As part of For Ever Better: The Campaign for the University of Rochester, Trustee Ria Nova ’98, a finance and investment industry executive, has committed $1 million to support scholarships and student success initiatives at the University. The gift will provide both immediate funding and permanent support for undergraduate students.

Big conversations don’t have to feel heavy. Read this week’s EAP blog and discover how proactive, encouraging conversations can strengthen trust and empower the young people in your life to thrive. UR Medicine EAP is brought to you by Well-U, helping eligible individuals assess issues through short-term counseling and referrals.

If you applied for the University’s homeownership incentive program in 2025 and have not yet closed on a home, you must reapply, as any approval letters received in 2025 expire on April 30. To reapply, use the online application. As a reminder, you must submit your and your spouse’s 2024 Form 1040 with the application. Email the team with questions.

The University marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month with events and activities that raise awareness, support survivors, and promote prevention across the institution. Students, faculty, and staff can engage in a calendar of events, educational programs, and interactive displays that encourage reflection, learning, and action. Of note:

• April 7: Wear teal for the Day of Action—Wear teal, the official color of SAAM, in support of survivors, spark conversations, and help bring visibility to this important issue.
• April 29: Participate in Denim Day—Challenge harmful misconceptions about sexual violence and stand in solidarity with survivors by wearing denim.

Join the MK Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence for a Creative Cafe session today, April 2, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Create your own poetry zine in this hands-on workshop on Friday, April 3, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Welles-Brown Room, Rush Rhees Library. Learn more.

The University’s new weather station will be tested on Thursday, April 9, at 4:30 p.m. Located on River Campus on the Towers Athletic Field in the Brian F. Prince Athletic Complex, the weather station’s horn will sound twice for 10 seconds to test the lightning alarm, and then for 30 seconds to test the tornado alarm. Faculty, students, staff, and visitors do not need to take any action during the test.

Poulomi Basu, a neurodiverse artist, is the guest at the next Voices of XR session on Wednesday, April 15, at 3:30 p.m. in Carlson Library or via Zoom.

Calming U provides a welcoming space for URochester students to pause, reflect, and develop lifelong well-being skills. Explore options for the four-week mindfulness session.

All Education Abroad and International Student Photo contest participants are invited to a special reception on April 8 to honor their work, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and view the gallery of winning photos from each category.

Open to experienced graduate teaching assistants in the School of Arts & Sciences and the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, this program trains experienced GTAs to coach first-time GTAs during GTA Orientation on the morning of August 26. Apply by April 11.

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.

Thursday, April 2

• Women’s tennis vs. William Smith College, 4 p.m.

Friday, April 3

• Baseball vs. St. Lawrence University, 4 p.m.

Saturday, April 4

• Women’s lacrosse vs. William Smith College, 11 a.m.
• Baseball vs. St. Lawrence University, 2 and 5 p.m.

Wednesday, April 8

• Women’s lacrosse vs. RIT, 4 p.m.