Getting ‘ghosted’ by a tax preparer will haunt you

Still looking for someone to file your return? The Better Business Bureau warns taxpayers to choose a preparer wisely and provides six tips to stay safe during tax season. Malicious actors seek to profit quickly by falsely identifying themselves as tax professionals and promising significant returns. Also known as “ghost preparers,” these scammers fake your income and deductions to boost the size of your refund but never sign off as the preparer. To make matters worse, they direct refunds to their account instead of yours.

Library spaces survey and tours

Students: the River Campus Libraries want to know what you think of its spaces. Take this brief survey to offer your feedback. You are also invited to join a group tour of Rush Rhees Library, where you can share your thoughts on different library spaces. Email Jenny Arbelo to register for one of the tours:

• Today, March 24, from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 25, from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
• Thursday, March 27, from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Collage night with UCC

All students are invited to Collage Night, sponsored by the University Counseling Center, today, March 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Wilson Commons, Room 122. Materials will be provided. Make collages and talk about whatever is fueling your artistic expression while also learning about mental health services available at the University.

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 March 27 and on the River Campus on April 7. Peer Health Advocates will be there to provide well-being goodies, info, handouts, and more.

Coffee and tea social with the BIC

The Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center invites all faculty and staff for a coffee and tea social celebrating LGBTQ joy on Tuesday, April 1, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Douglass Commons, Room 305. Register by Friday, March 28, to receive a calendar invite.

Manage your asthma through Well-U

If you live with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) there are ways to limit triggers, manage your environment, and get the help you need when flare-ups happen. Join Well-U’s condition management coaching to start personalized sessions with a coach. Enroll here.

Retiree benefits webinar

The Office of Total Rewards hosts a retiree benefits webinar on Monday, March 31, at noon, to discuss eligibility for retiree benefits, health and dental insurance, Medicare, enrollment periods, and other benefits offered to you as a University retiree.

Simon lunch and learn on working smarter with AI

Attend an interactive Lunch and Learn at Simon Business School on Tuesday, March 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., where you’ll explore practical ways to integrate AI into your daily tasks. The event is open to all University undergraduate students and employees. A catered lunch is provided to all registrants, so secure your spot today.

SMD open house for MS, advanced certificate programs

Join the School of Medicine and Dentistry master’s degree and advanced certificate program faculty for a virtual open house event on Tuesday, March 25, at 6 p.m. to learn how you can attain a career in the biomedical and health sciences. Register to attend.

Bunny Hop at MAG

Grab your little ones and hop over to the Memorial Art Gallery for an afternoon of art, music, color, and crafts on Sunday, April 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Have fun with the Seneca Park ZooMobile, the Submarine School of Music, art making, and more. Find a full schedule of Bunny Hop events and purchase tickets here. Use the code “chaperone” at checkout to get two free adult tickets for each child ticket. Children must be present for chaperones to participate.

Student groups host 5K run/walk

The Varsity Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Black Student Athlete Coalition are teaming up to host a 5K run/walk on April 6 at 10 a.m., starting at the Fauver Stadium track. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester. Registration is a $15 donation, and each participant will receive a T-shirt.

Commit to quit smoking or vaping

Any reduction in smoking or vaping is beneficial to your health and can be an important step in the quit journey. “Commit to Quit!,” a group program offered virtually by tobacco treatment specialists at the Center for Community Health & Prevention, kicks off at 4 p.m. Monday, April 7. Learn more about the free, six-session series and register.

Zero-Cost Heroes: Maya Abtahian

Throughout the week, River Campus Libraries will highlight its “Zero-Cost Heroes,” faculty members, instructors, and students who have chosen to select or create free course materials. First up is Maya Abtahian, an associate professor of linguistics. Already a proponent of utilizing the libraries’ course reserves program to offer her students an alternative to purchasing expensive course materials, Abtahian has opted to forego traditional textbooks and use online open educational resources instead. Read more about her shift from traditional course materials—and how she incorporates other digital platforms, such as podcasts, into her teaching.