Season of Giving

As prevalence is increasing in our area, we must do our part to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the weeks leading up to travel. If you are planning to travel, begin your modified quarantine 14 days before you intend to travel. Consider:

• Limiting close contacts. The best approach is to reestablish your bubble based on those with whom you cohabitate. Keep your bubble small. When in close proximity of others, don't forget the three W's - wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance.
• Interact virtually. Use technology-based connections for socializing to limit your in-person contacts.
• Order take out. Pick up your food at dining locations on campus and take them home with you.

Do you know who is actually in your COVID-19 bubble?

We hate to burst your bubble, but your friends, classmates, co-workers, and family may not all be part of your “COVID bubble”. Your bubble consists of those with whom you live and share air, not necessarily your closest friends and family.

With every person you add to your bubble, you are exposing yourself (and your bubble) to every person they have interacted with, as well. If you have developed close contacts outside your bubble, we strongly encourage you to keep this group of close contacts very small, while limiting your time of exposure. You should wear masks with your small group of friends.

If you are heading home for the break, you may need to reestablish your bubble – keep it small and keep it safe.

Feeling sick? Don’t wait!

A friendly reminder: we are now entering the start of the respiratory illness season. This includes the common cold and influenza, coupled with COVID-19 - also a respiratory illness. In a global pandemic, you must not let your guard down. Not feeling well? A little achy, headache, sore throat, runny nose, stomach upset, or a little feverish? Worsening of your allergies? Don’t wait until it’s too late! 

If you’re not feeling well, make an appointment with the Student Health Center sooner rather than later. Please don’t make an assumption that you have mild symptoms of a seasonal illness. Don’t make your own diagnosis. 

Err on the side of caution. Complete the Daily Health Screen and answer “yes” if you have any of the symptoms listed. Then, call or make an online appointment at the Student Health Center. Our professional staff can help you sort out your symptoms. We can help you determine if a COVID test is necessary, or if you just need some rest, sleep, and nourishing food.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can appear as early as two days or as late as 14 days after exposure.

Be a friend: If you notice a roommate or friend who is feeling ill, strongly urge them to get medical attention.

Friendsgiving (Thanksgiving with friends) might look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate with your chosen family safely. We’ve put together some tips on how to host your first virtual Friendsgiving without a hitch.

• Set the scene
  Pick a day and time that works best for your group to celebrate and set up a Zoom meeting. Set your table with your favorite place setting and a spot to prop your phone, laptop, or tablet during dinner.
   
• Make a collaborative menu
  Plan out your Friendsgiving menu ahead of time by asking each friend to share a favorite recipe for everyone to make. Plan out your grocery list and make sure everyone buys all of the ingredients needed to make the same dishes ahead of time.
   
• Cook together (even if you’re not really together)
  One of the best parts about Friendsgiving is spending time together before it’s even time to sit down for dinner. Start your Zoom meeting earlier in the day so you can make your favorite recipes together as a group.  

If you do plan to celebrate in person for Friendsgiving, be sure to:

• Keep it small and stick to your “COVID bubble”
• Wear your mask whenever you are not eating. Make sure those around you are masked up, too.
• Skip a buffet-style dinner and serve your meal in individual portions to avoid contamination from shared serving utensils. Designate one person to be the server to cut down on the number of people handling food and utensils.
• Or better yet, BYOT: Bring Your Own Turkey. Sharing food increases the risk of spreading germs, so the safest option is to bring your own food and beverages.
• Put your drink in a cup with a straw so you can easily sip your drink without even removing your mask.

Give yourself peace of mind and confidence to finish strong by making a plan for finals.

• Create study guides
• Write out your schedule  (Exam Study Plan)
• Prioritize (ASC Final Review)
• Use travel time, if you’ll have it to review. Traveling with a buddy, quiz each other. (Quizlet)
• You still have access to resources even though you’ll be remote (ask your professors any questions about the exams, especially with 100% remote testing/submissions, library, ASC, Expressive Communication Center (preparing for a presentation))
  • Library - librarians are available virtually to help with research for final papers/projects. They can book an appointment to meet virtually, chat online, email libraryhelp@rit.edu, or call 585-475-2563.
  • Our Citation Guides can help students with citations for their final papers.
• Study in a small group, even it’s over zoom
• Have a designated study and exam space at home
• Make sure everyone at your residence knows your exam schedule
• Let yourself rest, before and between exams, doesn’t necessarily always mean sleep, but something that recharges you

During the holidays, it seems like we are always doing more. More socializing, more spending, more eating… But what about doing more for you? 

