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July 9, 2025

Good morning, Rochester

Today’s issue includes:

  • A recent feature in the “Ever Wonder” video series on fiber optics
  • A guided tour around the trees of River Campus for faculty and staff
  • A reminder about Friday’s annual Shred Fest
TODAY'S UPDATES

Anthony Beckman named associate vice president for research administration

Anthony Beckman, who has been serving as the interim associate vice president for research administration for the Office of Research and Project Administration, has been named the University’s associate vice president for research administration effective July 1.


EVER WONDER?

The surprising way that fiber optics connects us

Screenshot of the University of Rochester YouTube page. Text reads Ever Wonder: How Do Fiber Optics Work?

Govind Agrawal, the Dr. James C. Wyant Professor of Optics, explains how fiber optics—thin strands of glass that transmit light—makes modern telecommunications possible.


RESEARCH

Study shows widespread disapproval of federal interventions in science, public health

The latest report from The Civic Health and Institutions Project—a nonprofit joint initiative of the University of Rochester, Harvard University, Northeastern University, and Rutgers University—finds Americans are deeply concerned about the government interventions in science and health that have reshaped the country’s research landscape.


FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

Benefit Basics healthcare webinar

Join the Office of Total Rewards today, July 9, at 11 a.m. for a webinar covering key healthcare terms, medical and dental plan options available to you, and how spending accounts like FSAs and HSAs work. You’ll also learn about helpful tools and resources to make confident, informed choices during enrollment and beyond. Register here.

UR Procurement (P2P) Marketplace gets an upgrade

The UR Procurement Marketplace (Jaggaer) is upgraded three times a year, with the next scheduled upgrade occurring the weekend of July 11. The UR Procurement Marketplace will be unavailable for placing catalog requisitions and the transmission of all P2P purchase orders to suppliers beginning Friday, July 11, at 9 p.m. through the afternoon of Sunday, July 13.  This upgrade will have no noticeable end-user impacts. If you have questions or experience any issues, send an email or call (585) 275-2012.

Two-day course on ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’

Engage in this two-day course to discover practical tools to increase your personal and professional effectiveness. After completing the course, participants gain access to Franklin Covey’s All Access Impact Portal, featuring award-winning content on leadership, productivity, change management, coaching, and more. Register for Tuesday, August 5, and Wednesday, August 6.

Self-care through Well-U’s depression coaching program

Discover how to incorporate daily self-care steps in Well-U’s depression coaching and self-management program. Your personal coach will help you identify lifestyle choices that can strengthen your mental health and lessen symptoms. Connect with your coach.


FOR THE COMMUNITY

Paint with friends to support Friends of Strong

Spend a fun evening out with friends while giving back. Friends of Strong’s second painting party of the year is on July 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Distillery Restaurant on Mt Hope. Create your own 16×20 painting guided by professional artist Nora Gelb. All supplies are provided, and 45 percent of all proceeds benefit Strong Memorial Hospital. Tickets are $40 and available here.


GO GREEN

Join the Green Reps for ‘Teas and Trees’

Faculty and staff can enjoy a guided tour of the trees around River Campus led by Horticulture and Grounds, followed by refreshments and discussion with sustainability-minded colleagues on Tuesday, July 15, at 10 a.m. Register here to attend.

Get ‘shready’ for Shred Fest

The Sustainability Office will host its 15th annual Shred Fest on Friday, July 18. Stop by the Zone 3 South parking lot between 6:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to drop off your personal documents for secure and environmentally friendly disposal. Please note the limit of five bags or boxes per person. Email the Sustainability Office with questions or to sign up as a volunteer.


ROCHESTER IN THE NEWS

Deaf scientists hit by drastic NIH cuts—the research community must support them

Nature, July 8

Severe blows to the “Deaf scientist pipeline” must not mean abandoning its best practices, writes Wyatte Hall, an associate professor of public health sciences, of obstetrics and gynecology, of pediatrics, and at the Center for Community Health and Prevention. He offers several steps on how to support current and future students.


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