Events & Athletics

Fall 2020 campus events guidelines

With the majority of students experiencing Rider remotely in the fall, all student organizations and campus offices are encouraged to provide engagement opportunities that are inclusive and accessible for students who may never physically visit campus this semester. We recommend utilizing Zoom and other virtual connective platforms as a primary way to support community and connection this semester.

Some in-person programming (that adheres to appropriate distancing guidelines) or hybrid options that offer both in-person and remote components are also appropriate. For in-person events and meetings, outdoor event spaces should be maximized, and when utilizing indoor spaces, all protocols will be carefully managed.

Internal Events

Events hosted by University departments or student organizations should be exclusive to Rider University faculty, staff, and students and may not include external guests. Events that will include external people must be offered virtually.  Exceptions to this will require approval by the Special Events Committee, which includes representatives from Student Affairs, Auxiliary Services, Facilities, and Public Safety, or as determined by Cabinet.  All student organizations must follow the Student Event Registration Process during their event planning. All departments and student organizations planning events on campus will be required to adhere to the following guidelines and procedures.

Outdoor events

• Outdoor events must promote appropriate social distancing and adhere to state guidelines.  Each outdoor campus event will need to designate specific plans that limit attendance and distancing appropriately.  Each plan must be approved by the sponsoring division, and the Special Events  Committee, which includes representatives from Student Affairs, Auxiliary Services, Facilities, and Public Safety.  For outdoor events, capacities mandated for each tent and or open area will be enforced.
• Sponsoring organizations/departments must document how they will ensure appropriate social distancing, including delineated seating or spaces and flow of traffic, and staffing required.
• In addition to the general campus expectation that face coverings must also be worn outdoors while within 6-feet of others, for events accommodating over 50 people, face coverings are required because of the likelihood of proximity.

Indoor events

• Face coverings must be worn by all students, faculty, staff, and visitors in all public indoor settings across the University.
• Event spacing requires 6 foot distancing between attendees.  Max capacity and room set-up will therefore be determined by the campus location. Auxiliary Services Event Operations will set furniture in accordance with restrictions and the plan for your event/meeting. Furniture cannot be reset as it is designated to be in compliance with all safety guidelines.
• State guidelines presently allow for a max capacity of 25 people per room for indoor gatherings.

Tabling

Outdoor tabling is permitted, informed by social distancing guidelines.  Two representatives may staff a table, maintaining social distancing and wearing masks.  Those approaching the table should also maintain 6’ distance, and wear a face covering. Tabling will be exclusive to the Rider University community (e.g. no external organizations).

Event planning process

Preference for space utilization will be given for academic/class-related needs.

University departments and student organizations requesting indoor or outdoor space, including tents, for campus events will initiate their space request in the University’s 25Live online scheduling tool. An Event Request Information Google form will be used during the reservation process to provide additional details about the event and space needs. Auxiliary Services staff will review the request, work with the hosting group during the planning process, and coordinate COVID-19 related guidelines with relevant offices (Auxiliary Services, Facilities, Public Safety, Student Affairs).  The University reserves the right not to schedule an event if it can not occur within University guidelines.

Catering

Catering will be available on an as needed basis. Catered products will be served via prepackaged items, individual serving and boxed meals. The Catering website is being updated with new menus and can be viewed at https://ridercatering.catertrax.com/.

Club and intramural sports

• Indoor and outdoor club sports will not train or compete during the fall semester (with the exception of E-sports when competition can be done remotely).
• Outdoor intramural sports can convene if appropriate COVID-19 related protocols can be maintained, if approved by Recreation Programs.

Residential programming

Residence hall lounges and common-areas will be restricted and will remain locked as per state guidelines.  Therefore residential programming should follow the above stated guidelines for programming.  Virtual events are encouraged.

Transportation of students

Rider University provides a variety of transportation services to the University through Stouts Charter Services, including a Monday through Saturday shuttle service, as well as athletic, club, and event-related travel.  Stouts has plans to address CDC recommendations for travel-related COVID-19 protocols.

Requests for transportation for student groups will be evaluated on a case by case basis to consider appropriate guidelines and event goals.

External Events

Events hosted by non-Rider affiliated organizations will be extremely limited.  Indoor events sponsored by external organizations will not be scheduled for the Fall Semester.  Outdoor events hosted by external organizations will be evaluated on a case by case basis to limit the number of visitors on campus to reduce community exposure, and prioritize space for on-campus events and meetings.

*Note: These guidelines will be updated to reflect changes to national and state guidance.

The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) announced on July 27 that it has decided to cancel fall sports competition because of continuing health and safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Rider is one of 11 institutions in the MAAC.

MAAC student-athletes whose seasons have been canceled will still be permitted to train when they return to campus. The MAAC said a decision on whether fall sport competition would be feasible in the spring will be determined by the MAAC Council of Presidents at a later date.