Events & Athletics

Important updates for:

2020-21 academic year campus events guidelines

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

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

Events hosted by University departments or student organizations should be exclusive to Rider faculty, staff and students and may not include external guests. Events that include external guests 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. 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. Sponsoring organizations/departments must document how they will ensure appropriate staffing and social distancing, including delineated seating or spaces and flow of traffic. Event plans must be approved by the sponsoring division and the Special Events Committee, which includes representatives from Student Affairs, Auxiliary Services, Facilities and Public Safety.

Indoor events

Face coverings must be worn by all indoor event attendees. Event spacing requires six-foot distancing between attendees. Maximum 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. At this time, audience members or spectators are prohibited.

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 six-foot 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.

Westminster College of the Arts in-person performance-based activities

In-person performance-based activities within Westminster College of the Arts are approved/scheduled through a separate process as outlined in the Dec. 21, 2020, email from Dean Onofrio. Requests must be submitted at least three weeks in advance of the proposed event/activity to allow sufficient time for the approval process.

Please see the WCA scheduling instructions (PDF) and event request form (PDF) for additional information.

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 has been updated with new menus and can be viewed on the Rider Catering Website.

Club and intramural sports

Intramural sports activity and club sport small group training/conditioning 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 through Stouts Charter Services, including a Monday through Saturday shuttle service, as well as athletic, club, and event-related travel. Stouts addresses 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. 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.