In Brief

Coat drive continues

The Student National Medical Association is partnering with Refugee Student Alliance to hold a coat drive at Strong Memorial Hospital. They are asking for new or gently used coats, sweaters, gloves, hats, and scarves. Drop-off locations are at student services (G7644) at the Medical Center, the entrance to Miner Library, and near the condiments station at the main cafeteria on the hospital’s first floor. The drive continues throughout December. E-mail natalia_golub@urmc.rochester.edu with questions.

Patient safety course

The Department of Community and Preventive Medicine is offering a free “mini” certificate course designed specifically for health care professionals, trainees, and students from medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, hospital administration, and health services research. Register by Friday, January 30. Sessions begin February 5 and continue through June 25. They will be offered twice a month on Thursdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. For details, visit www.ocpe.rochester.edu/qualityDimensionsSafetyCourse.html or contact Judy Hughes at 275-7712 or judy_hughes@urmc.rochester.edu.

Holiday offer from Panera Bread

Between now and December 31, all Rochester-area Panera Bread stores are selling coffee mugs for $6.99, and the price includes unlimited refills. A portion of the proceeds benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital. Mugs are on sale until December 31 or while supplies last at all Rochester-area stores.

Laundry and dry cleaning

Did you know that you can drop off dry cleaning and laundry at the Fitness and Wellness Center on Friday and have it back the following Wednesday? Silver Cleaners and Launderers will do all the work for a minimal charge. Contact the Fitness and Wellness Center for a quote or more information at 275-2437.

New blogs

The Office for Faculty Development and Diversity has launched a new blog, Diverse Voices (https://blogs.rochester.edu/diversity/), as a forum for members of the Rochester community who are engaged, or have an interest, in diversity at the University. The blog is aimed at informing the community about ongoing efforts, both inside and outside the University, and to stimulate conversation around a multitude of diversity topics.

The University community also is invited to check out the Memorial Art Gallery’s new blog, MAGBlog (https://blogs.rochester.edu/MAG/). The blog shares news and stories, giving visitors an insider’s look at the museum.

New mileage and moving rates

The University is adjusting its mileage reimbursement rates to reflect the new IRS rates. Effective January 1, the business mileage reimbursement rate will be 55 cents per mile. The standard mileage rate of moving expenses will be 24 cents per mile.

Gallery’s holiday hours

The Memorial Art Gallery will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, December 23, and Tuesday, December 30. Visit the gallery’s Web site at http://mag.rochester.edu.