24-Hour Study Lounges, Free Massages, Will Relieve the Stress of Final Exams for Rutgers Students

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.)  See schedule below. 

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