Welcome to the Fall 2022 Semester!

August 30, 2022

Dear Scarlet Knights,

Welcome to the fall 2022 semester! I am thrilled that you are on campus for the beginning of a new academic year, whether you are a new student or returning for the final year of your graduate program. Here in the Division of Student Affairs, we have spent all summer planning an engaging semester for you, and we are excited to see you contribute to the vibrancy of the Rutgers campus community!

As you prepare for the start of classes, I encourage you to attend Welcome Week events designed to help you transition to Rutgers University. For first-year students, New Student Convocation at Jersey Mike’s Arena and the Carnivale on Livingston Lawn on Friday, September 2 will serve as a formal and fun welcome to the Rutgers community, including the opportunity to meet other students. On the other hand, whether you are a first-year or a senior, the Involvement Fair on Monday, September 5 will offer you the opportunity to explore new and interesting student organizations. For those looking to learn more about student services and activities, Recreation invites students to visit recreation centers on September 3 for Scarlet Rec Fest, and the various Cultural Centers are hosting welcome events for new and returning students. The Graduate Student Welcome reception is on Friday, September 9 from 4 p.m. — 6 p.m. in the President’s Tent. In short, there are many opportunities for campus engagement as we begin the semester, and I encourage you to take advantage of all of them to connect with fellow students and acclimate to the campus community.

Additionally, I urge you to become familiar with the resources offered through Student Affairs and other departments (e.g., the One Stop Student Services Center), as we can help you navigate financial, academic, campus life, or personal issues. The student success website is a wonderful navigational tool helping students learn more about university resources. Our Counseling Services has counselors available at 17 Senior Street and throughout the University through its Community-Based Counseling program, and our Offices of the Dean of Students will connect you with resources across the university, give you personalized advice, and advocate on your behalf. The Student Food Pantry is a great resource for students experiencing food insecurity, and Rutgers Student Legal Services offers advice and counsel for all who need it free of charge. Furthermore, we encourage you to contact the Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD) if you or someone you know is a victim of a crime. The office of Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance (VPVA) also provides support if you or someone you know experienced or is experiencing violence, including intimate partner violence.

I understand that these past few years have been difficult because of the pandemic and other issues, but I would like to emphasize that we are here for you if you need help; you are not alone. If you do not know who to contact, just reach out to your Residence Life Coordinator (RLC) if you live on campus, or to the Offices of the Dean of Students, who can connect you with the right person and resource at Rutgers. In addition, we will be hosting a Student Success Resource Fair on Monday, September 12 from 1 p.m. — 4 p.m. at the College Avenue Student Center. This is a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with resources and services available to support your success. 

For those of you searching for work opportunities, we have a wide variety of on-campus employment opportunities available in Student Affairs departments, including in Dining, Recreation, Residence Life, the Student Centers, and more. These positions offer a variety of learning experiences at convenient locations with flexible hours, and many help connect skills learned in the classroom with your career interests. If interested, I encourage you to check out open positions on Rutgers Scarlet Hub (Student Employment) and Rutgers Handshake, the university system for all things related to career success, on-campus positions, career advising, and more. We know from research that students who work on campus are more likely to be engaged, connect with campus resources, and develop mentoring relationships with faculty and staff. Moreover, for those seeking full-time, part-time, and internship opportunities, the Fall Career and Internship Mega Fair will take place from 12 p.m. — 4 p.m. on September 15 and 16 at Jersey Mike’s Arena, offering the chance to network with over 230 employers.

Finally, my role as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs is to serve and work with you to ensure you have the best possible experience as a student at Rutgers. We want you to be successful inside and outside the classroom, and we stand ready to support you on your RU journey. I have office hours for students on Fridays from 10 a.m. – 12 noon, so I invite you to visit with me even if it’s to say “hello.” To meet with me, you can fill out this form.

Wishing you a successful semester!

Salvador B. Mena, Ph.D. (he, him, his)
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Rutgers University–New Brunswick