Insight into local air quality conditions

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an air quality health advisory for Monroe County and nearby counties in response to the hazy and smoky air that the Rochester region has been experiencing as a result of the continuing wildfires in eastern Canada. The Monroe County Health Department also offers a link to monitor the air quality index locally and additional guidance on conducting outdoor activities.

Additionally, Daniel Croft, an assistant professor of medicine, and Elizabeth Murray, an assistant professor of clinical emergency medicine and of clinical pediatrics, provide some insight in response to the current air quality conditions.

This science-backed trick could help prevent infidelity in a relationship

Huffington Post, June 6

“I think the benefits of perspective-taking hold true as long as people can stop and consider how romantic partners may be affected by these situations,” said study coauthor Harry Reis, the Dean’s Professor in Arts, Sciences & Engineering and a professor of psychology.

Division of Comparative Medicine wins Greenovation Award

Dan DeMagistris, a purchasing coordinator at the School of Medicine and Dentistry, has been awarded Kimberly-Clark Corporation’s “Greenovation Award” for his role in leading the University’s personal protective equipment (PPE) recycling program, RightCycle. DeMagistris has led this program since August 2019, diverting over 12,500 pounds of PPE from the city’s landfill in the last five years. Read more in this week’s Go Green blog post.

Getting ready for myURHR: Share your thoughts in a brief survey

The myURHR project team wants to hear from you as your input matters. Feedback from faculty and staff is vital to the University’s implementation of myURHR, the new human resources information platform replacing HRMS in the spring of 2024.

Complete a brief survey by Wednesday, June 21, to share your thoughts on this important HR modernization project. The survey is an opportunity to provide feedback to the project team that will inform future communications and training. It will take less than five minutes to complete and all responses are anonymous. Survey results will help to ensure faculty and staff are receiving project updates and know how to get their questions answered. Be sure to connect with your Change Network Champion or Super User for more information about myURHR, or reach out to the project team by visiting the myURHR resources page.

Career Path Modernization community forum invitation

The Career Path Modernization Project has made significant progress over the last several months and will advance toward implementation in January 2024. As the University looks forward to the work ahead, faculty and staff are invited to join an upcoming community forum to learn more about what to expect as the project enters its final phases. Chief Human Resource Officer Kathy Gallucci, and Senior Director of University Compensation Dan Salamone, will host three one-hour community forums on Wednesday, June 21. The format will be split into two components, starting with an overview of the latest project information and updates, followed by a Q&A facilitated by the cochairs of the Genesee Staff Council, Amanda Sharpe, and Jon Powers. All sessions require advanced registration. A recording will be available for those unable to attend.

Drop-in fitness classes offered for the summer

Until Labor Day, the Fitness Center in College Town will be offering classes to non-members for $3 for employees and $2 for students. From Zumba to sculpting, find the full schedule of classes and more information here.

Explore graduate program offerings at the Warner School

Attend a virtual admissions information session with the Warner School of Education and Human Development from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14, to learn more about graduate programs in counseling, educational leadership, education policy, health professions education, higher education, human development, online teaching, program evaluation, and teaching. Applications open September 1. Contact Warner’s admissions office with questions. Learn more and register to attend.

UR Medicine, School of Nursing expand tuition-free nursing program

UR Medicine and the School of Nursing have expanded their pioneering UR Nursing Scholars Program, an initiative that was announced in January to attract new nurses to the profession. The program is now able to accept 120 students per year and presents a unique opportunity for individuals with a previous bachelor’s degree to pursue a second career in nursing through the school’s 12-month accelerated program. Participants in the program receive full tuition coverage in exchange for a three-year commitment at either Strong or Highland Hospitals. Applications for the Spring 2024 semester are currently being accepted until July 1. To learn more about the program, register to attend an open house at 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, at Helen Wood Hall, or visit son.rochester.edu/ur-nursing-scholars.

Warner School hosts summer camp for young writers

The Young Writers Summer Camp welcomes youth who have a passion for writing or wish to enhance their writing skills. Hosted by the Warner School of Education and Human Development, the camp takes place from August 7 to 11 for students in grades 6 through 12. Campers will learn from experienced writing teachers who will use engaging writing activities and individual and group instruction to assist them in honing their skills and exploring new genres of writing to enjoy. A discount applies for children and grandchildren of University employees and alumni, siblings of current students, and families with more than one child attending camp. Find more information and register here.

The Memorial Art Gallery hosted a celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday marking the expansion of the Centennial Sculpture Park and the establishment of a $1.2M endowment that will provide care for the park in perpetuity. Find photos from the day on the University’s Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn pages.