Welcome to the Spring 2023 Semester!

January 20, 2023

Dear Scarlet Knights,

Welcome back to the Banks! As I watched many of you return to Piscataway and New Brunswick, I was reminded of the beginning of the fall semester, when students once again filled the classrooms, residence halls, and buildings across campus. And, like the fall, though many of you are returning to Rutgers, many of you are also enrolling here for the first time. I am glad to welcome you to the Rutgers community! Whatever your circumstances, I hope you are as excited about this new semester as I am. Please see below a listing of exciting opportunities and helpful campus resources.

If you were active on campus last semester, I encourage you to continue getting involved. Join an intramural sports team early in the semester. Attend Involvement and Leadership week to learn about student organizations and more, and check out the Engagement Hub to learn about these and other ways to get involved on campus. If you want to make your voice heard, consider joining your Residence Hall government or becoming more involved in the Rutgers University Student Assembly (RUSA).

Additionally, I hope you will keep an eye on university events over the next few weeks and months. Our Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Series will include speakers and activities focused on social change for the common good, and our Mark Student Leadership Conference will showcase inspiring speakers. Scarlet Day of Service on March 25 will provide you with the opportunity to give back to communities locally and throughout New Jersey, while events like the Spring Off-Campus Housing Fair and Career & Internship Fair will help you with housing and job searches. You can also start preparing for next year by applying now to live in a Living-Learning Community for the 2023–2024 school year. Living-Learning Communities provide a fantastic opportunity to live with others with a common interest.

I would also urge you to familiarize yourself with the resources available at Rutgers that can help you navigate the academic, financial, and interpersonal challenges of college. Our Student Health centers are available to assist if you are struggling with any physical or mental health issues, while our Residence Life Student Support team provides accommodations, creative programs, and residential care for those living on campus. The Offices of the Dean of Students are there if you need advocacy or aid, and the Rutgers Student Food Pantry remains available if you ever find yourself in need of its services. Finally, there are many valuable resources available through the Student Success website, which I encourage you to visit regularly, including information about financial assistance and aid, academic advising, and tutoring services, among many more.

I wish you much success in the months ahead and encourage you to make the most of the opportunities available at Rutgers!

Sincerely,
Sal

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