University leaders shared the following message last night with the University community:
“In our previous response to the shocking attack on Israel and the subsequent human suffering, we acknowledge that we missed the mark. We are truly sorry that a message that was meant to console only amplified the pain that so many of us are feeling.
Let us be clear: We view the Hamas attack on Israel as an act of terrorism, and we are horrified by the images and stories of slaughter of so many innocent people.
We are also devastated by the ensuing loss of lives among Israelis and Palestinians alike, and we continue to hope for a non-violent resolution to this terrible conflict.
One of our primary responsibilities as an institution has always been, and remains, the safety and well-being of the University community, whether its members are in Rochester, the Middle East, or anywhere else in the world. We know this is a very painful time for our entire community.”
The full message, which is posted here, also includes a list of resources available at the University.
Preview April’s total solar eclipse with a partial eclipse this Saturday
On October 14, Rochester will experience a partial solar eclipse when about 25 percent of the sun’s disk will be covered by the moon around 1:13 p.m. Special glasses to view the October 14 partial eclipse will be available in limited quantities and can be picked up (two per request) at the Physics-Optics-Astronomy Library in the Bausch and Lomb building, as well as in other libraries on the River Campus on today, October 12, and Friday, October 13. And, be sure to mark your calendars for April 8, 2024, when the University’s River Campus will be among the prime viewing spots for the next total solar eclipse.
“Calming U,” a four-week course tailored to Rochester students, blends guided meditation practices, introspective exercises, and meaningful discussions to foster heightened self-awareness, emotional resilience, and thoughtful responses to obstacles, and to help students flourish both personally and academically. Participants who attend all sessions will receive a giveaway of their choosing: The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook by Kristen Neff, a meditation cushion, or a yoga mat. Open to all University students. Registration is required at the links below.
In the Well-Being for Life and Learning Training Program, faculty and staff can learn a variety of skills to support student well-being in simple, effective, and compassionate ways. Upcoming workshops include:
“Educator Self-Care and Self-Compassion” on Friday, October 13, from noon to 1 p.m.
“Suicide Prevention Workshop” on Tuesday, October 17, from noon to 2 p.m.
“Navigating the Predominantly White Institution as an Underrepresented Minority Student” on Thursday, October 19, from noon to 1 p.m.
“Religious Diversity in the Classroom and On Campus” on Friday, October 20, from noon to 1 p.m.
“Well-Being in Learning Environments” on Monday, October 23, from noon to 1 p.m.
“Effective Study Strategies: Guidelines to Empower Students’ Learning Success” on Friday, October 27, from 2 to 3 p.m.
“Creating an Accessible Campus” on Monday, October 30, from noon to 1 p.m.
Focusing on research and data to promote Indigenous population health equity
Indigenous people are disproportionately affected by many health issues. While limited data on Indigenous population health is available nationally, it is absent in New York State and the Finger Lakes region. Learn more about this issue and how you can support efforts led by the Clinical and Translational Science Institute’s Office of Health Equity Research to understand Indigenous population health and advocate for systems change.
Webinars on planning for retirement
Attend a webinar on Social Security and Medicare on Wednesday, October 18, at noon. Conducted by Securian Financial, this session will help you understand when to claim Social Security and provide essential facts about Medicare to help you think ahead about your health care needs in retirement. Continue with your planning by joining the Office of Total Rewards for a retiree benefits webinar on Thursday, October 19, at noon. This webinar will cover what it means to be eligible for retiree benefits, health and dental insurance, Medicare, enrollment periods, the approaching deadline for the retiree grace period, and other benefits offered to you as a University retiree.
Annual ‘Asthma, Allergy, and Pulmonary Update’ conference
The Medical Center’s 27th annual Mary Parkes Center Asthma, Allergy, and Pulmonary Update is a one-day conference designed to provide physicians, physician extenders, nurses, respiratory therapists, and allied health professionals with an update in the fields of asthma, allergy, and selected topics in pulmonology. The conference aims to initiate practice changes by familiarizing learners with evidence-based diagnostic strategies and treatment advances that can lead to enhanced patient care and outcomes. The event takes place at Casa Larga Vineyards on Thursday, November 2. Register here to attend.
Apply for the CAHRE Visiting Research Fellowship
The Office for Global Engagement shares that the University of Auckland Centre for Asian and Ethnic Minority Health Research and Evaluation (CAHRE) has launched a call for applications for a newly established visiting research fellowship for public sector community researchers and academics who work in ethnic health research. This is a short-term, non-funded opportunity open to everyone. Fellowships will run for a period of four weeks to three months. As a partner university through the World Universities Network, the call is open to Rochester faculty. Contact Megan Bennett-Spears in the Office for Global Engagement for more information.
Find care for your pets through Care.com
Eligible employees can use their free premium Care.com membership to find help and discounts for caring for their pets, including pet sitting, dog walking, training, and pet supply and insurance discounts through LifeMart by Care.com. Visit the Family Care web page for eligibility information and access to this benefit.
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