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February 28, 2022

Why is Putin invading Ukraine?

Hein Goemans, a professor of political science an expert on international conflicts, explains why Ukraine’s fate might be tied to Putin’s survival.

In today’s issue:

  • Beginning tomorrow you’ll need to use Duo two-factor authentication to access Microsoft 365 applications
  • Employees are encouraged to complete a short survey about their commute
  • Attend the next science and sustainability seminar on water governance in the Finger Lakes
TODAY’S UPDATES

Update on new positive cases of COVID-19

There are three new positive cases among students to report: one on the Medical Campus and two 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.

Judith Pipher remembered as a trailblazer in the field of infrared astronomy

Headshot of Judith Pipher, in lab

Judith Pipher, a professor emerita of physics and astronomy, is being remembered by former colleagues, students, and collaborators for her leadership and contributions to the field of astronomy and for championing women in science. University flags on the Eastman Quadrangle and near the entrance of Strong Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department will be lowered Thursday, March 10, for Pipher, who died on February 21.

Upcoming enhanced security features for Microsoft 365 apps

A reminder that beginning March 1, you will be required to use Duo two-factor authentication to access Microsoft 365 applications such as Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint Online when not connected to the University Network. This change will enhance the security of accounts, applications, and services.

Review the items below to ensure this change does not affect your ability to work remotely.

Once this change takes place, you will receive a Duo prompt once every 30 days if you access Microsoft applications remotely. Contact your support team or the University IT Help Desk via email or at (585) 275-2000 with questions.

Security Tip: When was the last time you updated your device?

General software updates provide several benefits to your devices and keep them running smoothly. Hackers love a good security flaw, and updates can patch software vulnerabilities. Opting out leaves you exposed to malware when malicious actors take advantage of weaker, out-of-date systems. Why should this be a concern to you? Chances are you have a lot of personal data on your devices including passwords and bank information, which becomes an open book to hackers. These viruses can infect friends, family, and colleagues. Many University managed systems and devices are updated remotely, however, maintaining personal devices is up to you. Look for University IT announcements when critical updates require your immediate attention. Find more information and suggestions on updating your devices.


ROCHESTER IN THE NEWS

Some neurons in your brain respond to singing but not other music

Smithsonian, February 25

“This work suggests there’s a distinction in the brain between instrumental music and vocal music,” says Sam Norman-Haignere, an assistant professor of neuroscience and of biostatistics and computational biology.


FOR STUDENTS

Drop-in counseling support group for students affected by the crises abroad

The University Counseling Center is holding a drop-in support group for students affected by the Ukraine invasion and other crises abroad today, February 28, from noon to 1 p.m. EST via Zoom.

Celebrate International Study Abroad Day today

The Center for Education Abroad invites you to celebrate International Study Abroad Day today, February 28. Stop by their office in Dewey Hall from 10 a.m. to noon for donuts and coffee, to learn more about education abroad opportunities, and get a sneak peek at the new student reception office.

Mindful eating pop-up event

In recognition of National Nutrition Month, University Dining Services and the UHS Health Promotion Office are hosting a mindful eating pop-up event on Wednesday, March 2, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. in Hirst Lounge, Wilson Commons. Students can enjoy food samples and teas, learn about intuitive and mindful eating, and have the opportunity to be led through a short mindful eating exercise at 1 and 2 p.m. Students can sit at tables in small groups after picking up items to taste.

Updated schedule for the Zen meditation group

Join the Zen Meditation group via Zoom on Tuesdays from 5 to 6 p.m. EST for two 30-minute mindful drop-in sessions. Contact Kyle Trenshaw for more information or to be added to the email list. No prior meditation experience is necessary.

Simon Business School’s Virtual Case Competition

Simon will be hosting a virtual Future Business Leaders Case Competition for students who are interested in pursuing a specialized master’s degree in business. All majors are welcome. The competition is an opportunity to refine problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills, gain valuable experience for your résumé, and receive an introduction to experiential learning. As an added bonus, it’s free to participate, and top winners will receive a $250 cash prize, a trophy, Simon swag, and a guaranteed $20,000 scholarship for those who apply to Simon and are admitted for the fall 2022 or fall 2023 semester.

Attend a virtual prep session on Friday, March 4, at noon EST. Case memos are due by March 18. Contact admissions@simon.rochester.edu with questions.

Deadline extended for 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. The deadline to apply has been extended to Monday, March 14. 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.


FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

Employee commute survey

Complete a two-minute, anonymous survey to tell the Department of Transportation and Parking Management about your commute to work. Responses will be used to help shape future services, including a free RTS bus pass program. The survey is open to all University employees through March 18.


FOR THE COMMUNITY

Campus dining survey

Dining Services is conducting a campus-wide survey and is looking for feedback from the University community. Your insight will be valuable in assisting Dining Services with future planning and increasing overall experience and satisfaction. The online survey will take no more than 10 minutes and responses are confidential. The survey, which is mobile-friendly, will be available through the end of March.

Simon professional MBA nonmatriculated orientation and registration

Students have the option of beginning their studies at Simon Business School before formally applying to the professional MBA program through a nonmatriculated start. An orientation and registration event on Tuesday, March 1, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. EST in Gleason Hall, Room G120, includes an overview of the program, information about the nonmatriculated start, student resources, and an opportunity for team building. Participants will be registered for nonmatriculated courses for the upcoming term, which begins March 14.

Science and sustainability seminar on water governance in the Finger Lakes

Beth Kinne, an associate professor of environmental studies at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, will present “Municipal Organizations and Water Governance: Observations from the Finger Lakes.” The event takes place Wednesday, March 2, from 3:25 to 4:40 p.m. EST in Hutchison Hall, Room 473. This seminar series is cosponsored by the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Environmental Sustainability University Committee for Interdisciplinary Studies.

Jazz ensembles kick off Eastman’s spring season

Eastman Jazz Lab Band and Eastman Jazz Workshop Ensemble will kick off the spring season with performances on Wednesday, March 2, at 7:30 p.m. in Kilbourn Hall, Eastman School of Music. Find more information about the season and a schedule of performances here.

Alexandra Cousteau event on March 3 moved to Feldman Ballroom

The Difficult Conversations as a Catalyst for Change event on March 3 featuring ocean conservationist Alexandra Cousteau has been moved to Feldman Ballroom in Frederick Douglass Commons.

Cousteau, the granddaughter of famed French explorer Jacques Cousteau, will speak at 7 p.m. EST with Donald Hall, the Robert L. and Mary L. Sproull Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Sciences & Engineering. The event will be streamed live via Zoom. Register here to attend.

Advanced certificate in data science

The Goergen Institute’s Advanced Certificate Program in Data Science is accepting applications through March 15. This four-course, graduate credential is designed for working professionals with knowledge of data science who want to formalize their training. The program is flexible and can be completed in two to four semesters of part-time study. Email Lisa Altman with questions or to receive an application fee waiver.


COVID-19 QUICK LINKS


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