URochester leadership recognizes that recent acts of violence and loss may be distressing for members of our community. Taking care of yourself and one another is important. Anyone who feels in need of support is encouraged to reach out to the following University resources.

• CARE Network
• University Counseling Center; a UCC therapist is available to students 24/7 by calling (585) 275-3113. UCC also provides on-demand crisis support for Rochester students, wherever they are in the world, via the TELUS student support app. Download and click on Get Support.
• University faith communities at the Interfaith Chapel
• Employee Assistance Program

There are no planned changes this week to exam schedules.

As a reminder, AlertUR is the University’s emergency notification system, including for the Medical Center. In the event of an emergency, alerts are sent by voice, text, and email. Students and employees should review and update their contact information. Sign in with your Active Directory username and password, and add a cell phone number if one is not listed or is outdated. Employees with an Active Directory username and password who do not have a University email address may enter a personal email or phone number to receive emergency alerts. Find more information on AlertUR.

A new study coauthored by Alexandr Kopytov, an assistant professor of finance at Simon Business School, finds that investors may unintentionally give polluting companies a reason to delay going green.

We will include a listing of holiday hours for non-clinical offices and services around the University in the Wednesday, December 17, issue of @Rochester; clinical offices should follow their standard holiday policies. If you have an update you’d like to share, please send details by noon today, December 16, to be included.

In Well-U’s coaching program for asthma, learn the difference between belly and chest breathing and how to improve your capacity in everyday life and in the event of a flare-up. To get expert asthma support and resources, eligible University employees can register here.

The MK Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence hosts its next community roundtable on Saturday, December 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chat about issues, listen, reflect, and build a more connected community.

Jennifer Dahne, a professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina, will highlight emerging digital and telehealth strategies designed to extend access to evidence-based behavioral health interventions across clinical settings. This virtual event takes place on Thursday, January 8,  from noon to 1 p.m.

Applications are now open for both the D’Lion and First-Year Fellow positions for the 2026–27 academic year. Details can be found here.

USA Today, December 10

When Costco stood by its diversity policies, some in its famously loyal membership base groused, but Costco suffered no discernible political consequences. Costco members are unlikely to change their minds now, after it sued the Trump administration to ensure its eligibility for a full refund if the Supreme Court strikes down tariffs, says David Primo, the Ani and Mark Gabrellian Professor and a professor of political science and business administration.

“Republican voters still largely support President Trump’s tariffs, and Gina Raimondo (recently nominated to Costco’s board of directors) is a Biden appointee. So on its face, these would seem to be risky moves. But it’s important to remember that Costco is different from brands like Target or Bud Light that have been caught in conservative crosshairs. Its consumer base is fiercely loyal, in part because there are fewer substitutes for its mix of offerings. Boycotting Target is easy. Boycotting Costco would require a lifestyle adjustment for many.”