2010 News Archive

December 2010

‘Town Hall’ Tonight on River Campus MSNBC is inviting students, faculty, and staff to participate in the first “town hall” of its cross-country road show about the challenges facing America. The event will run from 7 to 8 p.m. tonight on the River Level of the Interfaith Chapel, River Campus. Host Dylan Ratigan, journalist and anchor of the daily Dylan Ratigan Show, will be joined by Center for Entrepreneurship Director Duncan Moore, Nucor Corp. CEO Dan DiMicco, Reuters global editor Chrystia Freeland, and filmmaker Andrew Jenks.. Audience participation is encouraged; refreshments will be served. E-mail offcomm@rochester.edu to reserve a seat. The town hall also will be streamed online at www.steelonwheels.com.

University, George Eastman House Form Alliance
The University and George Eastman House have entered into an alliance to further public engagement, research, and education in the arts and sciences, with a focus on the museum’s photography and motion-picture collections. It will be the most extensive museum and university alliance of this type in existence.

Grant to Help Students with Disabilities The New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council is awarding the University's Institute for Innovative Transition a $150,000 grant to increase awareness and improve the quality of inclusive college-based initiatives for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

African American Network Plans Toy, Clothing Drive The African American Network, an affinity group at the University, will be collecting clothes and toys for the Youth and Justice Program, a subsidiary of the Rochester City School District. Wish list items include black, hooded sweatshirts, board games, MP3 players, dolls, books, art supplies, and more. Members of the affinity group will accept donations at the Strong Memorial Hospital lobby near the silver elevators on Friday, Dec. 10, and Wednesday, Dec. 15, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. For more information about the drive call 276-3259 ext. 2.

Forum Focuses on Urban Adolescent Girls The Warner School hosted six panelists at its fall Urban Teaching and Leadership Forum, which focused on strategies for addressing the challenges facing adolescent girls in urban schools.

Faculty Workshops on 'Micromessaging' There is limited space left for the Dec. 3 workshop “Micromessaging,” hosted by the Office of Faculty Development and Diversity. The morning session (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) will focus on the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community and the afternoon session (2 to 4 p.m.) will focus on religious diversity. The morning speaker will be Scott Fearing, program director of the Gay Alliance of Genesee Valley, The afternoon speaker will be Imam Shafiq, executive director of the Center for Interfaith Studies and Dialogue. Each session will be facilitated by Warner School faculty members. Attend both sessions or choose one or the other. If you have questions, call 273-5664 or you can register and learn more here.

Spotlight on Diversity: SimonUnited This month's Spotlight on Diversity features SimonUnited, a student-led multicultural organization dedicated to educating students, faculty, and staff about international cultures through events that encourage greater awareness of nationalities, religions, and cultures. Read more about the group on this flier, which can be posted in offices and on bulletin boards. Learn more about diversity at the University in future installments of Diversity Spotlight in @Rochester.

Humanities Project: Theorizing Black Scholars Maryse Conde, a professor emerita from Columbia University is the featured speaker at the Humanities Project conference "Theorizing Black Studies: Representing African-Americans in the African Imagination." The conference will be held Dec. 3 and 4 in the Hawkins Carlson Room, Rush Rhees Library.

Women in Engineering Lunch Panel Discussion A panel discussion on women in engineering is planned for Friday, Dec. 3, from noon to 1 p.m., in Goergen 108. Panelists include Wendi Heinzelman, dean of graduate studies for Arts, Sciences and Engineering; Julie Bentley, an associate professor of optics; Amy Lerner, an associate professor of biomedical and mechanical engineering; and Jannick Rolland, the Brian J. Thompson Professor of Optical Engineering. All faculty and students are welcome. Lunch will be provided. RSVP to wieroc@gmail.com.

November 2010

Event Marks Native American Culture Day The Student National Medical Association invites the University community to celebrate Native American Culture Day today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Flaum Atrium, Medical Center. The event will include an Iroquois dance group, a display of cultural items, literature, history, and information about the Indian Health Service. Native American artists will also display their work.

Students Discuss Diversity S.H.A.D.E.S. and Sigma Beta Rho Fraternity Inc. invites the University community to discuss "Assimilation vs. Segregation." 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9 in Goergen 101.

Deadline Approaching for Diversity Awards Nominations are being accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, for this year’s Presidential Diversity Awards. Awards recognize faculty, staff, students, units, departments, or teams who have demonstrated leadership in recruitment and retention efforts, teaching, research, multicultural programming, cultural competency, community outreach activities, or other initiatives that promote diversity or inclusion. Nomination materials are available online.

