As the spring semester gets underway today, the University continues to ensure that every student who needs to enter into quarantine or isolation space this semester is cared for and comfortable. Read more below about the quarantine and isolation protocol, and find out what staff and volunteers are doing to ease the process for students.
Also in this issue:
A warning about email scams targeting employees
Events across the University mark Black History Month
Details on the Dr. Chat Bot Challenge for students
Since Friday’s notice in @Rochester, there are seven new cases of COVID-19 to report: two Medical Campus students; four River Campus students and one employee. Please note that the University’s COVID-19 Dashboard is updated daily. Whenever a new case is known, the contact-tracing process begins immediately with confirmed exposures being contacted and required to quarantine.
It’s extremely important for the health of the University community that individuals continue to adhere to the face masking and social distancing protocols. Even as some individuals are now receiving their first or second dose of the vaccine, these practices to prevent the transmission of the virus cannot be relaxed.
If you think you’re experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, it’s important to report them through Dr. Chat Bot immediately. Even if you think your symptoms might be something else—like a cold, seasonal congestion, or allergies—it’s still important to tell University health professionals and contact tracers what you’re experiencing.
Security Tip: Email scammers impersonating University employees
The University’s Information Security team has seen a high volume of emails from “gmail.com” accounts impersonating University employees with mail signatures that appear legitimate. Malicious actors are requesting gift cards (Amazon, Google, Apple, Wal-Mart, and other retailers) with a twist: they might request a text message response instead of email, and include a simple “are you there”-type message when impersonating your leadership. Do not call the number but do reach out in a separate message or call the actual person if you feel it may be a legitimate inquiry.
Remember to be vigilant about taking the four steps to verify messages, particularly ones with [EXT] in the subject line. If you suspect a suspicious email, reach out immediately to either the University IT Help Desk at (585) 275-2000 or the Med Center ISD Help Desk at (585) 275-3200.
Staff and volunteers help ease students into quarantine housing
“Scientists must search for parts of the virus that remain stable amid mutations and still generate an immune response,” writes John Barry ’69 (MA). “With influenza, scientists have made progress toward this. For both viruses, that’s the vaccine we need. That is now the holy grail.” Barry is the author of The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History. Published in 2004, the book returned to bestseller status during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Complete and compete in the Dr. Chat Bot Challenge
Students can sign up to join the Dr. Chat Bot Challenge, receive a button to signify their involvement, complete their daily University Dr. Chat Bot health screening each day, and be entered to win weekly, monthly, and grand prize drawings. Can you get the longest streak of completions? Learn more about the competition and the prizes available, including a parking pass, dining plan, iPad, and more. All students who are going to be in-person on University property at any point during the competition for the spring 2021 semester are eligible to participate.
Website features resources for graduate students, postdocs
The University’s Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs office has launched a new website, which serves as a comprehensive resource for current graduate students, postdoctoral associates, and others in the graduate student community—with information on academic support, professional development, financial resources, campus life, and more.
Food Pantry offers support for students
The Food Pantry on the River Campus, which is available to all University students and postdocs who are experiencing food insecurity, continues to use online ordering to process grocery bag pickups for the spring semester. For more information on pickup procedures and how to place an order, visit the Food Pantry website. For those who wish to support the pantry, donations are accepted through the pantry’s Amazon Wishlist and crowdfunding page.
Discover Grant applications open today for AS&E undergraduates
The Discover Grant application period for undergraduate summer 2021 research funding opens today. The grant supports immersive, full-time summer research experiences for undergraduate students in the College. Student awards are $2,500 with no partial funding. A limited number of awards are available; the review process will be competitive. Student projects must be mentored by a University supervisor (faculty member, graduate student, or research staff). Students conducting unpaid research with a supervisor from a different institution should apply for summer internship funding through the Greene Center for Career Education and Connections. The application deadline is March 31.
Events across the University mark Black History Month
The University observes Black History Month with notable speakers, workshops, discussions, and other events sponsored by departments, units, and student organizations across our campuses.
Speaker Sharon Belvin will share her journey as a stage 4 melanoma survivor who was one of the first recipients of immunotherapy through a clinical trial at this virtual event. Pre-registration is required. The webinar takes place Thursday, February 4, at noon EST.
Learn to meditate
Learn the skills to cultivate more peace within during a four-week meditation class. Participants will learn two new meditation techniques each week, engage in a short daily(ish) practice, and bring more mindfulness and gratitude to their lives. This class is offered on Tuesdays from 8 to 9:15 a.m. EST via Zoom starting on February 9 and is open to all students, faculty, and staff. Registration is required.
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