Using improv to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy
Medical Center researchers have developed a program that combines improv theater techniques with coaching on how to tap into patients’ inner motivations to help health care workers guide their patients toward COVID-19 vaccination.
In today’s issue:
Events mark the anniversary of September 11
Tips from the Department of Public Safety on staying safe as the seasons shift
Attend a lecture on understanding Russia’s aggression against Ukraine
University COVID-19 tier level set to medium; masks are strongly encouraged
The University’s COVID-19 Tier level has been changed from low to medium. Masking when around other people indoors is strongly encouraged, especially for those who are at increased risk of severe illness if they become infected. The University’s tier system directly correlates with the CDC’s COVID-19 community levels for Monroe County, providing a consistent framework upon which to base University masking guidance. The current tier is posted on the COVID-19 Resource Center and is included daily at the end of @Rochester. A full description of Medical Center masking requirements is available on the URMC Intranet (University network access required).
Vigil, carillon concert mark anniversary of September 11
The annual vigil marking the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, takes place today, September 9, from 8:45 to 11:15 a.m. on the Eastman Quad, River Campus. The University’s NROTC will hold a battalion-wide run on Tuesday, September 13. The Carillon Society will acknowledge the anniversary with a concert at 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 11.
Among the nearly 3,000 people who died during the attacks were six Rochester alumni: Brendan Dolan ’86, Jeremy Glick ’93, Aram Iskendarian ’82, Joan Hoadley Peterson ’69N, Jeffrey Smith ’87, ’88S (MBA), and Zhe (Zack) Zheng ’95, ’98S (MBA).
DPS offers tips, resources to stay safe and reduce risk
Use lighted, well-traveled paths and walkways. University property also has blue light emergency phones that connect directly to Public Safety dispatchers.
Pay attention to signage indicating operating hours for parks, trails, and pedestrian bridges; most are closed from dusk until dawn. Do not use wooded or unlighted areas for walking, jogging, or biking after dusk.
Walk in pairs and let others know your destination and when to expect your return. Use a smartphone tracking app for safety. Many of these apps can track your location and send out alerts to trusted contacts as you make your way to your destination.
Use Safe Ride, which provides safe and reliable transportation between River Campus and University residential locations, including the Riverview Apartments, between the hours of 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. seven days a week (excluding breaks and University holidays).
Don’t allow anyone you don’t know to follow you into your residential building. If they come in and you feel unsafe, call or text Public Safety at (585) 275-3333.
“In some sense, we’re all disappointed, but we’re in this for the long game,” says Adam Frank, the Helen F. and Fred H. Gowen Professor of Physics and Astronomy, about the delayed launch of NASA’s Artemis I moon mission.
Weekend events for College, Eastman undergraduates
Undergraduates in the College and at the Eastman School of Music can take part in a variety of events this weekend. Follow Wilson Commons Student Activities on Instagram and Facebook for more events and updates.
Game night: Join in an epic night of games in Hirst Lounge and Rocky’s Lounge tonight from 9 p.m. until midnight. Pick from an assortment of card and board games including classics and newer options. Challenge your friends to see who will be the ultimate winner.
Ice cream social: Make your own ice cream sundae while making new friends. Customize your creation with chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice creams and an assortment of toppings. Play lawn games and relax under the string lights on Saturday, September 10, from 9 p.m. until midnight on Graham Smith Plaza, the picnic patio area between Wilson and Douglass Commons.
ROC Tix rock climbing trip: Visit Central Rock Rochester on Sunday, September 11, from 10:50 a.m. until 2 p.m. for a day of rock climbing! A $5 day pass is available for students with a valid University ID. A shuttle is provided and leaves from Rush Rhees Library. Register to reserve your spot. No climbing experience is necessary.
In this week’s UR Medicine EAP blog post, learn ways to create happiness and lasting memories for yourself and your family. UR Medicine EAP is brought to you by Well-U, helping eligible individuals to assess issues, and provide short-term counseling and referrals.
Enjoy free food, giveaways, discount drinks, and networking and kick off the weekend at a campus happy hour. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to join Wilson Commons Student Activities, Dining Services, and Students’ Association government today, September 9 at Club Rochester from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Feldman Ballroom, Douglass Commons. All guests will need to check in using their personal QR code found in the new UR CCC app. Event staff will be available to assist you when checking in. Follow Instagram and Facebook for updates.
Toastmasters guest day
Join the University’s Daybreakers Toastmasters club for a guest day. Toastmasters is a supportive and positive group that can help you improve your public speaking and presentation skills. The event takes place virtually via Zoom or in person in the Louise Slaughter Room, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Thursday, September 15, at 7:30 a.m. EDT. Email vpm-3685@toastmastersclubs.org for more information.
Lecture on understanding Russia’s aggression against Ukraine
Attend “A Very Unmodern War: Understanding Russia’s Aggression against Ukraine,” a talk by Serhy Yekelchyk, a professor of history and Slavic studies at the University of Victoria. The lecture takes place Thursday, September 15, at 5 p.m. in Goergen Hall, Room 101.
Masking when around other people indoors is strongly encouraged, especially for those who are at increased risk of severe illness if they become infected. Patient care areas, as well as University shuttles and transportation, continue to require masking. A full description of Medical Center masking requirements is available on the URMC Intranet (University network access required).
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