Your identity shouldn’t get a vacation

Now that warmer weather is here and summer vacations are booked, you may be ready to unwind. However, it’s important that while you relax your mind and break free from everyday stresses you remain alert in securing your identity. Wi-Fi hotspots in coffee shops, airports, and other public areas are convenient, but what you do is also public knowledge to anyone else on the same network. University IT suggests reading up on the FTC’s advice to securely use public Wi-Fi networks, what device settings you should change, and considerations like using a VPN.

Graduate student wellness walk

Join the Graduate Student Wellness Committee on Thursday, June 16, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for a wellness walk from the River Campus to Genesee Valley Park. You’ll have an opportunity to meet students from all six of the University’s graduate schools as well as staff from grad programs and UHS health promotion staff. The walk is open to the entire graduate student community and will include ice breakers and a short, guided meditation. Meet at the walking bridge at the intersection of Wilson Boulevard and Fraternity Road.

University retirement program information

The University makes a direct contribution to the 403(b) retirement program for eligible faculty and staff of 6.2 percent of eligible compensation up to the breakpoint, then 10.5 percent of eligible compensation in excess of the breakpoint up to the IRS limit. The University will impose a one-year freeze on indexing the salary breakpoint for this contribution formula. The breakpoint, which is normally indexed annually, will remain $63,100 for the plan year beginning July 1, 2022. The IRS limit (IRS Code section 401(a)(17)) will be updated to $305,000 effective with the plan year beginning July 1, 2022. For additional information on the University’s direct contribution calculation, check the retirement program brochure.

Seasonal employee discounts

Through LifeMart by Care.com, part of the free Care.com premium membership, eligible employees have access to a number of regular and seasonal discounts, including theme park tickets, home service, and travel deals. The benefit is part of the current offerings available to employees along with RARES benefits and discounts and YOUR Benefits Extras.

Learn how to buy the right bike for you

Fast track your biking skills with “Wheels on Wednesday,” a series of free, 15-minute virtual classes that provide a quick and easy way to learn essential skills and knowledge on a wide range of cycling topics. Learn “How to Buy the Right Bike for You” on June 8 from noon to 12:15 p.m. EDT via Zoom. Registration is not required. Find the full schedule of classes presented by the Department of Transportation and Parking Management.

‘Youth Healing Hate’ symposium and community dinner

Celebrate the Gandhi Institute’s 2022 Youth Healing Hate grant recipients on Friday, June 10, at 4:30 p.m. Rochester youth have spent the spring working on projects to promote peace and healing in their communities and will talk about their work for the first portion of the symposium. Refreshments will follow.

Golisano Children’s Hospital recently had a visit from the flight crew of the US Air Force’s F-22 Raptor Demo Team. While visiting with patients and families on the play deck, the team created paper airplanes and shared some secrets about what it’s like to fly an F-22 Raptor. Find more photos on the hospital’s Instagram.

• 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