24-Hour Study Lounges, Free Massages, Will Relieve

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 semester 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.

WHEN/WHERE: April 28 – May 11, various locations; Kickoff, Wednesday, April 28, 2:30-4 p.m., Norman Samuels Plaza (entrance from the Paul Robeson Campus Center, 350 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) Please see schedule beginning on P. 2.

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 2010

DeStress Fest Spring 2010 Kick Off: Free massages, make stress balls, relax with nature (decorating flower pots, then planting flower seeds), giveaways; April 28, 2:30 – 4 p.m., Norman Samuel Plaza (entrance from Paul Robeson Campus Center (PRCC), 350 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Study Spaces• 24-hour Study Lounge in Stonsby Lounge, 91 Bleeker St., May 3 through May 12
• Dana Library, 185 University Ave., May 5, 6 and 10, 8 a.m. – 2 a. m.; May 7, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.; May 9, noon – midnight

Massage Therapy
April 28, 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m., Norman Samuels Plaza; April 29, May 1, May 3, May 5, May 6, May 8, 9 – 11 a.m., Rutgers Center for Law and Justice (CLJ), 123 Washington St.;
May 4, 1 – 4 p.m., May 5, 8 – 11 p.m., and May 11, 1 – 3 p.m., all in Stonsby Lounge
May 6, noon – 2 p.m., PRCC, and also 3 – 5 pm, John Cotton Dana Library, 185 University Ave.
May 10, 6:30 – 9 p.m., University Square, multipurpose room, 155 University Ave.

PJ Party 2 with Pizza, Games, Video Karaoke and Giveaways
April 29, 9:01 p.m. – ?? Stonsby Commons

Game Room
May 3, ALL DAY, PRCC

Yoga Class
May 3, 11:30 – 12:50 p.m., PRCC Dance Studio

RELAX-A-RAMA: Massages, Mindfulness Exercises, and Relaxing Sights & Sounds
May 4, 1 – 2:30 p.m., Stonsby Lounge

Who Let the Dogs Out: Throw Your Stress to the Dogs through Pet Therapy
• May 4, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m., Stonsby Lounge
• May 10, 2 – 4:30 p.m., University Square, multipurpose room

Laugh Off: Comic Relief from Stress
May 4, 9 – 11 p.m., Stonsby Commons

CRAM THIS: An Interactive Performance with Food and Fun
May 5, 6:30 – 7: 15 p.m. and again from 7:15 – 8:30 p.m., Bradley Hall Theater, Warren Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Pancake Breakfast
May 5, 10 p.m.- midnight; Stonsby Commons

DeStress Your Body Work Out; extended gym and pool hours
May 6 and again May 10-11, until 10:45 p.m., Golden Dome Athletic Center, 42 Warren St.

Recovery Support AA Meeting
May 6, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Bradley Hall Room 410

Relaxation Station: Oxygen bar, relaxing sounds, ice cream
May 6, 9 p.m. – 11 p.m., Stonsby Commons

Since You’re Already Up: Ice Cream, Tips on Sleeping and Studying
May 9, begins at 11:59 p.m., until supplies last, Stonsby Lounge

Ssshake Your Stress Off: Belly Dancing Class
May 10, 4 – 5 p.m., Golden Dome Athletic Center