Rider earns national recognition as College of Distinction

Innovative application of high impact educational practices at Rider University earned the school recognition among the nation’s Colleges of Distinction.

Rider University students earned college credit and valuable life experience while participating in study abroad programs in countries all around the globe, as well as through service learning opportunities, internships and professional experiences, leadership opportunities and participation in the arts.

“We’re so happy to award Rider University for developing skills relevant to graduates’ lives,” said Tyson Schritter, executive editor for Colleges of Distinction. “High student engagement in college is one of the keys to a successful undergraduate education. With an increasing emphasis on hands-on learning techniques, Colleges of Distinction applauds Rider for practicing methodologies that prepare students for their futures.”

Gregory G. Dell’Omo, Ph.D., president of Rider University, said, “It is a great honor to be recognized as a College of Distinction, especially since it further illustrates our steadfast commitment to engaged learning and successful outcomes. At Rider, we firmly believe in the importance of providing students with the ability to grow and develop holistically as individuals during their collegiate years, because academics alone will not prepare students for the competitive world after graduation.”

To be considered as a College of Distinction, schools must demonstrate results across the Four Distinctions — Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. High school counselors and educators make nominations, and each school is evaluated on key indicators including student engagement, student empowerment, and curricular innovation. Colleges that have distinguished themselves in each of the Four Distinctions and that have demonstrated dedication to enriching student outcomes through innovative learning opportunities are then invited to join Colleges of Distinction.

The annual process to select the nation’s Colleges of Distinction also includes a review of each institution’s freshman experience, as well as its general education program, strategic plan and alumni success and satisfaction measures.