News

Editors: You are welcome to cover this event at Rutgers University, Newark

WHAT:  Each semester, “DeStress Fest” helps students at Rutgers University in Newark cope with the stressors of final exams through a program of activities specifically designed to reduce stress and provide emotional and moral support. This fall those activities include a round-the-clock study lounge, extended hours at the campus library and athletic center, massages, belly dancing, yoga and free snacks.  All events and snacks are free; all activities open to both residential and commuter students.

WHO: DeStress Fest is sponsored by: the Office of the Chancellor, Counseling Center, Office of Student Life & Leadership, Housing & Residence Life, Athletics & Recreation, Unity Theatre and Student Health Advocates (Health Promotion Division of Health Services).

WHEN/WHERE:  Dec.  7- Dec. 21, various campus locations  (Please see calendar below)

BACKGROUND: DeStress Fest started with a twice-annual midnight pancake breakfast, held during winter and spring finals. For students who were cramming for exams, the pancake breakfasts provided nourishment, a needed break from their studies, and moral support, courtesy of Rutgers staff and administrators who served the pancakes while offering encouragement and a sympathetic ear. The breakfasts are still served but the campus has added a wide range of activities to help students manage the stresses associated with finals.

INFORMATION:  For mental health/stress issues, Dr. Pamela Heard, Counseling Center, 973/353-5805; for student life issues, Gerald Massenburg, 973/353-5541. General information: Carla Capizzi, 973/353-5263.

                                 CALENDAR FOR DESTRESS FEST FALL 2011

DESTRESS FEST FALL 2011 KICK OFF, Wed., Dec. 7, 2:30-4 p.m., free massages, interactive drumming with Drum Café, a performance by the R-N Ehsaas Dance Troupe. ALSO:  make your own stress balls, paint a pot, play the “knock down your stressors game” and write your thoughts on the wall of destress!  Free giveaways and refreshments. PAUL ROBESON CAMPUS CENTER (PRCC), 1^st floor, 350 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Newark.

NEED A QUIET PLACE TO STUDY? Extended  hours, John Cotton Dana Library, 185 University Ave., Wed. – Thurs., Dec. 14-15, 8 a.m. -2 a.m.; Fri., Dec. 16, 8 a.m. -9 p.m.;  Sat., Dec. 17, 10 a.m. -6 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 18, noon –midnight; Mon. –Tues., Dec. 19-20, 8 a.m. -2 a.m.; Wed., Dec. 21, 8 a.m. – midnight.

24-HOUR STUDY LOUNGE, Stonsby Lounge, Woodward Hall, 91 Bleeker St.

MASSAGE THERAPY,  Tues., Dec. 6, 9-11 a.m., Rutgers Center for Law and Justice (CLJ), 123 Washington St.;  Wed., Dec. 7, 2 – 4 p.m., Paul Robeson Campus Center (PRCC), 350 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.; Thurs., Dec. 8, and Sat., Dec. 10, 9-11 a.m., CLJ;  Mon., Dec. 12, noon- 2 p.m.,  PRCC, 350 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.; Tues., Dec. 13, 6-9 p.m., and Tues., Dec. 20, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Stonsby Lounge, Woodward Hall, 91 Bleeker St.

A NITE AT THE MOVIES: Friends With Benefits, Mon., Dec. 12, 7 p.m., Commuter Lounge, PRCC, 350 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

FREE GAME ROOM:  Tues., Dec.  13, all day, PRCC, 350 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

LAUGHING YOGA! Tues., Dec. 13, 4-5 p.m., PRCC, Robeson Art Gallery, 350 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

SSSHAKE YOUR STRESS OFF! FREE BELLY DANCING CLASS! Thurs., Dec. 15, 5-6 p.m., Golden Dome Athletic Center, 42 Warren St. (corner of Warren and University Ave.)

THE RED PLAGUE: RU INFECTED (With Stress)? Food, prizes, and entertainment, Thurs., Dec. 15, 6:30 p.m., games with Student Health Advocates; 7:15 p.m., interactive theater with Unity Theatre, Bradley Hall Theater, 110 Warren St. (corner of Warren Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.)

PANCAKE BREAKFAST, Thursday, Dec. 15, 10 p.m. – midnight, Stonsby Cafeteria,  Woodward Hall, 91 Bleeker St.  

DESTRESS YOUR BODY-WORK OUT! Extended gym and pool hours, Mon., Dec. 19 through Thurs., Dec. 22, gym open until 11 p.m., Golden Dome Athletic Center, 42 Warren St. (corner of Warren and University Avenue)

RELAXATION STATION, featuring hot stone therapy stations, infinity chairs, ice cream scoop sugar body scrub, lip lab and coffee bar. Mon., Dec. 19, 8 p.m. – midnight, Stonsby Cafeteria, Woodward Hall, 91 Bleeker St.

PB&J PJ PARTY, hosted by Housing and Residence Life staff, Tues., Dec. 20, 10 p.m. STONSBY LOUNGE, Woodward Residence Hall, 91 Bleeker St., Newark

LAUGHING YOGA !  Wed., Dec. 21, 7- 8 p.m., University Square Residence Hall, 1^st floor lounge, 155 University Ave.

• Contact Email: Carla Capizzi, capizzi@rutgers.edu
• Contact Phone: 973/353-5263