Update on new positive cases of COVID-19

There are 14 new positive cases among students to report: 10 on River Campus and four on Eastman Campus. 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.

Recent awards and honors

University community members are being recognized for contributions to their respective fields:

• Xuwen Chen, an associate professor of mathematics, has received a Simons Foundation Faculty Fellowship in Mathematics for his work applying mathematical theory to the behavior of quantum particles.
• Michael Hasselberg, a professor of psychiatry, clinical nursing, and data science, and the Medical Center’s senior director of digital health, has been named to the 2021 “Top 50 in Digital Health” list by Rock Health, a nonprofit that equips innovators with the resources and recognition needed to create equitable digital health opportunities for all.
• Laura Ackerman Smoller, chair of the department of history, has been elected a Fellow of the Medieval Academy of America, the highest honor that the MAA can bestow upon North American medievalists. Smoller is also the recipient of a National Endowment for the Humanities fellowship to write her third book.
• Two recent publications from University of Rochester Press are the recipients of awards. Nigeria’s Digital Diaspora: Citizen Media, Democracy, and Participation by Farooq Kperogi received a 2021 CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title Award. And, Augusta Browne: Composer and Woman of Letters in Nineteenth-Century America by Bonny Miller received an honorable mention for the 2021 American Musicological Society’s H. Robert Cohen/RIPM Award.
• The Beethoven Choral Fantasy performance won a platinum award through the LIT Talent Awards in the category “Instrumental Performance—Orchestral.” This collaborative project involves Tiffany Chang of the Oberlin Conservatory; Stephen Roessner, a senior lecturer of audio and music engineering; Julie Covach; the UR Chamber Singers; Rachel Waddell, director of orchestral activities; and the orchestras in the Arthur Satz Department of Music. In addition, the performance won Best Instrumental Performance for 2021, receiving the highest marks by the judges from everyone who submitted across all genres.
• Bank of America recently named the University a “2021 Neighborhood Champion,” recognizing the work the University does to advance economic mobility throughout the Greater Rochester region with the Teen Health and Success Partnership program at the Center for Community Health & Prevention.

Go Green: Abandoned student belongings donated to local charities

Waste reduction efforts during the pandemic have taken a hit as the use of disposable items has increased. When possible, University Facilities and Services continues to look for opportunities to reduce waste by putting discarded items into good use rather than into landfills. In September 2021, a donation of 2,177 pounds of abandoned student goods was made to benefit the Open Door Mission of Rochester. Read more in this week’s Go Green blog post.

What makes relationships thrive

Hidden Brain, January 17

What’s the secret ingredient that makes some relationships thrive and others falter? Appearing on the Hidden Brain podcast, Harry Reis, a professor of psychology and Dean’s Professor in Arts, Sciences, and Engineering, tells host Shankar Vedantam that we crave “real understanding” in our closest relationships so “that the people on the other side know who we are” and will, in turn, be “caring, validating, and accepting.” Yet, says Reis, “things like love, and trust, and caring simply don’t work if there isn’t understanding.”

Activities Fair on Friday

The Winter Activities Fair is going virtual. This Rochester Tradition has been moved to Friday, January 21, with two times on CCC: 2 to 3:30 p.m. EST and 5 to 6:30 p.m. EST. Log on to explore virtual booths while you engage with over 280 student organizations, chat live, access videos, browse photos from past events, and discover passions. Immerse yourself in the Rochester experience and get involved.

Food Pantry available

Are you facing food insecurity? In quarantine or isolation and do not have the means to order food? Place an online order for groceries through the campus Food Pantry. During the pause, online bag order is the preferred method, however, in-person shopping can be done with one person in the pantry at a time. Check the pantry hours online and be prepared to briefly wait if needed when visiting in person.

403(b) on the go

Access your University 403(b) account from anywhere using the TIAA website or app. You can check your balance and rate of return, view your statements and important messages, and change your investments at your convenience. Download the TIAA app or visit TIAA.org/rochester and start taking control of your retirement.

Apply to the Geriatrics Faculty Scholars Program

The University’s Aging Institute, Division of Geriatrics and Aging, and the Finger Lakes Geriatric Education Center are accepting applications for the 2022 Geriatric Faculty Scholars Program. The program is open to junior and mid-career academic faculty from the School of Nursing and School of Medicine and Dentistry with an interest in aging who wish to spearhead program development through geriatric education within their school, program, division, or department. The program will enhance the scholars’ teaching and leadership skills and facilitate their career development as academic leaders with a clinical, educational, or research niche in geriatrics and gerontology that advances the paradigm of the Age-Friendly Health System. Find more information and apply here. Applications are due February 7.

Community dialogue on masculinity and violence

Join the M.K. Gandhi Center for Nonviolence for a dialogue on the connections between masculinity and violence. This discussion is open to all community members and will take place virtually on Thursday, January 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. EST. Learn more and register here.

Careers in Data Science: Samir Farooq ’16 (MS)

Join the Goergen Institute for Data Science for Careers in Data Science with Samir Farooq ’16 (MS), a senior data scientist for Arcadia.io, a software company in the health care industry. Learn about his career path work projects, and tips for a career in data science. The virtual event takes place Friday, January 21, at 11 a.m. EST via Zoom.

Startup Bytes series returns with mental health, wellness entrepreneurs

Startup Bytes with the Ain Center for Entrepreneurship is back. Take a virtual lunch break from noon to 1 p.m. EST on Friday, January 21, for a look at a few of the startups in western New York that are doing work in the mental health and wellness space. Register and find a full set of details here.

Wellness Wednesday: Upcoming virtual PAWS event

Nominations are open for the 2022 Susan B. Anthony Lifetime Achievement Award

The Susan B. Anthony Lifetime Achievement Award honors and celebrates women whose lives have been enriched by their years at the University and who have, in turn, inspired other women to advance and lead. Nominees are faculty, staff, trustees, and alumnae who have achieved significant professional stature and influence, who have a commendable, trailblazing body of work, and who have used their experience and skills to help other women advance as leaders. Nominees should have a strong affiliation with the University and a “lifetime” of significant achievements. Submit nominations by Monday, February 21. The award is given annually by the Susan B. Anthony Center.

• 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