Classes are over for the fall semester. As students around the nation hunker down for final exams, Rensselaer has kicked off a series of annual events and study programs to help students de-stress during the final exam reading days December 14-15.
The Late Night Breakfast (in its seventh year) will be held on Wednesday, December 13, from 9 to 10:30 p.m. in the Commons Dining Room. Students will have an opportunity to sample a menu that features a variety of choices and all-time breakfast favorites, including pancakes, cinnamon swirl French toast, made-to-order omelets, scrambled eggs, seasoned hash brown wedges, a cinnamon roll bar, a hot cocoa station, bagel pizzas, breakfast pizzas, and a health bar featuring hand-cut fresh fruit, yogurts, and jello. Last year, the event drew more than 1,000 students.
To make the event more festive, a Rensselaer student-led jazz group will provide music for the event. The Late Night Breakfast is hosted by Hospitality Services at Rensselaer. To support the event, several members of the campus—including administration, faculty, and staff volunteers—will help to serve the students.
Beyond the breakfast event, the Office of Student Living and Learning will host a series of programs led by resident directors, resident/learning assistants, and community managers. Some activities include “Finals Food Breaks” in the residence halls to make sure that residents take time out to recharge, socialize, and relax before hitting the books again; “Hall-iday” decorating of residence rooms while learning about multicultural traditions, with cookies and hot cocoa; a Taco Bout Finals (taco bar) hosted by Moe’s Southwest Grille; a gingerbread house decorating contest; a yoga and green tea program; karaoke night in collaboration with the Philippine American League; an opportunity for residents to create their own stress balls; a gaming night event; PJ garden party; and a Sunday ice cream sundae night, as well as several study tips and stress release programs.
Additional programs include the long-standing “Study Days @ the Heffner Alumni House,” coordinated by Rensselaer Red & White Student Organization. The event is held at the Heffner Alumni House on campus. This year, Study Days will be December 14 and 15 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. During the study days, Advising Learning Assistance Tutors and Math Mentors will be available to help students. Over the years, at peak times, more than 600 students have taken advantage of the program.
This year, the Wellness Institute at the Mueller Center will continue to offer its semi-annual “Stress Relief Days” activities. Students are encouraged to visit the Mueller Center to sign up for the activities that will be held on Thursday, December 14, and Friday, December 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sample activities include a range of free activities including fitness classes, chair massages, and biofeedback and relaxation sessions provided by the Counseling Center. New to this year’s event are the spa stations, offering manicures, pedicures, and facials.
To further help with stress relief, students will be able to enjoy healthy smoothies and healthy snacks provided by Rensselaer Hospitality Services. In addition, students will also be able to get creative with art therapy stations that include finger painting and making stress balls. Also, by connecting with the Mueller Center on Facebook and Instagram during the event, students have an opportunity to win prizes. For more information about the Mueller Center offerings, visit https://www.facebook.com/muellercenter or follow the Mueller Center on Instagram @rpimuellercenter.