As the University looks forward to spring and hopefully to emerging from two years of COVID-19 restrictions, the disease continues to behave in unpredictable ways. Hospitalization rates for the disease in New York State are at their lowest levels since the onset of the pandemic; but there’s recently been a small spike in infection rates on our campus, primarily among undergraduates. These infections are generally quite mild, but this spike serves as a reminder to all members of our community to take care of themselves— and others—by practicing healthy habits, like washing your hands regularly.
Recently, New York State announced that it is no longer enforcing the COVID-19 booster requirement for health care workers until further notice. The University is following suit and, although the University continues to encourage boosting for anyone who is eligible, the booster requirement for all University students, faculty, and staff (including the Medical Center) is on hold indefinitely.
The University continues to require that students, faculty, and staff be fully vaccinated (2 doses of mRNA vaccine, or one dose of Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine) unless an exemption has been granted. The University also strongly encourages wearing a face mask whenever possible, not only to prevent the spread of airborne diseases, like COVID, flu, and common colds, but also to protect those in our community who may be more susceptible to serious infections because of immunocompromised status or other conditions. The Medical Center has developed specific guidelines for students and employees on the Medical Center campus, which are available on the URMC Intranet site.
In November 2021, University IT successfully migrated the following applications from NetID over to Active Directory: Workday Financial, Workday Student, Amazon Business Prime, and Student Administrative Support Services.
To simplify the user experience across the University and Medical Center, University IT will migrate the remaining applications off of NetID over the next year in periodic waves, with the first wave starting the week of April 3. For the upcoming wave of migrations, you can expect to see some changes to your login page for the following applications:
Research suggests the brain processes smell both like a painting and a symphony
How does our brain process the essence of fragrance? New research shows that the brain has multiple responses to representing a smell—both like a painting, a snapshot of the flickering activity of cells, and like a symphony, an evolving ensemble of different cells working together to capture the scent.
Symposium features outstanding graduate student research
Take a walking tour of the 19th Ward and Plex neighborhoods
As part of the Wilson Days of Engagement, the Center for Community Engagement will host a walking tour of the 19th Ward and Plex neighborhoods on Saturday, April 9, at 3 p.m. The tour will include stops at the Plex Garden, Red Tea House, and more. Attendees will be entered into a raffle to win multiple gift cards to local restaurants. Learn more and register here.
New opportunities are now available to register for LGBTQ+ Safe Space courses. Registration for the first course, entitled “Part 1: Gaining Knowledge,” is available by searching for the “Safe Space Playlist” within MyPath. Following the completion of the course, registration is available for “Part 2: Creating Safety,” which allows faculty and staff to become University LGBTQ+ Safe Space champions. Classes are free and remain virtual. Contact the Office of Learning and Development with questions.
Retiree benefits webinar
Join the Office of Total Rewards for a webinar at 1 p.m. EDT on Monday, April 11, to go over eligibility to retire, what steps to take if you plan to retire soon, health and dental benefits, life insurance, and other incentives offered to you after retirement. Register here. If you are unable to attend a live webinar, you can find a recorded version online.
Dependent child tuition benefits overview
Attend an overview of the dependent child tuition benefit to learn about eligibility, benefits available for dependent children, and the application process. Register to attend the webinar, which will be held on Wednesday, April 13, at noon EDT.
Lecture on the Black freedom struggle in Rochester
Laura Warren Hill, an associate professor of history at Bloomfield College, presents a lecture titled “Strike the Hammer: the Black Freedom Struggle in Rochester” on Monday, April 11, at 5 p.m. EDT in the Hawkins-Carlson Room, Rush Rhees Library.
Annual neurodevelopment symposium
Join the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience and the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center community for its annual symposium. The symposium aims to generate discussion and debate on how recent advances in delineating neurodevelopmental processes across species shape our understanding of the brain, including its systems-level function and dysfunction. Registration is open for the event, which takes place June 9–11 at the Memorial Art Gallery.
Stop by the Welles-Brown Room in Rush Rhees Library today, April 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. for a relaxing study break for all undergraduate and graduate students. Find DIY stress balls, free journals, and other arts and crafts. Students can also grab some freebies such as lavender sachets. Supplies are limited.
Koru mindfulness workshops
Join the Mindful University Project for the last four-week Koru mindfulness offerings this semester.
Koru Basic: April 6, 13, 20, and 27 from noon to 1:15 p.m. EDT via Zoom
Mindful Men of Color: April 13, 20, and 27, and May 4 from 5 to 6:15 p.m. EDT in Douglass Commons, Room 407
Workshops are open to the entire University community. Registration is required at the above links.
Graduate Student Wellness Fair
The Graduate Student Wellness Fair brings together campus resources, student groups, and community organizations to educate on wellness and self-care practices to Rochester graduate students. Attend the fair on Friday, April 8, from 4 to 6 p.m. in Carlson Library and meet some therapy dogs, find wellness support on- and off-campus, engage in interactive activities, get free swag, and have the opportunity to do virtual reality mindfulness and tai chi. A reservation is required for tai chi.
The fair is an inaugural program offered by the UHS Health Promotion Office and Graduate Student Wellness Committee as a part of this year’s Graduate Student Appreciation Week.
LGBTQ+ Resource Fair
Visit the LGBTQ+ Resource Fair on Monday, April 11, from 3 to 5 p.m. in Feldman Ballroom, Douglass Commons. Learn about on- and off-campus resources for LGBTQ+ students, take home some giveaways, enter a raffle, and pet therapy dogs. Some of the organizations present will be Trillium Health, Title IX, CARE Network, and Planned Parenthood.
Meal prep workshop
According to a survey conducted in fall 2021, 68 percent of students reported that they only ate two meals per day. The thought of cooking meals as a full-time student can seem daunting and time-consuming. However, cooking nutritious meals can be quick, cheap, and tasty. In this workshop, participants will learn a quick meal recipe and one snack, using ingredients from Hillside. Vegan, nut-free, and gluten-free options will be available. Registration is required to attend the workshop on Wednesday, April 13, from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Community Kitchen, Douglass Commons. It is open to all undergraduate and graduate students.
Peer-to-peer mental health coaching
Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Homesick? Not sleeping well? A UR Connected coach can help. A team of undergraduate and graduate coaches has received specialized training in the areas of active listening, helping students in distress, and suicide prevention. They are up to date on all the resources the University has to offer, from academic support to navigating an off-campus therapy appointment to finding a program to improve your sleep habits.
To get started, visit the UR Connected website. You can review coach profiles, choose one that will be a good fit, and schedule directly with them online.
Safe Sex Express
Get safer sex supplies delivered straight to your campus mailbox. Choose from a variety of safer sex supplies using the online order form for free, anonymous delivery. This service is available to all students with an on-campus mailbox.
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