Best eczema treatments for winter

Cold, dry, winter air and indoor heating can wreak havoc on sensitive skin, especially for those with hand or facial eczema. Lisa Beck, a professor of dermatology, shares a few tips for eczema patients looking to keep the winter woes at bay.

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 January 16. Find free food and writing support to kick-start your semester. Register online. Contact Emily Lowman with questions.

Learn more about University tuition benefits for a Simon degree

Are you interested in a Simon Business School degree but not sure how to navigate the University’s tuition benefits? Attend “Using University Tuition Benefits for a Simon Degree” today, January 10, from noon to 12:30 p.m. to get all of your questions answered during this virtual session and to learn more about Simon’s part-time programs for working professionals. Attendees of the live virtual session will receive an application fee waiver (a $90 value) and a recording will be available to registrants after the session.

Workshops on supporting student well-being

In a recent survey conducted by the UHS Health Promotion Office, 85 percent of University faculty and staff reported speaking with a student one-on-one about their well-being, while 59 percent of staff and 74 percent of faculty mentioned they had never received specialized training to navigate conversations with students in distress. In the Well-Being for Life and Learning Training Program, employees can learn a variety of skills to support student well-being in simple, effective, and compassionate ways. Upcoming workshops include:

• “Grief and Loss at College” on Tuesday, January 16, from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom
• “Compassion Fatigue: Supporting Those Who Support Others” on Friday, January 26, from noon to 1 p.m.
• “Creating Effective Learning Environments for Students” on Monday, January 29, from 2 to 3 p.m. in Genesee Hall, Room 325
• “Recognizing Students in Distress” on Friday, February 2, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Genesee Hall, Room 325
• “Suicide Prevention Workshop” on Friday, February 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. in Genesee Hall, Room 325
• “Creating a Contemplative Classroom” on Monday, February 5, from noon to 1 p.m. in Genesee Hall, Room 325
• “Educator Self-Care and Self-Compassion” on Friday, February 9, from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom

Open to all faculty and student support staff. More information on the locations of workshops and registration is available on MyPath by looking up the workshop title.

FSA deadlines and rollovers

You have until April 30 to submit any remaining claims to Lifetime Benefit Solutions to use your FSA (flexible spending account) for reimbursement of qualified services that occurred in 2023. If you choose to contribute to a Health Care FSA or Limited Purpose FSA in 2024 (minimum election is $100), you are eligible to roll over $610 of remaining funds from 2023 to 2024. You are not able to change your annual contribution amount after it has been elected unless you experience a corresponding qualifying event during the year.

Find help with depression through Well-U

The heaviness you feel from depression may be made lighter through Well-U’s depression and self-management coaching program. During individualized sessions, you will discover ways to lessen symptoms, avoid triggering choices, and improve your mental well-being. Save your spot.

Online tuition waiver application available for spring 2024

The online employee tuition waiver application is now available in HRMS using the following path: Self Service>Benefits>Tuition>Apply Employee Tuition Waiver. All applications must be submitted within 30 days from the start of your course. More information can be found on the tuition benefits website.

William Warfield Scholarship Fund 2024 benefit concert

This year’s William Warfield Scholarship Fund benefit concert takes place Sunday, January 21, at 4 p.m. in Kilbourn Hall, Eastman School of Music. The concert features the 2023–24 William Warfield Scholarship recipient Kayla Sconiers ’24E, mezzo-soprano; Joshua Conyers, an assistant professor of voice at Eastman; and Herb Smith ’91E, third trumpet for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and Eastman Community Music School faculty member. Tickets are $30 for the general public and $10 for students with a University ID.

Attend the Presidential Stronger as One Diversity Awards

Join President Sarah Mangelsdorf as she honors the recipients of this year’s Presidential Stronger as One Diversity Awards on Thursday, January 25, at 5 p.m. in the Feldman Ballroom, Douglass Commons. The awards celebrate faculty, staff, students, a member of the Greater Rochester community, and a member of the University’s Board of Trustees whose work supports the equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice priorities of the University. A reception will follow from 6 to 7:30 p.m.