Rochester celebrates the achievements of the Class of 2025 throughout Commencement Weekend, starting Friday, May 16. Here’s your guide on what to expect, for graduates and attendees alike—including a schedule of events, where to park, tickets and registration, live broadcast details, and department ceremonies.
In today’s issue:
A workshop series on teaching in Blackboard Ultra
Free classes at the URMC Fitness Center
Take a survey to help define the University Student Life mission statement
University IT and ISD have a new program to make it easier—and safer—to travel abroad. Faculty, staff, and students traveling internationally for University business can now request a loaner laptop or cell phone. Faculty and staff can also request a loaner device for personal travel abroad. Traveling with a loaner device minimizes data loss risk and helps protect sensitive information. Learn more about the program and submit your request here.
New updates to chat.rochester.edu
University IT shares the release of Rochester AI chat v2, the next-generation GPT-4o platform hosted in Azure OpenAI. This version adds a major new capability and an updated interface designed from the ground up for speed, clarity, and security. Upload PDFs, Word documents, or text files, and ask natural-language questions about their contents. Files are isolated to your session and stored encrypted. A refreshed user interface includes a cleaner layout, a larger input area, and new quick-start sample prompts. Read more about the updates or try the AI out yourself.
Gaurav Sharma, a professor of electrical and computer engineering, of computer science, and of biostatistics and computational biology, and Irving Barron, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, discuss how their research is making QR code technology safer.
The University’s United Way campaign is winding down. Be a changemaker and make your pledge today. Online pledging will remain open until the end of May. Not sure if you have a continuous payroll pledge in place? Email the United Way office to confirm. Campaign leadership thanks everyone who has donated to this important campaign.
The Rochester Americans offer all University faculty, staff, retirees, and their families the chance to purchase discounted tickets for playoff games on Wednesday, May 14, and Friday, May 16, subject to availability. Tickets can be purchased online under “Sporting Events” and then “Rochester Americans” using the promo code “UR.”
Get ready to teach in Blackboard Ultra
If you’re teaching in Blackboard Ultra for the first time later this summer or next fall, join a workshop series to help you transition from Original courses to Ultra courses. This three-part series will cover content creation and copying from an Original course, creating graded items, and grading and communicating with your students. Check dates and times and RSVP here.
The newly formed division of University Student Life is defining its mission statement. Students, faculty, and staff across all schools are invited to take a few moments to share their thoughts on the vision and purpose of student life at the University in this survey. This is the first step in a series of engagement opportunities as University Student Life aligns its strategy with Boundless Possibility.
Try URMC Fitness Center classes for free
From May 14 through 23, University affiliates can take any group exercise classes offered at the URMC Fitness Center in College Town at no charge. Free parking is located directly behind the facility. Find class details and schedules here.
Distinguished Contributions to Undergraduate Learning Award
Courtney Floom, associate director for student leadership programs, is the recipient of this year’s award for Distinguished Contributions to Undergraduate Learning, which is voted on by members of the senior class council and Student Life colleagues. The award will be presented during a ceremony on Friday, May 16, at 2 p.m. in Strong Auditorium, along with the Singer Family Prize and senior awards. All are invited to attend; a reception will follow.
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