Student Affairs

At Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School we support our students with a full array of programs which foster both personal and professional growth. From the White Coat Ceremony at Orientation, to the Convocation Ceremony at Graduation, you will be nurtured and prepared for the challenges which lie ahead of you.

Student Affairs Deans are available for personal counseling via scheduled appointments, walk-in visits, email, or telephone calls. During the preclinical years, the Student Affairs Deans monitor the academic progress of students, assess issues which may be impacting performance, and develop action plans for students experiencing academic difficulty.

During the clinical years, Student Affairs Deans maintain close contact with student leaders of the numerous organizations and interest groups through periodoc meetings. 

For general questions please email: studentaffairs@rwjms.rutgers.edu

→ Office of Student Affairs

Peer Mentors

In addition to Student Affairs Deans, Peer Mentors provide advising from a student perspective. Beginning at freshman orientation, first year students are placed into small groups which are led by second year students in the role of Peer Mentors. Peer Mentors help ease the transition of the first year students; are well-versed in the school's resources and refer students to necessary resources as needed; and facilitate socialization with faculty and members of other classes.

Students interested in becoming Peer Mentors may apply at the end of their first year of medical school. Peer Mentors attend a retreat where they receive training in leadership, team building, listening skills and self-assessment.

Career Counseling & Residency Planning

The overall objective of career counseling/residency planning is to provide you with information and resources that will assist you in making good, individualized career choices and in navigating the residency match process successfully. Student Affairs Deans are available for individualized counseling. Additionally, the Office of Student Affairs uses the AAMC Careers in Medicine (CiM) career planning program in assisting you to choose a medical specialty and select and apply to a residency program.

With so many specialty choices available to you and with events related to career planning beginning almost immediately after the start of first-year classes, the processes of gathering information (about yourself and about specialties) and considering options cannot begin too early.