Imagine What's Possible: United Way campaign launches today
The University’s annual United Way campaign serves the Greater Rochester area by providing health services, education resources, and economic mobility to its most vulnerable populations. This year’s campaign video highlights how your support helps local people, strengthens nonprofits, and responds to community needs. Visit the University’s United Way websitefor details about the campaign and to pledge your support. Pledge early to be eligible for four weeks of prize drawings; continuous pledge donors with pledges in effect are already eligible. Email the United Way Office with questions. Campaign leaders thank the many department coordinators assisting with this year’s campaign.
In today’s issue:
Details on transitioning to New Microsoft Teams
Upcoming sessions for the “Calming U” mindfulness course
A campus transportation and parking survey for faculty, staff, and students
Microsoft has released a new version of the Teams desktop application called New Microsoft Teams, which will become available to everyone beginning March 8. Individuals are encouraged to start using and transitioning from Classic to New Teams.
Read more about how to transition to New Teams and what to expect. Any remaining individuals using Classic Teams will be automatically updated to New Teams after March 31. New Microsoft Teams has been rebuilt from the ground up for a faster, lighter, more efficient, and flexible experience. The client has also simplified and streamlined joining meetings and interacting with chats and channel messages. Much of the New Teams’ interface will look familiar.
Social Security Administration holds National ‘Slam the Scam’ Day on March 7
Phone calls, texts, emails, websites, social media messages, and even the U.S. mail: there are many clever ways scammers are disguising themselves to look and sound official to manipulate you out of your hard-earned money. University IT is joining the Social Security Administration in observing National “Slam the Scam” Day on March 7 to raise awareness on how to spot, report, and avoid Social Security- and other government-imposter-related scams. Learn how you can join in the effort.
Much of higher ed institutions’ abilities to provide opportunities to underserved populations are housed in their DEI offices, says Jeffrey McCune, the Frederick Douglass Professor and chair of faculty programs and departmental initiatives in the Department of Black Studies. “It’s not just the elimination of some Chief Diversity Officers or offices which ‘promote division.’ But rather, it’s the elimination of opportunities to retain faculty and students [who] this country and its universities has historically never served,” says McCune. “And so, part of what we are seeing is an elimination of offices that help retain faculty that have historically not been included in the university culture. Opportunities that are being eliminated are opportunities for students for whom the culture has not been able to be inclusive and inviting.”
Are you planning to stay in Rochester for Spring Break? The Campus Center will have limited hours during the break; check out the updated hours before stopping by. The Campus Information Center will be around to answer all your questions between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The Food Pantry will be open as usual. Find up-to-date information and building hours on the Wilson Commons Student Activities website.
Study Zone now enrolling with new hours for the spring semester
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. Based on student requests, the space will be open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. this semester. By providing a productive location, personal support, and even free snacks, this informal study location helps 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.
Introduction to College Teaching
Open to graduate student instructors and postdocs teaching summer courses in the School of Arts & Sciences and the Hajim School of Engineering, this program provides an overview of course design principles and strategies for successful teaching during the compressed summer sessions. Topics include creating a course syllabus with measurable learning outcomes, designing classroom activities and assignments that engage students, and developing classroom management skills. Space is limited and registration ends March 15. The course runs March 21, April 4 and 18, and May 2 from 3 to 6 p.m. in Douglass Commons, Room 401.
Join UR Medicine EAP, Well-U, and Leave Administration to expand your knowledge of the Family Medical Leave Act, paid family leave, workers’ compensation, and short- and long-term disability on Wednesday, March 13, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Understand the eligibility requirements, employee responsibilities, and department responsibilities for each plan. This training is for those in a supervisory or managerial role only. Register here.
‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ workshop
In this two-day class, participants learn how to improve performance and results with behaviors that lead to the highest levels of effectiveness and teamwork. By adopting new paradigms, principles, and skills, individuals can increase trust and initiative, and focus on key priorities and effective communication. Participants will also gain access to additional online courses and microlearning through the Franklin Covey All-Access Impact Portal. Dates for 2024 are Tuesday, April 23, and Wednesday, April 24; Thursday, July 18, and Friday, July 19; and Wednesday, October 23, and Thursday, October 24. Learn more and register online; space is limited.
BHP blog: Strategies for medication adherence
Medication adherence is a key factor in helping alleviate symptoms, preventing relapse, avoiding hospitalization, and maintaining treatment effectiveness. Read Behavioral Health Partners’ (BHP) March blog to dig deeper into the whys and get helpful strategies to improve your outcomes. If you are struggling with medication or need help with stress, anxiety, or depression, call BHP at (585) 276-6900 for help.
The Department of Transportation and Logistics invites faculty, staff, and students at all University locations to participate in a 10-minute survey to share feedback on their experiences with transportation and on-campus parking. Feedback is anonymous and will be instrumental in developing a transportation and parking blueprint for the next decade and beyond. Complete the survey through May 6, and you will also be entered into a drawing with a chance to win a $50, $100, or $150 Amazon gift card. If you have issues completing this survey or need special accommodations, call (585) 275-4524 or send an email.
Celebrate the eclipse with a performance
Students, faculty, staff, and student organizations interested in performing on an outdoor stage on the River Campus to help celebrate the eclipse on the afternoon of April 8 should fill out this form by Monday, March 18, at noon. Have a song or performance piece related to the eclipse? Be sure to include that information in your response.
‘March Madness’ party in College Town
Enjoy free food samples; giveaways including T-shirts, bags, swag, and gift cards; a free Zumba class; and free foot analysis as part of College Town’s “March Madness” part on Thursday, March 7, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Find more information here.
‘Calming U’ mindfulness course
Embrace a calmer, more focused mindset and unleash the potential of mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and self-compassion in a four-week “Calming U” course. The course is tailored to Rochester students but is open to all University community members including faculty and staff. By attending all four sessions, you will receive a giveaway the Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook, a meditation cushion, or a yoga mat.
Two options are available in March:
Fridays with Debra, March 22 through April 12, from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. via Zoom
Thursdays with Rebecca, March 28 through April 18, from 3 to 4:15 p.m. in Genesee Hall, Room 325
Car seat check event
Injury Free Coalition for Kids of Rochester will hold a car seat check event on the last Wednesday of the month, starting in March, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Golisano Children’s Hospital upper loop. An appointment is required and can be scheduled with Erin Agnello by calling (585) 471-1014 or via email.
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