URochester and the Strong National Museum of Play are creating a partnership that will advance research, education, and community engagement focused on the study of play and games.

University flags on the Eastman Quadrangle, near the entrance of Strong Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department, and the flags atop the Eastman Theatre at the corner of Gibbs and Main Streets, will be lowered on Tuesday, December 16, for George Reynolds, a driver in the clinical labs courier services department, who died on October 16. Reynolds joined the University staff in 1975.

For nearly 40 years, the Center for Health + Technology has been a behind-the-scenes force in neurological drug discovery. That work has resulted in helping to bring 12 FDA-approved drugs and devices to market, including frontline treatments for Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and rare neuromuscular diseases.

In this week’s blog from UR Medicine EAP, learn how couples counseling is a proactive way to deepen trust, improve communication, and keep your connection thriving. UR Medicine EAP is brought to you by Well-U, helping eligible individuals assess issues through short-term counseling and referrals.

By enrolling in Well-U’s coaching sessions, you can gain an expert understanding of your diabetes and how to keep your numbers in a healthy range while living fully. Sign up here.

Learn from a panel of experts about their experience with various foundations, from connecting with them to preparing white papers and putting together a compelling proposal. Registration is required to attend from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, December 8, in Feldman Ballroom, Douglass Commons.

Have quick questions about the University’s retirement program, or need help enrolling online? Stop by the Sarah Flaum Atrium on Tuesday, December 9, between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to chat with a TIAA representative.

Instructors can apply for up to $12,500 to support the integration of experiential learning or other high-impact practices into two instances of a redesigned or new course. The application deadline for this Teaching Center grant is January 7, for 2026–27 courses.

President Sarah Mangelsdorf served as host for an evening of connection, conversation, and community at the fall employee social at the George Eastman Museum. Explore video highlights from the evening.

Across campuses, courtrooms, and online, debates rage about the limits of free expression. Attend a virtual session today, December 4, at noon, to discuss the future of free speech with Nadine Strossen, former president of the ACLU, and David Primo, the Ani and Mark Gabrellian Professor and a professor of political science and business administration.

In a webinar on Friday, December 5, from noon to 1 p.m., Rob Alexander, dean for enrollment, is joined by Heidi Marcin, the director of enrollment marketing, and Megan Ryan, the assistant vice provost for enrollment, to discuss current enrollment trends and the approach URochester is taking to attract and enroll students to its undergraduate and graduate programs. Register to attend the webinar. Visit the Leadership Conversations page for recaps of past conversations and future webinars.

The Office of Undergraduate Research hosts a Schwartz Discover Grant virtual information session on Friday, December 5, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Upcoming information sessions about the MS in healthcare data science and AI take place on December 9, January 20, and February 17.

The Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center hosts an LGBTQ life nail-painting party on Thursday, December 11, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. in Douglass Commons, Room 305.

School of Arts & Sciences and Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences graduate students can attend a winter break writing retreat from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Rush Rhees Library, December 15 through 17.