Friday, Nov 6, 2020
Dear students and families,
After careful consideration and thorough discussion, we have made the decision to start the spring 2021 semester one week later than originally planned and eliminate spring break. This decision was guided primarily by current federal, state and local guidelines, consideration of travel restrictions and quarantine, and what is best for the health and safety of our entire university community.
Therefore, the spring semester will begin on February 1, 2021, and end as planned on April 30, 2021. Spring break will be eliminated from March 15-19, 2021.
We know eliminating spring break may be disappointing, but doing so will reduce the chance of members of our community traveling during this time, then returning to campus, which could potentially increase the spread of the virus. Taking this step will help lessen the possibility of a COVID-19 outbreak like we’ve seen occur in other areas of the state and country, and give us the best chance to achieve a successful completion of the spring semester.
Soon you will be receiving detailed information from Student Affairs regarding housing for the spring semester. At this time we anticipate that on-campus housing will look very similar in the spring semester as it did this fall. Students currently residing on campus may continue to do so next semester, and students not currently living at Rider will be able to apply for university housing for the spring.
We will continue to maintain health protocols and expectations of all students and employees to promote the safety of our community. We will also expand surveillance testing within our campus community this spring, building on student and athletic testing conducted this semester, as critical components of our overall efforts to confront the pandemic.
I’m asking for your continued support and cooperation to help control the spread of the coronavirus by adhering at all times to health and safety protocols in place to help mitigate the impact of the pandemic not just at Rider, but within our extended communities.
The most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 and university operations can be found on our Resolved and Ready website. We will continue to provide you with updates both online and via email.
Wishing you continued good health.
Sincerely,
Gregory G. Dell’Omo, Ph.D.