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, pet therapy and free snacks.  All events and snacks are free; activities open to both residential and commuter students.

WHO: DeStress Fest is sponsored by: The Office of the Chancellor, Counseling Center, Paul Robeson Campus Center, Office of Student Life & Leadership, Housing & Residence Life, Athletics & Recreation, and the Health Promotion Division of Health  Services, Active Minds, YogaSeva, Dana Library, College of Nursing- EOF, & Dean’s Office of Student Affairs, FAS-N.

WHEN/WHERE:  Dec. 6 – Dec. 20, various locations; Kickoff, Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2:30-4 p.m., Paul Robeson Campus Center,  main level, 350 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.)  Please see schedule 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 2010

DESTRESS FEST FALL 2010 KICK OFF: Free massages, make stress balls, create a RU-N Mural, free makeovers and giveaways.  ALSO: an interactive, stress-relieving drumming experience featuring Drum Café.  Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2:30 – 4 p.m., Paul Robeson Campus Center (PRCC), 350 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

MASSAGE THERAPY

Mon., Dec. 6: 9 a.m.-11 a.m., Thurs., Dec. 9: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Mon., Dec. 13: 9 a.m.-11 a.m., Wed., Dec. 15: 9 a.m.- 11 a.m., and Sat., Dec., 18: 9 a.m. -11 a.m., all in the Rutgers Center for Law and Justice, 123 Washington St.;  Dec. 13, noon-2 p.m., Paul Robeson Campus Center (PRCC, main level), 350 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.; Tues., Dec. 14: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Dana Library, 185 University Ave.; Wed., Dec. 15: 10 p.m.-midnight, Stonsby Lounge, 91 Bleeker St., Stonsby Commons; Mon., Dec. 20: noon-2 p.m., Stonsby Lounge

BUILD-A- BEAR:  Mon., Dec. 13, 11:30-1 p.m., PRCC, Rm 255-257, and 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., STONSBY LOUNGE

MAKE ART, NOT STRESS:  Mon. Dec. 13, 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m., PRCC, Rm 255-257, and 6 p.m .- 7 p.m., STONSBY LOUNGE

UNDRESS UR STRESS, FREE food, entertainment, games and giveaways from Health Promotion Division of Health Services: Wed., Dec. 15, 6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., interactive exhibits and games w/Student Health Advocates; Wed., Dec. 15, 7:15 p.m.- 8:30 p.m., interactive theater by Unity Theater, BRADLEY HALL, THEATER, 3rd Floor, Warren Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

SSSHAKE YOUR STRESS OFF, free belly dancing class: Thurs., Dec. 16, 4 p.m.-5 p.m., Golden Dome Athletic Center, 42 Warren St.

YOGA FOR HEALTH & PEACE, relaxation techniques to help reduce stress, improve concentration:  Wed., Dec. 8, 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., PRCC, DANCE THEATER, 3rd floor; Thurs., Dec. 9 & Fri., Dec. 10, 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m., PRCC, DANCE THEATER, 3rd floor; Mon., Dec. 13- Fri., Dec. 17, 2:30- 4 p.m., PRCC, DANCE THEATER, 3rd floor; Thurs., Dec. 16: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Golden Dome Athletic Center; Mon., Dec. 20 and Wed., Dec. 22, 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m., PRCC, DANCE THEATER, 3rd floor; and 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m., Golden Dome Athletic Center

DESTRESS UR BODY and WORK OUT, extended gym and pool hours: Thurs., Dec. 16, until 10:45 p.m.; Mon., Dec. 20, until 10:45 p.m.; Tues., Dec. 21, until 10:45 p.m.; and Wed., Dec 22, until 10:45 p.m., Golden Dome Athletic Center

RELAXATION STATION, oxygen bar, fruit smoothies, herbal teas: Mon., Dec. 20, 8 p.m., STONSBY CAFETERIA

WOOF THERAPY, pet therapy, using dogs: Thurs,. Dec.16, 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m., STONSBY LOUNGE

BRAIN POWER, tips on powering up your brain thru healthy nutrition: Mon., Dec. 13, 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m., PRCC, main level.

FREE GAME ROOM: Mon., Dec. 13, all day, PRCC, R Place, 1st floor

PANCAKE BREAKFAST:  Wed., Dec. 15: 10 p.m. – midnight, STONSBY CAFETERIA,  Stonsby Commons (open to ALL resident and commuter students)

NEED A QUIET PLACE TO STUDY?

Extended  hours in John Cotton Dana Library, 185 University Ave., Tues., Dec. 14 - Thurs, Dec. 16, and Mon., Dec. 20, 8 a.m. – 2 a.m.; Fri., Dec. 17, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 18, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 19, noon-midnight; Tues., Dec. 21 and Wed., Dec. 22, 8 a.m.-midnight; Thurs., Dec 23, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

24-hour Study Lounge in Stonsby Lounge, 91 Bleeker St., Stonsby Commons