Update on new positive cases of COVID-19

There are five new positive cases among students to report: five on the River 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 on what kinds of masks are acceptable.

Security Tip: Two-factor authentication (Duo)

The University uses the Duo two-factor authentication process to add a second layer of security to your online accounts and IT services, which helps prevent anyone but you from logging in, even if they know your password. You must enroll in Duo to use many important systems, including HRMS, VPN, UR Student, UR Financials, URMC Remote Access Systems, and URMC email. If you receive a Duo authentication prompt you did not initiate, decline immediately, and then choose either “It seemed fraudulent” or “It was a mistake” in Duo. Choosing “fraudulent” will automatically open an incident with IT Security to investigate the login attempt that used your credentials. You can also report the incident to abuse@rochester.edu. In either case, change your passwords immediately through myIdentity.

You must be on the University network in order to enroll yourself in Duo. If you need to sign up for Duo but are not on the University network because you are working remotely, call University IT at (585) 275-2000 or URMC and Affiliates’ ISD Help Desk at (585) 275-3200 for assistance.

Flags will be lowered for Phyllis Rollin

University flags on the Eastman Quadrangle and near the entrance of Strong Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department will be lowered Tuesday, February 15, for Phyllis Rollin, an insurance collection specialist in the United Business Office, who died on January 21. Rollin joined the University staff in 2012.

Nearly all NFL head coaches are white. What are the odds?

MSN, February 7

Bethany Lacina, an associate professor of political science, writes that by closely examining any plausible definition of who’s in the pool of potential NFL coaches, evidence can be found of profound pro-white bias in even the league’s most recent hiring.

Study Zone now open

Located within the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, the Study Zone is a quiet 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 Arts Sciences & Engineering, the School of Medicine and Dentistry, Simon Business School, and Warner School of Education. Enroll here.

Sit in with the zen meditation group

Join the zen meditation group via Zoom on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5 to 5:30 p.m. EST for a 30-minute mindful drop-in session. Contact Kyle Trenshaw for more information or to be added to the email list. No prior meditation experience is necessary.

Supervisor Series: Recognizing stress, depression, and anxiety

Learn about the prevalence of stress, depression, and anxiety in the workplace. Join UR Medicine EAP and Well-U on Wednesday, February 16, from noon to 1 p.m. EST and gain tools to assist you in recognizing signs of stress, depression, and anxiety among your employees. Register here for the program, which is for all managers and supervisors.

Financial Health Bite: Home ownership incentive program

Register to attend an informational webinar on Wednesday, February 16, at noon EST to learn about the home ownership incentive program for benefits-eligible faculty, staff, residents, and fellows. This is a joint program among the University, the City of Rochester, and participating banks and credit unions that offer $9,000 toward the purchase of a primary residence. There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation.

Help map faculty research collaborations

The Clinical and Translational Science Institute is conducting a brief survey about involvement in research and research collaborations, which all faculty members are encouraged to complete. The short online survey will help focus efforts to foster collaborative science and support emerging investigators and networks. Participants can request their results by contacting the Research Help Desk. Surveys need to be submitted by Tuesday, March 1.

Need a jump start? Car locks frozen?

If you’re on a University campus having vehicle trouble, the Department of Transportation and Parking Management is ready to lend a helping hand. The Vehicle Assistance Program provides free on-campus assistance to students, employees, and visitors who need help starting a dead battery, inflating a soft tire, or de-icing car locks. Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week except from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Friday and Saturday by calling (585) 275-4524.

Vijay Iyer to present the Glenn Watkins Lecture

American composer, pianist, bandleader, producer, and writer Vijay Iyer will be the Eastman School of Music’s 2022 Glenn Watkins Lecture Series guest speaker. Learn more about Iyer, and register to attend the lecture, taking place Thursday, February 10, at 3 p.m. in Hatch Recital Hall at the Eastman School.

Lecture: ‘The Ukraine Crisis’

Randall Stone, director of the Skalny Center for Polish and Central European Studies, calls the Ukraine crisis, with 130,000 Russian troops at the border of the two countries, the greatest foreign policy challenge of the Biden Administration. Stone presents a free lecture on the crisis at 7:30 p.m. EST on Thursday, February 10, in Sloan Auditorium, Goergen Hall. Read more about the lecture here.

Attend a screening of dance films

The Program of Dance and Movement will present a trilogy of dance films by French artist Smail Kanoute on Friday, February 11, at 2 p.m. EST. The trilogy features the film Never 21, a tribute to victims of gun violence. There will be an in-person viewing in the Spurrier Hall Dance Theater and a Zoom Q&A.

Visit the University’s Instagram account to take a look back at last weekend’s Winterfest.

• 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