William Paterson Plans To Return To In-Person Education

WAYNE, NJ — As New Jersey hits record highs in coronavirus cases, some universities in the Garden State will temporarily move education online. But William Paterson University anticipates a "return to normal operations" for the upcoming semester, according to President Dr. Richard J. Helldobler.

The institution will implement a staggered work schedule for the weeks of Jan. 3 and 10. Class begins Jan. 24, according to the university calendar.

Several New Jersey universities have temporarily switched to remote learning or delayed returns to campus. Kean University will hold classes online through Jan. 30, and the New Jersey Institute of Technology is holding a remote winter session. Princeton University delayed its return to campus one week to Jan. 14 for undergraduates.

Helldobler wrote the following Dec. 22 to the William Paterson community:

"We want to assure our community that the University will remain open and operational, with in-person staffing scheduled to meet institutional needs. Essential workers are expected to report to work on campus and managers/supervisors of departments and divisions will determine which staff members are needed on campus to provide necessary services and continuity. Decisions will be based on institutional needs."

William Paterson will also maintain a requirement for full COVID-19 vaccination for students and employees on campus. Exceptions are only available to online students and those with medical or religious exemptions.

The surrounding community of Wayne has seen a drastic increase of COVID-19 cases. Mayor Christopher P. Vergano reported 1,057 December cases in Wayne as of Thursday, already quadrupling November's reported total of 248 infections.

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