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October 13, 2022

Children with HIV at greater risk for impaired neurological development

New research in Zambia finds that children infected with HIV are significantly more likely to do worse in neurological assessments despite having well-controlled HIV disease, suggesting that they may struggle with cognitive and mental health issues. Led by David Bearden, an assistant professor of neurology and of pediatrics, the research also indicates that early intervention in the form of better nutrition and antiretroviral therapies may help close the gap.

In today’s issue:

  • Tips from University IT on strengthening passwords for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
  • Resources to help students prepare to vote in the midterm elections
  • October 14 is the last day to apply for International Education Week funding
TODAY’S UPDATES

Frances Mueller named chief of staff, special advisor to the president

Frances Mueller, currently associate vice provost for academic and budgetary affairs in the Office of the Provost at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, has been named chief of staff and special advisor in the Office of the President at Rochester. University President Sarah Mangelsdorf announced Mueller’s appointment, which follows a national search. Mueller succeeds Tony Green, who in May 2022 was named vice provost for academic finance and planning in the Provost’s Office.

Hospital garage cleaning continues this weekend

The Strong Memorial Hospital parking garage will continue its annual cleaning this weekend, which means brief interruptions to garage access and parking areas.

  • From 4 p.m. on Friday, October 14, to Sunday, October 16, the Jackson Drive entrance, South Drive entrance, and floors G, 1, 3, and 5 will be closed. The East Drive entrance will remain open.

Signage will be posted. Staff is encouraged to park in College Town Garage to leave space for patients and visitors. Call the Parking Management Center at (585) 275-4524 with questions.

It’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month

One of the simplest ways to protect yourself and the University is to use secure passwords for your accounts. Think of your password as the lock on the front door of your home. You want a robust and secure deadbolt to keep out any intruders. To protect yourself, University IT suggests the following:

  • Use long passphrases rather than a single password.
  • Using 14 or more characters, including spaces.
  • Don’t use easy-to-guess dictionary words.
  • Use the University provided password tool, LastPass, to store complex passwords safely.
  • Use multi-factor authentication (Duo) on your accounts where applicable.
University IT is also implementing a new tool to check for insecure passwords, notify users, and require them to change. Learn more about this tool and other ways University IT is protecting your data.

Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act

Pursuant to Section 485(g) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, 20 U.S.C. 1092(g), (also known as the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act), the University annually publishes data on athletics participation and spending. A paper copy of the  FY22 annual report is available by calling Athletics and Recreation at (585) 275-4301 and making a request. An electronic copy of the report is available here.


ROCHESTER IN THE NEWS

Mandatory reporting was supposed to stop severe child abuse. It punishes poor families instead.

NBC News, October 12

“Reporting has been our one response to concerns about child abuse,” says Mical Raz, the Charles E. and Dale L. Phelps Professor in Public Health and Policy and a professor of history, who has studied the impact of mandatory child abuse reporting. “Now we have quite a bit of data that shows that more reporting doesn’t result in better identification of children at risk and is not associated with better outcomes for children, and in some cases may cause harm to families and communities.”


FOR STUDENTS

Voting resources for the midterm elections

The US midterm elections take place on Tuesday, November 8, with early voting starting sooner in New York and many other states. The election presents an opportunity to choose representatives for state and federal offices. University students have participated in recent elections at increasing rates. Here are important dates and information to help you register to vote and cast your ballot:

  • In New York State, the deadline to register to vote in this election is Friday, October 14.
  • Visit the Center for Community Engagement’s website for additional details about how to register, including a link to the University’s TurboVote site through which you can sign up to receive reminders tailored to where you register.
  • The Committee for Political Engagement, a student advisory group convened by the Center for Community Engagement, recently posted a series of short videos showing how to complete voter registration and absentee ballot applications on its Instagram page.
  • Once you’ve registered, make a plan to cast your ballot, whether in person or by absentee ballot. Early voting in New York State will take place from Saturday, October 29, through Sunday, November 6. Early voting dates in other states vary. If voting by absentee ballot, request your ballot today. Deadlines vary by state.

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.

Mindfulness class for students of color

Deontae McLachlan, an assistant advisor for the Office of Minority Student Affairs, presents “Mindfulness Made Simple for Students of Color” on Saturdays beginning October 29 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. This class offers the opportunity for students of color to learn the “how” of mindfulness and what it looks like for them with the support of a shared community. Registration is required.


FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

Sustainable cooking class

The Green Reps’ fourth annual sustainable cooking class takes place Tuesday, October 25, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Douglass Community Kitchen, Room 406. Learn from Harvest Table chefs who will prepare fresh vegetarian and vegan meals using sustainable sourcing and cooking methods. Email your RSVP by Tuesday, October 18, to secure a spot. Space is limited.

Can you sit alone with your thoughts?

Are you someone who instinctively picks up the phone to avoid sitting alone with your own thoughts? This week’s UR Medicine EAP’s blog post explains how your thoughts can increase productivity, creativity, and decision-making, and can lead to a more fulfilling life. UR Medicine EAP is brought to you by Well-U, helping eligible individuals to assess issues, and provide short-term counseling and referrals.


FOR THE COMMUNITY

International Education Week funding

Grants are now available to help fund programming during the month of November that celebrates International Education Week and the benefits of international education. This includes lectures and programs which highlight international academic programs and research, in addition to those that encourage the integration of the domestic and international student body. This grant is open to students and departments University-wide. Grants up to $500 will be awarded and are sponsored by the Office for Global Engagement. Apply here by October 14.

Workshop on leadership

The Ain Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is partnering with the Institute of Music Leadership at the Eastman School of Music for an interactive workshop. Led by Rachel Roberts, director of the institute, the workshop will help you define your leadership style, teach you how to establish group norms to improve your effectiveness and provide you with tools to reflect on your leadership style for continuous improvement. Register for the session on Tuesday, October 18, from 4 to 5 p.m. upstairs at the Barbara J. Burger iZone. Contact the Ain Center with questions.

Attend AS&E Graduate Research Day

Graduate students across Arts, Sciences & Engineering will showcase their research at “Graduate Research Day” on Wednesday, October 19, in Feldman Ballroom, Douglass Commons. Research talks take place throughout the day starting at 9 a.m. A networking reception and awards ceremony follow from 4 to 5 p.m.

Nonmatriculated orientation and registration for Simon’s professional MBA

Students have the option to begin their studies at Simon Business School before formally applying to the professional MBA program through a nonmatriculated start. Nonmatriculated students may start in any quarter during the year and take up to two MBA core classes, and those who meet entrance criteria are eligible to waive the GMAT/GRE test score requirement for admission to the program. Learn more at orientation on Tuesday, October 25, from 5:15 to 7:45 p.m. in Gleason Hall, Room G224. Register to attend.


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