Welcome to Fall 2025!

September 2, 2025

Dear Scarlet Knights,

Welcome to the start of a new academic year! Every student is a vital member of our vibrant campus community, and your presence signals your commitment to personal growth and intellectual exploration. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. We are a community, and we are here to support each other.

I remember how, early in my experience as a student, I questioned whether I was ready. However, I soon realized that being prepared is not about having everything figured out. It's about showing up with curiosity and a determined mindset—an attitude of being prepared to take advantage of the opportunities a new semester brings.

The intellectual and social experiences designed for you will accelerate your personal, academic, and professional growth. I encourage you to fully embrace the Rutgers advantage.

• Engage wholeheartedly in the life of our campus: Attend sports events and cheer on our Scarlet Knights!
• Support one another: Listen deeply and seek to understand before being understood.
• Take advantage of opportunities to broaden your perspectives: Engage in dialogue opportunities through the Eagleton Institute of Politics or visit the Zimmerli Art Museum.
• Pursue a new experience or take a course that intrigues you, and don’t be afraid to stretch beyond your comfort zone: Consider participating in Rutgers University Alternative Breaks, engaging in a service project through our Collaborative Center for Community Engagement, or exploring research opportunities through the Aresty Research Center.
• Build relationships with peers and faculty who can open new intellectual doors: Become a First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) instructor or participate in our Cultural Center Collaborative.

You’ve come home to a community that believes in you; a place where New Jersey grit meets world-class opportunity, where your success becomes our collective mission.

As you meet the demands and rigor of your academic programs, know that you are not alone. We are here to support you through our Learning Centers and other Resources for Student Success. You can also rely on the ScarletWell and Peer Leadership Mentor programs, Rutgers Learning Communities, and CAPS counseling services. You are not alone in this journey.

I believe this is your moment, and I look forward to all we will accomplish together.

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