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May 15, 2026

The latest news and updates for University of Rochester faculty and staff

Happy Commencement Weekend!

Today, we celebrate the Class of 2026 at the University-wide Commencement ceremony. Visit the Commencement website for the latest information, including a schedule of events for the weekend and FAQs. You can also watch broadcasts of today’s ceremony and the weekend’s school graduation ceremonies.

Time for pomp and circumstance »

Awards and honors

Recognition, research, and global reach for students and alumni

URochester students and alumni continue to earn national and international recognition through a wide range of competitive fellowships, advancing research, addressing societal challenges, and applying their work in real-world settings.

Meet the recipients »

For faculty and staff

Sleep strategies for shift workers

Working overnight, rotating shifts, or weekends can make it much more difficult to get quality sleep. Read Behavioral Health Partners’ May blog to explore strategies designed to help shift workers protect their rest and maintain better sleep routines.

For the community

Celebrate Spirit Friday

Show your URochester pride every Friday by wearing your University gear or school colors. You can shop this month’s deal—an MV Sport tank top for 25 percent off—available in-store at the bookstore through May, while supplies last. Share your Spirit Friday photos on social media using #URochester.

Presentation for patients with chronic pain

Faculty from URochester Medicine and the Warner School of Education & Human Development will present “The New Science Behind Chronic Pain: Your Body is Not Broken” from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, at the Rochester Academy of Medicine, 1441 East Avenue. This presentation is designed for patients. A follow-up presentation for healthcare providers will be offered on June 18. Find details and register to attend.

Tickets on sale for Friends of Strong BBQ lunch fundraiser

Support patient- and family-centered care on June 11 from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. for the Friends of Strong annual BBQ Lunch fundraiser. Tickets are $15. Individual tickets are available for purchase in the gift shop. 312 requisitions must be brought to the Friends of Strong office by the end of the day on June 5. No requisitions will be taken at the door. Learn more, including menu specifics, here.

URochester in the News

Florida Study: Cellphone Bans Promote Academic Gains … After a Year or So

The 74, May 12

David Figlio, Gordon Fyfe Professor of Economics and Education, discusses the first study probing what happens when an entire state bans cellphones in schools.

UR Stars spotlight

Natalie Bunce, Instructional Designer

Each week, we spotlight a faculty or staff member who has been recognized as a UR Star. Natalie Bunce, an instructional designer, was recognized for demonstrating Excellence.

“I’d like to give a giant shout-out to Natalie for countless reasons! She goes well above and beyond in creating our newsletters and training materials for the PFS department. Her creativity and enthusiasm for constructing different challenges, showing recognition and inclusion every step of the way, is just another way she shines. Dare I say she makes learning as fun as possible? Yup, you know it! I’m also incredibly humbled by the offer to become a Well-U Champion for our department, and her ongoing support and guidance in the endeavor. Natalie is a shining star and a wonderful example of great leadership.”

Submit a UR Star »

About @rochester

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