Editor's note: Transportation Services will operate two North-South shuttles and one East-West shuttle from 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. on March 30.

Blue Hen Re-Coop Days at the University of Delaware are a little different this year, but one consistent message is clear: These days are designed to encourage Blue Hens to invest time to focus on overall wellbeing.

Classes will be suspended on Tuesday, March 30, and Monday, April 19; students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in wellbeing activities and use the hashtag #BlueHenReCoop to share on social media how they’re spending the day. Just as with reading days and spring break, Re-Coop Days are days of no classes for students; however, campus offices will be open and services will be operating.

“The past year has brought a great deal more stress, whether from the isolation of quarantine, being ill or having anxieties about becoming ill, financial uncertainty, grief from losing a loved one, the challenges of studying or working from home and Zoom fatigue on top of the traditional pre-pandemic stressors,” says Nancy Chase, director of Student Wellness and Health Promotion. “All of this makes it so much more important to prioritize wellbeing. The Re-Coop Day allows the perfect opportunity to dedicate time to taking care of yourself.”

The theme of this year’s first Re-Coop Day on March 30 is self-awareness, so the opportunities and resources inspire reflection, self-compassion and connecting with one’s internal wisdom and creativity. With a mix of options that are active and passive, there are recommendations compiled for both employees and students to try something new and create healthy habits.

“Whether you spend a few minutes, an hour or the entire day, we hope you will take some time to invest in yourself for Blue Hen Re-Coop Day,” says Beth Finkle, director of Employee Health and Wellbeing. “We also understand that not all employees may be able to participate in Re-Coop Day due to business needs, and we appreciate your commitment to keeping UD running for our students. We encourage you to find an alternate time to dedicate to yourself during this week.”

The theme of the next Re-Coop Day on April 19 is community and connection; activities for the next Re-Coop Day will be shared ahead of the event.