Messages and Updates

December 2021

• Spring 2022 update: A message to students, faculty, and staff
• December 14 COVID-19 update from URMC Chief Medical Officer
• Eligible students strongly encouraged to get vaccine booster over winter break
• Updated guidance prohibits in-person University holiday gatherings
• Winter Stay 2021–22 housing expansion
• Omicron variant changes international travel and US entry
• Medical Center experts answer common COVID-19 booster questions

November 2021

• University’s COVID-19 safety measures align with new Monroe County policies
• Current guidance on getting a COVID-19 booster vaccination
• COVID-19 holiday safety tips from URMC
• Dr. Chat Bot to pause for Thanksgiving Break, except at Medical Center
• COVID-19 vaccine clinics for children ages 5–11
• Students: COVID-19 self-test kits available for pick-up

October 2021

• UHS Director Ralph Manchester reminds students to complete Dr. Chat Bot
• University offers guidance on gatherings with food or drink
• COVID-19 vaccination policies for contractors, suppliers, and consultants
• Changes to the University’s COVID-19 testing program

September 2021

• COVID-19 workplace safety plans aim to protect employees
• UR Medicine releases staff vaccination data, saying hospitals will remain ‘open for business’
• COVID-19 tests for employees start the week of September 27
• Current vaccination rates among students, faculty, and staff
• Update on NY State vaccine mandate for healthcare workers
• Free face mask for first-year and transfer students
• University achieves full compliance in student vaccination confirmation process
• Hospital hosts vaccine clinics in September for faculty, staff, students, and volunteers
• Vaccine Requirement Policy: A Message from Human Resources
• Students find care and comfort in quarantine and isolation housing
• COVID Impacting Work and Academics: A Message from University Provost and Deans

August 2021

• Fall 2021 greeting from President Mangelsdorf
• COVID-19 vaccination requirement for faculty and staff in place September 27, 2021
• Dr. Chat Bot now required for all faculty, staff, and students
• Spring 2022: Student international travel update
• What we know about New York State’s health care worker vaccine mandate
• Students: What to expect for the fall 2021 semester on campus
• Faculty and staff: What to expect for the fall 2021 semester
• Staring down a(nother) COVID surge
• Walk-in vaccines now available for employees and students
• Indoor face masking requirement goes back into effect for all University campuses
• Fall 2021 move-in: Details for River Campus and Eastman
• For faculty and staff: Vaccination status reporting

July 2021

• For students: Important details on COVID-19 vaccinations
• Current face mask policies on University campuses
• HR update: Vacation pay-out program
• For students: COVID-19 vaccination reminder from UHS

June 2021

• New guidance announced on relaxing of campus COVID-19 restrictions
• Leadership update: The future of work at the University
• Student international travel update for fall 2021
• Updated face mask, social distancing guidance for meeting spaces
• Enrollment begins for Medical Center pediatric COVID-19 vaccine trials

May 2021

• New University app lets students easily show their COVID-19 vaccination status

April 2021

• Paid time off for COVID-19 vaccine
• PPE announced as qualified medical expense
• UHS resuming J&J student vaccinations
• Security tip: Beware of contact tracing scams
• University to require COVID-19 vaccination for students for upcoming academic year
• Plan for 2021 spring semester move-out
• Security tip: Get vaccinated, not scammed
• Human Resources: Return to workplace update
• For employees: Modified performance evaluations
• Updated travel guidance for the University community
• Admitted students can register to walk around River Campus’ outdoor spaces
• COVID-19 vaccination options for University students

March 2021

• URMC now able to vaccinate faculty, staff and students 30 years and older
• COVID-19 vaccine FAQs for the University community
• AS&E plans for in-person 2021-22 academic year
• URMC can offer vaccine to eligible 1b faculty, staff, and students
• New website brings together support resources for faculty and staff
• More University employees will become eligible for COVID-19 vaccine on March 17
• University community marks the one-year anniversary of COVID-19
• At-risk hospital patients receiving COVID-19 vaccine at discharge
• Pilot program for undergraduate residence hall visitation
• Extra masks available to students who want to double-mask
• Online teaching one-hour ‘how-to’ workshops
• COVID-19 testing for students who attend protests and rallies
• Update on fall and summer 2021 international travel for students

