Denise Yarbrough announces retirement

Denise Yarbrough, director of religious and spiritual life and an associate professor of religion and classics, will retire at the end of the academic year. Sean Watson, associate director of Residential Life and Housing Services and the University’s Pagan Chaplain, will serve as interim director of the Interfaith Chapel beginning July 1.

6 hot jobs for MBA graduates

US News and World Report, April 8

“When we talk to employers, they want the skill sets that an MBA produces,” says Mitchell Lovett, senior associate dean of education and innovation and the Benjamin Forman Professor of Marketing at Simon Business School. “They want the problem-solving. They want the analytical thinking. They want the ability to collaborate effectively and self-leadership and leadership beyond. All that is still central pieces that the MBA delivers, and people want it.”

Celebrate Earth Day with special events

Join the Sustainability Office and student organizations to beautify the University campus through environmental action. On April 22, help collect litter along the Genesee River and create a garden at the Earth Day Riverside Clean-Up and Planting. Snacks will be provided, and all members of the University community are welcome to attend. Check the Earth Week schedule for more details and a full lineup of other events and activities.

Flourish Festival session on spirituality

Hosted by the Mindful University Project, “Awaken and Sol Search: The Science and Practice of the Quest” features a conversation with author Lisa Miller, a professor in the clinical psychology program at Teachers College, Columbia University, and Nazar Yasin, cofounder of the spiritual and mental health app Sol, on the science behind spirituality and how to apply it to lead a more purposeful, healthy, and happy life. The event takes place on Thursday, April 10, from 7 to 8 p.m. in Morey Hall, Room 321. The first 50 attendees will get a copy of Miller’s book, The Awakened Brain. Register to reserve your spot.

This event is part of the Flourish Festival. Students who attend four events will be entered into one of three wellness giveaways.

Bracelet making with Academic Honesty

Academic Honesty and the All-Campus Judicial Council are hosting a drop-in bracelet-making event on Friday, April 11, from 2 to 5 p.m. in Hirst Lounge, Wilson Commons. Bead a bracelet with a value, word, mantra, or name that motivates you in your academic work. Beads, snacks, and opportunities to interact with academic honesty resources (and Rocky) will be provided.

Accessible mental health support for employees

Well-U partners with two confidential mental health services for all University employees to access when needed.

• Behavioral Health Partners: Evidence-based treatment for stress, anxiety, and depression, along with medication management and consultations for those on the University health care plan. Connect by calling (585) 276-6900.
• UR Medicine EAP: Free guidance and support for all employees and their household members, covering a variety of personal and work-related challenges. Reach out to (585) 276-9110.

Social Security and Medicare webinar

If you’re near retirement, join the Office of Total Rewards on Thursday, April 10, at 9 a.m. for a webinar on Social Security and Medicare. Securian Financial will offer clear guidance on when to claim Social Security and essential information about Medicare to help you plan for your healthcare needs.

Staff invited to volunteer at Commencement

Staff throughout the University community are encouraged to volunteer at the Commencement ceremony, which will take place in Fauver Stadium at the Brian F. Prince Athletic Complex on Friday, May 16, at 8:45 a.m. Volunteers will be a part of the excitement and have the opportunity to celebrate with graduates and their guests. Find details on available roles and sign up to volunteer. Staff should consult with their supervisor to ensure appropriate coverage in their office.

Teaching Center Course Development Fellowship

Are you designing a new fall 2025 course or redesigning an existing one? Work with the Teaching Center and a group of colleagues over the summer to plan and meet during the fall semester to debrief and troubleshoot. Fellows are awarded a $1,000 non-salary stipend. Learn more and apply here.

Extra perks with your life insurance coverage

A suite of additional resources is automatically available to active employees covered under the University’s life insurance plan. Benefits include travel assistance services from Redpoint, legacy planning resources from Securian Financial, and beneficiary financial counseling from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. There are no additional fees or enrollment requirements; programs are also available to spouses, domestic partners, and insurance-eligible children.

Year One session on fostering a positive learning environment

Designed for new and early-career faculty, this Rochester Year One session will enhance your ability to assist students and faculty by helping you recognize signs of distress and connect them with the appropriate support, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment. Gain valuable tools and insights from representatives of the Office of Disability Resources, the Counseling Center, the CARE Network, the Department of Public Safety, and the Health Promotion Office. Register to attend on Wednesday, April 23, from 10 to 11 a.m.

Leading disability-inclusive education, social-emotional learning, and AI-driven advocacy

Through his collaborations with the Center for Disability and Education and other inclusion initiatives, Michael McCarthy, a PhD student at the Warner School of Education and Human Development, continues to drive meaningful change in education and disability advocacy.

Ferrari Humanities Symposium: Early Career Scholars Symposium

The Early Career Scholars Symposium, part of the Ferrari Humanities Symposium, features presentations by early career scholars in the humanities. Attend the symposium today, April 9, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Humanities Center, Conference Room D, Rush Rhees Library. A responsive panel discussion with audience Q&A will follow. Learn more about the presenters and the day’s schedule.

Data science talk on demystifying neural networks

Attend a talk on how neural network training is implemented in a way that’s accessible for those with little to no machine learning or calculus experience. The event takes place in Sloan Auditorium, Goergen Hall, on Thursday, April 10, at 7 p.m.

Conference pays tribute to writer Maryse Condé

“What Is Africa To Me?” is a daylong conference dedicated to the work of Guadeloupean writer Maryse Condé. Learn more about the event taking place on Friday, April 11, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Humanities Center, Conference Room D, Rush Rhees Library.

Rescheduled Heart Awareness Month activities

Stop by Hirst Lounge, Wilson Commons, between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Friday, April 11, to learn how to use and locate the automated external defibrillators (AED) on campus, as well as demos on first aid and STOP the Bleed. Learn more here.

A limited number of seats are available for a CPR short course, offered from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration is required.

Conversation with YouTube personalities Rick Beato and Anthony Fantano

The Arthur Satz Department of Music hosts YouTube personalities Rick Beato and Anthony Fantano on April 24 at 7 p.m. in Strong Auditorium. The panel discussion will be moderated by Skye Paine, an associate professor of education and human development at SUNY Brockport. This event is free and open to the public.