Drop-in counseling sessions for students, virtual healing circles for those affected by the violence in Memphis

The beating that led to the death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, Tennessee, has prompted conversations about the increased levels of violence in Rochester and across the country. The Office of Equity and Inclusion along with the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence is hosting two virtual healing circle gatherings today, January 30, at 9:30 a.m. (Zoom meeting ID 95315071673) and noon EST (Zoom meeting ID 92624060417). The conversations will be facilitated and open to all.

UCC is also hosting a drop-in session for students of color, led by therapists of color, at 2 p.m. EST. A drop-in session for all students is scheduled for 4 p.m. EST.

Search begins for vice president for equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer

Flags will be lowered for John Walker

University flags on the Eastman Quadrangle and near the entrance of Strong Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department will be lowered Thursday, February 2, for John Walker, an adjunct associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry, who died on December 28. Walker joined the University faculty in 2015.

Why experts are urging swifter treatment for children with obesity

The New York Times, January 27

If they are “fully implemented and supported,” the guidelines may lower obesity rates in children, says Stephen Cook, an associate professor of pediatrics and of medicine. But there are no guarantees. “If there continues to be no payment for treatment services, health systems will not put resources to delivering this care,” says Cook. “There will be none to minimal training in medical and professional schools for the next generation of health care providers to address this issue.”

Are you being ‘pushed’ into multifactor authentication fatigue?

The University uses several guardrails to protect accounts and prevent bad actors from getting in. Duo, for example, is a multifactor authentication (MFA) tool that notifies you to accept or deny a request anytime there is an attempt to access a system or application with your login. It’s a quick indicator if someone other than you tries to log in with your credentials. Reminder: If you receive a Duo notification you did not initiate, do not accept it. Be aware that hackers will repeatedly attempt to log in—known as “prompt bombing”—hoping multiple alerts will push you into MFA fatigue and accept the request to stop the notifications.

University IT notes that it’s important to remember that ignoring or missing Duo notifications three consecutive times will lock your Duo access and you’ll need to wait 30 minutes or call the Help Desk to unlock it. When you’re signing in, remember to accept your Duo notification promptly. Not you? This indicates your password is compromised—decline or ignore the prompts and change your password immediately via myIdentity.

Writing groups for AS&E undergrads

Have writing to do? Join a writing group, led by Writing Fellows. These structured writing sessions meet weekly for two hours and are designed to support your writing process through guidance, accountability, and community. Bring any kind of academic, professional, or creative writing. Learn more and enroll online. Email liz.tinelli@rochester.edu with questions.

Free STI testing clinics

Did you know the most common symptom of a sexually transmitted infection is no symptoms at all? Sign up for an appointment to get tested for STIs at one of the UHS Health Promotion Office’s free testing clinics throughout the semester. Clinics are open to all undergraduate and graduate students.

Making the most of your HSA

Did you sign up for a YOUR HSA-Eligible Plan for 2023? Eligible faculty and staff can use their Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions to pay for qualified medical, dental, and vision expenses. The maximum amount you may contribute to your HSA annually is dependent on your health plan coverage. If you are interested in contributing or altering existing contribution amounts to your HSA, this can be done at any time during the year, with no qualifying event required, by filling out the HSA certification form. Learn more about contributing to an HSA and the use of funds.

Mindful movement classes at the Goergen Athletic Center

Are you looking for ways to engage in mindful movement on campus? Join Zumba and yoga classes at the Goergen Athletic Center, happening weekly until the end of the semester. Classes are open to all students and Goergen Athletic Center members. Find the class schedule and register here. More classes will be added in the coming weeks, so stay up to date.

• Vinyasa yoga—Tuesdays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.: Vinyasa classes are a strong moving flow that cultivates balance, stability, flexibility, and vigor. Breath awareness and coordination are carried throughout the practice as the asana ebbs and flows between effort and ease. This class is suitable for all levels and prior yoga experience is not required.
• Zumba—Tuesdays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.: A dance-based, interval-style workout set to Latin and international music. Everything can be modified to your fitness level.
• Iyengar yoga—Wednesdays, 6 to 7 p.m.: This one-hour class is formatted for the beginner or intermediate yogi. Practice inversions, standing poses, backbends, and balancing poses.

Research funding opportunities through the Aging Institute

The University’s Aging Institute is soliciting grant applications to support up to three aging research projects. One of these awards will be cosponsored by the Wilmot Cancer Institute and focus on cancer and aging, and two are sponsored by the Aging Institute with a focus on other basic, translational, or clinical aging research topics. The award level is up to $50,000 for one year per award.

Letters of intent are due March 13. Invitations for full submissions will be solicited by April 17. Full submissions will be due on May 15; instructions will be provided and posted on the Aging Institute’s website. The anticipated start date for successful proposals is July 1. Letters of intent or questions should be submitted via email.

Charter Day; first intercessor named

1850: On January 31, the University was granted a provisional charter by the Regents of the University of the State of New York. One year later, on February 14, 1851, the State Regents issued a formal charter, establishing the University as “an institution of the highest order for scientific and classical education.”

1972: Forrest Vance, who was director of counseling and special ser­vices, became the University’s first interces­sor. “This important new post is designed to help in the solution of student and staff prob­lems and in finding better ways to carry on the University’s administrative activities,” said President Robert Sproull. Now known as University Ombuds, Lynnett Van Slyke and Frederick Jefferson and a network of affiliates continue to promote a respectful and inclusive University community in the role.