Yoga, Pancakes, Massages and 24-Hour Study Lounges Will Relieve Final Exam Stress for Students at Rutgers University, Newark
THE MEDIA IS WELCOME TO COVER THESE EVENTS
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, the Counseling Center, Paul Robeson Campus Center, the Office of Student Life & Leadership, the Office of Housing & Residence Life, the Department of Athletics & Recreation, Unity Theatre , and the Student Health Advocates (Health Promotion Division of Health Services).
WHEN/WHERE: April 25- May 9, various campus locations (Please see 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. Pamela Heard, Counseling Center, 973/353-5805; for student life issues, Gerald Massenburg, 973/353-5541. MEDIA INFORMATION: Carla Capizzi, 973/353-5263.
CALENDAR FOR DESTRESS FEST SPRING 2012
KICK OFF, Wed., April 25, 2:30-4 p.m., Norman Samuels Plaza, free massages, students can make stress balls, paint a pot, play the “knock down your stressors game” and write their thoughts on the DeStress Mural. Free giveaways and refreshments.
A QUIET PLACE TO STUDY: Extended hours, John Cotton Dana Library, 185 University Ave., May 1, May 8, 8 a.m. – midnight; May 2, 3 and 7, 8 a.m. -2 a.m.; May 4, 8 a.m. -9 p.m.; May 5, 10 a.m. -6 p.m.; May 6, noon –midnight; May 8, 8 a.m. – midnight; May 9, 8 a.m. -7 p.m.
24-HOUR STUDY LOUNGE, Stonsby Lounge, Woodward Residence Hall, 91 Bleeker St.
MASSAGE THERAPY, April 25, 2-4 p.m., Norman Samuels Plaza; April 26 and April 30, 9 -11 a.m., Rutgers Center for Law and Justice (CLJ), 123 Washington St.; April 30, noon – 2 p.m., Student Street in Paul Robeson Campus Center (PRCC), 350 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.; May 1, 8 -10 p.m., Stonsby Lounge, Woodward Hall, 91 Bleeker St.; May 2, 5 and 7,
CLJ; May 7, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Student Street, PRCC; May 8, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., Stonsby Lounge, Woodward Hall.
S.tress W.e A.ll G.ot #SWAG, May 2, 6: 30 p.m., Bradley Hall, 3rd floor theater, 110 Warren St. Prizes, games, interactive theater (7:15 p.m.), tips on DeStressing, and refreshments.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST, May 2, 10 p.m. – midnight, Stonsby Cafeteria, Woodward Hall, 91 Bleeker St.
SSSHAKE YOUR STRESS OFF: BELLY DANCING CLASS, May 3, 5-6 p.m., Golden Dome Athletic Center, 42 Warren St.
PB&J PJ PARTY, May 4, 10 p.m. –midnight, hosted by Housing and Residence Life staff, Stonsby Lounge, Woodward Hall, 91 Bleeker St.
YOGA with S-O-U-L! May 7, 7-8 p.m., Stonsby Lounge, Woodward Hall, 91 Bleeker St.
RELAXATION STATION, May 7, 8 p.m. - midnight, featuring hot stone therapy stations and coffee bar. Stonsby Cafeteria, Woodward Hall, 91 Bleeker St.
DESTRESS YOUR BODY-WORK OUT! May 3, 7 and 8, pool open until 10:45 p.m., gym open until 11 p.m.; Golden Dome Athletic Center, 42 Warren St.