February 2021

• Deadline extended to opt back into parking and keep permit
• Vaccinated? Here are the important things to keep doing on campus
• #CovURup social media competition submissions due March 5
• Zip code specific vaccine clinic for eligible Rochester residents
• For students: COVID-19 vaccine update from UHS
• Video message: Leadership updates for University staff
• COVID-19 vaccine paid sick day
• Spring 2021 financial update from University leadership
• Update Feb. 11: COVID-19 vaccination availability
• Wellness event: Handling winter during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Urgent Message from UHS Director Dr. Ralph Manchester
• Spring 2021 message from President Mangelsdorf
• Compete in the Dr. Chat Bot Challenge
• Guidance on 2021 spring semester guests and visitors
• Vaccination Program Update and Response from President Mangelsdorf and URMC CEO Mark Taubman

January 2021

• No more NYS Orange Zone for the University, but vigilance still needed
• What to expect for the 2021 spring semester on campus
• Space still available in emergency childcare program
• Evening tunnel access to begin January 19
• Update on COVID vaccination availability for University in-person instructors, faculty
• Blog post on moral distress in health care
• Update on Medical Center vaccine distribution
• Sawgrass Surgical Center closed January 7-18
• Apply now to use the COVID-19 biobank
• Plan for 2021 spring semester student arrivals

December 2020

• Emergency childcare program for essential employees begins Jan. 4
• Rochester responds to COVID-19: A collection of stories
• EAP blog on boredom and the pandemic
• University financial update: Entering 2021 amid COVID-19
• Newly approved Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine arrives at Rochester
• COVID-19 testing update for students still on campus
• S/F policy update for students in the College
• For faculty and staff: COVID-19 testing update

November 2020

• What the NYS Orange Zone means for the University
• Limited Helen Wood Hall access to resume November 30
• Planning ahead for winter weather
• Spring 2021: Quarantine options for undergraduates living in University housing
• Faculty and staff: EAP blog about working from home
• Update: All residential undergraduate students to have pre-departure COVID test
• Updated travel guidelines for students, faculty, staff, and parents
• What the NYS Yellow Precautionary Zone means for the University
• UHS Announces Pre-Departure Travel Testing Options for Students
• Practice safe ‘Zooming’ for online meetings, classes
• COVID-19 biobank can support coronavirus research
• Quarantine and isolation guide for students going to a local hotel or Whipple Park

October 2020

• 2021 winter stay and spring arrival details (AS&E and ESM)
• A message from President Mangelsdorf on staying healthy and safe
• New look and content for University’s COVID-19 Dashboard
• NYS’s COVID Alert NY app is another awareness tool
• Dr. Chat Bot student text reminders to start soon
• Education Abroad update for spring 2021
• Faculty and staff: Conflict resolution tips for families working from home
• New University coronavirus dashboard
• Make an appointment: On-campus flu clinics for students, faculty, staff
• Spring 2021: Schools announce academic plans

September 2020

• COVID-19 testing update from UHS
• Updates on COVID-19 protocols and new student space options
• Faculty guide: Helping international students overcome academic and access barriers
• Upcoming online teaching resource workshops
• New study space options on campus
• Virtual writing support for graduate students and postdocs
• What would happen during a ‘pause’?
• Faculty and staff: Are you coping with ‘COVID fatigue’?
• ‘UR Connected’ coaches help students cope with stress
• New FAQs answer common questions from faculty and staff
• COVID-19 test available to students participating in recent protests or rallies
• How to request rooms for remote classes or private meetings
• How can students get involved in CURT planning and activities?
• COVID-19 testing appointments for graduate and off-campus students
• Adding more fresh air to indoor spaces
• Graduate student town hall on September 2
• Public Health Ambassador program for students

August 2020

• Guidance on fall semester events, guests and visitors
• Goergen Athletic Center reopens
• Spring 2021 semester schedule
• StudyZone enrolling students for in-person and virtual services
• Updated: Quarantine requirements for students, faculty, staff arriving from international locations
• University on-campus mask distribution
• Masked and ready, the Class of 2024 moves in to campus housing
• University partners with YMCA to offer childcare option to eligible employees
• University statement about workplace flexibility
• Bookstore reopens but encourages students to purchase online
• International students: Updates on quarantine, move-in, and housing
• COVID-19 signs for office, lab, dorm: Download and print
• Focus on community: A video message from President Mangelsdorf
• New employee guide outlines protocols for returning to campus workspaces
• Message to quarantining students: Support is available and we’re in this together
• Faculty Club to be closed this fall
• International students: Get details about orientation program requirements
• How to find classroom assignments for fall 2020
• Wilson Day moves to new format
• Further update on the fall athletic season
• River Campus Libraries innovates in a pandemic summer
• UR Commitment: A message from President Mangelsdorf
• Questions about student quarantine?

