The free, all-ages event, set for Saturday, April 30, features more than 500 programs
Rutgers Day is back as an in-person event April 30 after a two-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the largest events in the state, this celebration of everything Rutgers is set for the last Saturday in April from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Busch campus in Piscataway and the College Avenue and Cook/Douglass campuses in New Brunswick.
The free event, which typically draws about 100,000 people, features live performances, exhibits, demonstrations and activities for all ages. More than 500 programs are planned.
New this year is the Health Village – a space focused on Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences programs and other health-related initiatives – at Busch campus. Attendees can learn more about the university’s health and wellness resources, plus:
- See a surgical robot in action
- Put together a brain model
- Get emergency preparedness tips
- Experience what it’s like to use a prosthetic arm
Rutgers Day 2022 also marks the return of two traditions at Cook/Douglass:
- Ag Field Day, which features animal-handling exhibits, environmental and agriculture-related activities
- The New Jersey Folk Festival, a celebration of the arts and traditions of the cultures of New Jersey
The folk festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This year’s theme is “On the Move: Transportation and Migration.”
In addition to touting Rutgers’ global programs and partnerships, College Avenue will sport the university’s athletics programs. The Scarlet Knight (on horseback) and Rutgers athletes will be available for photos. Members of the marching band will strut their stuff at 10:30 a.m.
As for Busch campus, science, technology and business programs are in the spotlight. In addition to engineering, chemistry and computer exhibits, attendees will have the opportunity to speak with business school entrepreneurs as well as get a “mini-health check” in the Health Village.
Each campus will feature a “Big R” performance stage with student performers, food vendors and an alumni tent. Admission and parking, available at most lots, are free, and a free shuttle bus will run between campuses. Masks are required for campus buses.
Here are some of the Rutgers Day activities planned at the various campus locations:
Busch Campus
- Build a Neuron - Learn the anatomy of a nerve cell by creating a replica using pipe cleaners and beads and answer neuroscience trivia questions to win prizes.
- Cart Racing With SHE - Participate in cart-racing activities with students from the Society of Hispanic Engineers.
- CSI: Rutgers - Channel your favorite crime-scene investigator using new-fangled forensics and old-fashioned police work.
- Fun Racing and Bowling With Mini-Robots - Try your hand at tinkering, coding, racing and bowling with robots.
- Stuffed Animal Check-Up - Assist medical students in providing a health exam to your favorite stuffed animal – or one of ours.
- Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream - “Chill out” and watch chemists and engineers make ice cream.
College Avenue
- Visit the R Garden - View an art installation made of 3-D Rutgers’ “Block R” sculptures, and decorate your own R.
- Tour the Schanck Observatory - Take a guided tour of Rutgers’ historic, beautifully renovated but mysterious Daniel S. Schanck Astronomical Observatory (established 1866.)
- Hear Stories About Keepers of the Legacy - Join the Rutgers African-American Alumni Association and the Class of 1971 on Paul Robeson Plaza for interactive performance and storytelling sessions.
- Human-Sized Bubbles - Make a human-sized bubble and learn about programs for LGBTQA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, asexual) students.
- Mastodons, Minerals and Dinosaurs, Oh My! - Participate in crafts and activities related to New Jersey geology, rocks and fossils.
Cook/Douglass
- Animal Handling, Fitting and Exhibition - Students in the university’s animal science program will have prepped for six weeks to take part in the show. They will be judged on their ability to handle, fit and exhibit goats, sheep, swine and cattle.
- Are You Nutty? Rutgers Hazelnut and Dogwood Breeding Program - Take a quiz and test your knowledge of tree nut species.
- The Seeing Eye Inc. Dog Show - Meet puppies destined to become guide dogs and watch them display their obedience skills.
- World's Largest Egg Toss - Join the annual egg toss hosted by Rutgers Recreation. This 2 p.m. event is open to all ages.
- Get Involved at the Eagleton Institute of Politics - Enjoy “Teach a Girl to Lead” story time, register to vote and reimagine New Jersey’s legislative and congressional districts.
