Update on new positive cases of COVID-19

There is one new positive case among students to report: one on the River Campus. Please note that the University’s COVID-19 Dashboard is updated when a new case is reported. Find the latest COVID-19 messages and updates here.

A reminder on face masks: they must be worn properly, covering the nose and mouth, indoors on the University’s campuses and properties.  Visit the face mask page for full information on what kinds of masks are acceptable.

Should we be looking for intelligence on a planetary scale?

MSN News, February 25

“Humans have had a very particular view that intelligence only meant using tools and developing technology,” says Adam Frank, the Helen F. and Fred H. Gowen Professor of Physics and Astronomy. “We have now come to see that many of the most important parts of intelligence—in terms of cognitive activity—are already present in the biosphere and often in distributed forms like social insects or even forests and microbial communities.”

COVID-19 test and face mask availability before spring break

University Health Service (UHS) will be distributing COVID-19 self-test kits and masks to students at various locations across campus before spring break. The kits and masks are covered by the mandatory health fee and there is no additional cost to students. Students are encouraged to use these masks and tests to allow for a safe return from spring break. They will be available at UHS, Goergen Athletic Center, and several Residential Life area offices beginning today, March 1. Below is a list of locations for pickup.

• UHS: 1 to 4 p.m. (Tuesday, March 1, and Thursday, March 3, only)
• Goergen Athletic Center: 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

• First-Year Hill Office (Susan B. Anthony and Genesee): 104 Morgan Wing, Susan B. Anthony Halls
• First-Year Quad Office (Gilbert, Hoeing, and Tiernan): 100 Gilbert Hall
• Fraternity Quad Office (for all houses on the Fraternity Quad): 100 Gilbert Hall
• Jackson Court Area Office (O’Brien, Anderson, and Wilder): 114 O’Brien Hall
• Hill Court and Southside area office (Chambers, Fairchild, Gale, Kendrick, Munro, Slater, deKiewiet, Valentine, and Maisonettes): 110 Gale House
• Bridge Area Office (Burton, Crosby, Lovejoy, Brooks Crossing, and Riverview):  B 114 Sigma Phi Epsilon, basement level

Undergraduate Writing Contest deadline is March 4

Health Bites: Problem Gambling 101

Join UR Medicine EAP and Jenna Hotaling from the New York Council on Problem Gambling at noon EST on Tuesday, March 8, for a webinar exploring problem gambling and the effect it can have on individuals and families. Learn how to recognize warning signs and how to get help and support for yourself or a loved one. Register for the session here.

Children’s book drive benefits Mt. Hope Family Center

The Department of Public Safety is sponsoring a children’s book drive in March to benefit the Mt. Hope Family Center, which provides services to the Greater Rochester Community by treating children and helping parents develop the skills they need to understand child development, communicate more effectively, and resolve conflict in non-violent ways.

The Mt. Hope Family Center is willing to receive any children’s book as a donation and has indicated a high need for multicultural books for children age 3 and under.

Donations will be accepted through March 31 at the below locations.

• Public Safety headquarters (River Campus, main entrance)
• Warner School of Education (LeChase Hall, second floor)
• Rush Rhees Library (River Campus, Q&I desk)
• Public Safety Crime Prevention Office (Medical Center, Room G-6009)
• Miner Library (Medical Center, Room1-6200)
• Surgery Center at Sawgrass (180 Sawgrass Drive, Suite 100)

‘Eastman Opens the Doors’ kick-off concert

Attend the opening concert for the “Eastman Opens the Doors” festival on Wednesday, March 2. The concert features the Eastman Wind Ensemble and Musica Nova and takes place at 7:30 p.m. in Kodak Hall, Eastman School of Music. Find program details here.

Gain insight into Simon’s Business Analytics for Managers program

Learn more about Simon Business School’s online master’s program in business analytics for managers at a virtual information session on Thursday, March 3, at 5:30 p.m. EST. Attendees of the live session will receive an application fee waiver. For those unable to attend, a recording will be emailed to the address used at registration.

Public health grand rounds lecture on social-emotional learning

Heather Reyes, an assistant professor of pediatrics, presents “Social and Emotional Learning Tool via Moxie the Robot,” a public health grand rounds webinar. Preregistration is required for the lecture, taking place Friday, March 4, at noon EST. ASL interpreters will be present. Email Carolyn Settle with questions.

Book group on King’s Where Do We Go from Here: From Chaos to Community

The M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence will host a book group discussion on Where Do We Go from Here: From Chaos to Community by Martin Luther King Jr. The group will meet on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. EST, March 8 through April 5. Learn more and register here.

A new career resource

“Professional Support” by Headhunter on Tap is a comprehensive program designed to guide you through a job search or career transition. It features informative webinars on timely topics, discussion forums for direct answers to your most pressing questions, and tailored advice through personal access to career experts. Explore the offerings and sign up for the sessions that interest you to create a customized experience.

• Dr. Chat Bot: Non–Medical Center faculty, staff, and all students | Medical Center employees
• COVID-19 Resource Center | Medical Center’s COVID-19 update page
• Current campus face mask policies
• Faculty and staff vaccine participation form (VPN or on-campus network connection required)
• COVID-19 vaccine requirements and FAQs
• What to do if you or your close contacts have symptoms or have been exposed