Pet Therapy, Yoga, Massages and 24-Hour Study Lounges Will Help Relieve Final Exam Stress for Students at Rutgers University‒Newark

Editors: DeStress Fest Is Not Open to the Public but You are Welcome to Cover This Event at Rutgers University-Newark

WHAT:  Each semester, “DeStress Fest” helps students at Rutgers University‒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, relaxation stations, 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, the Counseling Center, Paul Robeson Campus Center, the Center for Law and Justice, the Office of Student Life & Leadership, the Office of Housing & Residence Life, Athletics & Recreation Department, Unity Theatre , and Student Health Advocates (Health Promotion Division of Health Services).

WHEN/WHERE:  DeStress Fest officially kicks off Dec. 10, 2:30-4 p.m., on the main floor of the

Paul Robeson Campus Center (PRCC), 350 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Newark.  Kickoff highlights include free massages, hot cocoa and candy canes, a presentation of “It Feels Good 2 Do Good!” and a Wii dance competition (proceeds go to a charity of the winner’s choice.  Participants can make stress balls, and enjoy giveaways and free refreshments.

DeStress Fest activities begin Dec. 9 and run through Dec. 21, various campus locations (Please see attached calendar)

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. Anice Thomas, Counseling Center, 973/353-5805; for student life issues, Gerald Massenburg, 973/353-5541.  MEDIA INFORMATION: Carla Capizzi, 973/353-5263

Schedule of Events for Fall 2014 DeStress Fest
(all events are free and open to residential and commuter students)

Massage Therapy
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 9-11a.m., Center for Law and Justice (CLJ), 123 Washington St.

• Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2-4 p.m., PRCC, 350 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Kick Off!
• Thursday, Dec. 11, 10 -12 p.m., Stonsby Lounge, 91Bleeker St.;
• Saturday, Dec. 13, 9-11 a.m., CLJ
• Monday, Dec. 15, 9-11 a.m., CLJ
• Tuesday, Dec. 16, 3-5 p.m., PRCC, main floor
• Wednesday, Dec. 17, 5-7 p.m., Stonsby Lounge
• Thursday, Dec. 18, 12-2 p.m., PRCC, main floor
• Monday, Dec. 22, 11-1 p.m., PRCC, main floor 

Pancake Breakfast
Open to all resident and commuter students, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 10 p.m., Stonsby Commons Cafeteria, 91Bleeker St.

 PB&J Party
Study Break: Free PB&J’s and other snacks, Stonsby Commons Lounge, Thursday, Dec. 18, 9 p.m.

Pet Therapy
Throw your stress to the dogs with Woof! Therapy

• Thursday, Dec. 11, 7p.m., University Square, 155 University Ave.
• Tuesday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m., Stonsby Commons Lounge

DeStress at Family & Friends
Thursday, Dec. 11, interactive games, 6:30 p.m.; interactive performance with Unity Theatre,  7:15 p.m., Bradley Hall Theatre, 392 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 3rd floor; raffles, prizes and food as well as activities.

Relaxation Station
An oxygen bar, hot stone therapy stations, Infinity Relaxation Chairs, air fresheners and body lotion (giveaways), and coffee bar. Monday, Dec. 15, 8-10 p.m., Stonsby Commons Cafeteria

Yoga Class
Friday, Dec. 12, 12-1 p.m., PRCC Dance Studio

Free Belly Dancing Class
Friday, Dec. 19, 4 -5 p.m., PRCC Dance Studio

DeStress Ur Body! Workout!
Extended Gym Hours: Dec. 15-18 until 10:45 p.m., Golden Dome Athletic Center, 42 Warren St.

Free Game Room
Dec. 8- 12, PRCC, R Place, main floor

Study Time
24-hour study lounge, Stonsby Commons

Need a quiet place to study? John Cotton Dana Library, 185 University Ave.; extended hours Dec. 11-21