Take Part in Wellness Week: April 21 – 25!

April 18, 2025

Dear Rutgers–New Brunswick Community,
 
As we approach Rutgers-New Brunswick’s Wellness Week 2025, beginning Monday, April 21, we invite you to reflect on the practices that help you feel grounded and cared for. This week-long event, organized by our ScarletWell initiative, recognizes that wellness is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Our goal is to provide space for the diverse ways we each connect with personal well-being.
 
Throughout the week, you'll find a wide array of offerings created by students, faculty, and staff—each one designed to support different aspects of wellness. We encourage you to explore the Wellness Calendar and participate in the events that speak to you.
 
In addition, we are pleased to offer two 30-minute virtual sessions, open to all members of our community. These sessions are intended to be accessible, restorative moments within your day:

• 9 a.m. Monday, April 21: Kick off Wellness Week with Mindful Connection, led by Dr. Patrick Connelly. Register here.
• 11 a.m. Thursday, April 24: Reflect on Wellness Week with Mindful Moments, led by Dr. Peter Economou. Register here.

Please see my video introduction to Wellness Week, and this video introduction to new wellness programs led by students, faculty, and staff and sponsored by our ScarletWell initiative. We hope you’ll take this opportunity to pause, connect, and invest in your well-being.

Supporting Community Wellbeing
 
As a psychologist, I believe an excellent university must support the emotional well-being of its students, employees, host communities, and home state. And I am proud to recognize Rutgers–New Brunswick as a national leader, having created a model for other universities to follow.
 
ScarletWell, a keystone of our Academic Master Plan, takes a public health approach to mental health and well-being under the guidance of our inaugural Chief Wellness Officer and ScarletWell Director.
 
Among other new programs, they launched the Wellness Connection and Wellness and Work grants, which fund wellness activities developed by students, faculty, and staff—many of which are available to you throughout Wellness Week and highlighted in this video.

Resources for Students and Employees

Times of stress and uncertainty remind us of how vitally important it is that we pay attention to our emotions and mental health—and seek help when we need it. As we look ahead to Wellness Week, I encourage each of you to become familiar with the many resources Rutgers offers:

• Resources for Students (including this PDF)
• Resources for Employees
• Additional resources on the ScarletWell website

Remember that you are not alone. When I say that we are stronger together, I mean it. Let’s continue to support each other as we work to fulfill Rutgers University’s mission of excellence in education, research, and service for the common good.

Sincerely,

Francine Conway, Ph.D.
Chancellor and Distinguished Professor
Rutgers University–New Brunswick