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September 19, 2023

University leaders launch five-point plan for public safety

To enhance campus safety and ensure inclusive, fair, and equitable security practices across the institution, the University engaged an outside consulting firm in 2022 to provide a comprehensive review of the Department of Public Safety and campus safety security policies and practices. The firm found that the University “benefits from a dedicated and committed public safety staff” and identified opportunities to strengthen certain areas. In response, senior leadership developed a five-point plan to address the firm’s top recommendations and establish a framework for continuous improvement. Learn more about the plan.

In today’s issue:

  • A renewal grant for Mt. Hope Family Center helps continue child maltreatment studies
  • Workshops for faculty and student support staff on trauma-informed practices
  • There’s still time to register for Meliora Weekend events
TODAY'S UPDATES

Mt. Hope Family Center awarded grant to continue child maltreatment studies

The University’s Mt. Hope Family Center has been awarded a multimillion-dollar grant renewal from the National Institutes of Health for the TRANSFORM Center, a national resource center that conducts research, disseminates discoveries, and builds on research and best practices to help train the next generation of interdisciplinary professionals committed to preventing and addressing child abuse and neglect.

Celebrating IT professionals

Today is National IT Professionals Day, recognizing the role University IT, URMC ISD, and departmental IT plays in keeping the institution running—safely and securely—while growing the University’s capabilities and transforming user experience as applications and technology evolve.


FOR STUDENTS

Free safer sex supplies

You can have safer sex supplies delivered straight to your on-campus mailbox with the click of a few buttons. Place an order through Safe Sex Express today. Open to all students with an on-campus mailbox.


FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

Post open undergraduate research positions on AURA

Faculty looking to fill undergraduate research positions are encouraged to advertise the positions on AURA, a University student-created program that connects faculty research mentors with interested undergraduates using a simple web interface. AURA allows research mentors to easily advertise research opportunities and identify students who are best qualified for their projects. Positions posted on AURA will be viewable on the Office of Undergraduate Research website and advertised on its social media platforms.

AURA is the primary site that undergraduates seeking research positions are directed to by the Office of Undergraduate Research. Posted positions may be paid or unpaid, or for academic credit or no credit. Paid positions must still be posted on JobLink, and credit-bearing opportunities will still require the independent study form to be submitted. Send an email if you have questions or suggestions for improvement. Create an account and submit a posting here.

Workshops on trauma-informed practices

University employees play a pivotal role in shaping students’ academic and personal journeys. Research conducted by the Healthy Minds Network and Health Promotion Office needs assessment has found that many faculty and staff feel ill-equipped to respond to student mental health concerns, with 59 percent of staff and 74 percent of faculty at Rochester having never received specialized training on how to support students in distress.

Workshops are available this week from the Health Promotion Office for all faculty and student support staff, with a focus on trauma-informed practices as a part of the Well-Being for Life and Learning Training Program:

  • “Trauma-Informed Pedagogy” for faculty and course instructors on Wednesday, September 20, from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
  • “Trauma-Informed Conversations” for student support staff on Thursday, September 21, from 11 a.m. to noon in Genesee Hall, Room 325, or over Zoom.

Request a biometric screening clinic

Request a biometric screening clinic to come to your area if you have 10 or more eligible employees who wish to participate. Learning your current health numbers and talking to a nurse wellness coach through Well-U can help you make a plan and feel your best.

Tuition reimbursement reminder

Eligible full-time faculty and staff attending an outside college or university for the fall 2023 semester must submit a tuition reimbursement application to The Office of Total Rewards. All applications must be received no later than 30 days from the start of the course. You can download the application and find additional information on the tuition benefits website.


FOR THE COMMUNITY

Celebrate Car Free Day on September 22

Kick-start your day in a fun and healthy way by reducing or eliminating your car use on Friday, September 22, with World Car Free Day. Whether you decide to bike, walk, take the bus, or carpool, celebrate at the “Car Free Day Pit Stop,” hosted jointly by Reconnect Rochester and the University. The pit stop will be held at the cycle track on Elmwood Avenue, across from the main hospital entrance. Drop by any time between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. to meet fellow cyclists and enjoy snacks, coffee, and giveaways while supplies last.

Boundless Together: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Conference

The Institutional Office of Equity and Inclusion will host “Boundless Together: The Future of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice” on Friday, September 22, at the Joseph Floreano Riverside Convention Center. Registration is at capacity, but you can join the waitlist for the daylong conference.

Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness theatre production

Tickets are available for Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness‘s production of drama-comedy She Kills Monsters at OFC Creations Theatre Center. Performances will take place September 27–29. Directed by Maggie Powell, a registered drama therapist and licensed creative arts therapist, and supported by other clinical staff, the therapeutic theater production features teens currently and formerly engaged with pediatric mental health services. Purchase tickets here.

Participate in a Middle State Commission on Higher Education town hall

The University community is invited to participate in a Middle State Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) town hall from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 28. The virtual event will be held on Zoom and will include draft findings from the self-study report and remarks from President Sarah Mangelsdorf and Provost David Figlio. The self-study is an inclusive process, so your feedback on the draft report will help shape the final version of what is submitted to MSCHE. Register in advance if you plan to attend.

Department of English alumni panel

Join the Department of English for a panel discussion featuring perspectives from five alumni about their lives after graduation, careers, and advice for students. The event will be held on Friday, September 29, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the Humanities Center, Conference Room D, with a reception to follow in the Humanities Lounge from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Meliora Weekend is less than a month away

Meliora Weekend, October 5–8, is gearing up to be an unforgettable experience for students, families, alumni, friends, and faculty and staff.

  • Enjoy food, festivities, and live entertainment in the Meliora Village throughout the weekend
  • Attend world-class performances by students, alumni, and faculty at the Eastman School of Music—with special opportunities to join in the music-making yourself (no experience required)
  • Especially for students: Grab your exclusive student swag during Rochester Traditions
  • Especially for students and their families: Gather the whole family for the Deans Reception, Meliora Fair, Parent and Family Brunch, and Parent and Family Dinner with A Cappella Jam
  • Cheer on the Yellowjackets football team as they take on Union College
  • Check out the full weekend schedule and register today.

Group fitness classes at Goergen Athletic Center

The Department of Athletics and Recreation sponsors group fitness classes at the Goergen Athletic Center every semester through the Intramural Sports Program, including a variety of aerobic and conditioning classes. Learn more and find a full schedule here.

COVID-19 study with Rochester Victory Alliance

If you or someone you know currently has COVID-19, you may be able to join a new COVID-19 study. Participants may receive up to $600 for study visits and travel. Free transportation to the clinic is available. Contact volunteer@rochestervictoryalliance.org or call (585) 756-2329.


SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

Screenshot of the University's Instagram: student aboard of a skateboard with blue skies, and green trees surrounding them

Fall officially starts this week. Find some recent turn-of-the-season photos on the University’s Instagram.


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