President Mangelsdorf shares update on University’s strategic plan
The University’s 2030 strategic plan, titled Boundless Possibility, has reached its next phase of refinement and implementation planning, says President Sarah Mangelsdorf, noting “the Boundless Possibility plan provides a road map for innovation and strengthens our ability to succeed in the complex academic, research, and health care environments that shape the experiences of our students and their families, faculty, staff, patients, alumni, and community partners.”
Mangelsdorf and Provost David Figlio will continue to meet with faculty and staff leaders, student representatives, and managers across the organization to gather thoughts on tactics and what is most important for a successful implementation of the plan. All are invited to share ideas about the strategic plan with their leadership, submit feedback on the Boundless Possibility website, or attend one of the upcoming Strategic Planning Discussion Sessions, which begin Monday, March 20, with an in-person session in Wallis Hall and a virtual session via Zoom. More details about the implementation plan will follow after Commencement.
Common dry-cleaning chemical linked to Parkinson’s disease
An international team of researchers including Ray Dorsey, the David M. Levy Professor in Neurology; Ruth Schneider, an associate professor of neurology; and Karl Kieburtz, a professor of neurology, postulates that trichloroethylene—a common and widely used chemical used to decaffeinate coffee, degrease metal, and dry-clean clothes—may be an invisible cause of Parkinson’s.
The All-Campus Judicial Council is the judicial branch of the Students’ Association (SA) government, which helps the SA—and all groups under it—function within their guidelines and governing documents. As justices, they serve as student representatives on the Board of Academic Honesty and in Student Conduct. Through working with faculty, staff, and administrators, justices have an effect on campus culture, climate, and policy. The council will be making its spring selections over the next few weeks; applicants from all majors are welcome. Apply here by Friday, March 17, at 11:59 p.m. Students can learn more about the selection process by following the council on Instagram.
First-generation student well-being focus group
The UHS Health Promotion Office’s Peer Health Advocate team will be collecting information on the experience of first-generation students on campus related to their well-being. Data collected will be shared with Health Promotion Office staff to help inform the development of programs, policy, and environmental-level changes to better support the well-being of the first-generation student population. Register on CCCÂ to join this focus group on Thursday, March 23, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Douglass Commons, Room 404. Participants will receive a $5 Starbucks coupon.
Draw hideous creatures with ‘BIC-Ture This!’
The “BIC-Ture This!” queer artmaking series brings together Rochester LGBTQ students. Follow along as an artist leads you in drawing hideous hybrid creatures on Friday, March 24, at 7 p.m. in the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center, Douglass Commons. All supplies are provided. Registration is required by Monday, March 20.
Witness to Injustice event
All students are invited to participate in a “Witness to Injustice” event on Friday, March 31, from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Gamble Room on the third floor of Rush Rhees Library. Sponsored by the River Campus Libraries, “Witness to Injustice” is a program of Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation and is a three-hour interactive group teaching tool that uses participatory education to foster truth, understanding, and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the part of the world now known as the United States. Learn more and register early as spots are limited. The event includes a free dinner.
Summer internship funding applications now open
Summer internship funding provides monetary support for undergraduates who obtain a summer internship to investigate career options, develop skills, and link classroom learning to the world of work. Applications are now open and are due by April 10 at 11:59 p.m.
Translational Immunology and Infectious Diseases Institute pilot program applications
The Translational Immunology and Infectious Diseases Institute pilot program fosters innovative, new ideas and team-driven multidisciplinary translational research projects related to infectious disease and immunology. There will be up to three awards annually of up to $33,000. Eligible applicants must be full-time tenure or research track faculty at the University. Find more information and application instructions here. The application deadline is Friday, March 31, by 5 p.m. EDT.
Organize a wellness challenge for your department
Well-U offers a choice of six wellness challenges that can be designed to fit your department. Get all the instructions, pre-made templates, and supplies at no cost. Fill out the department request form and start building healthy habits while having fun with your coworkers and earning prizes. Email Well-U with questions.
Stop by the Mall at Greece Ridge on Friday, March 17, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. to learn about colorectal cancer, ask experts questions about this type of cancer—one of the most common cancers in the US—and walk through the giant inflatable colon. Information about services will be available and visitors can enter for a chance to win prizes. This event is hosted by Wilmot Cancer Institute’s Community Outreach and Engagement team. Learn more or send an email with questions.
Brighten up your spring with the University’s Virtual Book Club
Join the University’s Virtual Book Club for its next selection, Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel, Remarkably Bright Creatures—a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible. The reading period begins on Friday, March 17, but readers can join at any time.
Family Science Day for elementary, middle school students
The University’s STEM Initiative will be hosting its annual Family Science Day on Sunday, March 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Hirst Lounge, Wilson Commons. Elementary and middle school students, their families, and the community are all invited to enjoy booths held by school clubs, all focusing on STEM topics. Find free parking in the Intercampus or Library Lots.
‘Voices of XR’ series
The Mary Ann Mavrinac Studio X speaker series “Voices of XR” brings immersive technology scholars and professionals to Rochester. A new batch of talks is on the way:
Monday, March 20: Learn how Benjamin Suarez-Jimenez, an assistant professor of neuroscience, is using virtual reality, magnetic resonance imaging, and machine learning to clarify the psychological and neural signatures of PTSD and anxiety disorders.
Wednesday, March 22:Lieutenant Colonel Stephanie Raffo, the director of innovation at Peterson Space Force Base, delivers software and hardware solutions for Space Force operational missions. Learn about innovation and emerging technologies at Space Force in this session.
Friday, April 7:The Metaverse Handbook is a can’t-miss guide to participating in the most promising new technology since the advent of the web. Meet the book’s author QuHarrison Terry, a growth marketer at Mark Cuban Companies.
Grand rounds lecture on how stress affects the trans community
Join the Department of Psychiatry on Wednesday, March 22, at noon for the March Office of Diversity, Inclusion, Culture, and Equity (DICE) grand rounds lecture featuring Cecilia Gentili, founder of Trans Equity Consulting. Gentili will discuss the ways stress affects the transgender community. This activity counts towards the five required annual DICE activities. Register to attend online or attend in person in the Class of ’62 Auditorium (G-9425), Medical Center.
Experience visual arts, music, and dance
Attend “RESPONSE,” a four-day event taking place March 28–31 that activates three art spaces on the River Campus. It features visiting artists Daniel Melo Morales and John Halpern; two exhibitions of student work; and live performances from BIODANCE, the faculty of the Program of Dance and Movement, and Greg Woodsbie, Nancy Hughes, and Ossia New Music.
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