Update on new positive cases of COVID-19

There are three new positive cases among students to report: three 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 page for full information on what kinds of masks are acceptable.

Cybersecurity agency advises vigilance about potential foreign cyberthreats

With a heavy reliance on technology to keep many of our essential services functioning, being vigilant about potential cybersecurity incidents can have a great impact on our critical infrastructure. The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) works to prepare for the worst and is advising to keep “shields up” to minimize risks. University IT reminds the University community to continue to report any suspicious activity in your inbox to the University IT or ISD Help Desks. Reports about suspicious activity in your personal accounts should be directed to CISA or the local FBI office, or to the FBI’s 24/7 CyWatch at (855) 292-3937 or via email.

Simon Business School moves up in Financial Times ranking

Limited spaces available in the Study Zone program

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), the 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.

Webinar on asking and answering classroom questions

Instructors can learn strategies for promoting student engagement through asking and answering classroom questions during a Zoom workshop taking place today, February 25, from noon to 1 p.m. EST. Register here. The session is part of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning’s Spring 2022 Teaching Workshop Series.

Sustainability planning input, meeting

University faculty are invited to share their input as the University undertakes its sustainability planning efforts on Tuesday, March 1, at 4 p.m. EST in Sloan Auditorium, Goergen Hall, or via Zoom.

The meeting will include a short presentation from the planning team, followed by a facilitated discussion with the attendees, featuring a high-level overview of the purpose planning process and the current state of sustainability at Rochester. After the presentation, you’ll be asked to share your ideas, questions, and suggestions on what the University’s plan should include or address.

If you are unable to attend but would like to share your thoughts, fill out the online survey or email Karen Berger by March 7.

Spring 2022 online learning workshops

A series of one-hour “how-to” workshops can help get you started with some basic online learning activities. The series covers everything from giving live or recorded lectures, using various discussion board tools, giving an online test, and providing a platform for asynchronous student presentations. Find the list of workshops and registration links here. Open to all University faculty and staff.

Exercise is possible with COPD and asthma

Using the right approach to exercise can increase your lung capacity and improve your daily life. Choose a Well-U coaching program that is right for you: COPD or asthma. Get tips for starting a safe routine and avoiding triggers. Sign up now for your telehealth visits.

Costume-ready for ‘fabulously fun’ glam rock theater

Costumes and makeup take center stage in the International Theatre Program’s production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, taking place today, February 25, through March 5 at the Sloan Performing Arts Center on the River Campus. Learn more about the production and find tickets. Above, Jack Bell ’22, ’23 (T5) as Hedwig.

ESL conversation hour

Attend a special English as a second language (ESL) conversation hour today, February 25, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Language Center, Douglass Commons, Room 305. Stop by if English is not your native language and want to practice your speaking skills. For more information and questions, contact Teresa Valdez or Daiki Nishioka.

Participate in the Simon Executive Experience

The Simon Business School’s Executive Experience provides prospective executive MBA students with the opportunity to attend a class in-person, meet current students and faculty, and learn more about Simon. Register to attend on Saturday, February 26, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Schlegel Hall, Room 244.

Lecture: ‘Putin, Ukraine, Russia—History Wars’

Matthew Lenoe, an associate professor of history, will discuss the intertwined histories of Russia and Ukraine in light of the present crisis. The lecture takes place Monday, February 28, at 5 p.m. in Sloan Auditorium, Goergen Hall.

‘Honor a Nurse’ campaign launches March 1

Every day, nurses make crucial care decisions, support families, and save lives. Through the University’s new Honor a Nurse campaign, you can go online to leave a thank you message for a nurse who has made a difference in your life. Donations can also be made to a special fund that will support continuing education for Medical Center and affiliate nurses as well as School of Nursing students.

Webinar on biopsychosocial innovations in education

Join the Department of Psychiatry on Tuesday, March 1, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. EST for the next 75th Anniversary webinar exploring biopsychosocial innovations in education. Panelists across disciplines and programs within the department will discuss the effect of the biopsychosocial model on teaching and learning. The webinar will include five-minute lightning round talks on biopsychosocial innovations in medicine, psychology, nursing, and medical family therapy. Find more information on the panel and register here. Explore the full series and other 75th Anniversary activities.

Ash Wednesday services and events

The following Ash Wednesday events will take place Wednesday, March 2.

• Chaplaincy Services at Strong Memorial Hospital will have ashes available for all staff, faculty, students, patients, families, and those who find the ritual meaningful at the beginning of the Lenten season. Due to COVID gathering restrictions, there will not be any services held. Individuals, units, and departments can call  (585) 275-2222 and ask for the on-call chaplain or call the chaplain’s office at (585) 275-2187 to receive ashes. Ashes will also be made available in the Strong Memorial Hospital Interfaith Chapel between 1 and 4:30 pm. Office hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but voicemail is checked throughout the day.
• Catholic Newman Community will hold a Mass in the Interfaith Chapel, River Campus, at 12:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Drive-by ashes will take place from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Interfaith Chapel Sanctuary, River Campus, and from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Dean’s Dining Room in the Eastman School of Music Student Living 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)
• COVID-19 vaccine requirements and FAQs
• What to do if you or your close contacts have symptoms or have been exposed