Safe Space sessions

Registration is now available for LGBTQ+ Safe Space courses offered through the end of 2024. Available to all faculty and staff, session dates can be found by searching within MyPath for the “Safe Space Playlist.” Begin with the first course, “Part 1: Gaining Knowledge.” Upon completion, employees can register for “Part 2: Creating Safety,” paving the way to become a University LGBTQ+ Safe Space Champion. These classes are offered virtually at no cost. Email Scott.Fearing@Rochester.edu with questions.

Generative Artificial Intelligence Teaching Group

Join other instructors to discuss the implications of generative AI for teaching and learning and share resources and ideas.  Participants will consider how to revise courses in response to generative AI and how and whether to integrate generative AI into student or instructor work. This Teaching Center group will meet in person and is open to instructors who teach a course that enrolls students in the School of Arts & Sciences or Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences. Register here.

Faculty development workshop series

New and early-career faculty at the University can register to attend workshops in the Rochester Year One series. Email adele.coelho@rochester.edu with questions or accommodation requests.

• New Instructional Faculty Orientation: Launching Academic Careers at Rochester, Thursday, August 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Sources of Insight and Assistance: When Students Are Struggling, Troubled, or Troubling, Wednesday, September 18, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Building Skills for Interacting With Diverse Groups of Students: A Student-Directed Conversation, Part I: Monday, September 23, from 9 to 10:15 a.m. or Tuesday, September 24, from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m.; Part II: Monday, September 30, 9 to 10:15 a.m. or Tuesday, October 1, 4:15 to 5:30 p.m.

Training on navigating difficult conversations in graduate mentoring

The Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs team offers “Navigating Difficult Conversations in Graduate Mentoring” as training for Rochester faculty who work with graduate students, assisting with difficult conversations that are likely to surface while advising graduate students. In this session, Brigid Cahill, director of the University Counseling Center, will define difficult conversations, review and introduce skills, work through some brief case studies, and present resources for faculty advisors of graduate students.

Open to any graduate faculty member, training will be held Wednesday, August 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in  Hylan Hall, Room 202. The confirmation email will contain more detailed directions to the building. Register here to attend. Email Liz.Daniele@rochester.edu with questions.

Declutter to focus better

Decluttering your workspace can have many benefits including helping you focus better. This week’s UR Medicine EAP blog will explain how to gain energy by cleaning up your work area. UR Medicine EAP is brought to you by Well U, helping eligible individuals to assess issues and provide short-term counseling and referrals.

What’s your savings strategy?

Employees interested in learning more about saving for the future can set up an in-person or virtual meeting with a TIAA consultant.  The consultations are offered at no additional cost and are intended to assist you with designing a plan to meet your individual retirement savings goals. Schedule your one-on-one consultation online or by calling (800) 410-6497.

Preschool openings at the University’s on-site daycare

The Children’s School at URMC currently has a few select openings for fall 2024 in their preschool rooms for children ages 3 and 4. Operated by KinderCare Learning Centers and located on Castleman Road, the daycare prioritizes University employees, providing them with priority placement and a 10 percent tuition discount. Call (585) 273-3677 for space availability and pricing.

Three Minute Thesis registration now open

Registration is now open for the 2024 Three Minute Thesis (3MT). The spoken word thesis competition invites Rochester doctoral students to present their dissertation research findings to a general audience in three minutes with only one PowerPoint slide. The goal is for students to communicate their research to a non-specialist audience vividly and engagingly while emphasizing its key point. Subheats will take place on September 11 and 12 and the final competition will take place during Meliora Weekend on Friday, September 27. An awards reception and alumni mixer will immediately follow the event. Contact University Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs with questions.

Department of Psychiatry Summer Brown Bag Series continues

The Department of Psychiatry’s 2024 Summer Brown Bag Series continues on Wednesday, August 14, at the School of Nursing Auditorium (1W-304) with “Bring a Folding Chair: Clinicians of Color on Inclusion and Psychological Safety.” CEU and CMEs are available. Register to attend in person or virtually.

Early Childhood Music Lab

Offered in connection with the Early Childhood Music Methods course at the Eastman School of Music, the Early Childhood Music Lab offers children participation in play-based music-making Eastman School students will gain hands-on teaching experiences. Up to 10 children will be enrolled in one of two classes: MusicTIME Lab (4 to 24 months) or Music Times Two Lab (2 years to 3.5 years).

These experiences are offered tuition-free to University families (graduate students, faculty, staff) and Rochester community members with a $15 registration fee per child. Classes will meet on Thursday mornings for 45 minutes from September 26 through November 21. It’s anticipated that classes will fill quickly, and families are encouraged to register by September 19.