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December 20, 2024

Data science students help speed up Rochester Fire Department’s emergency responses

For their capstone project, a team of students from the Goergen Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence analyzed millions of data points collected by the Rochester Fire Department to determine where to best place fire stations, fire trucks, and other resources.

In today’s issue:

  • HR updates on prenatal leave and employee tuition benefits in myURHR
  • The next pick for Rochester’s Virtual Book Club
  • A recap of the year in photos and video

This is the final issue of @Rochester for 2024. We’ll be back in your inbox on January 6. Have a safe and happy holiday season!

TODAY'S UPDATES

Weather station horn test today at 2 p.m.

The University’s new weather station horn will be tested today, December 20, at 2 p.m. Located on Towers Athletic Field in the Brian F. Prince Athletic Complex, the weather station’s horn will sound twice today: for 10 seconds to test the lightning alarm, and then again for 30 seconds to test the tornado alarm. University community members do not need to take any action as part of the test. Find more information here.


HEALTH MATTERS

Do I have IBS?

Maisa Abdalla, an associate professor of medicine, shares key signs and symptoms that point to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).


FOR STUDENTS

Language Center winter break hours

The Language Center will be open from December 23 through January 16 for students staying on campus over winter break. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and via Zoom from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays, as well as December 23 and 31. All students are welcome.


FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

Paid prenatal leave

Effective January 1, per New York State law, all employees will be eligible for 20 hours of paid time off (PTO) for health services received during or related to their pregnancy. This leave does not apply to postnatal or postpartum appointments. This time is in addition to existing sick leave or PTO and can be used for physical examinations, medical procedures, monitoring, testing, and discussions with a health care provider related to the pregnancy. To use this time, the code “UR Prenatal” must be entered into myURHR UKG timecard. The policy will be made available on January 1.

Spring 2025 employee tuition benefits

The Employee Tuition Reimbursement application for courses taken at outside colleges or universities and the Employee Certification Exam Reimbursement application will be available in myURHR Workday on January 1. The Employee Tuition Waiver application will be available in myURHR Workday on January 8. You must submit your application in myURHR Workday. Click on “Benefits and Pay” under apps, then click on either “Employee Tuition Reimbursement Application” or “Employee Tuition Waiver Application” under Suggested Links. All applications must be submitted no later than 30 days after the start of the course.


FOR THE COMMUNITY

Kickstart your New Year’s reading resolution with the Virtual Book Club

Join the next reading cycle of the University’s Virtual Book Club to explore the story of a family drama set along the Louisiana coastline during the 2010 BP oil spill. Pearce Oysters, by Joselyn Takacs, follows a third-generation oyster farmer whose business, family, and livelihood are on the brink of collapse. Start reading now.

Catholic Newman Community hosts Christmas Eve mass

On Tuesday, December 24, the Catholic Newman Community will celebrate Christmas Eve mass at the Interfaith Chapel, River Campus. All community members are invited to join. A reception will follow; all are invited to bring a dish to pass.

Make your gift by December 31

Your gift—of any amount to any area of the University that inspires you—promises an even brighter 2025. Gifts can be made through the year-end Be Bright giving page or payroll deduction.

Lunar New Year event survey

The University’s Lunar New Year planning committee is celebrating the coming of the Lunar New Year on Friday, January 31, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Feldman Ballroom. This holiday is celebrated across many different cultures. To include as many traditions as possible, take this survey to offer your suggestions and ideas. The survey includes a poll for the name of the event and suggestions for food.

Full-time MS program enhancements at Simon

Considering a specialized master’s degree? Simon Business School offers full-time MS programs in accountancy, AI in business, business analytics, finance, and marketing analytics, and has made recent enhancements that include opportunities to specialize studies, an accelerated time to graduation, more affordable tuition, and a curriculum focused on real-world applications. University seniors can apply for free and are guaranteed a minimum $10,000 scholarship if admitted. Apply by January 5.


IN PHOTOS

small red and black bird capture mid-flight

University photographer J. Adam Fenster shares his favorite selections from the photos he made this year. Plus, a video recap of 2024 from AJ Pow, senior video producer.


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