July 2020

• COVID-19 testing for graduate students
• AS&E, Eastman students: Complete fall info form and checklist by August 5
• Rochester joins phase 3 test of coronavirus vaccine
• Daily random COVID-19 tests added to monitoring protocol for students
• Dining options and food pantry services
• Provost webinar outlines health and safety protocols for fall
• Update on financial recovery and furlough program
• Medical Center campus tightens ID swipe access to allow heath screenings
• In time of masking mandates, how to evaluate exemptions?
• Study: Twitter mirrors our attitudes and feelings about COVID-19
• Eastman School announces reopening of campus buildings
• Guidance regarding quarantine options for students from hot spot states
• Virtual town hall answers questions from students, families
• Engineers help volunteer group create face shields
• Campus community must take COVID-19 safety class
• Biologists selected for ‘rapid research’ on COVID-19
• University applauds federal decision to rescind ICE guidance
• Spring’s abrupt shift to remote learning offers lessons for the fall
• Interim guidance for students, families regarding ‘hot spot’ quarantine requirements
• Orientation leaders hope to make new students Rochester ready—virtually
• Rochester research finds bats offer clues to treating COVID-19
• University responds to ICE guidance that restricts international students’ fall semester options
• University responds to ICE guidance that restricts international students’ fall semester options
• Submit your questions about Rochester Restart
• UHS summer hours continue through August 14
• Memorial Art Gallery reopens as Finger Lakes region enters Phase Four

June 2020

• Communications plan
• Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting efforts across campus
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Travel and visitor policies
• Research procedures and safety guidelines
• Academics and educational delivery
• Facility density and physical distancing
• Surveillance, testing, and tracing
• iZone study space for the summer
• What will it take to restore the economy after COVID-19?
• University leaders address staff in virtual town hall
• Coordination with public health officials
• Libraries offer online services and live chat
• June 25 update to travel guidelines for employees
• UR Medicine hospitals resume limited inpatient visitation
• Phase 4 guidance for remote work
• Leadership update for University staff – Zoom event on June 29
• Rochester researchers adapt to COVID-19 precautions when reopening labs
• A message from Provost Rob Clark about our upcoming academic year
• A jump start on planning for Rochester fall student dining
• Did you leave your belongings on campus?
• Remote working in New York State’s Phase 3
• Online survey helps track COVID-19 spread in Rochester
• Remote work continues during NYS Phase 3
• Career counseling and exploration
• International and domestic University travel updates
• How to clean and disinfect your home—the right way
• University launches ordering site for non-Medical Center departments to centrally purchase PPE, cleaning supplies
• Face masks and PPE: How to order supplies for employees
• Fighting coronavirus disinformation in vulnerable communities
• Further Efforts to Strengthen Financial Stability
• URMC launches clinical trials testing a COVID-19 treatment
• Addressing bias-related incidents or concerns about harassment
• Basic Needs Hub: Food, clothing, and more
• Visitors and guests: Campuses remain closed

May 2020

• UR Medicine to begin COVID-19 antibody testing
• Update from Provost Rob Clark on Fall Planning Efforts
• River Campus building access for summer
• Health and counseling services
• Restart and Recovery: Update from Provost on planning efforts
• Rochester mathematical model to help monitor spread of COVID-19
• Economist says reopening the country will do little to restore US economy
• Social distancing has stabilized, but failed to reverse, the spread of COVID-19
• Revised policy covers absence due to quarantine
• Meliora Weekend
• Remote working continues in NY’s Phase 1
• Commencement
• Graduate programs still accepting applications
• Reopening research labs at the University
• Reopening research labs
• Updates to parking fees and vacation accruals aim to help employees
• Education Abroad programs canceled for fall 2020
• Study abroad
• Vacation policy: Updates on accruals
• Parking fees and updates for faculty and staff
• Coronavirus response: University leaders share progress in virtual town hall
• Restarting Research: A Message from Provost Rob Clark
• Reminder: Warmer weather still requires COVID-19 prevention efforts 
• Experimental coronavirus vaccine to be tested in Rochester
• CETL offers a wide range of academic support services
• Message from Provost Rob Clark Regarding the Upcoming Academic Year
• Furlough program information
• Medical Center clinical trial results ‘promising’ for COVID-19 treatment

