April 30, 2020
Triumphs, Transformations, & Transitions

As the end of the spring semester approaches, we wish for you to finish strong and pat yourself on the back for your efforts during this challenging time. It is easy to dwell in the negatives during the pandemic, but finding moments of celebration and joy heightens well-being and lifts our spirits to find hope. We all wish this is a once in a lifetime experience, where we can reflect on our resilience, our failures, and what can be learned from these moments. As we transition in this time period, keeping the six dimensions of well-being at the forefront of your daily habits is vital for you to be successful in this continual journey of life.

Although celebrating in person is unavailable, it is important to still be #RowanPROUD for our graduating seniors and individuals gaining advanced degrees. Part of thriving and persevering in life is to pivot when unexpected situations occur. For those individuals that are connected to a graduate, take an extra minute to share a meaningful message to them. This isn't goodbye, but see you later...whether at the rescheduled and virtual commencement, homecoming week October 19-25 , or another occasion, let's find opportunities to make memories and continue building our university community together!

DID YOU KNOW?
PROFCents : Affording the College Life

Rowan University's Affordability Task Force offers " ProfCents ," an online resource center featuring links to hundreds of free or low-cost services available for all members of the University community. This includes services that help with taxes, childcare, textbooks, and housing. The site also features resources​ for students, faculty and staff members focused on the COVID-19 pandemic. Send questions about available resources to UniversityResources@rowan.edu .

As planning for summer options are on the horizon, continuing students that received credits from housing/dining/parking can apply those funds for summer coursework. Communicate with your academic advisor if you are considering this option. Doing so could accelerate or get you back on track to fulfill your degree requirements as well as giving you something to focus on if you are unable to secure seasonal employment opportunities.

The Student Emergency Fund was established through the Rowan University Foundation in 2016 in an effort to support students facing unexpected hardships. The purpose of the fund is to help prevent an emergency from derailing a student's progress toward earning a degree from Rowan University. The funds may not be used for tuition, fees, housing, etc., but used for personal expenses (e.g. transportation, personal health, emergency groceries, basic needs, required technology for remote learning.).

If you are interested and willing to donate to this cause click here .

For those in need, Rowan offers resources year-round. The SHOP is available Mondays 3 - 6 p.m. and Fridays 12 - 3 p.m. throughout the summer.

Fresh for All continues to be available on Fridays from 10-11 a.m. Please follow all heightened health/safety requirements regarding physical distancing, masks/face coverings, and restriction of youths.
DON'T MISS OUT
End of Semester events to engage in:

Virtual Profs Trivia - Thursday, April 30 @ 8 p.m.

Virtual Yoga For All - Friday, May 1 & 8 @ 12:30 p.m.

Chill and Chat - Friday, May 1 @ 11 a.m.

Netflix Watch Party: Moonlight - Friday, May 1 @ 8:30 p.m.

Virtual Pilates - Monday, May 4 @ 11:30 a.m.

Virtual Yoga For All - Tuesday, May 5 @ 5 p.m.

Virtual Yoga w/ Jenn - Wednesday, May 6 @ 12:30 p.m.


Virtual Group Fitness: ProfStrong - Thursday, May 7 @ 11:30 a.m.


Virtual Poses With Profs - Saturday, May 9 @ 9 a.m.

LGBTQIA+ Senior Sendoff - May 11 - May 15
*All Events Are Free Unless Otherwise Indicated
See the recording of Rowan University students and faculty/staff featured nationwide in a discussion on mental health and kindness during this pandemic. The event was co-sponsored by Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation, Give Something Back Foundation, NIRSA-Leaders of Collegiate Recreation, Rowan Thrive, Rowan DEI, and Rowan's Active Minds Chapter.

You can still join the over 250,000 nationwide participants & donate to raise awareness and funds that will save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.

Rowan has raised over $13,500 with a goal of $15,000.

See the video of the event here .
DISCOVER
EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

Feeling scared, angry, worried or stressed out over the coronavirus pandemic? You’re not alone, says Dr. Jeffrey Greeson, a clinical psychologist and Rowan University assistant professor of  psychology . “Extreme reactions or levels of emotions we’ve maybe never felt before is understandable, because this is an unprecedented situation,” Greeson says. “A lot of people are feeling that same way.”  “It feels like too much,” Greeson acknowledges.
PURPOSE WELL-BEING

Each year, it is the university's honor to welcome thousands of graduates to celebrate with their loved ones and the academic community during the Commencement festivities. While Commencement may look a little different this year, the #RowanPROUD spirit remains the same.

On May 9 at 3 p.m. EST, the university will hold a virtual ceremony to officially confer degrees and recognize the Class of 2020. Watch the live event together on Facebook and YouTube . Invite your fellow students, faculty/staff, family, and friends to tune in to share in this celebration.

*Cap and gown purchases from Barnes and Noble must be made by May 2 to receive in time for the May 9 virtual ceremony. (Cap & Gown is not required, but will be for any in-person events.
SOCIAL WELL-BEING
Commencement Contest

Each year the Rowan University Alumni Association hosts a Commencement Contest. Five lucky graduates-turned-alumni have a chance to win a $100 cash prize to Target as the alumni association hopes to support your post-college adventures wherever they may take you.

HOW TO WIN
1. Take a photo or video of your virtual celebrations.
2. Share them on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter or Tik Tok using the hashtag #Rowan2020

Congratulations, Class of 2020. Once a Prof, always a Prof.
PHYSICAL WELL-BEING

A quick message from our Gourmet Dining Team: Hi Profs! Gourmet Dining misses seeing you on campus! It is important to us that each and every one of you finish strong this semester! If you've struggled to fit balanced eating or exercise into your daily routine, reach out to our campus Dietitian , Melissa Eaton , to set up a phone meeting. You can openly discuss your concerns and get your questions answered. Finals may add additional stress to the current situation but don't let that keep you from getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and pursuing healthy study habits. Check out this presentation created by Dietetic Intern, Dineen Denkovic, to learn ways to stay focused and thrive during finals!
FEEDBACK
The Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion invites you to take the Equity Audit survey to help Rowan University assess both their strengths and weakness around diversity and inclusion efforts.

Strive to Thrive is a newsletter for the Rowan University community. Visit rowan.edu/thrive or contact rowanthrive@rowan.edu for more information.