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.
Celebrating Frederick Douglass’s birthday, University's formal charter
Today would’ve been the 204th birthday of the abolitionist leader Frederick Douglass who spent his most active years in Rochester. Born into slavery, Douglass was never told the date and year of his birth. He chose February 14. Rush Rhees Library’s Department of Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation houses one of the most extensive collections of Douglass artifacts—including signed passes for the Underground Railroad, letters, broadsides, and other materials. The department also holds one of two known copies of sheet music for the “Farewell Song of Frederick Douglass,” a rare work that hadn’t likely been performed in more than 100 years until 2019.
Today also marks an important day in University history. On February 14, 1851, the Regents of the University of the State of New York issued a formal charter to the University, establishing it as “an institution of the highest order for scientific and classical education.” The University was granted its provisional charter a year earlier, on January 31, 1850. The full charter is posted here.
Security Tip: Romance scams are nothing to fall in love with
Dating apps and social networking have become popular for people trying to meet someone new. Unfortunately, users may find themselves tangled up in more than just romance. The FTC reported a 50 percent increase in losses from 2019 due to online dating scams. These fraudsters invest several months learning about the victim’s life and professing their love in order to gain their target’s trust and ask for money. The FTC warns consumers of the red flags that scammers use to get into your wallet. Social media and dating sites continue to monitor and block suspicious behavior, however, awareness and vigilance are key to avoid getting crushed by online romance scams. For more social media safety tips, visit University IT’s website.
For many years, the prevailing wisdom was not to let a concussed person fall asleep, to prevent them from lapsing into a coma. Jeffrey Bazarian, a professor of emergency medicine, says this is no longer recommended but notes that “Anyone getting very sleepy within six hours of a brain injury should be brought immediately to an emergency department for a head CT scan.”
During Career Week, February 14–18 students will have the opportunity to save on professional wear, attend in-person workshops, and connect with employers virtually. Students can register for events through Handshake. For additional questions or preparation, connect with the Greene Center.
Tripods NSF REU, STEM for All summer 2022 programs
Making summer plans? Learn and research neural networks, the computational framework that imitates the human brain, through the Tripods National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates and STEM for All summer 2022 programs taking place July 18 through August 12. Tripods program participants will receive a $1,600 stipend for completion of the program. The programs are open to current undergraduates at Rochester, Cornell University, and institutions in the Rochester area. Apply by Monday, February 21.
Summer School in Computational Social Sciences accepting applications
The Summer School in Computational Social Sciences at Rochester, taking place May 9–20, is accepting applications until March 18. The program gives students the opportunity to build an exciting computational social sciences project with a team of researchers and is open to seniors planning to do a PhD, master’s students, PhD students, and junior faculty within 7 years of their PhD. There is no tuition and the program will cover the cost of lunch, coffee, and snacks. Find more information on the program and how to apply online or email Cantay Caliskan.
This Valentine’s Day, show your team that each of them is valued by starting a Well-U department wellness challenge. Choose from: “Operation Hydration” (be sure to get and stay hydrated), “Move It” (stand up from the chair and exercise or stretch), “Breathe Deep” (take a minute or two to relax), “30 Days of Gratitude” (bring some positivity into your day), and new this year, “Lights Out,” which is all about getting sleep. Challenges are open to all University employees and come with instructions, templates, and pre- and post-challenge prizes through Well-U, your employee wellness team. Submit the department request form.
Lecture: ‘Survival of the Fittest and Sexiest: Revisiting Darwin's Revolutionary Ideas with Modern Tools’
Join Albert Uy, an associate professor of biology, for “Survival of the Fittest and Sexiest: Revisiting Darwin’s Revolutionary Ideas with Modern Tools,” taking place Tuesday, February 15, at 7:30 p.m. EST at the Rochester Museum and Science Center, 657 East Avenue. The lecture is part of the museum’s Richard C. Shultz “Science on the Edge” lecture series. Learn more and find tickets here.
Attend the LiDA spring colloquium
Join the Center for Learning in the Digital Age for a virtual session on important ways in which the pandemic has spurred the widespread use of some emerging technologies on campus. The session takes place Wednesday, February 16, at 3:30 p.m. EST. Learn more and register here.
Science and sustainability seminar: ‘Wetlands and Sustainability’
Christy Tyler, a professor of and director of the graduate program in Environmental Science at RIT, will discuss the essential role of wetlands in supporting the cycling of nutrients and diverse, resilient ecosystems on Wednesday, February 16, at 5 p.m. EST. Learn more about this event, part of the Science and Sustainability seminar series, cosponsored by the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Environmental Sustainability UCIS.
Virtual talk on lowering your risk for heart disease
Tune in to the Center for Community Health & Prevention’s Facebook page on Thursday, February 17, any time after 11 a.m. EST for “Getting Right to the Heart of the Matter.” This taped presentation by Jean Lee, a preventative health resident, will help you learn more about different types of heart disease, how they are diagnosed, the risk factors for these conditions, and how forming healthier lifestyle habits can help lower your heart disease risk. This talk is a special event for American Heart Month in February.
School of Medicine and Dentistry Master’s, Advanced Certificate information session
Join the School of Medicine and Dentistry for a short overview of its 12 master’s degrees and nine advanced certificate program options on Tuesday, March 8, at 6 p.m. EST. Learn how they can prepare you for a rewarding career in the biomedical and health sciences. Program directors will be available in breakout rooms to answer your individual questions.
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