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June 16, 2025

Spirit R photographed in Fauver Stadium via aerial drone.

Here are some items in today’s issue to help begin your week:

  • A professional development session for students on writing in your discipline
  • Faculty and staff can attend a two-part digital accessibility event
  • Volunteers needed to be a “Friendship Family” for Fulbright teachers

Above, the Spirit R in Fauver Stadium shown via aerial drone. University photo, J. Adam Fenster

TODAY'S UPDATES

Four transdisciplinary teams awarded multi-year funding

One of the key objectives of Boundless Possibility, the University’s 2030 strategic plan, is the creation of transdisciplinary centers in areas where we can conduct consequential research that is uniquely Rochester. Early last year, the Office of the Provost, in cooperation with Office of the Vice President of Research, jumpstarted this aspiration with a request for transdisciplinary research proposals. The first phase of this initiative garnered 42 submissions, of which 10 received planning grants to further develop their ideas. After a subsequent phase welcomed additional refined proposals, four proposals were selected for funding consideration.
On Monday, June 9, the finalists presented their proposals. “It’s clear that the spirit of innovation and collaboration is alive and well at Rochester,” says President Sarah Mangelsdorf. “Each project represents ideas and frontiers that have great potential and deserve our attention and support.” Learn about the projects that have received funding.

Parking permits expire June 30

Parking permit renewal season is here, and all current University parking permits will expire on Monday, June 30. If you did not enroll in auto-renewal and would like to purchase a permit, go to My Parking Online, log in using your Active Directory username and password, and select “Get Permits.” There is no increase in employee permit fees for the 2025–26 parking year. If you have questions or need assistance, contact Transportation and Logistics at (585) 275-4524 or via email.


HEALTHY LIVING

Why exercise is essential during menopause

Medical Center experts share wellness tips, including guidance on exercise, to support women through every stage of menopause.


FOR STUDENTS

Professional development session on writing in your discipline

The Office of Undergraduate Research hosts a weekly professional development series for Schwartz Discover Grant recipients on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. A limited number of slots are available to all University undergraduate students. The next session on June 18 is on writing in your discipline. Pre-registration is required. Find building and room information at the link.


FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

Digital accessibility event

Faculty and staff can join the Digital Accessibility team with University Marketing and Communications for a two-part event designed to empower faculty and staff with the tools, insights, and inspiration to create more accessible, effective digital communications. Learn more and register to attend one or both sessions on Friday, June 27, in Schlegel Hall, Room 207.

Make a plan for your health

Eligible employees can complete their 2025 Personal Health Assessment for a clear snapshot of present health, privately discuss goals and how to reach them, and earn $125 from Well-U. To get started, create an account in the wellness portal and make an appointment.

Looking for summer child care?

Eligible employees looking for summer child care options can enroll anytime in their free Care.com premium membership to find care providers available in their area. Visit the Family Care web page for eligibility information or to enroll.


FOR THE COMMUNITY

Juneteenth carillon concert today

Attend a free Juneteenth carillon concert today, June 16, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Listen to the bells from Hopeman Memorial Carillon on the Eastman Quadrangle or elsewhere on the River Campus. Free parking is available in the library lot after 4 p.m.

Volunteer as a ‘Friendship Family’ for a Fulbright teacher

This fall, the Warner School of Education and Human Development and the International Services Office will host 23 international teachers funded by the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program. The program facilitates professional development opportunities for teachers from around the world and aims to promote cultural, linguistic, and educational exchange. Volunteers are needed to be paired with a teacher for cultural exchange and support during their visit from August to December. Sign up here to volunteer as a “Friendship Family” before Monday, July 14. The Fulbright teachers will have their own apartments at the University. You will not be expected to provide housing.

Summer applied genomics seminar on RNA folding stability

The summer applied genomics seminar is a weekly series on Wednesdays from 4 to 5 p.m. in Wegmans Hall, Room 1005, run as part of the Goergen Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence MS program in applied genomics. On June 18, Dave Matthews, the Lynne E. Maquat Distinguished Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, will give a seminar on RNA folding stability. Learn more here.

‘Color, Identity, and the Queer Past’ DeTOUR at MAG

Experience the Memorial Art Gallery’s “Dyed and Defined DeTOUR: Color, Identity, and the Queer Past,” an exploration of the intersections of fine art, historic fashion, and LGBTQIA+ identity through the colors of the Pride flag led by Brandon Brooks, curator at the Genesee Country Village and Museum. Find more information and tickets to attend on Thursday, June 26.

URMC Fitness Center cornhole league

This recreational cornhole league will take place at the URMC Fitness Center patio on Thursday evenings starting at 5:30 p.m. Learn more.


IT SECURITY TIP

AI makes identifying phishing emails trickier than ever

Phishing attacks can feel relentless, and large language models (LLM) or artificial intelligence (AI), like ChatGPT, make them even more challenging to identify. Historically, phishing emails, which often rely on a sense of urgency to steal personal information, were riddled with poor grammar and illogical requests. Now, AI is helping scammers create phishing emails that look genuine. The University’s IT Security team shares a few ways AI makes phishing emails harder to identify.

  • Goodbye grammatical errors: AI can write messages with perfect grammar and natural-sounding language.
  • Vishing: Voice cloning technology is emerging, allowing scammers to mimic a real person’s voice.
  • Personalization: AI can analyze social media profiles to personalize emails with details specific to you. These tactics can create a powerful sense of legitimacy.
  • Chatbots: Phishing attempts aren’t limited to email anymore. AI chatbots can be used to impersonate customer service representatives or other trusted figures, carrying on conversations to trick you into giving away personal information.

Have something to share? Review our submission guidelines and find the submission form here.
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