April 2020

• Rochester RNA research could help develop COVID-19 treatments
• Message to All Non-Medical Center Faculty and Staff: Further Steps to Address Campus Financial Challenges
• Rochester ethicists: COVID-19 pandemic a ‘wake-up call’
• Temporary furlough program starts in May
• Message to All URMC Employees Regarding Staff Furloughs
• Health insurance and COVID-19 costs for postdocs
• Ombuds Services: Resolving disputes or conflicts
• Zoom backgrounds: Show your Rochester pride
• HR cancels in-person orientation for new hires
• Rochester researchers pursue quick ways to detect COVID-19
• AS&E Summer Session courses move online
• Rochester economist: Without stronger leadership, ‘disaster’ lies ahead
• New URMC coronavirus research examines immune response
• Emergency Medicine team returns from helping in NYC
• Face Mask Policies, Resources Announced for Employees and Students on Non-Medical Center Campuses
• Lab fees, student health fees, tuition, and other fees for spring 2020
• Housing and dining fees for spring 2020
• Admissions information and virtual programming for the Class of 2024
• Library and computer lab operations
• COVID-19 resource for researchers and research administrators
• Responding to the Financial Challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Update on Refunds to Students and Families
• Special access to digital library resources
• Update from the Office of Residential Life on Student Belongings 
• A Message from Sarah Mangelsdorf
• Video tutorial: How to look and sound your best
• Bias-related incidents
• Career exploration
• Food pantry for students
• Student Support Basic Needs Hub
• Student activity programming
• Will COVID-19 finally spur a revamp of US health care?
• Lessons from 1918 for 2020?
• Financial aid
• Building hours and access
• River Campus, Medical Center bank branches operations
• Athletic and fitness center operations
• Shuttle schedules
• University mail services
• Bookstores closed to visitors, but books can still be ordered
• Dining services schedule
• How to report symptoms and exposure
• Hotline for faculty, staff, and families
• Interfaith Chapel
• The CARE Network

March 2020

• Moves protect students and make way for isolation, quarantine areas
• Rochester economist: ‘Congress will have to do more’ to fight recession
• Op-ed: COVID-19 pandemic is a ‘fire drill’ for climate change
• Message to Prospective Graduate Students
• Hospitals preparing for surge in patients
• HR Updates Regarding COVID-19
• Current Residential Planning Efforts Aim to Keep On-Campus Students Healthy, Create More Needed Space
• Message to the University Community from President Mangelsdorf
• Update on S/F Policy for Spring 2020
• Message from Provost Rob Clark Regarding Spring Semester Dates
• Two Rochester psychologists offer ideas on how to stay connected
• Med Center Begins Clinical Trial for New COVID-19 Treatment
• Resources and Support During This Uncertain Time: A Message from Tony Kinslow
• Get tech support from University IT
• Message from Provost Rob Clark and the University School Deans on Online Instruction Beginning Monday
• Employee Reminders to Help Keep IT, Phone System Running Smoothly
• Important HR Information for University Faculty and Staff
• How to enroll in Duo to connect to University systems
• New VPN service available to connect and work remotely
• Urgent Update on Global Travel
• Commencement: Important message to the University of Rochester community from Sarah Mangelsdorf
• Important Update from Provost Clark: Extension of Undergraduate Spring Break and New 3/23 Start Date for Undergraduate and Some Graduate Classes
• Message from President Sarah Mangelsdorf
• Important HR Information and Resources
• Updated Guidelines on Travel and Possible Exposure
• Memorial Art Gallery operations
• Forthcoming HR Policies and Guidelines Related to COVID-19
• Important Message to Undergraduate Students in the College
• How do you slow a pandemic like coronavirus?
• Leadership Message to University of Rochester Community
• University Planning Efforts and New Restriction on Domestic Travel
• Important update: Travel and event guidance
• New FAQ covers reimbursement for University travel
• COVID-19 Travel Restrictions and Precautions
• Online teaching: Tech tips and resources
• EAP offers counseling and support for employees

February 2020

• URMC response to global COVID-19 outbreak
• Update on the University’s efforts to address global COVID-19 outbreak