5 things you need to know this week

A weekly series designed to highlight events, benefits, perks, and items of interest for University of Miami faculty and staff.

Participate in 10 Days of Connection.
Multiple dates.
Join the annual community-led challenge, which aims to confront increased divisiveness facing communities across the country. Through a calendar of events and volunteer opportunities, local community members are challenged to step out of their comfort zone and come together with individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Browse the calendar and get involved. Find out more about the initiative.

Enroll in a virtual aromatherapy intensive class. 
Saturday, May 8, at 11 a.m.
Learn to utilize essential oils for the management of acute and chronic pain. Offered by the Miller School of Medicine’s Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, the 3.5-hour class will review how the body’s systems respond to various oils and how aromatherapy can impact the pain receptors in the nervous system. Participants will learn to effectively select and apply the appropriate essential oils based on the type of pain and area of the body to maximize their benefits. Learn more and register for the course, which is open to all and eligible for continuing education credit. For questions, call 305-243-4751 or email kydra.thompson@miami.edu.

Update your transit pass preferences by May 14.
Miami-Dade Transit fares will be reinstated in June.
New employees who wish to obtain their initial transit pass should complete their registration by May 14. Faculty and staff members who need to cancel their transit pass and avoid a payroll deduction should complete a cancellation form and send it to ppasses@med.miami.edu by Friday, May 14. Beginning June 1, transit fares will be reinstated. And full-time employees enrolled in the University’s Public Transit Program will see the first payroll deduction for their monthly transit pass. Learn more about the program, which includes discounted monthly Metrorail and Tri-Rail passes for University employees.

Tell us how ’Canes give back. 
Submit by Tuesday, June 1.
Each year the University community contributes thousands of hours of service to local, national, and global communities. Despite the challenges that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals and groups have found innovative ways to  volunteer. If you or your department have participated in community service between May 2020 and May 2021, consider submitting your hours to the Butler Center for Service and Leadership. Complete the form by Tuesday, June 1, at 11:59 p.m. For more information, contact Lindsey Woods at l.woods@miami.edu.

Gain new skills and promote a culture of belonging. 
Register by Friday, June 4.
Participate in the 2021-22 UDialogue, a discussion-based initiative that kicks off in August and ends in May 2022. Through monthly meetings, University faculty and staff members have the opportunity to engage in dialogue that addresses social justice. The program focuses on the understanding of perspectives and ideas that facilitate intellectual advancement as well as the personal development of individual University community members. Complete the form if you are interested in participating. Enrollment is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Find out more about the program.