Presentation on Judaism in Bob Dylan's Music On Tuesday, Nov. 9, the University's Center for Jewish Studies, Department of Religion and Classics, and Department of Music will welcome author Seth Rogovoy, who will give a multimedia presentation based on his book, Bob Dylan: Prophet, Mystic, Poet. The event takes place at 6 p.m. in Dewey Hall and is free and open to the public. Copies of Rogovoy's books will be available for purchase.

 Share Thanksgiving with an International Student Each year the Rochester International Council, a nonprofit organization that provides services to international college students and scholars as well as Department of State international visitors, invites them to join a family for a Thanksgiving dinner. If you have an extra seat at your Thanksgiving table, there are international students who would love an invitation. For more information, e-mail Judy Weinstein or call 275-8779.

October 2010

University of Rochester's Pride Network Celebrates 40 Years

Spotlight on Diversity: The Interfaith Chapel The Interfaith Chapel marks 40 years of celebrating faith and diversity this year. Read more on this flier, which can be posted in offices and on bulletin boards. Learn more about diversity at the University in future installments of Spotlight on Diversity in @Rochester.

President Seligman: 'What Kind of Community Do We Want to Be?' "Recently it was brought to my attention that postings in online anonymous gossip sites have included racist or sexist postings about named University of Rochester students and administrators," writes President Seligman in a message to the University community. "The tragedy at Rutgers University that occurred just a few days ago powerfully should remind all of us how potentially hurtful these types of postings can be to the targeted individuals. In my five years here, these types of statements have been rare. But that does not make them any less abhorrent. I applaud those students who have responded to such hateful speech by rejecting the cruelty and inaccuracy of these statements."

September 2010

Report Calls Attention to Faculty Mentoring President Joel Seligman today released a Mentoring Report from the Office for Faculty Development and Diversity and the Faculty Working Group on Mentoring. “With this report, we are one step closer to creating an inclusive campus culture through the commitment from each school to work to develop mentoring structures and processes that will assure far stronger support for professional development for all faculty,” Seligman said. The mentoring report is an addendum to the 2009 Listening Tour report and contains the principal recommendation that each school construct its own faculty mentoring plan. Status and progress of each school’s mentoring program will be reported annually to the Faculty Senate and in Seligman’s yearly report on diversity.

Diversity Spotlight: Cultural Competence Course The Department of Psychiatry is launching a new Cultural Competence course to help improve all aspects of working in and receiving care from the department. Read more about the course on this flier, which can be posted in offices and on bulletin boards. Learn more about diversity at the University in future installments of Diversity Spotlight in @Rochester.

Nominations Sought for Women's Leadership Awards Nominations are currently being accepted for 2010 Susan B. Anthony Women’s Leadership Awards. Four awards are presented annually to women in the University community who have distinguished themselves through their achievements, service, and contributions to the common good. To nominate a student or for more information, visit www.rochester.edu/college/rccl/leadership/awards. The nomination deadline is Friday, Oct. 15, at 5 p.m.

Dinner Discussion Will 'Celebrate Our Humanity' Faculty and staff are invited to attend UR Genocide Intervention’s dinner discussion, Celebrate Our Humanity, on Friday, Oct. 1, at 6 p.m. in Douglass Dining Center. The evening will feature a diverse spread of food and will include a keynote address by John Dau, one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, who will discuss his perspective on diversity and humanity. International students from Darfur, Malaysia, and Colombia also will share their stories and experiences. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the Common Market in Wilson Commons.

August 2010

Diversity Spotlight: Healthy Living Programs The Healthy Living Program and Vida en Salud, both offered by the Medical Center's Center for Community Health, are culturally tailored programs to improve the physical activity, nutrition, and overall health of African-American and Latino adults. Learn more about diversity at the University in future installments of Diversity Spotlight in @Rochester.

July 2010

Donate to the African-American Network “Read to Grow” Book Drive to Benefit Local Area Youths

African American Network 1st Annual Family Picnic

June 2010

A Look Into Native American Culture and Health The Diversity Task Force, a sub-committee of the Nursing Practice's Professional Development Council, continues its quarterly cultural education series from noon to 1 p.m. today in the Boardroom (AC 2.) Today's session includes a presentation by Sophina Calderon about Native American cultural themes, the Indian Health Service, provider challenges to delivering care, and recommendations for clinical delivery. Continuing Nursing Education contact hours are provided. (June 8, 2010)

Rochester Among Top Regions to Raise a Family The Rochester area has been ranked the third-best metropolitan region in the country for raising a family by Forbes magazine.Read more..

