July 20th- July 24th, 2026 | Vol. 12, Issue 29
In this issue:
Designing Effective Assessment: Backward Design in Action
��️Monday July 20th | ⏱️ 12:00pm - 2:00pm |�� G-8534 Anderson Room
Explore what makes assessment meaningful and effective within a course. This session will introduce backward design principles and connect them to curriculum development, scaffolding your learning goals, activities, and assessments for greater student success! Food will be provided!
Guest Speaker: Lauren Brooks, Associate Professor, Co-Director of the Biomedical Sciences Program
Lauren Brooks, PhD, is an Associate Professor at Nazareth University with a deep passion for teaching, learning, and student success. Drawing on her background in microbiology, immunology, and clinical laboratory science, she is dedicated to creating engaging learning experiences that help students connect theory to practice. Lauren is committed to helping others discover new ideas, strategies, and approaches to teaching, fostering growth and excellence in the classroom. Her enthusiasm for education and mentorship inspires both students and fellow educators alike.
Mental Health First Aid Training for SMD Faculty, Staff and Trainees! (Full Day)
��️Wednesday, July 22nd| ⏱️ 8:00am - 4:15pm|��Room will be emailed to you
Become certified in Mental Health First Aid through this 7.5 hour in-person training course. Certification is through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and is active for 3 years.
At a research institution where the demands on PhD students, postdoctoral associates, faculty, and staff are high, mental health literacy is impactful. It helps us become better prepared to support colleagues and trainees, contributes to healthier work environments, and reduces stigma around mental health.
Mental Health First Aid is a training that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance abuse challenges. You'll learn:
✅ Common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges
✅ How to interact with a person in crisis
✅ How to connect a person with help
✅ More about trauma, substance use and self-care
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
8:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Breakfast and lunch provided
Room location will be emailed to you
Faculty/staff register by emailing Amber Rivera amber_rivera@urmc.rochester.edu
9th Annual Presentation Skills Workshop
��️Friday July 24th| ⏱️ 1:00pm - 4:00pm|��Neuman Room (1-6823)
About the workshop:
• learn principles for designing effective scientific talks
• emphasis on clear visual communication
• aimed primarily at students, but postdocs, fellows, techs, faculty,
and staff are welcome
• be prepared to share a set of slides from a scientific talk during
the small-group discussions portion
Presented by Dr. Alan Grossfield - Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics
Light Refreshments will be provided!
LinkedIn Session Part II - "Beyond the Bench: Exploring Career Tracks"
��️Wednesday July 29th| ⏱️12:00pm - 1:00pm|��Virtual
A myHub Career Workshop Designed by Eric Vaughn, M.Ed.
This event is in collaboration with SAS & Hajim GEPA
Graduate students and postdoctoral trainees develop a wide range of valuable skills that extend far beyond the traditional academic research path. This interactive workshop will introduce participants to a variety of career tracks available to learners including industry research and development, data science, government and public health, science communication, regulatory affairs, nonprofit leadership, and research administration. Participants will explore common roles, key skills, and work environments across these sectors while learning how to translate their research experience into transferable strengths. The session will also highlight how LinkedIn can be used to explore career paths, identify professionals in different sectors, and begin building a personalized strategy for career exploration. This session will include a brief overview of key concepts, small group activities, and dedicated time for individual exploration and one-on-one assistance!
ISSA Summer Picnic Party
��️Friday, July 31st| ⏱️ 5:30pm - 8:00pm|��Canalside Shelter Genesee Valley Park
Whether you're new to campus or a familiar face, our Summer Picnic is the perfect opportunity to relax, meet fellow students and scholars from around the world, and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Bring your friends and your appetite, we can't wait to celebrate summer with you!
Teaching Reimagined: Building, Engaging, and Learning Experiences
��️August 10th and, August 11th| ⏱️ Various Times|��Saunders Research Building 1412
Join us for the myHub Teaching Retreat 2026, a two-day interactive experience designed for graduate students and postdocs who are interested in teaching, mentoring, and academic careers. Whether you're certain about a teaching path or just exploring, this retreat will provide practical tools, strategies, and a supportive community to help you grow as an educator! Food will be provided.
| Mental Health First Aid Training for SMD Faculty, Staff and Trainees! (Full Day or Morning Sessions) |
Become certified in Mental Health First Aid through this 7.5 hour in-person training course. Certification is through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and is active for 3 years.
At a research institution where the demands on PhD students, postdoctoral associates, faculty, and staff are high, mental health literacy is impactful. It helps us become better prepared to support colleagues and trainees, contributes to healthier work environments, and reduces stigma around mental health.
Mental Health First Aid is a training that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance abuse challenges. You'll learn:
✅ Common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges
✅ How to interact with a person in crisis
✅ How to connect a person with help
✅ More about trauma, substance use and self-care
Attendance at both sessions is mandatory to achieve certification.
Monday, July 27 and Tuesday, July 28, 2026
8:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Breakfast served both mornings
Room location will be emailed to you
| Free Summer English Support Course |
The Language Center is offering a free four-week program, July 21 through August 12, designed to help international graduate students strengthen their academic English skills and gain confidence navigating communication in US academic settings.
| Summer Wellness and Connection |
Summer Break Lunch With The BIC!
��️Thursday August 6th| ⏱️ 11am - 2pm|��Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center
Join the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center for a summer break lunch provided by Revolution Chinese! Come enjoy yummy food, cultural movies, and community! Please RSVP by Monday, August 3rd to ensure enough food is ordered for everyone.
Wellness on Demand Vending Machine
Our “Wellness on Demand” vending machine is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to students, and all items are free of charge in the UHS foyer. The machine is stocked every week day as needed, but please keep in mind that we do not stock over the weekend, so some supplies may be missing at this time. In order to ensure that all students are able to get what they need, please only take what you need at the time. With any questions about the vending machine, please email Zoe Black.
Food Pantry
Open Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays during the summer from 3-6 PM. Individuals can browse and choose non-perishable items during the Pantry’s operation hours in 105 Wilson Commons, or pre-order a bag for pick up.
Safe Sex Express
The Safe Sex Express is a program that delivers safer sex supplies and information to Rochester students’ CMC boxes. The program was created by students on the UR Student Health Advisory Committee (URSHAC) in the spring of 2015. The Safe Sex Express makes around 100 deliveries each month throughout the academic year!
Lemonade Stand Mondays at the BIC!
��️Every Monday| ⏱️ 10:30am - 2:30pm|��Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center
Join the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center this summer for our Lemonade Stand Mondays! Free, refreshing, and over 10+ flavors to choose from, come chill this summer with us!
Outdoor Equipment Rentals from the Campus In
Interested in renting out Bocce ball, frisbees, giant Jenga, hammocks, Kan Jam, and more for some outdoor social fun? Equipment can be signed out and utilized by the University community.
URMC Fitness Center Classes
For the months of June & July, UR affiliates (i.e. graduate students) can take any class without membership. The cost per class is $4 for employees and $3 for students, cash.
Kickball!
Enjoy the summer with 2 dates of fun and recreational play at Genesee Valley Park - July 15 and 22. Sign up with friends or by yourself. The cost is only $6 per person for play on both dates. For complete information, please email fitnesscenter@urmc.rochester.edu.
| Virginia Journal of Medicine Fall 2026 Issue (Deadline Soon) |
The Virginia Journal of Medicine is a peer-reviewed, student-run journal that showcases the scholarly, creative, and community-focused work of medical students across the country. We welcome a wide range of submissions, including:
Original research
Review articles
Case reports
Quality improvement and medical education projects
Narrative medicine, reflections, poetry, and other creative pieces
Perspectives on advocacy, ethics, and community engagement
Whether you’ve been working on a research project, reflecting on a meaningful clinical experience, or developing something creative on the side, this is a wonderful opportunity to share your work and receive supportive, structured editorial feedback. We aim to have this version published prior to the due date of ERAS applications.
�� Fall 2026 submission deadline: July 24, 2026
�� Submission portal link: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeO6tUbRh7bJRhSY__AM4Ee5nvo53RR-SYSsfmpMLrcxs5QxQ/viewform
For more information, visit vajournal.med.virginia.edu/ or email uvamedstudentreview@gmail.com
This week's featured read ��✨: Why Most PowerPoint Presentations Suck By Rick Altman reveals the secrets behind creating presentations that truly capture attention and leave a lasting impression. Packed with practical tips, real-world examples, and plenty of humor, Altman shows why so many presentations miss the mark and how anyone can transform dull slides into engaging, memorable experiences. Whether you're preparing for a class presentation, leading a meeting, or speaking at a conference, this insightful guide will help you communicate with greater confidence and impact. Stop by the GEPA office to check it out!
This week’s social media spotlight features Alexander Torbuck, PhD Candidate, who recently shared exciting news on LinkedIn: "Excited to share that today I successfully defended my PhD dissertation proposal at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry!" His dissertation explores how changes in local hospital systems affect access to care among older adults to help inform health policy. Alexander also shared that "The proposal was approved without required revisions, and I’m excited for what’s next!" Congratulations, Alexander, on this incredible achievement!
The University of Rochester is committed to providing inclusive experiences and equal access to programs and services. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, please contact the Office of Disability Resources. In all situations, a good faith effort (up until the time of the event) will be made to provide accommodations.
OTE Submission Information
Submissions for the weekly Monday edition of OTE are due by Thursday at 5:00 pm. Please submit materials to myHub@urmc.rochester.edu.
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