factors and Screening Options,” presented by Hannah Farley, promotion, education, and targeted outreach manager for the cancer services program of the Finger Lakes Region at the Center for Community Health & Prevention. This taped presentation will help you learn more about HPV, the health and social factors that increase the risk for cervical cancer, as well as what screening options are available and who should be screened.
Seminar on equity, capitalism, and sustainability culture
The Environmental Humanities program will host an online seminar, “Equity Talks: Selling Sustainability: Equity, Capitalism, and Sustainability Culture,” on Thursday, January 20, at 4 p.m. EST. Guest speaker Aja Barber will examine the intersection of capitalism, race, and the fashion industry, how sustainability and consumerism try but often fail to coexist, and how to examine and unlearn consumer behavior to ensure further equity and decrease contributions to the environmental crisis. Register here to attend.
MLK Commemorative Address this Friday
The University’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address takes place Friday, January 21. The virtual-only event runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. EST. Rheeda Walker, a professor of psychology and a behavioral scientist at the University of Houston, will discuss the mental health challenges facing African Americans and take questions from the audience. Those interested should register online and will receive a Zoom link via email the day of the event.
Free virtual program for cancer survivors, families
On Wednesday, January 26, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. EST, Bassett Healthcare Network, which works with Wilmot Cancer Institute, will kick off a free virtual program for all cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers in the area called “Living Well with and After Cancer.” The six-week program will offer patients weekly action plans and an opportunity to share experiences and help each other solve problems. Learn more or register by calling (585) 738-5539 or emailing Sarah_Merritt@urmc.rochester.edu.
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