Tuesday, Jan 18, 2022
Dear Students,
As we indicated last week, we are writing today to confirm that the spring semester will begin as planned with courses offered in their originally scheduled modality. There will be no remote instruction to start the semester.
We would like to share several COVID related reminders as you plan for your return this semester. You can find more detailed information on our website.
COVID booster and flu shot
- We encourage you to get your COVID booster and flu shot. The CDC recommends that individuals 18 and older get boosted 5 months after their second Pfizer or Moderna dose or 2 months after their J&J shot. One great advantage: Boosted individuals do NOT need to quarantine if they are identified as a close contact of a COVID positive individual. Find out where to get a booster in New Jersey free of charge.
- Rider is offering a student and employee booster clinic on Wednesday, February 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Cavalla Room. More information to follow via [email protected].
Indoor masking and symptom checking
- The indoor masking requirement remains in effect for everyone regardless of vaccination status. We encourage you to review CDC guidance regarding mask types and use.
- Complete Campus Clear every day before coming to campus or class.
- Do NOT come to campus, class or events/activities if you are symptomatic. Contact the Student Health Center immediately at 609-896-5060 (weekdays) or Public Safety at 609-896-5029 (weeknights and weekends) for next steps.
Contact tracing, quarantine and isolation
- Our contact tracers will be in touch with you via cell phone and/or email with instructions and information should you test positive or be identified as a close contact. You are required to cooperate with them for your own health and safety and that of those around you.
- Residential students who require isolation or quarantine who have a permanent address no more than two hours away from campus will be asked to return home for the duration of their isolation or quarantine. Those who live further away or whose circumstances don't allow for them to quarantine/isolate at home will be accommodated on campus. This is a change from the fall semester.
COVID testing
- We are not requiring an advance negative COVID test prior to your return this semester given the challenges of securing tests at this time.
- Unvaccinated students and employees require weekly testing beginning the first week of classes. You were sent an email with information via [email protected]. Testing is offered as follows in the SRC seminar room: Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesdays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- We are expanding our weekly surveillance testing program to include vaccinated students and employees who will be chosen randomly each week to participate. You will be notified via [email protected] in advance and are encouraged to participate.
We appreciate everyone’s cooperation with our COVID protocols which are designed to help protect the safety and well-being of our campus community. We reserve the right to change modalities, including a change to online teaching, if circumstances warrant in our determination. Your diligence in observing our Resolved and Ready requirements will help us avoid the need to do so.
As a reminder, the Counseling Center and other resources are available to help assist you. And, as always, we are happy to address your questions and concerns via [email protected].
Best wishes for the spring semester,
The COVID-19 Implementation Team