As we round out the end of the semester and head into winter break, we challenge you to take some time to take care of yourself this holiday season. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Relax: You’ve spent all semester working hard and constantly on the go. Take time to sit, relax, and turn off your brain for a bit. 
• Laugh: Laughter is good for the soul. Call or spend time with the person that makes you laugh harder than anyone else - and enjoy it! 
• Write: No, not a research paper. Spend some time putting your thoughts down on paper - it can be anything! Reflect on your current mood, something you are grateful for, or write an old-fashioned letter to a friend.
• Breathe: Feeling overwhelmed? Frustrated? Worried? Take a deep breath in. Now, a deep breath out. Calming your mind and settling your thoughts can go a long way in keeping yourself in the right mental space.
• Give: There are so many opportunities to give to those in need, which can make you feel good, too. Pick an organization you care about and give the way you want to give instead of how you think you are supposed to.

The holiday season is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. So why do I feel so stressed? 

This time of year can be overwhelming for a number of reasons. Between finals, preparing to head home for break, and prioritizing the needs of others over our own, there is a lot on our minds. 

Take some time for you this holiday season for a happier, healthier, and more relaxed winter break.

• Don’t over commit: Not every day needs to be productive over break. You have spent the entire semester planning out your schedule, studying for exams, and meeting new friends. Choose a few things you want to accomplish over break so you can spend some much needed time relaxing and recharging.
• Make time for self-care: Didn’t have time for that DIY face mask during midterms? Haven’t picked up a book that isn’t listed in one of your syllabi in a while? Now is the perfect time to take care of yourself. While you’re at it, plan out some easy ideas for self-care that you can do next semester. By planning ahead, you’re setting yourself up for success in making time for yourself.
• Check-in on your mental health: Check-in to see how you’re feeling emotionally. If you’ve been feeling down, worried, or anxious, you may consider taking an online self-assessment. Mental health screenings provide a quick and easy way to spot early signs of mental health issues. Take a self-assessment here: screening.mentalhealthscreening.org/rochestertech

Counseling and Psychological Services is hosting virtual drop-in connection groups throughout the remainder of the fall semester. These groups are designed to create a safe space to discuss emotional reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic and its many consequences. In addition to the virtual drop-in connection groups, there are a variety of groups designed specifically for:

• LGBTQ+ students
• MCAS students
• International students
• Out-of-state students
• Greek affiliated students
• Student athletes
• Students with disabilities impacted by COVID-19
• Students in quarantine or isolation
• Workshops (sleep management, stress management, building connections, etc.)

Register via CampusGroups to join one of the upcoming connection groups

**You do not need to be connected with Counseling and Psychological to participate. Please be aware, these groups are not a replacement for psychotherapy. Contact Counseling and Psychological Services at 585-475-2261 if you are interested in scheduling a telehealth consultation. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis please call 211 or 911 locally or your local equivalent. 

Schedule an appointment to donate blood at www.redcrossblood.org. If you are heading home for the holidays, search for blood drives in your local community. 

Tuesday, Nov. 10
12:30-5 p.m.
American Red Cross Cafe, 825 John Street
Sponsor Code: americanredcrosshenrietta

Thursday, Nov. 12
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
American Red Cross Cafe, 825 John Street
Sponsor Code: americanredcrosshenrietta

Tuesday, Nov. 17
2-7 p.m.
Church of Jesus Christ LDS, 1400 Westfall Road
Sponsor Code: churchofjesuschristofldsrochester

Friday, Nov. 20
2-6 p.m.
Marketplace Mall
Sponsor Code: marketplacemallrochester

Searching for a place to volunteer in the Rochester area? Look no further than the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement website. There's a list of local organizations that are seeking volunteers and the staff can help you get connected to whatever organization sounds appealing to you. 

Looking to limit your exposure and keep your "bubble" small? Check out these virtual volunteer opportunities.

Track and report your hours
The Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement tracks and reports on community service hours and philanthropic giving. Reporting your hours is an important part of your giving back process. 

Report Your Hours

Read the 2019-20 State of Service