Two new positive cases of COVID-19

There are two new cases of COVID-19 to report: a River Campus student and a Medical Campus student. Please note that the University’s COVID-19 Dashboard is updated every weekday. Whenever a new case is known, the contact-tracing process begins immediately with confirmed exposures being contacted and required to quarantine.

For the latest information on where to get the COVID-19 vaccine, see the Finger Lakes Vaccine Hub. Students: if you would like to receive the vaccine on campus, contact University Health Service at uhscovid19@uhs.rochester.edu or call UHS at (585) 275-2662; additionally, remember to upload your proof of COVID-19 vaccination to the UHS secure portal at: Rochester.edu/uhs/uhsconnect-how-to/.

University Trustee Sandy Parker remembered for her devotion to Rochester, education

University Trustee Sandra (Sandy) Parker—a community advocate, philanthropist, and admired business leader—died on June 5. Parker, a devoted board member and supporter of the University for nearly a decade, dedicated her professional life to revitalizing the economy of Greater Rochester and made extraordinary contributions that improved the community. University flags will be lowered on June 29 in her memory.

Radicalized and believing in conspiracies: can the cycle be broken?

While conspiracist narratives have long bubbled quietly underneath public discourse, a new study by Scott Tyson, an assistant professor of political science, shows that the ideas have moved into the mainstream discourse during the last five years.

• Dr. Chat Bot: Non–Medical Center faculty, staff, and all students | Medical Center employees
• What to do if you or your close contacts have symptoms or have been exposed
• University’s COVID-19 Resource Center
• Medical Center’s COVID-19 update page
• COVID-19 Concern Report

Tips for new hires from the Office of Total Rewards

The Office of Total Rewards offers programs and services that may be of interest to newly hired University employees:

• Retirement service credit waiver: Did you know that if you have prior service at an eligible institution you can use some or all of that time to waive the two-year waiting period for the University’s direct contribution? Complete a retirement service credit waiver through HRMS or the Total Rewards website within 90 days of your hire date to receive retroactive contributions.
• Benefits overview webinar: The Office of Total Rewards is hosting a live webinar for the newly hired or newly benefit eligible on Tuesday, June 15, to review and explain all benefit options. The webinar will begin at noon EDT and representatives will be available to answer questions live throughout the presentation. Register here.
• Stay up to date on the latest health and wellness trends: The Weekly Wellness newsletter, brought to you by Well-U, provides current health and wellness articles as well as the latest programs and events. You also will have the chance to win a monthly prize through the Well-U raffle. Subscribe here.
• Looking for a new home? Benefit eligible employees can take advantage of the University’s home ownership incentive program from day one of their employment. Visit the home ownership web page for more information.

Data science summer 2021 colloquium series

Join the Goergen Institute for Data Science on Wednesday, June 9, for “Interpersonal Synchrony: A Framework for Understanding Communication, Learning, and Creativity in Real Life,” a research seminar with Elise Piazza, an assistant professor of brain and cognitive sciences. Register to attend this free, virtual talk, which will be held from noon to 1 p.m. EDT on Zoom.

Attend the ‘Rochester Forum’

Join the Lifelong Learning Advisory Council for an afternoon of engaging presentations and intellectual enrichment. Leaders from the University’s Aging Institute will present the Matthew E. Fairbank Lecture, “Promoting Vitality in Aging through Discovery, Collaboration, and Innovation.” Following that, John Kessler, a professor and chair of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, will present “Ocean Acidification: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.” Attendees can choose to attend one or both of the virtual sessions. Register here for the event, taking place Thursday, June 10, from noon to 2 p.m. EDT.

Virtual workshop series: ‘How to Commute by Bike’

Thinking about commuting by bike and wondering how to get started? A three-part virtual workshop series, “How to Commute by Bike,” is being offered by the Department of Transportation and Parking Management. The series takes place on June 10, 17, and 24, and covers equipment, safety on the road, and bike maintenance. All classes are held from noon to 1 p.m. EDT with time for questions at the end. Registration is required for each class. The series repeats in July and August.

Community-Based Participatory Research

Community-Based Participatory Research is a collaborative approach to research that aims to train University researchers—faculty, trainees, and students—and community members in community-engaged research. This free course is sponsored by the Clinical and Translational Science Institute and Center for Community Health & Prevention. Through the program, participants will form collaborative teams to develop and submit proposals for the Pipeline to Pilot Awards. Register by Tuesday, August 31.