A COVID Anniversary Reminds Us to Care for Health and Wellness

March 16, 2022

Dear Rutgers–New Brunswick Community:

This week marks the second anniversary of Rutgers University’s pivot to learning and working from home as part of our response to the coronavirus pandemic. Next month, though we remain vigilant, we will reach a new milestone with the recently announced modifications to Rutgers’ policies regarding face covering and other protocols.

The weeks, months, and years since March 2020, have been a time of courage and resilience—but also of staggering loss and anxiety.

Time and time again, I have been deeply inspired by the inner strength, flexibility, and compassion that you—our students, faculty, and staff—have demonstrated. What we have accomplished together, simply by continuing in our mission to elevate the public good through education, research, and service, has been remarkable.

But we should not lose sight of another important truth: Two years of being relentlessly strong has taken a toll on each of us. And our responsibilities—to ourselves, to our loved ones, and to our community—must include looking after our own mental health and wellness.

During the week of April 25, and culminating with Rutgers Day on April 30, Rutgers–New Brunswick will take time to focus specifically on mental health and wellness. The week’s activities will remind each of us of the mental health needs that students and employees face; call attention to resources that can help us address those needs; and encourage all of us to take time, each day, to care for ourselves.

As a psychologist, I recognize health and wellness as crucial to our individual and institutional success and will ensure they remain a priority for Rutgers–New Brunswick. Please watch soon for additional updates and ways you can get involved, and please feel free to share your thoughts with my office.

Finally, if you are feeling anxious or know someone who is, I urge you to seek assistance. Rutgers has many wellbeing resources available to assist students and employees. Please become familiar with these documents and bookmark and share them with others as needed.

Sincerely,

Francine Conway, Ph.D.
Chancellor-Provost Rutgers University–New Brunswick