Conversation with Champions This is the sixth year the Anthony Center has co-sponsored the Conversation with Champions with the LPGA. This year, Olympic skier, Diann Rolff, and homegrown soccer star, Abby Wambach, will be joining the Conversation with LPGA champions. At the VIP Reception before the luncheon, Amy Tait, a Simon alumna, will receive the Susan B. Anthony Promise Award. Read More...

American Heart Association’s Go for Red Woman of Distinction Award Shaquana Divers, University of Rochester Office of Human Resources, Senior Health Project Coordinator, Well-U was one of six finalist for the American Heart Association’s Go For Red Woman of Distinction Award. 

The University of Rochester is part of the citywidePillars of Hope Program; a collaboration with the City of Rochester’s Bureau of Youth Services that recruits African-American professionals from the Rochester Community to serve as role models for students. Once a month during the academic year, these “Pillars of Hope” meet with students at Rochester’s School No. 29 to offer educational support and serve as an example of success for urban students. This year’s Pillars include Janice Holland, Deborah McDell-Hernandez, Michelle Thompson-Taylor, Catrina Rockwell, Robyn Carter-McFadden, Catherine Thomas, and Michele Allen.

Career Development and Counseling
The Office of Human Resources offers general career counseling to employees on a one-on-one  basis.  Several Human Resources staff members have been trained to offer this enhanced value-added service.  In addition, we have placed a CareerGuide on our website as a self-service career reference. After consulting the career guide, if you are interested in receiving career counseling, you may contact the River Campus office, 273-4320 or the Medical Center office, 275-2513.

May 2010

Diversity Spotlight: Hillside Work Scholarship Connection
In July 2009 Rochester strengthened its commitment to City of Rochester youth by formally joining the existing collaboration between the Hillside Work Scholarship Connection and Wegmans Food Markets.The Hillside Work Scholarship Connection addresses the low Rochester high school graduation rate by providing coordinated academic, social, and employment training and support. Learn more about diversity at the University in future installments of Diversity Spotlight in @Rochester.

Vivian Lewis to Lead Faculty Diversity Efforts Vivian Lewis, has been named deputy to the president and vice provost for faculty development and diversity, effective July 1. She has served in the role on an interim basis since October. "Over the last eight months Vivian has been outstanding in leading our faculty diversity office and in implementing the recommendations of the recent Faculty Listening Tour report," said President Joel Seligman. "She has always impressed me with her commitment to a vision of the University that combines academic excellence and diversity. I am delighted that she'll be joining the leadership team on a permanent basis." (May 11, 2010)

Fourth Annual Report on Diversity, May 2009 In his fourth annual diversity report, President Seligman says that although the University numbers "last year remained relatively static during an economic recession, if I've learned one thing about diversity more than anything else, it is that numbers are at most a starting point. What matters is the story behind the numbers, the dynamic, the integrity of the effort, the commitment to progress, and in that sense we're starting to move in the right direction." (May 7, 2010)

April 2010

Diversity Spotlight: Office of Minority Student Affairs For more than 40 years, the Office of Minority Student Affairs has been supporting students by creating an environment that ensures the achievement of their academic, personal, and career goals. Read more about the office's role on this flier, which can be posted in offices and on bulletin boards. Learn more about diversity at the University in future installments of Diversity Spotlight in @Rochester.

Simon Blog Cited Among Top Blogs for WomenThe Women Entrepreneurs Blog @ Simon, featuring tips, resources, and advice for current or aspiring female entrepreneurs from women who have their own successful businesses, has been cited by Accounting Degree.com among the 100 Best Blogs for Women in Business. (Posted April 13, 2010)

Students Tackle ‘Bright Flight’ in Upstate NY
In November 2009, students from the University of Rochester, Cornell University, and Syracuse University gathered for a collaborative brainstorming session called "Work/Play/Stay Mitigating Bright Flight: How to Retain Graduates in the Upstate Region." Three students and a faculty member who participated in the Work/Play/Stay weekend will present "Retaining Young Talent: Students Tackle 'Bright Flight' in Upstate N.Y.," at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 15, in the Seminar Room at the Alumni and Advancement Center, 300 East River Road. A reception sponsored by the Office of Alumni Relations will follow. Register online.

2010 Diversity Conference: Building a Stronger Community (April 5, 2010) The conference, which is being organized through the Office of Faculty Development and Diversity, will open with concurrent presentations that focus on faculty recruitment and retention, the University’s community outreach programs, and efforts to effect organizational change in regards to inclusiveness. Immediately following the presentations, members of the University’s Board of Trustees will lead small group discussions about those topics.

