Student checklist for a successful start to the semester

Monday, Aug 24, 2020

Dear Students,

The start of a new academic year is hands-down my favorite time of the year - a time filled with excitement, possibility, hopes and dreams.  The transition to a 3-week remote start of the semester, followed by variable modes of instruction is not what any of us envisioned.  Rider is not alone - nearly every college and university in the country has adjusted their plans  for the unwelcome guest of COVID-19. 

This adjustment has undoubtedly left you with an email inbox full of messages, lots of questions, and perhaps feeling a bit overwhelmed with new information.  This checklist serves as a reminder of things you should do and know before the semester begins as well as a handful of resources to keep handy throughout the fall.

Checklist for ALL students
Complete by your first day on campus, or August 31

  • Log into myRider and complete the required COVID-19 Shared Responsibility Pledge and Enrollment Agreement.
  • Complete the required SafeColleges COVID-19 training. 
  • Download the Campus Clear app  and start reporting your daily health symptoms before coming to campus or, in the case of resident students, in the morning preferably before noon or before attending an in-person class.  
  • Verify the format of your course delivery in the Enhanced Course Roster.  Contact the Academic Coordinator in your college as soon as possible if you need to make changes.
  • Assure you have appropriate technology to support your remote learning.  Visit the Office of Information Technology page if you need to request assistance.
  • If you’ll be physically on the campus, be sure to have a face covering in all indoor areas and when within 6-feet of others outdoors.
  • If you have your own health insurance, Log into myRider to waive the University Health Insurance.
  • If the financial impact of the COVID-19 has presented unexpected burdens on you, consider the Rider emergency relief fund guidelines.
  • Review the fall student events calendar and schedule some events into your calendar. (Continue to visit, this will be updated regularly).  
  • Reflect on how you’ll get involved this semester.  Mark your calendar for Broncapalooza on Sunday, August 30th from 1-4pm and check out student organizations on Broncnation.rider.edu.

For new students only

Additional checklist for students who are living on campus

  • Schedule your appointment for a socially distanced move-in to the residence halls.  Access the “Schedule your Move-in” link to request move-in appointments via your MyRider account.  
  • If you want to change your meal plan, complete the residence life google form before the first day of classes.

Resources available to you

  • The Rider Resource Pantry is open to serve students. Advanced orders are required. Students will receive a confirmation email with a designated time to pick up their items in the Vona Center. 
  • Counseling Services is available for virtual appointments and consultations.  Call 609-896-5157 to schedule an appointment. 
  • The Student Health Center will support students via in-clinic and telehealth appointments. No walk-in appointments will be available. Please contact the Student Health Center at 609-896-5060 to schedule an appointment.  We recommend that non-residential students refer care to their primary health provider.
  • The Academic Success Center provides course-specific tutoring, writing, reading, and study strategies support in addition to academic coaching. 
  • Student Accessibility and Support Services (SASS) is available to assist students who have documented disabilities by determining academic accommodations for courses, providing academic coaching and consultation, and helping with residential and dining accommodations.  Virtual appointments can be scheduled by email.

Key support contacts

Rider University offices will remain open Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm, unless otherwise noted.  Campus offices may be accessible remotely via email, phone and Zoom interfaces, as well as in person in some instances.  Below are a few key contacts.

General student support services

Academic support 

Many of our student events will be remote this semester, and dozens of creative opportunities to engage are already planned.  Check out the student events calendar and the Weekend Warriors weekly email for more details.  Follow us on Instagram at @RiderStudentLife for a continuous view of life on campus.

Please be aware that we cannot sustain student life on campus unless we all take an active responsibility to prevent the spread of infection.  While required daily actions including daily symptom checks, wearing face coverings, and maintaining 6 ft. distancing don’t feel like a normal part of college life - but they must be this year!  We’ve all seen campuses in the news who have already made grave mistakes.  We all must resolve that Rider will be different and embrace our new normal life on campus if we want to return to the life on campus that we know and love.

You’ve heard the saying, Attitude is everything?  The semester will be what you make of it.  I hope you will enter with dedication, optimism, and a willingness to engage. Your semester will undoubtedly be different than imagined, but it will still be great!

Sincerely,

Dr. Leanna Fenneberg
Vice President for Student Affairs 

CORRECTION: The original version of this letter, which was emailed on Aug. 24, contained a reference to Rider's mode of academic instruction this semester that was inaccurate. As previously announced, the semester will begin with a three-week remote start, followed by variable modes of instruction.

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