Tuesday, Mar 17, 2020
Dear Rider Community,
We are writing to share new information in light of recent guidance announced by President Donald Trump, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Zakiya Smith Ellis to limit the spread of coronavirus.
Gov. Murphy’s executive order affects institutions of higher education across the state, including Rider. It states that beginning on Wednesday, March 18, institutions of higher education will cease all in-person instruction until further notice. Rider is in compliance with this guidance based on our plan to move to remote and alternative instruction beginning March 30.
Today, we are announcing that the University is extending remote instruction through the end of the spring semester, including exams. Rider is committed to supporting students and faculty as they shift to remote instruction. Our goal is to ensure the continuity of instruction so that students may complete their spring semester academic requirements.
We have made a decision to close the residence halls on both campuses with limited exceptions. Public Health officials recommend that all residential students who are currently on campus and can return home do so as soon as reasonably possible. We understand many of you who are already off campus have belongings that remain in your room. We will be in touch with you as soon as we can to establish a schedule to retrieve your belongings in a way that adheres to social distancing guidelines.
We understand that Rider is the primary and only available residence for some students. We will consider limited exceptions for these extraordinary cases for students to remain on campus and continue to support them.
We also understand many of you have questions and concerns about housing and meal-related reimbursements. Additional information will be forthcoming. We appreciate your patience as we work through these considerations.
While the University remains open, Rider is adjusting many services according to official guidance about how to slow the spread of COVID-19. Dining services are going to be limited beginning on Wednesday, March 18. Meals in containers will be available for students, faculty and staff in the Mercer Room (in Daly Dining Hall) on the Lawrenceville campus and in the student center on the Princeton campus. Meals are for takeout only. The Student Recreation Center and Richard A. Coppola Pool are closed until further notice. Please also see the following webpages for more information on dining services; library services; mail services; bookstores and campus shuttle services.
Secretary Smith Ellis clarified that each institution must decide for itself how it will operate going forward in support of remote instruction and who, among its employees, must still continue working either remotely or onsite while also abiding by social distancing and other guidelines.
In light of that guidance, today we are announcing new measures being enacted for faculty and staff.
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, Rider has been reviewing the status of all upcoming events. Today, we are announcing that the Commencement ceremonies for both Rider and Westminster Choir College are being postponed. Westminster Reunions scheduled for May are also postponed. These are tough, heartbreaking decisions. We assure you that they are being made with the health and safety of our campus community as our top priority. We are considering alternative plans and will announce them when we have a better idea of the status of the outbreak in the months ahead.
We are collectively confronting an enormous disruption to normal operations. During this unprecedented time, we are navigating many compounding challenges. We're grateful for each individual who is working to serve the campus community and protect our health and safety. We are all being asked to adapt quickly and often, and our ability to do so shows the strength and resiliency of our community and reveals the resolve and character of being a Bronc.
We understand that questions remain. We respectfully ask that you continue to be patient while we work to address such concerns. We are listening to you. The official source of information about Rider's response to COVID-19 is www.rider.edu/coronavirus. It will be updated to reflect new information as it becomes available. For questions and general inquiries, please email [email protected]. Students can also reach out to their deans for academic-related questions and to the Dean of Students office at 609-896-5101.