In the past several weeks, three University students have reported situations of attempted blackmail through a targeted social media scam. The individual has been targeting males, coercing a new online friendship with them through social media, and using Skype to record images that have led to the attempted blackmailing. The Department of Public Safety continues to investigate these situations and advises students to stay aware of new and unusual social media interactions, and to report if they have information related to this scam.

Families can file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a form that determines eligibility for financial aid, as early as October 1 this year—three months earlier than previously allowed. The Early FAFSA uses 2015 tax data, so there is no need to estimate your 2016 tax figures and update the FAFSA after filing. The Financial Aid Office advises using the IRS data retrieval tool when completing the FAFSA. It will transfer your tax data from the IRS website and help ensure accuracy.

There are no classes October 17–18 for fall break. Check Rochester.edu/college/odos/services/breaks.html for fall break building and dining hours. Classes resume Wednesday, October 19.