Prepare yourself for last-minute tax scams

Cybercriminals posing as the IRS or tax preparers will go to great lengths to steal your information and reroute your refund destination. Even if you’ve already filed your taxes, University IT reminds you that it’s important to remain vigilant as the tax season wraps up as scammers will claim an issue with your return and urge you to take action. Avoid any suspicious emails with attachments, links, calls, or texts requesting social security numbers, banking accounts, or any other forms of personal identification. As always, changing your password is a great way to protect your identity. Those who receive suspicious emails should forward them to phishing@irs.gov.

International student well-being focus group

The UHS Health Promotion Office’s Peer Health Advocate team will be collecting information on the experience of international 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, policies, and environmental-level changes to better support the well-being of the international student population. Register on CCC to join the focus group on Tuesday, March 28, from 7 to  8 p.m. in Genesee Hall, Room 321. Participants will receive a $5 Starbucks coupon.

Institute for Music Leadership podcast music competition

The Institute for Music Leadership is commissioning new music for its rebranded podcast, Careers in Crescendo: Lessons for Musicians, which features conversations with Eastman School of Music alumni, faculty, staff, IML grant winners, and industry leaders on topics of careers, creative projects, and current events in the field. The winning portfolio will receive a $250 cash prize. Apply by April 23 at 11:59 p.m. Find the submission form and detailed contest requirements here.

Donate your unwanted glasses

The annual eyeglasses collection and departmental competition continue through the end of this month. Donations can be mailed through the University’s intramural mail program to:

University Mail Services
Box 270001
Rochester, NY 14627-0001

Strategic planning discussion forums this week

All students, faculty, and staff are invited to join a discussion forum this week to learn more about the University’s 2030 strategic plan goals and objectives, ask questions, and provide feedback. Registration is not required.

• Monday, March 27: A virtual session will take place at 4 p.m. via Zoom.
• Thursday, March 30: An in-person session at the Eastman School of Music is scheduled at 11:30 a.m. in the Ray Wright Room (ESM 120).

Zero-Cost Heroes

For the last two years, the River Campus Libraries have highlighted “Zero-Cost Heroes,” faculty members and instructors who have chosen to select or create course materials that are free for their students. Over the course of this week, the libraries will highlight a new hero, starting with Karen Berger, an associate professor of instruction in the Department of Earth and Environmental Services. Berger has moved away from traditional textbooks for two reasons: cost and up-to-date content. Get the full story on how she’s delivering accessible and engaging readings.

Global Photo Contest community vote

The winners of each category for the 2023 Global Photo Contest have been chosen. Now it’s your turn to decide who wins the Grand Prize. Visit the CEA and ISO Instagram accounts to vote for your favorites by April 2. The post with the most likes will be this year’s grand prize winner.

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.

Reimagining India’s single-screen cinemas

Lecture: ‘International Security in Central and Eastern Europe’

Rafal Wordliczek, an associate professor at the Institute of Political Science and International Relations at Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland, presents a talk on the international security challenges facing central and eastern Europe, with an emphasis on the Polish perspective. Wordliczek’s lecture, sponsored by the Skalny Center for Polish and Central European Studies, will take place Wednesday, March 29, at 7:30 p.m. in Sloan Auditorium, Goergen Hall.

Run, walk, or pledge your support for transplant patients at Strong

The Rochester River Run returns to Genesee Valley Park on Sunday, April 2. You can run or walk the scenic 5K route in person, or participate virtually from any location you choose. Event proceeds benefit the Transplant Patient Fund at Strong Memorial Hospital. Learn more, register, or pledge your support to help patients awaiting and recovering from heart, liver, kidney, or pancreas transplant surgery.

Opioid overdose prevention training

Join Strong Recovery for opioid overdose prevention training on Tuesday, April 11, from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Gowen Room, Wilson Commons. All attendees over age 18 will receive a free Narcan kit. Registration is required, and the training is open to all students, faculty, and staff. Brought to you by the UHS Health Promotion Office, Department of Public Safety, and the Center for Student Conflict Management.