Rider To Offer On-Campus Instruction, Living In The Fall

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Rider University students will be permitted to return to campus for learning and on-campus living this fall as it reopens amid the coronavirus pandemic, the university announced.

Rider’s comprehensive reopening plan includes options for both on-campus and virtual instruction, as well as a hybrid plan for the fall semester, according to the plan posted on the university website.

The fall semester will begin one week earlier than previously planned, on Aug. 31, in order to avoid the beginning of the cold and flu season.

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In-person instruction will continue through Nov. 24, before students leave for the Thanksgiving break. At that time, residential students will move out, and there will be one week of virtual instruction only, beginning Nov. 30.

Throughout the semester, any aspect of the university that can continue to operate effectively remotely will continue to do so to limit the number of students and faculty on campus. This will continue to be the standard until restrictions are eased for larger gatherings.

The university will adhere to social distancing guidelines and health standards issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. It will also follow guidelines for disinfection and Occupational and Environmental Safety Office (OESO) protocols.

See more stories about New Jersey's coronavirus recovery.

As part of its plan, Rider said it will reconfigure classrooms, and it is developing guidelines for traffic flow into and out of classrooms, stairwells, elevators and hallways in academic buildings, along with providing enhanced cleaning plans.

In the beginning, the option for double-occupancy dorm rooms will remain in place, but as the semester draws closer, the university said it will identify empty rooms and increase the amount of single-room availability as much as possible.

Anyone who tests positive for the coronavirus while on campus will be placed in isolation.

“We will ask students who are able to return home to do so for the required isolation period before returning to their residence hall,” the university said.

Rider will establish isolation housing on campus for students who require housing (e.g. international or other domestic distance from home, or precarious home/living situations). The housing will be available for up to 22 students, including 12 at the Lawrenceville campus and 10 in Princeton, if necessary. Care will include delivery of linens and food service and health care assistance, as required.

Anyone who may have been exposed to someone with coronavirus will have to quarantine.

“When we become aware of students who have been exposed to COVID-19 through our contact tracing methods or other reports, the Student Health Center will evaluate the level of exposure and risk of that individual to determine next steps,” the university said.

This may include requiring students to either return home or relocate to a different residential facility for a period of 14-days (for up to 72 students). On-campus care will include delivery of linens and food service and health care assistance, as required.

To read Rider’s full plan, visit rider.edu.

See related: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know