The University’s annual United Way campaign, whichkicks off today, supports the Greater Rochester area by providing health services, educational resources, and economic mobility to the community’s most vulnerable populations. Find the online pledging link on the HRMS homepage or visit the University’s 2023 United Way website. There will be five weeks of prize drawings; pledge early and be eligible for all five. Continuous pledge donors with pledges in effect are already eligible. Email the United Way Office at uwco@hr.rochester.edu with questions. Campaign leaders thank the many department coordinators who will be assisting with this year’s campaign in the weeks ahead.
To celebrate the campaign launch and “Pi Week,” enjoy pie samples from Special Touch Bakery in Café 601 in the Medical Center on Thursday, March 16, from noon to 3 p.m. or while supplies last.
In today’s issue:
The March edition of HR Intercom highlights UR Career Pathways and more
An upcoming workshop for faculty will cover antiracist feedback and messaging
Until recently, “there were no high-end Jewish restaurants,” says Nora Rubel, the Jane and Alan Batkin Professor in Jewish Studies. “Jews didn’t create the same kind of culinary culture in the United States as, for example, the Italians did. So you could go to a high-end kosher restaurant, but it wasn’t Jewish food — it would be French cuisine or a steakhouse.”
Institute examines how environmental factors shape health
The University launched the Institute for Human Health and the Environment to support new research and solve local, regional, and global health problems. Learn more about the new institute in this week’s Go Green blog post.
Join the Speaking Fellows on Thursday, March 16, at 7 p.m. in the Barbara J. Burger iZone for the next Kohn Lecture. Find interview advice and learn about linguistic discrimination in the workplace. After both talks, there will be time for questions and discussion.
LGBTQ+ student well-being focus group
The UHS Health Promotion Office’s Peer Health Advocate team will be collecting information on the experience of LGBTQ+ students on campus related to their mental health and well-being. Data collected will be shared with Health Promotion Office staff to help inform the development of programs, policies, and environmental-level changes to better support the University’s LGBTQ+ student population. Register on CCCÂ to join this focus group on Tuesday, March 21, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Havens Lounge, Wilson Commons. Participants will receive a $5 Starbucks coupon.
Participate in Fall Welcome Week with your student organizationÂ
The Office of Orientation and First-Year Programs is now accepting proposals from AS&E undergraduate student organizations to be part of the Welcome Week experience for the class of 2027 and new transfer students this August. Is your group interested in performing? Want to host an event? Learn more about available opportunities and how to apply. Email orientation@rochester.edu with questions.
Complete the ‘Be There’ certificate as part of the Medallion Program
In collaboration with the Health Promotion Office, the Be There certificate counts towards an Interpersonal Competence workshop for the College’s Medallion Program. The certificate is a digital, self-paced learning experience from Jack.org and the Born This Way Foundation designed to increase mental health literacy and provide the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to safely support anyone who may be struggling with their mental health. It offers universal best practices while diving deeper into the intersections of culture, identity, and social determinants of mental wellness. Email medallion@rochester.edu with your completion certificate and they will send you a Level 2 Workshop Reflection.
HR Intercom highlights UR Career Pathways and more
This month’s issue of HR Intercom, a newsletter with information about Human Resources programs and materials, includes information about the UR Career Pathways program, resources for managers, and more.
Workshop on antiracist feedback and messaging
Learn antiracist strategies to reduce student achievement gaps by using stereotype threat and growth mindset principles for providing feedback and messaging to students. The Teaching Center workshop is Friday, March 17, from noon to 1 p.m. on Zoom and is open to all University faculty. Sign up here to attend, and contact the Teaching Center with questions.
Play Well-U bingo
Check out your bingo board in the 2023 Well-U employee wellness catalog delivered to your home or on the Well-U website. Complete each activity any time during 2023 and then, once you have bingo, send it to Well-U to claim your reward.
Discounted hockey tickets offered
Tickets for select Rochester Amerks and Buffalo Sabres games are available at a discounted cost for faculty, staff, retirees, and their families. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Human Resources Discounts and Perks page and click on Sporting Events.
The community-engaged InspireDANCE Festival, celebrating 13 years, begins today, March 15, and runs through April 2. All University community members are invited to sign up for free master classes and experience various dance styles including Middle Eastern, West African, jazz, capoeira, and ballet. All events are free for students with their University ID, but general registration is required to attend masterclasses. Find information about special and ticketed events here.
Attend a guest day of the University’s Daybreakers Toastmasters club on Thursday, March 16, at 7:30 a.m. via Zoom or in person. Toastmasters is a supportive and positive group that can help you improve your public speaking and presentation skills. Email vpm-3685@toastmastersclubs.org for more information.
Lake Erie Latin American Cultural Studies Group conference
The Lake Erie Latin American Cultural Studies Group conference will cover different aspects of relocation in a foreign space and in a foreign language by communities of Latin American origin. Language, policy, identity, and voice are some of the perspectives that will be shared. The conference takes place Saturday, March 18, in Humanities Conference Room D, Rush Rhees Library.
Relax and renew retreat
Join the Mindful University Project’s upcoming Relax and Renew Retreat on Saturday, April 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This is a half-day, silent meditation retreat for University students, faculty, and staff who are interested in developing or deepening their meditation practice through a more immersive meditation experience. Held in the Spurrier Dance Studio, the experience will offer four hours of noble silence while engaging in contemplative practices such as gentle yoga, self-compassion practices, breath awareness meditations, mindful eating, journaling, and a dharma talk (a lesson about the practice of mindfulness in everyday life). The retreat is free of charge and will be cofacilitated by Koru mindfulness teachers. Prior meditation experience is not necessary to participate; dress comfortably. Sign up here to save your spot.
Alumnus Josh Cassada ’00 (PhD) splashed down to Earth this weekend after spending 157 days in space aboard the International Space Station as a flight engineer. As part of NASA’s Expedition 68 mission, Cassada and his crew demonstrated new technologies for future human and robotic exploration missions. Welcome home, Josh!
@Rochester is produced daily by University Marketing and Communications. You are receiving this message as a member of the University of Rochester community or as a subscriber. Please do not forward this newsletter to other distribution lists.
