New award supports humanities research: Nominations are now open for the 2021 President’s Ferrari Humanities Research Award. Endowed by a gift from Trustee Bernard Ferrari ’70, ’74M (MD) and his wife, Linda Gaddis Ferrari, the $25,000 award will be presented to a tenured or tenure-track faculty member from AS&E who demonstrates a creative research approach that either builds on a previous record of publication or charts a new direction in thought leadership. Self-nominations or nominations by department chairs and peers at the University must be submitted by December 30. To ensure that nominees have ample time to assemble required materials, nominators should notify nominees that they are submitting their names for the award as soon as possible.

Updated academic building hours: Effective Saturday, December 19, academic buildings on the River Campus will be locked at 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and closed on the weekends. Card swipe and key access remain in effect. Standard building hours will resume Friday, January 22. For questions or concerns, please contact Greg Meyer.

Study Local in China Program continuing this spring:  The Center for Education Abroad is pleased to announce that they are continuing the Study Local in China program for the spring 2021 semester. This unique program has been able to offer hundreds of students in China the opportunity to attend in-person classes at a local partner university in China. Students are able to continue their coursework as well as build small Rochester communities with their peers.

Spring 2021 education abroad programs canceled:  The difficult decision was made to cancel summer 2021 faculty-led programs and spring 2021 education abroad programs.  The Travel Review Sub-Committee will continue to review the ongoing impact of the pandemic on the health and safety of programs for future terms.

Planning a virtual event? ECM can help: The Event and Classroom Management team is available to assist all AS&E departments with virtual event planning needs. From creating an online registration link, designing hard copy or email invitations, tracking RSVPs, coordinating technical needs utilizing Zoom meetings or Zoom webinars, to setting up a practice session with all panelists and hosts prior to the actual event. To assure that your virtual event goes smoothly, technical assistance will be provided throughout the event. Post-event support (attendance reports, event surveys) is also available. Email ECM@rochester.edu for assistance. Please note that assistance is provided per ECM’s availability.

Save the date—all-staff meeting: The next AS&E All-Staff Meeting will be held from 11 a.m. to noon on Friday, January 22. Look for more information as the meeting date approaches.

Update from the Genesee Staff Council: The Genesee Staff Council continues its work to facilitate communication and advocate for staff in AS&E and the broader University community. The annual report for their inaugural year is now available. Stay tuned for their new website, which they expect to launch soon. The council is also working on new ways for staff to connect with your representatives as we continue to face the challenges of remote and socially distanced work. Please feel free to email gsc@rochester.edu or any of your district reps with comments, issues, and ideas.

Attend a faculty or staff networking session:  Many of us are feeling isolated during this time of physical distancing. One way to overcome this isolation is through peer networks, especially ones where peers who are dealing with similar issues can share their struggles and ideas. The Deans’ Office will host sessions for faculty to connect with faculty and staff to connect with staff. Some potential topics include:

• Faculty/staff with pre-school-aged kids, dealing with disruptions to childcare
• Faculty/staff with elementary-school kids, dealing with remote schooling issues
• Faculty/staff with elder-care responsibilities, dealing with supporting elderly parents
• Living alone during the pandemic

If you are interested in joining any of these sessions or would like to suggest a different session, please email Michelle Dunn at michelle.dunn@rochester.edu.