Wednesday, Mar 25, 2020
Dear Students,
We hope this message finds you and your families faring well during this second, extended week of spring break. Everyone at Rider misses you, but we all must do what is necessary to prevent the spread of this dangerous virus.
We are writing today to share several important pieces of information. Please read this message in its entirety.
Prepare for Remote and Alternative Instruction
Next Monday, March 30, the University will transition to remote and alternative instruction for the remainder of the semester, through finals. We understand this will be a big change for what many of you are used to academically. Each course will look a little different, and you will hear directly from your faculty instructor about the transition of that course to a remote format and what’s expected of you.
In the meantime, we encourage you to begin preparing for the new modes of instruction this week while you have some free time. To promote your success in remote classes, you will want to determine access to computer/internet, software and textbooks, and establish a physical space where you can focus productively on your coursework. This student guide to remote access is a resource that can help you begin to prepare for the technology necessary for success in remote classes.
Access to Technology
We understand that some students may have concerns related to remote instruction based on lack of access to appropriate technology that may be required for some classes. If this is a concern for you, please complete this technology request form, so we can work with you to identify the resources you need. Once you complete the form, you can expect to hear from OIT (the Office of Institutional Technology) via email (or phone if specified) within five business days of your request.
If you do not have internet access at home, or need access to a hotspot, several providers are offering reduced cost and/or open services during the outbreak. Information to access these resources is available on the OIT website.
Based on guidance from the Governor's executive order, until further notice, Moore Library on the Lawrenceville campus and Talbott Library on the Princeton campus are closed. All computer labs on both campuses are also closed.
For additional technology-related questions, please contact OIT at 609-219-3000.
Student Employment
The national emergency caused by COVID-19 has required the University to make difficult but necessary decisions related to the responsible stewardship of limited institutional resources at this time.
These decisions include the following guidelines for student workers and graduate assistants that have been adopted by the University, effective immediately:
Student workers and graduate assistants who are in a position to work remotely, as approved by their supervisor and division head/dean, will be paid for the time that they do so. You should contact your supervisor to discuss whether your position is approved for remote work. Regretfully we will be unable to continue to pay students whose work does not lend itself to remote options.
Earlier today you received student employee payroll instructions. These instructions pertain specifically to students who have approval to work remotely as outlined above.
Tuition remission will remain intact for the spring 2020 semester for all graduate assistants, including those whose assistantship does not lend itself to working remotely.
We understand that many students rely on their on-campus employment both financially, and as practical experience, and wish we were in a position to continue to offer you continued employment. Many of the unprecedented and unforeseen extraordinary circumstances caused by COVID-19 such as the issuance of government orders, the shutting down of key university facilities (i.e. residence halls, computer labs, dining locations, etc.) and other instances beyond the University’s control, have prevented normal University operations.
The University commits to reassessing all of these decisions prior to June 30, 2020, and will communicate with you at a later time.
Mail Services
The University’s Mail Services remains open and operational. Review the Mail Services web site for additional information regarding hours, and information about mail forwarding. To contact Mail Services, email [email protected] or call 609-895-5477.
Rider Resource Pantry
Beginning March 17, until further notice, The Rider Resource Pantry will operate as Pick Up by Appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Students needing to access the Rider Resource Pantry will be able to select food and personal items from a Rider Resource Pantry Order Form and schedule pick up weekly. Pantry staff will bag the items and have them ready for pick up at Vona Center Room 23.
To schedule an appointment or for any questions, contact [email protected]. If you have other food, housing, or personal needs, download the WIN: What I Need app on your phone to access a variety of social services in the Trenton area.
What you should do if you test positive for coronavirus
Current symptoms reported for patients with coronavirus (COVID-19) have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and shortness of breath. You will not know if you have coronavirus until you are tested. Please check the CDC website for more information at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
If you are confirmed to have coronavirus, stay home and take care of yourself. When you are able, please contact the Student Health Center by phone at 609-896-5060 to report your illness.
We are here for you
We know these are challenging times for all of us, but we are confident in the strength and spirit of all Rider Broncs. Although we will be remote for the remainder of the semester, everyone at Rider is committed to your success and well being. We are here for you, always.
Please reach out to us with any questions or concerns you have and we will do our very best to help you. You can email us at [email protected] or check www.rider.edu/coronavirus for the most up to date information.