Welcome to a New Academic Year

September 1, 2026

Dear Rutgers University–New Brunswick Community,

Welcome to a new academic year.

There is always a different energy on our campuses at this time of year as students move in, reconnect with friends, meet new people, find their classrooms, and begin settling into the rhythm of a new semester.

For many, this moment brings excitement, but it can also bring uncertainty, especially for those who are new to Rutgers and still figuring out where they fit in a place this large. My advice is to give yourself some time, stay open to what is around you, and allow yourself to explore.

Talk with a professor or adviser, go to an event even if you don’t know anyone there, join a student organization, or investigate a research opportunity, internship, service experience, or something completely outside what you thought you might do when you arrived. Often, the experiences that shape us most are the ones we did not plan for.

One place students can begin is The Arc. This new Rutgers platform brings together student organizations, opportunities, and resources from across the university, making it easier to explore what is happening around you and find ways to get involved.

And if you need help along the way, ask for it. Rutgers is a big place, and you do not have to have everything figured out or even know exactly where to turn. The Learning Centers, Student Health, and the Office of the Dean of Students–Advocacy, Outreach and Support are all good places to start.

To our faculty and staff, thank you for all you do to make these experiences possible. The work you do matters in ways you may not always see, because sometimes it is a conversation after class, an answer to a question, an introduction, or simply taking the time to listen that changes the way someone experiences Rutgers.

That is one of the things I value most about a university community. We have the chance to learn from people we might not otherwise meet, encounter ideas that challenge us, and help one another see possibilities we may not have seen on our own.

As we begin this year together, I hope we stay open to those moments, to new ideas, and to one another.

I am glad you are here, and I look forward to the year ahead.

With best wishes,

Francine Conway, Ph.D.
Chancellor and Distinguished Professor
Rutgers University–New Brunswick