Update on new positive cases of COVID-19

There are 30 new positive cases among students to report: four on the Eastman Campus, two on the Medical Campus, and 24 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.

Help community members in need through the United Way

The most vulnerable members of the community face the greatest challenges. Every dollar invested in United Way unites our community for good, and every donation—no matter how small—helps. The University offers payroll deduction as an easy, efficient way to donate. Learn more about some of the community agencies that benefit from the United Way’s Impact Fund and then visit the University’s campaign website to make a pledge.

Rising marijuana use presents secondhand risks

The Wall Street Journal, April 20

There isn’t enough research to determine the effects of secondhand marijuana smoke on children, says Karen Wilson, the Ruth A. Lawrence Professor in Pediatrics, but tobacco smoke has been proven to be very damaging to their health. THC, a compound in marijuana that triggers a “high” sensation, could be particularly damaging in the first year of a child’s life, she added. “Having THC in the body during that time could impact the brain’s development while it’s doing so much of its work,” she says.

Conversation on digital currency group company

Celebrate Springfest

Enjoy the arrival of warmer weather at the final Community Weekend of the year: Springfest featuring Dandelion Day. College and Eastman School of Music undergraduates can enjoy activities including carnival games and rides, a food truck rodeo, limited edition giveaways, the annual and newly in-person QuadFox 5K, student performances, an outdoor concert featuring Rico Nasty, glow golf, and more. Food truck tickets can be purchased ahead of time using declining or URos starting at 11 a.m. today, April 22, at the Shops @ WilCo. Students will need to check in at some activities using their personal QR code, found in the CCC app. Follow Wilson Commons Student Activities on Instagram and Facebook for more details, announcements, and live updates.

Dandelion Day safety tips

In advance of Dandelion Day, the Health Promotion Office and the Office of the Dean of Students offer these safety tips:

• Track your drinks: How much have you had to drink today?
• Eat: Food will help you fuel for the day.
• Hydrate: Alternate alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. Drink one 8-ounce glass of water per alcoholic drink.
• Sip don’t gulp: Take your time and enjoy your drink. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
• 1 + 1 > 2: The additive effect of alcohol and other drugs is more intense than each one individually, and can negatively impact your cognition, breathing, and heart rate.
• Measure your drinks: When making a mixed drink, measure out a serving of hard alcohol (1.5 ounces). if you don’t know what’s in the punch, be cautious and choose a different drink.
• Do you or someone you know need help? Call Public Safety at (585) 275-3333.

Tutor study hours with the Language Center

To support students enrolled in language classes, the Language Center is holding the following tutor study hours on Sunday, April 24, in the computer hub in Douglass Commons, Room 304:

• Noon to 2 p.m. for Arabic, Ancient Greek and Latin, Chinese, and Polish
• 2 to 4 p.m. for French, German, Italian, and Korean
• 4 to 6 p.m. for Hebrew, Japanese, and Russian
• 6 to 8 p.m. for ASL, Portuguese, and Spanish

Reunion Weekend poster contest deadline is April 27

There’s still time to submit your original art to the Reunion Weekend poster contest. Enter your design by Wednesday, April 27, for the chance to win a $200 Amazon gift card.

Register to attend Rainbow Graduation

All LGBTQ graduates are invited to attend this year’s Rainbow Graduation ceremony on Wednesday, May 11, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the May Room, Wilson Commons. Enjoy cupcakes, hors d’oeuvres, karaoke, and receive your rainbow cord for Commencement and a certificate recognizing you as a rainbow graduate. Sasha Eloi-Evans, deputy chief diversity officer, will be the keynote speaker. Register by May 4.

If you are LGBTQ and interested in a cord and certificate but are not able to attend the ceremony, note this information in the accommodations section, and arrangements will be made for you to pick up your items. Email col.raimond@rochester.edu with questions.

One Community program seeks panelists

The Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center is seeking undergraduate panelists for this year’s One Community program held during Welcome Week for incoming first-year and transfer students on Thursday, August 25. If you have a story to share about how you self-identify, the intersections of your identity, or how your various identities have had an effect on your college experience, apply online by Wednesday, May 4, for this in-person event. Email bic@rochester.edu with questions.

Join the Green Reps, an employee-led sustainability initiative

Interested in creating a more sustainable office? Join the Green Reps to become your department’s official ambassador for sustainability. You’ll receive The Compost, a monthly e-newsletter that features tips, tools, and resources to help you and your coworkers go green. To learn more or sign up, visit the Green Reps website.

Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day by joining the Green Reps for a tree planting and riverside clean-up on Friday, April 29, from noon to 2 p.m. The group will meet at the parking lot by the Lyman Tennis Center; come and go as you please. Today, April 22, is the last day to RSVP.

‘Imagining Possible FutURes’ staff conversation

The first “Imagining Possible FutURes” conversation is planned for Wednesday, May 11, at 1 p.m. EDT via Zoom. The event will serve as a platform for University and Medical Center staff to imagine possible futures at the institution together. The conversation will be facilitated in a restorative circle format and offer space for staff to share ideas, hopes, and goals in a supportive environment. The purpose is to encourage one another, make connections, and see what changes can be made today. Future events may include faculty, student, or all-campus participation. Register here to attend.

Be your own healthy eating advocate

Well-U’s lifestyle management can help you find the best way to eat. Learn as a group in Nutrition Basics or with your own personal dietitian during Nutrition and You, and explore ways to be your own advocate for healthy eating habits.

‘In Conversation with AI: the Power, Pitfalls,  and Potential of Large Language Models’

Join the Department of Philosophy and the Central New York Humanities Corridor today, April 22, for “In Conversation with AI: the Power, Pitfalls, and Potential of Large Language Models” with Iason Gabriel, a senior research scientist at DeepMind. The free, in-person talk will be held from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Goergen Hall, Room 101. 

Lectures on creative work

The University Committee for Interdisciplinary Studies Cluster for the Arts presents two upcoming talks. “Uneasy Bedfellows: Art and Commercial Purpose” takes place on Saturday, April 23, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Barbara J. Burger iZone, Rush Rhees Library. On Monday, April 25, Grammy-winning composer Maria Schneider ’85E (MM) will present “Guarding Our Creative Work in the Digital Age” from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. in the Gowen Room, Wilson Commons.

Chopin in Music and Letters concert

The Skalny Center for Polish and Central European Studies presents “Chopin in Music and Letters,” Saturday, April 23. The program will consist of performances of Chopin’s music interspersed with readings from his correspondence. The concert, which is free and open to the public, begins at 4:30 p.m. at the Asbury First United Methodist Church in Rochester. Learn more about the concert here.

• Dr. Chat Bot: Medical Center employees (daily required) | Medical Center students (daily required) and non-Medical Center students (as needed)
• 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