“Destress Fest” at Rutgers University in Newark Helps Students Cope with Final Exam Pressures

EDITORS: BEST PHOTO OPS ARE MASSAGE THERAPY TODAY, BELLY DANCING TOMORROW, CAPOIERA ON MAY 12

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 spring those activities include  massages, yoga, belly dancing, a pancake breakfast, dodgeball and basketball, a 24-hour study lounge, free snacks, and extended hours at a number of facilities, including the Golden Dome Athletic Center and Dana Library. All events are free and 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, Unity Theatre & Student Health Advocates (Health Promotion) & Health Services, College of Nursing-EOF, Dana Library, FAS-N Office of the Dean, Academic Foundations Center/EOF

 

WHEN/WHERE:  through May 12, various locations: Please see schedule (attached).

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 SPRING 2009

Study Spaces

  • 24-hour Study Lounge in Stonsby Commons, 91 Bleeker St.
  • Dana Library, 185 University Ave., May 6 – May 7, 8 a.m.- midnight; May 10, noon- midnight; May 11, 8 a.m.-2 a.m.

Massage Therapy

May 7, noon – 2 p.m., Paul Robeson Campus Center, main floor, 350 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.)

May 12, noon – 2 p.m., Stonsby Cafeteria, 91 Bleeker St.;

CRAM THIS! Eat, drink, laugh & DeStress with SHA & UNITY Theatre

May 6, 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. Student Health Advocate Exhibits & Games; May 6, 7:15 – 8:30 p.m. Unity Theatre Interactive Performance; Bradley Hall Theater, 110 Warren St.

 

Pancake Breakfast

May 6, 10 p.m.- midnight; Stonsby Cafeteria, 91 Bleeker St.

Ssshake Your Stress Off! Free Belly Dancing Class!

May 7, 4 -5 p.m., Golden Dome Athletic Center, 42 Warren St.

Relaxation Station: Oxygen Bar, Fruit Smoothies, Herbal Teas & More!

May 7, 9 p.m. – midnight, Stonsby Cafeteria, 91 Bleeker St.

Zum, Zum, Zumba! Re-energize & dance away stress with a fun & free zumba class!

May 7, 6:30 -7:30 p.m., Golden Dome Athletic Center, 42 Warren St

Smash Your Stress Away with Volleyball! Pick-up Games! Free Giveaways!

May 7, extended hours until 10:45 p.m., Golden Dome Athletic Center, 42 Warren St.

Sweet Shoppe Soiree: FREE Ice Cream with toppings, games & tips on DeStressing

May 10, 11:59 p.m. — while supplies last. Stonsby Cafeteria, 91 Bleeker St.

Ssstretch Away Your Stress! A Healthy Dose of Stretching, Cardio & Relaxation!

May 11, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Golden Dome Athletic Center, 42 Warren St.

Slam Dunk Your Stress Away with Basketball! Pick-up Games! Free Giveaways!

May 11, extended hours until 10:45 p.m., Golden Dome Athletic Center, 42 Warren St.

A Night at the Movies! Come Watch “Paul Blart, Mall Cop”

May 11, 9 p.m., Stonsby Cafeteria, 91 Bleeker St.

Capoeira Demonstration! Learn the Dance-Like Martial Arts Moves of Capoiera!

May 12, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Golden Dome Athletic Center, 42 Warren St.

Dodge Your Stress Away with Dodge Ball! Pick Up Games! Free Giveaways!

May 12, extended hours until 10:45 p.m., Golden Dome Athletic Center, 42 Warren St.

Media Contact: Carla Capizzi
973/353-5263
E-mail: capizzi@rutgers.edu