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October 14, 2024

A catalyst for change in chemical engineering

Darren Lipomi, Professor of Chemical Engineering and chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering photographed in his office near a podcasting microphone

As the new chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering, Darren Lipomi has made it his mission to educate the public about the field’s promise while helping aspiring academics understand the intricacies of higher education. Read more about Lipomi, including his experience as a prolific podcaster.

In today’s issue:

  • Flu shot appointments for students
  • How employees can expand life insurance coverage during open enrollment
  • A meditation class for the University’s Black community
FEATURE

The Vegetarian by Han Kang: A Nobel Prize, a Rochester press, and a translation controversy

South Korean author Han Kang is the 2024 recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature. Did the University’s Open Letter literary press inadvertently help boost the English translation of Han’s novel The Vegetarian—by rejecting it?


FLU SEASON

Student appointments available for flu shots

On Thursday, October 17, University Health Service (UHS) will host a flu vaccine clinic for students from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Goergen Athletic Center located across from Fauver Stadium. A separate flu vaccine clinic for Eastman School of Music students will be held on Friday, October 25, at the Eastman Student Living Center. Students scheduling an appointment for a flu shot should do so through UHSConnect:

  • Log in to UHS Connect
  • Click on Appt. Scheduling and then Schedule Appt. to schedule an appointment. You will first need to read and accept the Terms of Service.
  • Select UHS-Vaccine Clinic in the Office Location field.
  • Select October 17–October 17 (or October 25–October 25 for Eastman) in the Date From and Date To fields.
  • Click on Flu Vaccine Clinic–River Campus or Flu Vaccine Clinic–ESM as the Reason for Appointment.
  • Click Search.
  • Schedule your appointment by clicking on one of the appointments listed on the right side of the screen.
  • Click Confirm to schedule your appointment.

The flu vaccine is covered in full for all active members of the University student health insurance plan (Aetna) and is generally covered in full by most private insurance plans. Contact your insurance plan directly for specific coverage details. Flu vaccines offer the best and safest way to prevent the spread of the illness and getting vaccinated does not cause the flu. Some people may react with a sore arm or feel achy after the vaccine, but this is much better than coming down with influenza.

Getting a flu vaccine is one way to protect your health and that of the University community. You can also prevent illness by washing your hands regularly; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; and covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after use and wash your hands. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, get regular activity, and rest.


Employees can get their flu vaccine in the following ways:

  • Pharmacy walk-ins. With most health insurance plans, there is no cost when you visit a pharmacy such as CVS, Walgreens, or Wegmans to receive a flu vaccine, and no appointment is needed.
  • Visit your primary care doctor. Your family doctor should have the vaccine available for you and your family. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older, and a high-dose vaccine may be available to individuals ages 65 years or older.

SECURITY TIP

Phishing 101: Protecting yourself from online scams

Scammers who pretend to be from a legitimate bank, store, or government agency and send official-looking emails in an attempt to fool you into disclosing your personal information, are known as “phishers.” They aim to obtain usernames, passwords, banking records, account numbers, or social security numbers. Often, they’ll try to get you to click on a link that either installs malware on your device or directs you to a fake website. Some phishers even imitate the University’s IT help desks. Any information they can get from you can be used to steal your identity, commit financial fraud, or other malicious purposes. By understanding their tactics and taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these scams. 

Visit the National Cybersecurity Awareness Month page for this week’s game and learn how to win a prize.


FOR STUDENTS

Risk reduction and Narcan training

Attend SWARM: Risk Reduction and Opioid Overdose Prevention Training on Thursday, October 17, at 3:30 p.m. in the Genesee Hall, Room 325. The training focuses on reducing harms related to alcohol and cannabis. All attendees over age 18 will receive a free Narcan kit. Registration is required and the training is open to all students. Brought to you by the UHS Health Promotion Office and Interfraternity Council.


FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

Expand your life insurance coverage during Open Enrollment

Expand your Group Universal Life (GUL) insurance coverage without health questions, during Open Enrollment, October 16–30. You can enroll or increase your existing GUL coverage by one times (1x) your annual salary; not to exceed a total of eight times (8x) salary or $1,500,000 (whichever is less) without proof of good health. The opportunity, which is available even if you have previously been declined coverage, is only available this year. For more information and to explore your options, visit Securian Financial’s educational microsite.

Apply for the Health Care Leadership Development Program by October 15

Designed for Medical Center physicians and health care leaders with an advanced degree, the Health Care Leadership Development Program (HCLDP)  offers a unique opportunity to sharpen your business acumen and strengthen your health care management skills, without the commitment of a full graduate degree program. Medical Center faculty and staff with an advanced degree are encouraged to apply for the spring cohort. Admission priority is given to Medical Center leaders who plan to pursue all four modules. Cohort size is limited; the course registration deadline is October 15.


FOR THE COMMUNITY

Miner Library’s History of Medicine section open house week

Miner Library’s History of Medicine section reopens following a year-long renovation to reveal a beautifully appointed exhibit hall and special collections reading room. The opening exhibit titled “Treasures of Miner Library” features some of the most important works in the history of Western medicine. Explore these treasures during an open house week, October 14–18, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Gateways Music Festival begins this week

Gateways Music Festival in association with the Eastman School of Music launches its 2024–25 season—taking place locally and throughout the country—with an expansive lineup of performances by professional Black classical artists. Events in Rochester are scheduled October 14–18 and April 21–24. The fall festival will culminate in a Kilbourn Concert Series performance by the Gateways Brass Collective on Friday, October 18, at 7:30 p.m. in Kilbourn Hall. Find the full schedule and purchase tickets here.

Class on bicycle-friendly driver tips to share the road safely

Wondering how to safely navigate the road alongside bicyclists? Join the Bicycle Friendly Driver Tips class, a 15-minute driver-focused training designed to educate motorists about how and why bicyclists travel the roadways, fostering a shared understanding among all road users. The online session is on Wednesday, October 16, from noon to 12:15 p.m. via Zoom. Registration is required. The session is part of a monthly series presented by the Department of Transportation and Logistics.

Skirboll Family Autism Conference

The Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities and the Rochester Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders present the Skirboll Family Autism Conference, October 16–18. The free three-day virtual conference was developed in collaboration with disability self-advocates, families, agency representatives, and community members. This year’s theme focuses on support for individuals with disabilities across the lifespan. Learn more about speakers and sessions and register here.

Meditation class for the Black community

“Meditative Guide for Us” is a class from the Mindful University Project designed specifically for the University’s Black community. Led by Deontae McLachlan, te experience draws from personal insights to help participants manage racial stress, cultivate self-care, and enhance inner strength. Through deep breathing, visualization, and guided meditation, you’ll gain tools to reduce anxiety, improve focus, and enhance creativity. This class is open to Black-identifying students, staff, faculty, and allies. Register here for one of the following sessions:

  • Sunday, October 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Douglass Commons, Room 407
  • Saturday, November 9, via Zoom from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Students who fully attend either session series will receive their choice of a meditation cushion or yoga mat, or choice of books Stay Woke: A Meditation Guide for the Rest of Us or For Indigenous Minds Only: A Decolonization Handbook.


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