Mark Buckley, an associate professor of biomedical engineering, prioritizes inclusiveness in the classroom. Learn more about Buckley—one of the 2024 recipients of the Goergen Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, the focus of his lab, and what his students have to say.
You can also explore the first video in the social media series “Ever Wonder,” which asks: “Why do we shrink over the course of a day?” In the video, Buckley explains the biomechanical phenomenon known as poroelastic creep. Find the video on the University’s social media channels, including Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Also in today’s issue:
Study and tutoring programs for students
Workshops for faculty and staff on supporting student well-being
Nominations are open for the Presidential Awards for Inclusive Excellence
The spring semester test of AlertUR will be on Thursday, February 6, at 6 p.m. AlertUR is the emergency notification system for the University, including the Medical Center. In the event of an emergency, alerts are sent by voice, text, and email message. The purpose of the test is to activate the AlertUR system and check that you can be reached immediately. Before the February 6 test, students and employees should review their contact information and add a cell phone number if one is not listed or is not current; sign in with your NetID and password. Employees with a NetID who do not have a University email address may enter a personal email or phone number to receive emergency alerts. The February 6 test will not disrupt scheduled activities. Find more information on AlertUR here.
Register for the student ‘Hackathon’ to solve food waste
The Sustainability Office’s Team Green invites students to participate in its Hackathon event, “Too Sustainable to Handle.” Over the two-day competition, small student teams will work together to form creative solutions to this year’s chosen sustainability issue: reducing student-generated food waste. The event takes place on Saturday, February 15, and Sunday, February 16. Learn more and register your team by filling out this form.
Help your laboratory be more sustainable
Do you work in a lab? If so, the Sustainable Labs Initiative encourages you to participate in the Freezer Challenge competition taking place through June, which aims to optimize lab cold storage with energy saving in mind. Find out more and sign up.
Throughout February, the initiative is also hosting an Investigators for Sustainable Labs training series to train the next generation of investigators in green lab practices, including saving energy, reducing waste and water usage, and promoting green chemistry. A certificate will be provided to all participants who complete the series. Register for the training by January 31.
Book a tutoring appointment through the Learning Center
Need help with an undergraduate course? Stop by Hirst Lounge, Wilson Commons, on Monday, February 3, between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for assistance booking a tutoring appointment through the Learning Center. Peer tutors will support you in applying concepts from class, clarifying assignments, and reviewing practice problems.
Writing groups for undergraduates
Have writing to do? Join a writing group led by the Writing Fellows. The structured writing sessions for undergraduates in the School of Arts & Sciences and the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Science meet weekly for two hours. They are designed to support your writing process through guidance, accountability, and community. Bring any academic, professional, or creative writing. Learn more and enroll online. Email liz.tinelli@rochester.edu with questions.
Study Zone program opens Monday
The Study Zone, located within the Learning Center in room 1-160D in Dewey Hall, is a quiet, focused place to work. Students commit to spending at least three hours per week in the Study Zone and benefit from peer support in planning effective study sessions. By providing a productive location, personal support, and free snacks, this informal study location will help students get past common barriers to turn their academic goals into reality. Enrollment is on a first-come/first-served basis. The program serves students in the School of Arts & Sciences, the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, the School of Medicine and Dentistry, Simon Business School, and the Warner School of Education and Human Development. Enroll here.
Be a Student Alumni Ambassador
The Student Alumni Ambassadors for the School of Arts & Sciences and Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences are a select group of undergraduate students who serve as a bridge to the University alumni community by representing the student body, providing a glimpse of current student culture, and sharing their personal Rochester experience.
Applications will be accepted until midnight on Sunday, February 9. Learn more and apply here, and follow the program on Instagram. Email Karen Carhart with questions. You must be enrolled during the 2025–26 academic year to apply. Those studying abroad this spring are welcome to apply.
Webinar on master’s programs in the Department of Public Health Sciences
Join faculty from the Department of Public Health Sciences for a webinar on master’s programs on Wednesday, February 5, from noon to 12:30 p.m. Programs are designed to prepare graduates for careers in four areas: public health (MPH online and online/on-campus hybrid), health services research and policy (MS-HSRP), epidemiology (MS-EPI), and clinical research (MS-CI). The webinar will highlight key elements of each program and discuss program requirements and the application process, as well as the accelerated public health program for undergraduates. Register in advance, even if you cannot attend. A link to a recording of the webinar will be sent to all registrants, regardless of attendance, after the event. Contact Annie Majoka with questions.
This one-hour Teaching Center Zoom workshop, open to all University instructors, supports instructors in writing course-level learning outcomes that are challenging, achievable, and directly measurable using backward design principles. Register here to attend on Friday, January 31, from noon to 1 p.m.
Programs on supporting student well-being
The Well-Being for Life and Learning Training Program, open to all faculty and student support staff, offers a variety of skills to add to your toolbox to support student well-being in simple, effective, and compassionate ways. More information on workshop locations and registration is available on MyPath by looking up the workshop title. Upcoming workshops include:
Compassion Fatigue: Supporting Those Who Support Others—Monday, February 3, noon to 1 p.m.
Recovery is Spoken Here—Thursday, February 6, noon to 1 p.m.
Recognizing and Supporting Students in Distress—Friday, February 7, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Educator Self-Care and Compassion—Monday, February 10, noon to 1 p.m.
Creating Effective Learning Environments for Students—Thursday, February 13, noon to 1 p.m.
Suicide Prevention Workshop—Friday, February 14, 1 to 3 p.m.
Food, Mood, and Body: College Students and Eating Concerns—Tuesday, February 18, noon to 1 p.m.
Let’s Talk About It: Navigating Trauma-Informed Conversations—Wednesday, February 19, noon to 1:30 p.m.
Compassion Fatigue: Supporting Those Who Support Others—Thursday, February 20, 9 to 10 a.m.
Religious Diversity on Campus—Wednesday, February 26, 11 a.m. to noon
Bond Family Foundation Faculty Scholar Grant
Applications are open for faculty in the School of Arts & Sciences and Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences to receive a $5,000 stipend to integrate project-based learning into the classroom in partnership with a Rochester-based organization. Funds can be used to compensate for instructional development time and operational needs such as transportation, food, honoraria, and materials. Learn more about the grant and apply here by March 1.
Save through YOUR Benefits Extras
University employees and retirees can save on travel, entertainment, electronics, clothes, gifts, and more through YOURBenefitsExtras.com.
Submit nominations for Presidential Awards for Inclusive Excellence
The annual Presidential Awards for Inclusive Excellence recognize leaders and organizations at all levels of the University community and throughout Greater Rochester who embody the climate and culture of inclusion, excellence, and belonging. Nominations are open in categories honoring faculty, staff, students, departments and teams, bargaining groups, and community members and organizations. Submit nominations online through Wednesday, February 12. The awards are sponsored by the Office of the President and the Office of Equity and Inclusion.
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