Beware of common Google search scam

University IT shares that a legitimate-looking ad for Amazon in Google search results redirects visitors to a Microsoft Defender tech support scam that locks up their browser. Clicking on the Google ad will redirect the person to a tech-support scam pretending to be an alert from Microsoft Defender stating that you are infected with malware.

Do not call the phone number displayed or click on any of the links that pop up. Instead, force quit Chrome using “control+alt+delete” on a PC or “command+option+escape” on a Mac. When Chrome is restarted, ignore the request to restore pages, and that should clear the immediate issue. Contact your desktop support professional at any time during this process for additional assistance.

Drop-in counseling group today following racially motivated violence in Florida

The University Counseling Center is offering a virtual drop-in group today, August 29, at 4 p.m. for students wanting support and connection in the wake of racially motivated violence in Florida.

Study Zone program now enrolling

Located within the Learning Center in 1-160D Dewey Hall, the Study Zone is a quiet, focused place to work. Students commit to spending at least three hours a week in the Study Zone and benefit from peer support in planning effective study sessions. By providing a productive location, personal support, and even free snacks, this informal study location will help students get past common barriers to turn their academic goals into reality. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. The program serves students in Arts, Sciences & Engineering; the School of Medicine and Dentistry; Simon Business School; and the Warner School of Education and Human Development. Learn more and enroll here.

Writing workshop series for AS&E graduate students and postdocs

The Graduate Writing Project is hosting a writing workshop series for AS&E graduate students and postdocs that starts August 31. Find free food and writing support to kick-start your semester. Register online. Contact liz.tinelli@rochester.edu with questions.

Annual training for handling payment card data

Do you handle payment cards (credit or debit cards) or end-of-day balancing, or oversee a point-of-sale database or card-accepting software application for merchant processing? If so, the PCI Security Standards Council requires annual training, which can be found in MyPath by entering “What is PCI” in the search box in the upper right corner. Please note that the training applies to all merchants accepting cards via retail point of sale, call centers, and online payments—including MyChart, Student, Donors, Slate, and Stripe. If you’re unsure if you handle card data, the Office of Treasury Management suggests taking the training since it is about 15 minutes and can have a personal benefit. Email Kathy King-Griswold with questions. Please remain cautious against fraudulent activities. All authentic communications regarding devices and card processing will solely come from the Office of Treasury Management.

Micro-credential course on fostering a culture of belonging

All faculty and staff are invited to sign up for Fostering a Culture of Belonging, a professional development micro-credential course offered through the Association of College University Educators. The course provides proven practices that increase student engagement, retention, and performance and includes topics such as managing the impact of biases, reducing microaggressions, and addressing the imposter phenomenon. The deadline to register is September 10. For more information, email Ellen Webster.

Find a healthy blood pressure level with Well-U

Sign up for Well-U’s high blood pressure program and join your health coach to create lifelong beneficial habits.

Fall organ performances at Eastman School of Music

The Eastman School of Music announces its calendar of organ events for the fall 2023 semester. Recurring series include “Tuesday Pipes” at Christ Church and “Going for Baroque” on Sundays at the Memorial Art Gallery. The “Third Thursdays” series at the Memorial Art Gallery, featuring Eastman’s Italian Baroque Organ, will begin in October and run through December.

Strong Recovery Services health and wellness fair

Strong Recovery Services will hold its second annual health and wellness fair on September 15 from 7 to 11 a.m. at their Brighton Business Center location on 2613 West Henrietta Road. Stop by for information on recovery and substance use resources in the area, as well as music, giveaways, food, and more. This year’s fair coincides with Recovery Month in September as well as the 50th anniversary of Strong Recovery Services.