Edward Deci, a professor emeritus of psychology, is being remembered for his pioneering work that transformed how human motivation is understood, shaping generations of scholars, practitioners, and students worldwide. Deci, who died February 14, was best known for cofounding self-determination theory with his URochester colleague Richard Ryan. The theory became one of the most influential frameworks on human motivation and wellness in contemporary psychology, with its reach extending far beyond academic journals.

All employees with dependents enrolled in University medical or dental plans must verify their dependents by Friday, February 20, to ensure continued medical and dental coverage. Verifi1 has sent instructions via email and by US mail to those with dependents on University medical and dental plans. For more information, review these FAQs. You can access the Verifi1 portal here.

If terms like deductible, copay, or HSA leave you confused, you’re not alone. Join the Office of Total Rewards for a clear, no-pressure webinar on Wednesday, February 25, at 11 a.m., that breaks down the basics of the University’s health and dental benefits. The webinar will walk through plan options, explain key terms, and show you how spending accounts like FSAs and HSAs work. Register here to attend.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to enroll in the Conflict Transformation Workshop Series with a colleague and build skills together. Led by the Restorative Practices team and sponsored by the Office of University Engagement and Enrichment, this interactive series starting March 11 will equip you with practical tools to transform conflict into constructive dialogue.

Need help managing assessments and their instructions? Tips for writing assignments, as well as new features in Blackboard for creating engaging Blackboard documents, are available in the February newsletter.

Learn the small lifestyle changes needed to lower your cholesterol in Well-U’s confidential coaching program. Take the first step by registering, and then earn $150 once you meet your health goals.

If you’re on a University campus having vehicle trouble, the Department of Transportation and Logistics is ready to lend a helping hand. The Vehicle Assistance Program provides free on-campus assistance to students, employees, and visitors who need help jump-starting a dead battery or inflating a low tire. Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, by calling (585) 275-4524.

The medical student group Health Incarceration Connection is hosting a Q&A panel today, February 19, at noon in the K-207 Auditorium (2-6408), Medical Center, with local Rochester judges who serve on the drug treatment court and SAFE court. 

The Center for Integrated Research Computing (CIRC) will host its next symposium on Friday, February 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Wegmans Hall, Room 1400. Find speaker and topic details here.

Join the Democracy Center and the Department of Political Science for the 2026 Cutler Lecture: “An ER for the Rule of Law: Lawyering in an Era of Democratic Erosion.” Learn more and register to attend on Wednesday, February 25, at 5 p.m. in Wegmans Hall, Room 1400, or stream it live.

Discover a new way to connect with food and your body through a 10-Day Mindful Eating Program from the Mindful University Project. This guided experience introduces practical tools to slow down, tune into hunger and fullness cues, and build a more compassionate relationship with eating.

Highlighting three significant prints, along with their various proofs, Picasso and the Progressive Proof: Linocuts from a Private Collection is an intimate exhibition that reveals how these works and subjects developed in the latter part of Pablo Picasso’s career and his groundbreaking contributions to the medium. The exhibit runs through June 21 at Memorial Art Gallery.

The Warner School of Education & Human Development introduces the Advanced Certificate in Artificial Intelligence for Educators. The 10-credit graduate program is designed to help a variety of professionals working in higher education or K–12 schools become thoughtful, critical users of AI in their work and promote AI literacy in their fields. Applications are now open for summer 2026. Contact Warner’s admissions office with questions.

Brain fog is a term people use to describe a group of cognitive symptoms, including trouble concentrating, slower thinking, forgetfulness, and feeling mentally worn out. Learn more from Medical Center experts about what causes brain fog and how to make meaningful gains in improvement.

Cheer on Rochester’s varsity teams at home contests scheduled for this coming week. Find more information on the Athletics website calendar and social media channels. Events are weather-dependent and subject to change.

Saturday, February 21

• Women’s tennis vs. Ithaca College, 10:30 a.m.
• Women’s lacrosse vs. St. John Fisher University, 1 p.m.
• Men’s tennis vs. Ithaca College, 2:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 22

• Women’s tennis vs. St. Lawrence University, 10 a.m.
• Men’s tennis vs. St. Lawrence University, 2 p.m.

Wednesday, February 25

• Women’s lacrosse vs. SUNY Brockport, 4 p.m.