Travel, immigration concerns, and support

While it is difficult to predict how the international community will be impacted by the new presidential administration, the International Services Office (ISO), along with the Office for Global Engagement, want to reassure members of the University community that they are steadfast in their commitment to your success and well-being. To that end, ISO is closely monitoring administrative changes and will keep members of the community updated through its new web page, emails, and newsletter. Keep in mind the following:

• Your status: Make sure that you maintain your legal immigration status. This means making sure that your documents are valid, up-to-date, and signed. Understand the parameters of your specific visa designation. If you have questions about your status, contact your immigration advisor.
• Avoid misinformation: Every international student, scholar, and employee immigration situation is different. Social media platforms, rumors, and some news outlets may share information that is speculative, rather than official. When in doubt, contact your immigration advisor, as they are ready to assist you with accurate information.
• Legislative and regulatory changes: Any legislative changes or new executive orders related to immigration will be updated on the ISO website.
• Travel: If you plan to travel outside of the US during the winter holiday, review ISO’s travel guidelines and recommendations. ISO does not anticipate re-entry requirements to the US to change before January 20, 2025, when the new administration takes office. ISO strongly encourages you to return to the US before that time. Additionally, if you are an employee with legal permanent resident status or pending naturalization, you should also consider the re-entry guidance provided and plan to return to the US before January 20, 2025. Employees with pending legal permanent resident applications should carefully weigh all the risks and consult with their immigration attorneys before making any travel plans. Visa decisions and entry to the US are subject to the discretion of the US Consular Officers and Border Protection. Ensure that you have properly signed your I-20 and your passport and that you have an unexpired visa sticker. Remember to carry these documents with you. Do not pack them in your checked baggage.

Bursar’s Office closing temporarily on Wednesday

On Wednesday, December 18, the Bursar’s Office will be closed from noon until 1:30 p.m.

Did You know? myURHR Workday and UKG are now live

The myURHR Workday and UKG systems are now live. All faculty and staff should have received a welcome email with information on accessing the two systems. If you have questions, connect with your myURHR champion or super-user and reference the many support resources available, including the new Chatbot, Mel (must be on the University network or connected via VPN to use).

Beginning today, December 17:

• UKG Learning Lives: Timekeepers and staff are invited to attend Learning Lives to interact with and get questions answered by a myURHR UKG trainer. These sessions, held via Zoom, will focus solely on timekeeping activities. Register in MyPath by searching for “Learning Lives” in the search bar. Find a list of session topics and descriptions here.
• Workday and UKG office hours: Have a specific myURHR question? Drop into the appropriate office hours, held via Zoom, to ask questions and review tasks and activities for both myURHR Workday and UKG. Office hours are for various roles and also designated topics.

Deep dive into dietary details

Discover the truths and techniques of having a healthy eating pattern during Well-U’s Nutrition Basics program, beginning virtually on Friday, January 3, at noon. Reserve your spot, gain valuable knowledge, and earn your 2025 lifestyle management incentive upon completion.

Well-Being for Life and Learning training program

Faculty and student-support staff are invited to be part of the Well-Being for Life and Learning training program to equip themselves with essential strategies to nurture student well-being using straightforward, impactful, and empathetic approaches. Flexible learning options include in-person, online, and asynchronous workshops. Several self-paced workshops are available to complete during winter break. Register here for available online workshops including:

• Navigating the Predominantly White Institution as an Underrepresented Minority Student
• Intercultural Communication: What Did You Say?
• Creating a Contemplative Classroom
• Well-Being in Learning Environments

2025 Educational IT Innovation grants

The Educational IT Committee, a part of the University’s IT Governance structure, promotes the use of technologies to support instructional innovation throughout the University. The committee announces its Innovation Grant program, from which funding will be available through a proposal process to support faculty and staff in adopting new technologies in their teaching. This program will also include mentorship, support, and connection to existing resources in the institution through the committee. Proposals are due December 20.

Share the Warmth: Coat drive for patients in need

Friends of Strong, Advantage Federal Credit Union, and Strong Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department are collecting clean, gently used—or new—men’s winter coats for patients in need who are being discharged from the hospital throughout the coming winter months. Donation collection boxes are located in the hospital’s main lobby, on the ground floor between University ID and post offices (just inside the 256 Crittenden Boulevard loop), at Patient Discharge, and at the URMC Fitness Center in College Town. Call (585) 275-2420 with questions or if you would like to arrange a collection drive in your location or department.