Dear Rider Community,
We have embarked on a semester like no other, one involving great change and ever-evolving challenges. The coronavirus outbreak has altered everything about our daily routines and has required the utmost flexibility from all of us. I want to thank you all for your patience and understanding as we navigate these uncertainties. I am incredibly proud of how everyone on campus has embraced the safety precautions in place. In true Bronc spirit, we know we must all work together in order to have a successful fall semester.
That’s the thing about the Rider community, there’s a sense of true compassion for our fellow Broncs. I have heard innumerable students and alumni say they chose Rider because "it just felt right." That feeling comes from that sense of comfort they experience within the Rider community through their interactions with fellow students, professors and staff. It's also because of that unequivocal support that Broncs are able to venture into new opportunities they may have never thought possible.
Rider provides students with a transformational educational experience. Time and time again, I've witnessed students find pathways to their true passions, setting themselves up for genuinely gratifying careers. It may have been a conversation with a faculty member about their interest, finding a job on campus, or jumping into an internship in Philadelphia or New York City — Broncs embrace opportunities wherever they can.
Every Rider student is required to complete at least two high-impact learning experiences, such as service learning, guided research, study abroad and more. Starting with the Class of 2025, Rider has set a new goal for 95% of students to participate specifically in career prep experiences like internships and co-ops. We've invested in Career Development and Success with new staff, enhanced technologies and other resources to make this possible under our Lifting Barriers initiative.
Lifting Barriers is designed to strengthen the overall value of a Rider education. In addition to extensive career preparedness, Rider has made strategic investments dedicated to helping students adjust academically and socially. For example, this summer Rider launched the Student Navigation Office, which provides students with a proactive approach to success coaching, connecting them to academic, social, career-oriented needs and resources. We also opened a new space for the new Center for Diversity and Inclusion, a cornerstone in promoting a safe and welcoming physical environment and campus climate that garners a sense of belonging for the University’s diverse community.
Lifting Barriers also includes a 22% tuition reduction beginning with the incoming Class of 2025. While Rider is still dedicated to providing generous financial aid and scholarships, the tuition reduction helps prospective students and their families understand the true cost of attending Rider, which has always been more accessible than its sticker price.
At Rider, you'll never go it alone. You'll have the freedom to explore, learn and make mistakes; it's part of the process of being a Bronc. Broncs fearlessly follow their interests and grasp opportunities, all with the unending support of the greater Rider community.
When we look back on this unusual semester, we will remember how we cared for each other and helped one another move forward together. It is up to every one of us to adhere the safety protocols outlined by the university to ensure we have a safe fall semester.
Stay safe and be well,
Gregory G. Dell'Omo, Ph.D.
