New QR code phishing scam alert

There has been a recent uptick in fake QR code phishing (known as “quishing”) emails sent to the University community. Quishing is a phishing attack that uses Quick Response (QR) codes to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware. University IT advises the University community to be extra mindful of incoming emails where QR codes are present and to avoid engaging or using their personal device to scan an image of the code as this can install harmful malware on your device or steal your credentials. Although the Information Security team can block the malicious website from being accessed on the University’s network, they cannot always monitor when quishing codes are scanned on a phone. Read Information Security’s article on this scam for more information, examples, and what to do if you receive a suspicious email.

Ten proposals to receive transdisciplinary funding

Through the Boundless Possibility strategic plan, the University recently announced it would begin creating a set of new and reimagined transdisciplinary centers and institutes where scholars from diverse disciplines can collaborate on new ideas, research, and areas of study. To begin the process, the Office of the Provost put out a request for proposals for new centers and institutes. Out of the 42 outstanding submissions received, ten were chosen to receive funding to support one year of developing what they think will be the best prospect for the University to advance its scholarly prominence. The full list of recipients, which includes proposals ranging from understanding AI to studying the impacts of stress on our daily lives and many more, is available here. As always, the University welcomes proposals, regardless of process, from groups of faculty with ideas for how the University can attract, retain, and support extraordinary faculty and students and further its global reputation.

Economist Michael Jensen remembered

Michael Jensen, the former LaClare Professor of Finance and Business Administration, was known for pioneering research that revolutionized the understanding of corporate finance and organizational theory. Jensen, who taught at Simon Business School for two decades and established the University’s Managerial Economics Research Center in 1977, died earlier this month.

Scientists reveal hidden benefit of blinking

Newsweek, April 16

“It adds to a growing body of evidence—in good part from our laboratory—showing that the visual system is very sensitive to temporal changes and uses them to represent spatial information,” says Michele Rucci, a professor of brain and cognitive sciences and at the Center for Visual Science.

Rainbow Graduation 2024

LGBTQ students graduating from any University school in the Class of 2024 are invited to attend a graduation ceremony hosted by the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center. Enjoy cupcakes and hors d’oeuvres, and receive your rainbow cord for commencement and a certificate recognizing you as a rainbow graduate. John Blackshear, vice president for student life, is the keynote speaker. The event takes place May 15 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the May Room, Wilson Commons. Students can register here by May 1. LGBTQ faculty and staff are also invited to attend and can register here.

Meliora Scholars program applications now accepted

First-year students interested in pursuing an independent research project in the humanities or the humanistic social sciences (history and anthropology) may now apply to become Meliora Scholars. If selected, they will receive $3,000 in funding, which can be used to travel to a research site; go abroad for language study related to a project; carry out a humanities-based internship; pay for living expenses while researching; buy materials; make art; and similar activities. Meliora Scholars are encouraged to attend Humanities Center events and program-specific programming and receive mentoring and assistance in finding advisors for their projects. Submit your application by May 1.

HR Intercom highlights staff service awards and more

This month’s issue of HR Intercom, a newsletter with information about Human Resources programs and materials, includes information on staff recently recognized for milestone service anniversaries, educational opportunities related to DEI, and more.

Registration is open for Well-U’s ‘Go Gold’ wellness challenge

Register now and get inspired by the unifying power of sport in Well-U’s “Go Gold” spring wellness challenge. Well-U will be awarding 46 prizes every week—nearly 200 prizes total—for all levels of fitness. Weekly drawings include consistency; point-based podiums for bronze, silver, and gold; and social interaction on the wellness wall. Everyone has a chance to win. Opening games begin Wednesday, May 1, on the wellness wall and the challenge will run May 4–31. Visit the Well-U website for more information.

Workshop on designing rubrics for efficient and equitable assessment

Open to all University instructors, this one-hour Teaching Center Zoom workshop provides best practices for effectively using rubrics to make learning accessible to students and equitably evaluate student learning. Register here to attend on Friday, April 19, at noon.

How much will you need in retirement?

This article from TIAA explores three methods to help you stay on top of your monthly expenses and make the most of your money. For more information on maximizing your personal finances, you can join a webinar with Securian Financial on Monday, April 24, at noon. Register now to reserve your place.

Assistance with your spring cleaning from Care.com

Use your free premium Care.com membership to find providers to assist you with spring cleaning, organizing, or housekeeping. Visit the family care web page on the HR website for eligibility criteria and to enroll.

Eastman Institute for Oral Health Cariology Conference

Rena D’Souza, director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research at the National Institutes of Health, is the featured keynote speaker at the inaugural Cariology Conference, hosted by Eastman Institute for Oral Health, on Friday, April 19. The day-long conference, “Past, Present and Future of Cariology,” highlights speakers renowned for their expertise and contributions to the field of cariology. Find more information and register.

Voices of XR lecture series

The Mary Ann Mavrinac Studio X welcomes a new round of immersive technology scholars and professionals as part of its Voices of XR series. The lectures will take place weekly from 2 to 3:15 p.m. through April in the Carlson Library’s Studio X on the first floor. The next group of lectures includes:

• Monday, April 22: Lisa Maria Wurzinger, “From 2D to Social 3D: Entering the Immersive Web”
• Wednesday, April 24: Synatra Smith, “Chronicling Harriet: Afrofuturist Museology through Immersive Technology”
• Monday, April 29: Sanjeel Parekh, “Audio-Visual Scene Understanding in AR/VR”

Gerald L. Gitner Endowed Lecture: ‘Privacy in the Digital Age’

Simon Business School’s inaugural Gerald L. Gitner Endowed Lecture welcomes economist and Nobel laureate Jean Tirole, who will present “Privacy in the Digital Age” on Monday, April 22, at 3:30 p.m. The lecture will be held in the
Sands-Constellation Auditorium, Gleason Hall. Winner of the 2014 Nobel Prize in Economics for his work on market power and regulation, Tirole is a world-renowned economist whose research spans industrial organization, regulation, finance, macroeconomics and banking, and psychology-based economics. Register here to attend.

MAG DeTOUR explores ‘Under the Microscope’ exhibit

Join the Memorial Art Gallery for “Drawing in the Galleries DeTOUR” on
Thursday, April 25, from 6 to 7 p.m. Explore the exhibit “Under the Microscope: Rembrandt’s Portrait of a Young Man in an Armchair” through a unique lens—with a sketchbook and pencil in hand. Learn more and purchase tickets here.