‘UR Out’ photo project

In honor of National Coming Out Day, the University’s LGBTQ Advocacy Committee shares the result of its “UR Out” photo project, which invited LGBTQ employees to participate by sharing a photo. The project is a visible representation that helps to foster a sense of community while also letting LGBTQ students, coworkers, and patients know that they are welcome here at the University.

Of those pictured, approximately 35 percent are from the Medical Center; 30 percent are from Arts, Sciences & Engineering; 8 percent are from the School of Medicine and Dentistry, and 8 percent are from Central Administration. The Eastman School of Music, University Health Service, University Counseling Center, University IT, Libraries, Chaplaincy Services, School of Nursing, Simon School of Business, Warner School of Education, Golisano’s Children’s Hospital, and the Laboratory for Laser Energetics are also represented. Of the participating LGBTQ employees, 55 percent have been with the University for 0-5 years, with 25 percent having worked at Rochester for 6-10 years. Roughly 7 percent of those pictured have worked at the University for 11-15 years and another 7 percent for 21-25 years.

Participants were also asked about their identities, with the opportunity to select as many options as needed. About 43 percent of LGBTQ employees are queer, 40 percent are gay, 28 percent are lesbian, 18 percent are bisexual, 17 percent are nonbinary, 13 percent are pansexual, and 7 percent are trans. The University also has employees who are asexual, trans-masc, demisexual, and genderfluid.

Student mindfulness facilitator training

Mindfulness is a tool that can help increase resilience, alleviate the weight of extreme emotions, and promote a healthy mind-set. Undergraduate and graduate students can attend student mindfulness facilitator training on Thursday, October 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. to not only learn ways to practice mindfulness but also learn how you can support your friends and classmates. Save your spot here.

As mindfulness facilitators, students can tap into their creativity and passions, build their voices, and lead mindfulness sessions with their friends, in club meetings, and in classes. You will receive Medallion points toward the Medallion Program.

Register for ‘The Body Project’

“The Body Project” is an evidenced-based body acceptance program offered in a group setting that provides a safe space for all women to confront and challenge unrealistic appearance ideals through group discussion and interactive activities. The program seeks to give participants knowledge in developing a healthier body image and self-esteem. The program takes place October 13, 20, and 27, and November 3 in Havens Lounge from 4 to 5 p.m. and is open to undergraduate and graduate student women. Nonbinary students are welcome but should know that this course is designed for participants for whom being a woman is a part of their lived experience. Register today.

Depression screenings

The University Counseling Center (UCC) will conduct drop-in depression screenings for students at the Welles-Brown Room in Rush Rhees Library on Friday, October 14, from 2 to 4 p.m. Stop by the screening tables to pick up a form, then meet with a UCC staff member who can help assess if you are at risk for depression and, if appropriate, offer suitable recommendations to help. You can also learn self-care practices. Hosted by UCC and the UHS Health Promotion Office, the screenings are open to all undergraduate and graduate students.

Child Care Subsidy application closes October 12

The annual Child Care Subsidy application period ends Wednesday, October 12. Eligible employees can receive up to $3,600 towards Child Care expenses for 2023. Find more information and apply here.

Find mental health support

Easily accessible and confidential appointments for mental health support are available for all University employees through Well-U. Contact Behavioral Health Partners at (585) 276-6900 or UR Medicine EAP at (585) 276-9110 for help.

Clinical and translational science analytics colloquium

Register to attend the Clinical and Translational Science Institute analytics colloquium on Thursday, October 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EDT. The virtual session features the talks “The Statistical Triangle,” presented by Jiashun Jin, a professor of statistics and an affiliated professor of machine learning at Carnegie Mellon University, and “Spectral Clustering via Adaptive Layer Aggregation for Multi-Layer Networks,” presented by Yang Feng, an associate professor of biostatistics at New York University.

‘Pause and Listen’ mindfulness class for the Eastman School of Music community

Join Melina Esse, a mindfulness educator at the Eastman School of Music, for a four-week course designed to help musicians build skills in reducing stress, managing performance anxiety, and becoming more present in their daily life. The classes run Thursdays October 20 and 27, and November 3 and 10, from noon to 1:15 p.m. in the Miller Center. This free offering is for all members of the Eastman community. Sign up to attend.

AAPI faculty panel discussion

The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Trainee Support Committee will host a faculty panel discussion with professors of Indian heritage from noon to 1 p.m. EDT on Friday, October 28, via Zoom. The panel will discuss their experiences in academia including implicit bias, micro-aggression, and unequal treatment; what they recommend for AAPI trainees; what non-AAPI mentors and persons can do to support AAPI trainees; and Indian-specific matters that affect training. This discussion is open to the University community. Register in advance to attend. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting. A video and summary of the committee’s first panel discussion are available here.

Anyone interested in learning more about AAPI stories can subscribe to an email listserv and receive a newsletter here. To join in efforts, complete this form.