Rutgers Students Can Ease Exam Stress Dec. 9- Dec. 22

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 semester those activities include  massages, belly-dancing, pet therapy, laser tag 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)

WHEN/WHERE:  Dec. 9 – Dec. 22, various locations: Kickoff, Dec. 9, 2:30-4 p.m., Paul Robeson Campus Center, main floor, 350 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.  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.

                                CALENDAR FOR DESTRESS FEST FALL 2009

DeStress Fest Fall 2009 Kick Off:  Free massages, make stress balls, learn to juggle, interactive games, giveaways

Dec. 9, 2:30-4 p.m., Paul Robeson Campus Center (PRCC), main floor, 350 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Study Spaces

• 24-hour Study Lounge in Stonsby Lounge, 91 Bleeker St., through Dec. 22
• Dana Library, 185 University Ave., Dec. 14-17, 8 a.m.- 2 a. m.; Dec. 18, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Dec. 19, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Dec. 20, noon- midnight; Dec. 21-22, 8 a.m.-midnight.

Massage Therapy

Dec. 9, 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m., PRCC.

Dec. 14, 3:30 -6:30 p.m., Stonsby Lounge, and Dec. 14, 6:45 -9 p.m., University Square, multipurpose room, 155 University Ave.

Dec. 16, noon – 2 p.m., PRCC ;

Dec. 22, noon – 2 p.m., Stonsby Lounge

FREE Game Room!

Dec. 7- Dec. 18, ALL DAY, R Place, PRCC

Relaxation Station: Oxygen bar, herbal teas and more

Dec. 9, 9 p.m. – midnight, Stonsby Cafeteria

PJ Party and the movie, “Coming to America:” Free snacks, interactive games with Student Health Advocates and Unity Theatre

 Dec. 10, 10 p.m. – 1 a.m., PRCC

Ssshake Your Stress Off: Free Belly Dancing Class

Dec. 10, 4 -5 p.m., Golden Dome Athletic Center, 42 Warren St.

*Concert

 Dec. 11: 9:30 p.m.- 1 a.m., Rutgers students;  10 p.m. -1 a.m., non-Rutgers students

*Free for Rutgers students, $10 for non Rutgers students; must present College IDs for admission ; PRCC, multipurpose room

Exercise Away Your Stress

Dec. 14-Dec. 17, and Dec. 21, extended hours until 10:45 p.m., Golden Dome Athletic Center

RELAX-A-RAMA: Massages, Relaxing Sights & Sounds

Dec. 14, 3:30 -5 p.m., Stonsby Lounge

Woof Therapy: Throw Your Stress to the Dogs

• Dec. 14, 5-6:30 p.m., Stonsby Lounge
• Dec. 14, 6:45 -9 p.m., University Square, multipurpose room

Finals Party: Free snacks, giveaways, stress busters

• Dec 14: 6:30 – 7:15 p.m., Student Health Advocates Exhibits & Games
• Dec 14: 7:15 – 8:30 p.m., Unity Theatre Interactive Performance

Bradley Hall Theater, 110 Warren St.

Basketball Game: RU-Newark men vs. Berkley College

Dec. 15: 7- 9 p.m., Golden Dome Athletic Center.

Pancake Breakfast

Dec. 15, 10 p.m.- midnight; Stonsby Cafeteria, 91 Bleeker St.

A Taste of Home: Enjoy the winning recipes of your peers

Dec. 16 – Dec. 18, and Dec. 21- Dec. 22, dinner time (while supplies last)

Stonsby Cafeteria

Video Game Night

Dec. 16: 9-11 p.m.; Stonsby Cafeteria

Tag -You’re It: Free Laser Tag

Dec. 17: 7-11 p.m.; Golden Dome Athletic Center

Midnight Madness: FREE hot chocolate, snacks, and tips on sleep & studying

Dec. 20: 11:57 p.m. (while supplies last); Stonsby Lounge, 91 Bleeker St., and University Square, multipurpose room