Monday, Mar 30, 2020
Dear students,
We are in unprecedented times, and could never anticipate the extraordinary measures required to keep our community safe — on campus, and across the nation and the world. These actions have had a tremendous impact on your Rider University experience.
We understand that the move to remote and alternative education, the closing of the residence halls, and the cancellation or postponement of important campus events and activities fundamentally changes your spring semester. This saddens us too; this is not the semester we imagined for you either. However, these changes do not alter elements that are at the core of your Rider experience.
Vibrant living and learning community
Don’t let social distancing get you down and stop you from connecting with each other and participating in events and programs. Visit our Virtual Student Engagement Events and Programs page and mark your calendars for exciting upcoming opportunities to digitally engage. Join other students for a concert series, paint along, trivia night, video games, a cooking class, a book club, fitness challenges and more. Let us help you balance the stress of classes with some fun and engagement. For up-to-date event and program information, including Zoom links, visit broncnation.rider.edu and This Week at Rider newsletter sent to Lawrenceville student emails on Mondays and Thursdays and regular email updates from Dean Botti for Westminster students.
Many of our 150+ student organizations will remain active virtually throughout the semester — stay abreast of individual activities through organization pages on BroncNation and their social media sites. The Lawrenceville Student Government Association has also established a weekly update to keep you posted. The 107.7 TheBronc radio station and Rider News are still active digitally as well.
For ongoing updates and engagement with all of our virtual campus life, follow the Division of Student Affairs on Instagram at @RiderStudentLife.
Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
As outlined in Rider’s Inclusive Excellence Plan (PDF), Rider University is committed to fostering an inclusive, vibrant living and learning community that embraces students, faculty and staff of all backgrounds and enables them to achieve success.
We realize the impact of the COVID-19 response will not be the same for all members of our community, and we want to support students who experience unique challenges at this time. All of our campus offices are accessible by phone and email to support you, and I draw attention to a few specific resources:
- If you do not have access to appropriate technology required for some classes, please complete this technology request form so OIT (Office of Information Technology) can work with you to identify resources you need.
- The Rider Resource Pantry is available as Pick Up by Appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. Submit this Rider Resource Pantry Order Form and schedule a pick-up time by contacting [email protected].
- Counseling Services is available to support the mental health needs of students. Students on both campuses can call (609)-896-5157 to make a virtual appointment or consult regarding an appropriate referral resource. If you or someone you know is experiencing a psychological emergency, contact Public Safety at (609)-896-7777 or go to your local emergency room.
- If you have questions about how your academic accommodations translate into remote and alternative instruction, contact the Student Accessibility and Support Services office.
- Tutoring and writing studio appointments are still available for students on both campuses, transitioning to virtual forms of engagement. Refer to separate emails for more details on how to make your appointments.
Students can additionally continue to engage in topics related to equity and inclusion virtually. The Center for Diversity and Inclusion will host weekly Open Door Conversations via Zoom on Fridays from 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.
Student Success and Co-curricular learning
Rider’s commitment to engaged learning isn’t bound to any one mode of learning. We encourage you to remain engaged in and out of the classroom in all ways possible. All of the faculty and staff on campus are here to support your successful completion of your classes this semester and pursuit of your other goals. If you have academic questions or concerns, contact your Academic Dean's office:
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: [email protected] or (609)-896-5155
- Norm Brodsky College of Business: [email protected] or (609)-896-5170
- College of Continuing Studies: (609)-896-5033
- College of Education and Human Services: [email protected] or (609)-896-5048
- Westminster Choir College: (609)-921-7100, (ext 8206)
- School of Fine and Performing Arts: (609)-896-5168
For non-academic areas where you need support, please contact the Dean of Students Office at (609)-896-5101 or [email protected]. Stay abreast of University updates related to our response to the coronavirus at our resolved and ready page or email [email protected].
Broncs never go it alone
You may be facing myriad emotions — fear, loneliness, confusion and uncertainty about all of the changes you’re facing. But, you are not alone. I have been incredibly humbled by the compassion, patience and understanding that our students, faculty, staff, alumni and family members have demonstrated during this difficult time. It reminds me of the strength and resilience of individuals and the supportive strength of our community. Please continue to be safe and healthy, and support that in those around you as well.
Your semester at Rider will look different than you imagined, but it will still be great!
We commit to continuing to engage and support you, and we trust that you’ll commit to immersing yourself in this new digital Rider experience as well.
You can do this — and we are here to help.
Sincerely,
Leanna Fenneberg, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs