Tips for Masking Up

Wearing a mask helps keep our RIT community protected by decreasing the risk for COVID-19 transmission. Over the last month, you may have heard how mask recommendations have been updated to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. But what exactly has changed?

Here’s what you need to know:

• Create an obstacle course for pathogens. Masks are required to be worn by all students, faculty, and staff — including those who are fully vaccinated — while indoors. You should wear a high quality, multi-layered mask for the best protection. This includes:
  • Surgical, N95, KN95, or KF94 mask
  • Cloth masks should only be worn as a second/outer layer when paired with a surgical, N95, KN95, or KF94 mask
  • Clear face mask for communication with individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing

• When in doubt, double up. If you can see through your mask, you need another layer. Additionally, cloth masks should only be worn as a second/outer layer.
  
  
• Get the right fit. Make sure your mask covers your mouth and nose, fits snugly against the sides of your face, and doesn’t have any gaps. Pro tip: if your glasses fog up, your mask is not well-fitted!

FreezeFest is Here!

Join in on the weeklong celebration of winter now through Feb. 6.

FreezeFest will feature a variety of winter activities to get involved in both on- and off-campus, including Chocolate on Ice, a ski and snowboard trip to Bristol Mountain, and open skate at the new outdoor ice rink.

For a full list of events and activities, go to rit.edu/FreezeFest.

Fill Your Plate with Fiber!

Fiber is an indigestible carbohydrate that provides lots of important benefits for the body. Fiber is beneficial to maintain a healthy cholesterol level, reduce risk of heart disease, and it provides satiety after a meal. It is also used to prevent and relieve constipation. 

Did you know it is recommended to consume at least 25 grams of fiber each day? Here are some high-fiber options to try this week:

In general, whole grain products, vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, and seeds will be high in fiber. Make a goal each day to start your day with a fiber-rich meal including a whole grain product and a fruit!

Each week, we are sharing a financial wellness tip to help you make the connection between financial management decisions, your overall wellness, and student success. Money touches every aspect of our lives, and a lack of financial literacy can cause unnecessary stress and negatively impact our mental and physical health.

Time for Taxes

The deadline to file your taxes is Monday, April 18.

Filing a tax return is an annual task for most people – but not everyone has to file taxes. If your income is below a certain level, you might not have to file a tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For those under the age of 65, you probably have to file a tax return if your 2021 gross income (sum of all earnings before any deductions or taxes) was at least $12,550 as a single filer.

Not sure if you need to file a tax return? Click here to determine if you need to file a return >

• Domestic Students
  There are many services you can use to file both your federal and state taxes for FREE. Click here for a complete list and commonly asked questions >
  
  
• International Students
  All international students are REQUIRED to file a return with the IRS each year you are in the United States. This includes federal and state tax returns for those who earn income and the non-employed federal form for those who did not earn income. For more information, visit the International Student Services website.

Still have questions? Log on to Banzai, a FREE online financial wellness tool provided by Advantage Federal Credit Union and RIT where you can find courses on Tax Brackets and Statuses and Your Income Tax Pregame. 

Plus, register for the next Money Mondays series session Relationships, Careers and Talking About Money on February 14 and check out the Financial Literacy website. Follow the Financial Literacy Team on Facebook and Instagram.

For additional events and event information, go to rit.edu/events.