Welcome Back to the Banks

January 23, 2020

A message to Rutgers University–New Brunswick students from Salvador B. Mena, PhD, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Rutgers University–New Brunswick:

Dear Scarlet Knights,

Welcome back to the banks to our returning and new students!

I hope you had a restful winter break and are ready for a successful spring semester. The semester ahead is always filled with opportunities to make lifelong memories through many excellent programs and events, the eventual ushering in of warmer weather and culminating traditions like commencement.

Each semester also presents its share of opportunities and challenges. Faculty, staff, and everyone within the Division of Student Affairs is here to support your personal development and assist you throughout the semester.

Being a student at Rutgers entails asking for help when needed and intervening when appropriate to ensure we are looking out for each other. For general concerns, consider contacting the Dean of Students Office, which is staffed by a wonderful group of deans and case managers dedicated to assisting students in resolving a host of issues. If you’re concerned about the well-being of a fellow student, we encourage you to reach out anonymously through our “Do Something To Help” initiative which will lead to a timely follow-up. Any immediate health and safety emergencies should always be reported to the Rutgers University Police Department by calling 911. Your health and security are our top priority, so we ask you do your part to keep yourself and fellow Scarlet Knights safe.

The start of the semester also gives us an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be a Scarlet Knight. The Knight’s Call, which calls on us to be Authentic, Inclusive, Responsible, Resilient, and Engaged is one of the ways that students have answered this question. In the spirit of the Knight’s Call, we invite you to come together and reflect on the state of our community and world at the Annual MLK Community Lecture on Monday, January 27 featuring Dr. Peniel Joseph, a renowned historian and public intellectual.

I’d also like to share a few exciting updates about our services on campus. The new E-Sports Center will open this semester in the Busch Student Center where you will find an updated food court, including a new fresh juice bar and Rutgers pride wall skins. At the Livingston Student Center, the long-awaited community lounge will open featuring comfortable furniture, prayer and meditation space, commuter lockers and a lactation room. You may also spot a new red food truck called “Three Chilies” traveling through campus which will serve a variety of delicious tacos.

As your Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, I am always accessible to you and welcome the opportunity to hear from you directly. I encourage you to share your thoughts, ideas, or concerns during my student office hours on Fridays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the College Avenue Student Center, or by appointment by contacting my office at 848-932-8576 or studentaffairsvc@echo.rutgers.edu.

Wishing you a successful semester!

Dr. Salvador Mena
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Rutgers University–New Brunswick