The second portion of the conference is a working lunch where participants will discuss what they learned at the earlier presentations and share the best practices and challenges they face in their day-to-day activities.

After lunch, participants at each table will have the opportunity to present their thoughts during a large group conversation moderated by Provost Ralph Kuncl. This session also will include comments and feedback from a panel of UR Board members and diversity officers from Rochester companies including Xerox, Kodak, and Bausch and Lomb.

Virtual Conference: On April 5th, community members were invited to watch a live webcast of the afternoon discussion and President Seligman’s presentation (between 1:40-3pm) They were also asked to voice opinions and suggestions via Twitter, where the hashtag ( #uofrdiversity) allowed for a virtual conversation.

March 2010

Reclaiming Our Health, Native Style (Posted March 24, 2010)

Search for Vice Provost for Faculty Development and Diversity The search for a permanent Vice Provost for Faculty Development and Diversity has begun, according to Paul Burgett, chair of the search committee. Nominations and applications are now being solicited. (Posted March 16, 2010)

MIT Report on the Initiative for Faculty Race and Diversity (January 14, 2010)

Women’s History Month is celebrated throughout the month of March to recognize the struggle that women have faced in obtaining rights. This year's goal for Women's History Month is to educate the university about the history of feminism, while showing that it is still a relevant and important movement for young people today.

WROC-TV (March 1)
'U of R Sponsors Conference to Beef Up Faculty Diversity'
Rochester’s effort to boost diversity goes beyond the high school classroom. Next month they're hosting their first diversity conference. Read more…

February 2010

UR to Launch Conference to Boost Diversity Rochester Business Journal (February 19, 2010) The University of Rochester will hold a first-of-its-kind conference for the school in April to address efforts to improve diversity and inclusion in the faculty, giving members of the university community a chance to weigh in and ask questions about the initiative's progress. Read More...
http://www.rbj.net/article.asp?aID=183136

Annual Black History Month recognition and celebratory event hosted by African-American Network (AAN). Over 300 University staff, faculty and students attended the annual Black History Month recognition and celebratory event hosted by African-American Network (AAN). The event held February 10, 2010 in the School of Medicine and Dentistry, Flaum Atrium was sponsored by Office of Human Resources, Multicultural Affairs and Inclusion (MCAI). Read more...

January 2010

First Presidential Diversity Award Recipients Announced Latino Professional Alliance, David T. Kearns Center, and Dr. John Hansen named inaugural winners for their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Print posters!

Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address
From working with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to organize the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) to delivering the benediction at President Barack Obama's inauguration, Reverend Dr. Joseph Lowery is a prominent figure in civil rights activism. On Friday, Jan. 22, members of the University of Rochester community are invited to hear Lowery's message of equality as he delivers the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address. Free and open to the public, the address begins at 6 p.m. in Strong Auditorium on the River Campus.

 True Networking Thursdays (TNT) monthly reception/meeting held at the UR on January 21, 2010 The University of Rochester, Office of Faculty Development & Diversity and the Office of Human Resources-Multicultural Affairs and Inclusion sponsored the True Networking Thursdays (TNT) monthly reception/meeting on January 21, 2010 in the School of Medicine and Dentistry’s Flaum Atrium.  More than 140 members of TNT, University staff and faculty and the greater Rochester community attended this event whose theme was, “Yes, We Can” Click here to read more.

Annual Inter-Affinity Group’s Winter Luncheon/ Meeting Held
January 14, 2010 University of Rochester staff and faculty from the African-American Network, Latino Professional Alliance and Pride Alliance affinity groups and other colleagues participated in the Third Annual Inter-Affinity Group’s Winter Luncheon / Meeting held on Thursday, January 14, 2010 in the School of Medicine and Dentistry.  This annual event celebrates the leadership, activities and commitment of the Groups in furthering the goals of creating an inclusive workplace at the University of Rochester.  Board members from each of the Groups shared past accomplishments and future goals and plans. Click here to read more.

2010 Diversity Book Reading Group
The Diversity Book Reading Group started in January 2008. The goal of the Group is to build community amongst staff, faculty while increasing diversity awareness and competency in an open, non-threatening forum. We will read a new book every 6 weeks and meet for a facilitated discussion of the book.  Click here for the reading list and more information. (Posted January 8, 2010)

• 2009 UR Diversity News
• 2008 UR Diversity News
• 2007 UR Diversity News
• 2006 UR Diversity News
• 2005 Diversity News

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