University IT advises that there has been a recent uptick of fake text messages sent to faculty and staff asking for assistance with staff recognition. These phishing messages appear to come from scammers using a (585) area code and posing as faculty members or leadership requesting that gift cards be purchased with photos texted to the sender. University IT is unable to block text messages.
What should you do if you get a suspicious text? Take a screenshot of the message and report it to abuse@rochester.edu, then block the sender. If you have communicated with the person, stop responding. If you have purchased a gift card, do not send a screenshot of the gift card or the card numbers; contact the Department of Public Safety at (585) 275-3333 and file a police report.
Tips to identify potential scams:
Be cautious anytime anyone requests you to purchase gift cards. Legitimate transactions don’t usually require you to buy a gift card, send photos of a gift card, or share gift card codes.
Watch out for the reluctance of the requester’s availability to talk in person.
Be cautious when responding to text messages from unknown senders or senders claiming to be senior leadership.
Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t seem right, don’t engage.
Contact the person or company through a known legitimate email, phone number, or website to confirm the offer.
Building a ‘cellular atlas’ for rheumatoid arthritis
Together with several collaborators, new research led by Jennifer Anolik, the interim chief of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology,deconstructed more than 314,000 cells into six major subtypes. In building this comprehensive atlas, researchers can now use this knowledge in precision medicine, developing specific, individualized therapies. The work was funded by an NIH Network grant awarded to Anolik and the team in 2014 that informed a new NIH grant for the Accelerating Medicines Partnership: Autoimmune and Immune-Mediated Diseases program in 2022.
University flags on the Eastman Quadrangle and near the entrance of Strong Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department will be lowered on Thursday, December 7, for George Hoch, a professor emeritus in the Department of Biology, who died on July 29. Hoch joined the University faculty in 1965.
Join the UHS Health Promotion Office at its PAWS for Stress Relief program on Monday, December 4, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. in the Goergen Athletic Center. Pet some therapy dogs, leave with stress-relieving giveaways like lavender sachets and quote cards to hang up in your dorm, and learn about upcoming events.
Mindful leaders wanted for the Mindful University Project
Certified mindful and meditation teachers are invited to join the Mindful University Project and help shape a more mindful University community. Lead immersive four-week classes, empower students, foster wellness, and make a meaningful impact. Email Rebecca Block to learn more.
Research seminar on fairness in algorithmic services
Join the Goergen Institute for Data Science and the Department of Philosophy for “Fairness in Algorithmic Services” with Allison Koenecke, an assistant professor of information science at Cornell University. The research seminar takes place today, December 1, at noon in Wegmans Hall, Room 1400. A Zoom link is available for virtual attendees.
Kafka Prize reading with Claire Stanford
This year’s recipient of the Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize for Fiction is Claire Stanford, for her novel Happy for You. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, coffee, desserts, and a reading by Stanford today, December 1, from 5 to 6:15 p.m. in the Welles-Brown Room, Rush Rhees Library. A webinar option is available for those who cannot attend in person. Email sbai@rochester.edu for the registration link. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
The Skalny Center for Polish and Central European Studies presents “Art Songs of Central Europe,” on Saturday, December 2. The program, featuring soprano Paulina Swierczek and pianist Erika Switzer, will consist of songs composed by Moniuszko, Chopin, Brahms, and others. The concert, which is free and open to the public, begins at 4 p.m. at the Asbury First United Methodist Church. Learn more about the concert.
Lecture: ‘On Race as a Subject of Instruction’
Winston Thompson, an associate professor of educational studies and of philosophy at The Ohio State University, gives the lecture “On Race as a Subject of Instruction” on Monday, December 4, from noon to 1 p.m. Attend virtually via Zoom or in person in LeChase Hall, Room 215. Presented by the Warner School of Education and Human Development and the Department of Philosophy.
‘Midnight Madness’ shopping at the Friends of Strong Gift Shop by Cloverkey
New this year, the Friends of Strong Gift Shop by Cloverkey will be open for “Midnight Madness” on Friday, December 8, from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.—specifically so the overnight staff have a chance to shop. Stop by to browse holiday gifts like URMC Medical Center and Golisano Children’s Hospital logo apparel, books, puzzles, snacks, Stacy K floral arrangements, and more. Take your chances at the sweepstakes to win a basket with Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters and Gift Shop goodies.
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