New Zoom client includes AI Companion features

Zoom has unveiled a significant update, rebranding its app as Zoom Workplace. This reflects the app’s evolution beyond video conferencing, offering a comprehensive suite of tools for teamwork including a streamlined interface; unified calendar and meetings; personalized workspace; improved in-meeting experience; and the new Zoom AI Companion, which will be automatically unlocked for accounts on Tuesday, July 9. Users must manually enable this feature within their Zoom settings to start using it. Read more about the new Zoom Client and Zoom AI companion features and how to enable them.

What Zoom AI Companion features will be available?

• Meeting Summary: Zoom AI Companion analyzes the audio conversation during your meeting and automatically generates a summary that captures action items, important topics, and key takeaways. Only the meeting host can enable the meeting summary and only the meeting host receives the meeting summary. Alternate hosts do not automatically receive the summary. The meeting host must review the summary notes before sharing them with others to ensure accuracy and remove high-risk or other sensitive or confidential information.
• Companion Questions: With AI Companion questions enabled, participants can privately ask AI Companion questions and receive generated responses based on the live transcription without having to interrupt the meeting. These questions may include clarifying a term or providing additional information on a topic being discussed.
• Whiteboard Content Generation: Use Whiteboard Content Generation with AI Companion to unlock visual ideation and improve the Whiteboard experience. With one click, you can generate ideas, refine and extend existing content, and add objects to a canvas.

Flags will be lowered for Vera Fedoriw

University flags on the Eastman Quadrangle and near the entrance of Strong Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department will be lowered on Thursday, July 11, for Vera Fedoriw, a claim resolution representative II in the United Business Office, who died on June 18. Fedoriw joined the University staff in 2021.

Are you sharing too much information via email?

While there is a proliferation of new communication tools, email is still a primary means of communication both within the University and externally. It allows quick and efficient conduct of business, but if used carelessly or unlawfully, it carries the risk of harm to the University and its community members. With so many hackers trying to bombard users with scams and gain access to accounts, IT security notes that it’s important to remain vigilant and know whether the information you’re sharing is high-, moderate-, or low-risk data. The University has a helpful guide for its Email Use Policy to help you better understand what scope of sharing is acceptable and what to do if your email or credentials have been compromised.

Resident and fellow retirement program eligibility

As of July 1, regular full-time and part-time residents and fellows will now be eligible for the direct contribution to the retirement program, which the University will make after two years of service. The University’s direct contribution and the earnings on that contribution accumulate on a tax-deferred basis until you take a distribution.

Service completed at the University will automatically be counted toward the two-year service requirement; no action is required. Service at any other higher education institution, teaching hospital, not-for-profit research foundation, not-for-profit support organization for higher education institutions, or for other members of the University’s controlled group, can also count toward the two-year service requirement. To receive this service credit, you must submit the Retirement Service Credit Form in HRMS no later than 90 days after July 1 by following the path: Main Menu > Self Service > Benefits > Retirement > Service Credit. Visit the retirement website for more information.

Financial Health Bites seminar on college education strategies

The Office of Total Rewards hosts a seminar on Wednesday, July 10, at noon on fundamental strategies to help employees financially prepare for higher education. A representative from Securian Financial will conduct this seminar. Register online to reserve your spot.

Well-U summer lifestyle management programs start soon

Jump-start your confidence this summer with a Well-U program. Learn how to make and sustain changes to improve your health while also earning a $100 incentive:

• Weight loss program beginning Thursday, July 11
• Fitness 101: Get Started beginning Friday, July 12
• Stress Reduction program beginning Monday, July 15
• And more

UR Procurement (P2P) Marketplace gets an upgrade

The UR Procurement Marketplace (Jaggaer) is upgraded three times a year with the next scheduled upgrade occurring the weekend of July 14. The UR Procurement Marketplace will be unavailable for placing catalog requisitions and the transmission of all P2P purchase orders to suppliers beginning Friday, July 12, at 9 p.m. through the afternoon of Sunday, July 14. The upgrade will have no noticeable end-user impacts. If you have questions or experience any issues, send an email or call (585) 275-2012.

Visit the new YoUR Market on Wednesday

Shop for edible goods from local businesses at the YoUR Market, brought to you by the URMC Fitness Center and Friends of Strong. The market will be held in the Sarah Flaum Atrium at the Medical Center from noon to 3 p.m. on July 10, August 14, and September 11. Browse a variety of vendors each week, including Florida Nut House, Happy Pickle, Zantopia Gardens, JonJohn’s Bakery, Tail Wagging Treats, Tea-Licious Trendz, Spice Project, and more.

‘Smart Cycling Tips for Older Adults’ class

Boost your biking skills with “Wheels on Wednesday,” a monthly series of free, 15-minute online classes covering various topics. Smart Cycling Tips for Older Adults will be held via Zoom on July 10 from noon to 12:15 p.m., focusing on safety, comfort, and enjoyment on the road. Registration is required. Check out the full schedule of classes presented by the Department of Transportation and Logistics.

Department of Psychiatry’s Summer Brown Bag Series session on art and culture

The Department of Psychiatry’s Summer Brown Bag Series begins on Wednesday, July 10, at noon in the Class of ’62 Auditorium (G-9425), Medical Center, with “Why Include Artistic Expressions? How Music and Art Connect to Culture.” CEU and CMEs are available. Learn more about the speakers and register to attend in person or virtually.

Summer carillon concert series

The Arthur Satz Department of Music sponsors free concerts from the Hopeman Memorial Carillon on Wednesday evenings in July at 6:30 p.m., starting July 10. Parking in the Library Lot is free after 4 p.m. The public is invited. Bring seating, friends, and a picnic. Rain or shine, the concerts are open-air and accessible. Find program information here and stream the concerts live here.

Before the concerts at 5:45 p.m., Melissa Mead, the John M. and Barbara Keil University Archivist and Rochester Collections Librarian, will talk about Hopeman Carillon bells, the people who still ring the bells, and their musical place on the campus and throughout the world over the years. Find free tickets for these talks here.

Rochester Victory Alliance walking in Pride Parade

Rochester Victory Alliance invites the University community, family, and friends to march in this year’s Pride Parade, on Saturday, July 20. Get free admission to the ROC Pride Fest at Highland Park, early access to summer swag, and a free RVA T-shirt. The parade begins earlier this year, at 11 a.m., with a new parade route along South Avenue. Register here.

Take a look back in photos at how the University kicked off summer in June.