Indoor face mask mandate continues on University campuses
On April 15, University leaders reinstated the indoor face mask requirement on most of the University’s campuses and properties. Campus health officials believe indoor masking has reduced the number of COVID infections among students in recent days. Based on the effectiveness of the mask requirement in returning COVID cases to more manageable levels, as well as the still relatively high rate of COVID infections in the greater Rochester community and in New York State—the current face mask policy will remain in place for now, including at indoor Commencement ceremonies and events.
This requirement applies to all students, faculty, staff, visitors, and guests—including those who are fully vaccinated and boosted. Outdoor Commencement events and activities, including tented events and the all-University Commencement ceremony in Fauver Stadium on May 13, are mask-optional; anyone who wishes to wear a mask is welcome to do so.
The continuation of the indoor masking requirement applies to all Medical Center “tan” locations —including the School of Nursing, School of Medicine and Dentistry, and administrative areas such as Corporate Woods and RTP. There is no change to masking requirements in patient care areas, which continue to require masking until further notice. A full description of Medical Center masking requirements is available on the URMC Intranet. (University network access required.)
Today is the University’s annual Day of Giving—a 24-hour celebration of the Meliora spirit and the power of giving back. Show your support for the areas of the University that are important to you and help create a brighter tomorrow for researchers, healers, artists, musicians, students, faculty and staff, and friends. If you wish to make a gift or learn more about other ways to help, visit the Day of Giving homepage.
In his hierarchical model of approach-avoidance motivation, Andrew Elliot, a professor of psychology, notes that “the approach-avoidance distinction” is core to our ability to self-regulate.
Commencement registration: Unlimited guest tickets available for University ceremony
A reminder that eligible members of the Class of 2022 must register by May 9 to participate in University Commencement weekend events, happening May 13–15.
There is no longer a limit to the number of guests graduates can invite to the University Commencement ceremony on May 13. If you have already registered, you can add and update guest information prior to the ceremony by signing in to the registration portal, and providing the confirmation number you received by email after you registered.
Celebration for graduating international students and families
Graduating international students and their families are invited to join University Trustee Evans Lam ’83, ’84S (MBA) to recognize the accomplishments of this group as they are welcomed into the global alumni family. Commemorate this exciting milestone and kick off the festivities of Commencement weekend on Wednesday, May 11, from 3 to 5 p.m. EDT in the Wilson Quadrangle Tent. Faculty and staff are also welcome to attend. Register in advance to attend.
Join the Department of Public Health Sciences for the annual Saward-Berg Lecture on Friday, May 6, at 12:30 p.m. in the Class of ’62 Auditorium (G-9425), Medical Center. Hao Yu, an associate professor of health care policy at Harvard Medical School, will present the lecture “The ACA Medicaid Expansion and the Distribution and Compensation of New Primary Care Physicians.” Refreshments will be served after the event.
Learn to clean a bike chain in 15 minutes
Fast track your biking skills with “Wheels on Wednesday,” a series of free, 15-minute virtual classes presented by the Department of Transportation and Parking that provide a quick and easy way to learn essential skills and knowledge on a wide range of cycling topics. Learn to clean a bike chain on Wednesday, May 11, from noon to 12:15 p.m. EDT via Zoom. No registration is required. View the full schedule of classes.
Last week, patients and families at Golisano Children’s Hospital got a visit from some superheroes as they scaled the side of the building while washing the windows.
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