It’s tax season again. In this week’s Security Tip feature, University IT offers guidance on reporting suspicious IRS-related scams. In today’s issue you’ll also find tax-related discounts for University employees and a schedule of tax information sessions for graduate students and postdocs.
Also in today’s @Rochester:
A webinar for employees on managing stress
Learn about Equal Pay Day on Tuesday at information tables around the University
Attend a panel discussion on advocacy and equitable school engagement
UR Financials, UR Procurement, and UR Student upgrade successful
The semiannual upgrade was completed this past weekend. An in-the-system announcement will detail any new features or changes. UR Procurement users can contact Procurement_service_center@ur.rochester.edu or call (585) 275-2012 with issues after the upgrade. All others can contact the University IT Help Desk at univithelp@rochester.edu, (585) 275-2000, or submit a support ticket.
Are you being contacted by the IRS or an imposter?
Have you received an email from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)? Does it contain links to create a temporary or one-time password to submit your refund? University IT warns that it’s a scam: the IRS will never begin contact through email, text messages, or social media channels and they won’t demand immediate payment or request personal or financial information. Be aware that messages are circulating claiming to have pertinent information about a taxpayer’s refund, electronic return, or tax account, and contain links to an IRS.gov-like website. Never click any links or provide information; you open the door to compromise your computer and invite malicious malware. Furthermore, you could potentially put the University or Medical Center at risk of a cyberattack if you engage with phishing emails. Visit the IRS Website for more information and how to report suspicious IRS-related scams.
Stop by the Goergen Athletic Center to relieve your stress with some puppy love. Therapy dogs will be there from 6 to 7:15 p.m. today, March 13, along with free Health Promotion Office goodies while supplies last.
Graduate student budgeting workshop
The Financial Aid Office and the UHS Health Promotion Office will hold a workshop for graduate students seeking knowledge and tools to put healthy financial skills into practice on Thursday, March 16, from noon to 12:50 p.m. EST via Zoom. Join virtually to develop a spending plan and consider how income and savings can dictate your expenses and learn how to evaluate and modify your plan as life happens. The session will be led by a financial aid counselor from the Financial Aid Office who will coach you on how to begin to manage your money. The workshop does not take the place of professional financial advisement and will not make any specific investment recommendations. Open to enrolled graduate students. Registration is required.
The Office of Total Rewards is holding a retiree benefits webinar on Wednesday, March 15, at 1 p.m. to go over eligibility to retire, what steps to take if you plan to retire soon, health and dental benefits, life insurance, and other benefits offered to you after retirement.
Well-U webinar on managing stress
Join Well-U and Janette Westman, a wellness consultant at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, on Wednesday, March 22, and noon for a webinar to learn ways to manage stress with a special emphasis on nutrition. You’ll discuss the relationship between stress and diet and review healthy eating tips to support overall well-being. Register here.
Tax season discounts through YOUR Benefits Extras
Tax season is here, and related discounts are available through LifeMart by Care.com, part of the free Care.com premium membership. Eligible employees have access to a number of discounts, including deals on TurboTax Federal Products. This benefit is part of the current offerings available to employees including YOUR Benefits Extras.
Learn about Simon’s business degree programs designed for working professionals
Considering a part-time business degree? Learn more about Simon Business School’s programs at an upcoming virtual information session. Attendees of the live sessions will receive an application fee waiver of up to $150 value and recordings will be available to registrants after the sessions.
Tuesday, March 14, is National Equal Pay Day, which symbolizes how far into the year the average woman must work to earn what the average man earned in the previous year. Stop by various locations around the University between 8–10 a.m. and 11 a.m.–1 p.m. to learn about this issue and show your support by getting an “Equal Pay For Equal Work” button or sticker. The event is hosted by the Susan B. Anthony Center in collaboration with the Institutional Office of Equity and Inclusion and the URMC Office of Equity and Inclusion.
Tax information sessions for graduate students and postdocs
The 2022 tax information sessions will take place on Monday, March 20. Both workshops will be recorded and posted online. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Attend an event on advocacy and equitable school engagement
The Warner School of Education and Human Development’s Center for Urban Education Success presents a panel discussion, “It Takes A Community: Sustaining Momentum for School Transformation,” on Wednesday, March 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at East High School. Join a panel of educators and community members from ROC the Future, Greece Central School District, parent advocacy organizations, Rochester City School District, East High School, and area charter schools who’ll share efforts in creating meaningful parent and community partnerships and discuss ways that you can build connections and effectively advocate for schools. Register to attend.
1984: Poet Nikki Giovanni spoke to a crowd in Hubbell Auditorium on March 18, delivering “a running stream of quips, quotes, anecdotes, and original poetry,” according to the Campus Times. Giovanni, a writer, activist, and educator, returned to the University in 2009 to present that year’s MLK Commemorative Address.
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