Participate in the annual eyeglasses collection event

Have old pairs of eyeglasses kicking around? Donate them to help people in need by participating in the annual eyeglasses collection event, run by the Sustainability Office, throughout March. In addition to general donations, departments across the University community can compete for “Most pairs of glasses collected” and “Most eye-catching box.” Prizes will be awarded to the winning departments. Collected eyewear will be donated to Lions Club International, which works to improve the lives of the visually impaired. Find out more and sign up your department here.

Campus Race to Zero Waste

Each year, the University joins college students and staff across the country in the Campus Race to Zero Waste competition to reduce waste and improve recycling efforts. Help increase the waste diversion rate by reviewing the rules for recycling and increasing your efforts to rethink, reduce, reuse, and recycle. The competition runs through March 29. Follow the current rankings and weekly progress on Instagram.

Take a break and pet some therapy dogs

Feeling stressed? Join the UHS Health Promotion Office’s monthly Paws for Stress Relief program at the Eastman School of Music on February 27 and on the River Campus on March 3. Peer Health Advocates will be there to provide well-being goodies, info, handouts, and more.

Nominate a colleague for the President’s Staff Awards before March 5

Nominate a colleague whose innovative leadership, dedication, and sustained contributions positively impact the University of Rochester and the community. Submit your nomination for the President’s Staff Awards by March 5. Find details on the HR website.

• The Witmer Award for Distinguished Service honors employees with careers marked by outstanding and sustained contributions to the University.
• The Meliora Award recognizes a staff member or team whose work and performance exemplify the University’s motto, Meliora.
• The Staff Community Service Award honors a nonmanagement staff member who volunteers at the University or a nonprofit within the Greater Rochester community beyond their usual responsibilities.
• The Lamar Riley Leadership Award recognizes a staff member for innovative and proactive leadership.

Applications open for 2025 Del Monte Institute Pilot Program

Apply today for the 2025 Del Monte Pilot Program. Up to 12 novel basic, clinical, and translational projects in the neurosciences will be supported, with a maximum budget of $50,000 per award. Learn more and apply by Monday, March 3.

Unlock the power of effective communication

Crucial Conversations is a suite of courses that equips you with essential skills to speak confidently, listen actively, and encourage open dialogue—even in the most challenging situations. Led by certified instructors, this training empowers you to uncover the best ideas, make high-quality decisions, and move forward with unity and commitment. Visit the Learning and Development website for pricing and registration.

Choose Your Experience:

• Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue (two-day course): A comprehensive deep dive into the full range of communication skills. Attendance at both sessions is required. Attendees may be eligible to receive tuition reimbursement through the Benefits Office.
• Focused Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue (one-day course): A condensed version covering key techniques.
• Crucial Conversations for Accountability (one-day course): This follow-up course builds on the prior skills learned and focuses on improving accountability. Must have completed Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue.
• Bundled Class: Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue and Crucial Conversations for Accountability (two-day course). Attendance at both sessions is required.

Child care resources and options

The University provides several resources for parents to find child care, including Care.com and Backup Care; offering free Premium Care.com Memberships and subsidized backup care; the Children’s School at URMC, call (585) 273-3677 for space availability and pricing; and a Child Care Discount Program at KinderCare locations locally and throughout the country. Visit the Family Care website for eligibility information or to enroll.

Community dinner at the Gandhi Institute

Attend the next community dinner and dialogue at the MK Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence today, February 26, at 6 p.m. Find food and conversation. Learn more and RSVP to attend.

Take a boba break with Simon Business School

Stop by Taichi Bubble Tea, Ramen, and Poke Bowl in College Town between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 27, to learn about Simon’s graduate business programs and enjoy a bubble tea on them. Have all of your questions answered by a program staff member in a casual environment and leave with an application fee waiver, a $90 value.

New hours for the Memorial Art Gallery in March

Starting in March, the Memorial Art Gallery’s hours are changing. On Thursdays, the museum will be open until 8 p.m., and Third Thursday Concerts will now run from 7 to 8 p.m. On the second Friday of each month, the museum will be open until 8 p.m.; Alive @ 5 is back at the Brown Hound from 5 to 8 p.m.; and the museum is offering half-price admission.

University students, faculty, and staff always get free admission with University ID. Additionally, the museum is a stop with the University’s shuttle service, and the Brown Hound now accepts Rocky Bucks. Learn more here.

Friends of Strong ‘Baked Potato Bash’

Join Friends of Strong in the Sarah Flaum Atrium on March 6 from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. for a baked potato fundraiser in support of patient- and family-centered care. Food will be provided by Texas Barbecue Joint. Tickets are $13, on sale now at the Friends of Strong Gift Shop by Cloverkey. Tickets include one large potato with toppings, optional BBQ chicken, cornbread, and a water bottle. To use a 312 requisition, visit the Friends of Strong office (1-1230) no later than February 28. As a vegan option, tickets for plain, undressed baked potatoes will be available at the door for $5. Bring your own toppings and make it your perfect potato. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.

International Women’s Day lunch

The Susan B. Anthony Center hosts a lunch on Saturday, March 8, to celebrate International Women’s Day. Network with community members and learn from local leaders who will highlight the vital work of local organizations that empower women and girls in Rochester. Learn more and register.

Application deadline extended for data science graduate programs

The application deadline for the Master of Science program in data science has been extended to March 15 for full-time students applying to start in fall 2025. Part-time students seeking to start an advanced certificate or master’s in data science in summer or fall 2025 should also apply by March 15. Interested applicants can find out more here.