Update on new positive cases of COVID-19

There are two new positive cases among students to report: 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.

Study shows misconceptions about cure, longevity among older cancer patients

According to a Wilmot Cancer Institute study led by Kah Poh (Melissa) Loh, an assistant professor of medicine, older people with advanced cancer tend to have an unclear understanding of how long they will likely live and overly optimistic beliefs about whether their cancer is curable.

2022 United Way Campaign officially kicks off today

Join the University’s United Way campaign and help make way for empathy, compassion, and equal opportunity for all. Faculty and staff: pledge your support online by Friday, March 4, 4 p.m. EST and be eligible for all five weeks of prize drawings. Much like the theme of this year’s campaign, as part of the University community, “together we make way for good.”

Support sessions for Ukrainian colleagues

UR Medicine EAP invites employees that have been affected by the crisis in Ukraine to join a 60-minute “Connect for Support” session. These sessions are designed to provide a space for employees to come together and connect with others that can relate to their experience; sessions will be facilitated by an EAP counselor. Find upcoming sessions and register here.

Deadline extended to March 4 for Office of Equity and Inclusion Faculty Success Program fellows and mentors

The Office of Equity and Inclusion is providing research faculty and tenure-line faculty the opportunity to participate in its 2022 National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity Faculty Success Program for fellows and mentors. The program will support a cohort of fellows and mentors across the University. The deadline to apply has been extended to Friday, March 4. Learn more here.

Increase your tax refund with the Saver’s Credit

If you made contributions to your TIAA retirement account in 2021 you may qualify for the Saver’s Credit, a federal tax credit of up to $1,000, or $2,000 if married and filing jointly. Unlike a deduction, a credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction of your federal income tax liability, and this credit can reduce the amount you owe or increase your refund for taxes already paid. Visit the IRS website to learn more.

Check out discounts and perks

University employees can save money on health and wellness programs, child care, museums, travel, dining, shopping, and other activities and services. For more information, visit the Discounts and Perks web page.

Language Center hosts fifth anniversary celebration

Celebrate the Language Center’s fifth anniversary at 4 p.m. EST today, March 3, at the Language Center in Douglass Commons or virtually. All are invited to join the conversation and learn more about the center, its services, and its accomplishments. Opening remarks will be given by Jeffrey Runner, dean of the College. Attendance is free and giveaways and special cookies will be provided. Registration is required. Call (585) 275-5156 or email tvaldez@ur.rochester.edu with questions.

‘Eastman Opens the Doors’ ribbon cutting, performances, and book signing

As part of its centennial celebration, the Eastman School of Music will ceremoniously usher in the next 100 years with a ribbon-cutting event, on Friday, March 4, at 9 a.m. in Lowry Hall, Eastman Schoool of Music. “Eastman Opens the Doors” festival activities for Friday also include:

• A perform-a-thon at Eastman featuring students, faculty, staff, studios, and ensembles. Performances will include out-of-the-box repertoire and venues, as well as unusual collaborations between musicians.
• A book-signing and presentation by Eastman’s historian Vincent Lenti ’60E, ’63E (MA) who recently published the third volume of his history of Eastman, Nurturing the Love of Music: Robert Freeman and the Eastman School of Music. The signing takes place in Eastman’s Ciminelli Formal Lounge.
• A special concert from the Eastman Studio Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre.

Dean's Lecture Series: Phillip Sharp

Phillip Sharp, a professor of biology and member of the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, will share new insights about the role of RNA in the regulation of transcription and gene expression as part of the Dean’s Lecture Series. Sharp, who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1993, will present on Monday, March 14, at 4 p.m. in the Class of ’62 Auditorium (G-9425), Medical Center. Read more about the lecture series and add the event to your calendar.

Ethical Investment Advisory Committee town hall meeting

‘Lift off’ at the inaugural EDI Leadership Summit

Register today for “Lift Off,” the inaugural Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) leadership summit. The hybrid event takes place Thursday, April 7, and aims to inspire and encourage EDI leaders and practitioners. The first 100 registrants will receive a special gift. The summit’s goals include motivating attendees to understand the nuances of leading EDI in their respective spaces, helping them to form new connections and reconnect with professional networks, and equipping them with the skills to use equity and inclusion as a catalyst for institutional and organizational excellence. Gloria Ladson-Billings, president of the National Academy of Education, is the featured keynote speaker.

Registration opens April 1 for annual intensive on integrated care and medical family therapy

The Institute for the Family’s masters in marriage and family therapy training program will soon be opening registration for the 29th annual intensive on integrated care and medical family therapy. The one-week interdisciplinary training blends clinical presentations, small group sessions, and skill development to provide training for professionals interested in health care and mental health collaboration when working with patients and families dealing with illness, health concerns, and trauma. Registration starts on April 1. Send questions via email.

The Medical Center will feature a notable woman scientist each day during Women’s History Month. Follow along at URMCcelebrates.com.

• 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