University encourages face masks indoors to mitigate recent increase in COVID cases among River Campus students
The current rate of COVID positive cases among students on River Campus is trending higher than we’d like relative both to other parts of the University and to the greater Rochester area. Although the positive cases have typically presented with only mild, cold-like symptoms, the University is working to mitigate the spread and asking that University faculty, staff, and students help bring the number of cases under control by wearing a face mask when indoors on campus for the time being. It’s well-established science that masking indoors reduces the risk of contracting or spreading COVID and other airborne diseases. Our University health officials believe that voluntary masking indoors will slow the rate of infection.
Free face masks continue to be available at Common Connection in Wilson Commons during regular hours, and University faculty and staff should have supplies of masks available within their departments. COVID self-test kits are still also available to students. Prior to spring break, UHS provided each full-time undergraduate and graduate student who is part of the Student Health Program with a COVID-19 self-test kit (two per box) to use when they wish. For AS&E undergraduates, the test kits were put in mailboxes in the River Campus Mail Center and can be picked up at any time. Free test kits may also be picked up at Common Connection during regular hours.
An important reminder: any student—from any campus—who gets a positive test result on a self-test must notify University Health Service (UHS) immediately. The most efficient way to do this is through Dr. Chat Bot online, or by phone, (585) 275-2662.
UHS is also seeing patients with COVID-like symptoms who test negative for COVID, but positive for influenza. Treatment is available for higher-risk patients with influenza, so students with asthma and other medical conditions should contact UHS if their symptoms are severe.
In today’s issue:
A Rochester team is using flat-panel technology to build a more cost-effective smart device
Register to attend this weekend’s Relax and Renew Retreat from the Mindful University Project
Danielle Evans, this year’s Kafka Prize winner, will give a reading next week
New website for the Center for Matter at Atomic PressuresÂ
The Center for Matter at Atomic Pressures recently launched a new website. Hosted at the University and designated as a National Science Foundation Physics Frontiers Center, the center is a collaboration among faculty, scientists, researchers, and students at MIT, Princeton, the Universities of California at Berkeley and Davis, the University at Buffalo, and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Exam Anxiety, at 3 p.m. EDT on Friday, April 29, and Monday, May 2
Workshop: ‘Leadership in the Modern Age’
Learn how humility and authenticity foster positive company cultures at a workshop today, April 1, at 3 p.m. EDT via Zoom. Based on strategies and stories of Airstream’s values-led leadership approach, facilitator Bob Wheeler ’88 hopes to inspire students with the awareness that despite what you see in the press, positive workplaces that are inclusive, collaborative, and supportive exist and are thriving. Register to attend the virtual workshop and learn more about the presenter. This event is open to all undergraduate students; you do not need to be enrolled in the Medallion Program to attend. Sponsored by Wilson Commons Student Activities, Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, and the Office of the Dean of Students.
Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Unit pilot program applications
The Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Unit is accepting RFP applications for its pilot program. The purpose of the program is to foster innovative new ideas and clinical, translational, or basic science research projects related to the development of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics for infectious diseases. Submit abstracts to Goonwattie Surajpal by 5 p.m. EDT on May 15.
Expand your hive while you mix and mingle with students, staff, and faculty. Enjoy free food, giveaways, discount drinks, and networking at a campus happy hour in celebration of the arrival of spring. Join Wilson Commons Student Activities at Club Rochester today, April 1, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Feldman Ballroom, Douglass Commons. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for updates including host and menu announcements.
Register for the annual Intensive on Integrated Care and Medical Family Therapy
Registration opens today, April 1, for the 29th annual Intensive on Integrated Care and Medical Family Therapy presented by the Institute for the Family’s Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy Training Program. This one-week interdisciplinary training intensive blends clinical presentations, small group learning, 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. Find more information online or by contacting the program directly.
Relax and renew retreat
Take a purposeful pause with the Mindful University Project at the Relax and Renew Retreat on Sunday, April 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The immersive mindfulness experience will include practices such as mindful walking, eating meditations, loving-kindness and self-compassion practices, breath awareness meditations, gentle yoga, and a dharma talk—a lesson about the practice of mindfulness in everyday life.
Prior meditation experience is not necessary to participate; dress comfortably. Retreats are free of charge and open to any student, faculty, or staff member in the University community. Registration is required.
Tune into Sunday’s carillon concert
Listen to a carillon concert at 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 3, from the Eastman Quadrangle on River Campus or online. A variety of arrangements include the theme from Winnie-the-Pooh by the Sherman Brothers and “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X.
Lecture on Polish intellectuals in the US
The Skalny Center for Polish and Central European Studies presents a lecture by Jakub Czernik, an assistant professor of comparative literature at Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland. The talk, “What is America? Polish intellectuals in the United States,” taking place Tuesday, April 5, at 7:30 p.m. in Sloan Auditorium, Goergen Hall, is free and open to the public. Learn more about the lecture.
Webinar on health policy and child welfare
Join the TRANSFORM Research Center on Thursday, April 7, from noon to 1 p.m. EDT, for a conversation on federal health policy and how it affects child welfare with Gregg Margolis of the National Academy of Medicine and Catherine Cerulli, director of both the University’s Susan B. Anthony Center and the Laboratory of Interpersonal Violence and Victimization. Register here for the live event. You can also sign up to receive a recording of the webinar in your inbox.
Kafka Prize reading with Danielle Evans
Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize winner Danielle Evans will read from her winning collectionThe Office of Historical Corrections followed by a Q&A with audience members and a book signing on Tuesday, April 12, at 5 p.m. The reading takes place in the Hawkins-Carlson Room, Rush Rhees Library, but will have a virtual option for guests who would prefer to participate online. Register for the webinar here.
Women’s Leadership Award winners and ceremony
The Susan B. Anthony Center will host its annual Susan B. Anthony Legacy Awards on Friday, April 22, to celebrate the University’s undergraduate women’s leadership awardees. During the event, the Center will also present the Susan B. Anthony Lifetime Achievement Awards to Kathy Parrinello, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Strong Memorial Hospital; and Deborah Cory-Slechta, a professor of environmental medicine, of public health sciences, and of neuroscience. The Susan B. Anthony Community Champion Award will be presented to educator and political activist Evelyn Bailey. The event is free, but registration is required by Sunday, April 17.
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