Student Affairs creates innovative learning opportunities, programs, and services that prepare students to lead, serve, and become engaged members of a global society. Our stories represent the foundation of our core values and guide how we do our work and fulfill our mission.
At Rutgers—New Brunswick, like other universities across the nation, many students suffer from food insecurity. To begin addressing this issue, the Dean of Students—Off-Campus Living and Community Partnerships, a department within the Division of Student Affairs, offers a Student Food Pantry that students can use when necessary, as well as the No Hungry Knights Scholarship, which offers free meal swipes for on-campus dining halls.
Students have busy lives, and it can be difficult for them to balance their classwork, extracurricular activities, and on- or off-campus jobs, along with their personal lives and any other obligations. As a result, many of them need help creating the best exercise routine for their own specific situations.
That's where the Exercise is Medicine program, which has helped hundreds of clients engage in healthful exercise, comes in.
While most students living on-campus at Rutgers University—New Brunswick occupy traditional residence halls, some live at one of its Living-Learning-Communities (LLCs) that group students based on their academic interests, cultural identities, and/or professional aspirations.
At Rutgers University—New Brunswick, students have plenty of chances to get involved in intramural sports teams, student organizations, or employment opportunities in departments like Recreation and Dining, among many others. As of spring 2023, they have one more resource to connect them with these involvement opportunities: the Engagement Hub in the Student Activities Center (SAC).
In March 2022, Neela Patel, the executive director of Rutgers’ Student Centers and Activities in the Division of Student Affairs, became president-elect of ACUI, the longest-running organization of college union and student activities professionals. Patel served as president-elect of ACUI this past year and will transition to President on March 1 at the Annual ACUI Conference.
Every year, when transfer and first-year students enroll at Rutgers University—New Brunswick for the first time, departments engage them to ensure that they know about the resources and opportunities available at the university.
Though maintaining student engagement and success is crucial, of course, there is also another group crucial to this transition: those students’ parents.
With everything that Rutgers students have going on—classes, part-time jobs, and extra-curricular activities—it can be difficult to find the time to take care of themselves. To help meet that need, free group fitness classes are available to students at four out of the five Recreation Centers at Rutgers University—New Brunswick.
This February, as students, staff, and faculty across Rutgers University—New Brunswick honor and celebrate Black History Month, the Paul Robeson Cultural Center (PRCC), in the Division of Student Affairs, continues to take a leading role in supporting Black life at Rutgers.
On Sunday, November 6th, generations of Rutgers Ultimate alumni returned to play in the annual alumni-student game—and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the team’s first game. As usual, the alumni won. For many, though, the game itself was less important than what it represented.
Students at Rutgers University—New Brunswick participate in all kinds of activism—they attend rallies and protests, run for positions in Rutgers University Student Assembly, and start political organizations to make their voices heard on-campus. For the rest of January, the Cultural Center Collaborative in the Division of Student Affairs will be providing a program on social justice and activism that students can tap into: its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Series.
