‘Immune distraction’ from previous colds leads to worse COVID infections
A new Medical Center study led by Martin Zand, a Dean’s Professor in the Department of Medicine, senior associate dean of clinical research, and codirector of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, shows that prior infection and immunity to one of the common cold coronaviruses may have put people at risk of more severe COVID illness and death.
In today’s issue:
The University is shifting to a new human resource management system
University employees have until March 18 to complete a brief survey about their commute
Workday HR will replace PeopleSoft, the University’s current human resource management system (HRMS), which has been in place for more than 23 years and has become outdated. PeopleSoft has been the platform for the online HRMS tool used to track personal and job data, time, payroll, and benefits, as well as recruiting.
Workday HR’s technology is best-in-class and is used by many leading health care and higher education organizations. The project is critical to modernizing University HR systems to support employees. To learn more, visit the HR website.
Video: Vinegar eels ‘do the wave’
What happens when thousands of tiny vinegar eels are placed in a bead of water? According to Alice Quillen, a professor of physics and astronomy, Anton Peshkov, a postdoctoral research associate in Quillen’s lab, and undergraduate student Sonia McGaffigan ’23, they do the wave. Learn more and watch a video of the organisms in motion here.
Flags to be lowered March 24 for Judith Pipher
University flags on the Eastman Quadrangle and near the entrance of Strong Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department will be lowered Thursday, March 24, for Judith Pipher, a professor emerita of physics and astronomy. Note: the flag-lowering had originally been scheduled for March 10.
Complete a two-minute, anonymous survey to tell the Department of Transportation and Parking Management about your commute to work. Responses will be used to help shape future services, including a free RTS bus pass program. The survey is open to all University employees through March 18.
Learn about ‘revenge wellness’
Lacking healthy and supportive choices can contribute to frustration surrounding life stressors and burdens. Check out Behavioral Health Partner’s March blog to learn how recognizing stressors, practicing self-compassion, discovering activities, and creating opportunities for enjoyment can provide increased meaning, autonomy, and enjoyment in one’s life.
Discounts on Rochester Knighthawks games
Faculty, staff, retirees, and their families can purchase discounted tickets to Rochester Knighthawks home games, subject to availability, before the 2021–22 season closes on April 30. Purchase tickets here using the promo code UR. For more information, visit the employee discounts website.
‘Community Conversations on Cancer’ talk on colorectal cancer
Attend a panel discussion on colorectal cancer taking place Friday, March 11, at noon EST. Learn more about the virtual talk, part of the “Community Conversations on Cancer” series.
Students: Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Homesick? Not sleeping well? A UR Connected Coach can help. A team of undergraduate and graduate coaches has received specialized training in the areas of active listening, helping students in distress, and suicide prevention. They are also educated on all the resources campus has to offer, from academic support to navigating an off-campus therapy appointment to finding a program to improve your sleep habits. To get started, visit the UR Connected website. You can review coach profiles, choose one that will be a good fit, and schedule directly with them online.
Wellness at Eastman: Mental health and music school
Join Mary Natvig ’81E, ’82E (MA), ’91E (PhD), a professor of musicology at Bowling Green State University, on Wednesday, March 16, at 6 p.m. EDT for a presentation about mental health. Hosted by Eastman Performing Arts Medicine. Wellness at Eastman seminars are held monthly in Howard Hanson Hall on the fourth floor of the Eastman School of Music main building and on Zoom. Register here for the Zoom link. Recordings will be shared after the event with all registered.
Get answers to questions on sex and relationships
Do you have a question about sex or relationships that you would like an expert answer to? Students are invited to attend the annual “Sex in the Dark” event on Thursday, March 17, in Hoyt Auditorium from 7 to 8:30 p.m. A panel of experts will be there to answer your questions. Submit your questions here. This event will be held in the dark with glow sticks handed out at the start. Learn more here.
Mindfulness workshops
Learn the fundamentals of mindfulness meditation during the next Koru mindfulness four-week workshops. Participants will learn about and practice two new meditation techniques weekly, and bring more mindfulness and gratitude into their lives.
Last week, the Eastman School of Music ushered in the next 100 years with a ribbon-cutting as part of its keystone centennial event, “Eastman Opens the Doors.” The symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony led by University President Sarah Mangelsdorf and Jamal Rossi, the Joan and Martin Messinger Dean of the Eastman School of Music, marked a milestone moment in Eastman’s history. Find more photos from the event on the Eastman School’s Instagram.
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