Student Health and Wellness

The following requirements are in effect for students as per Rider’s Resolved and Ready Plan: 

• Complete daily symptom monitoring, including temperature taking, via CampusClear before coming to campus. Resident students must do so each day before attending class or before noon if you do not have an in-person class. Only come to campus if you are cleared by the app to do so.
  
  CampusClear is a free mobile application available for iPhone and Android devices and the web. 
  
  Faculty are authorized to check that students have completed their CampusClear requirements and are cleared to come to campus that day, and that they are wearing face masks or coverings, before allowing them to attend in-person classes. Students who do not cooperate with these requirements will not be allowed to attend their in-person classes and run the risk of violating the Student Code of Social Conduct.
  
  Dining Services, the fitness center in the the Student Recreation Center and the University Bookstore will also check that you have completed Campus Clear and are cleared to be on campus via the app before they will allow anyone to utilize the fitness center, enter the Bookstore, dine-in or pick up food in Daly Dining Hall or Cranberry’s.
   
• Do NOT come to campus if you are feeling ill or have been in close contact with someone who is diagnosed or symptomatic. Remain off campus or in your residence hall room, do not attend class or any activities and contact the Student Health Center as soon as possible for further instructions. You can reach the Student Health Center at 609-896-5060 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Weeknights and weekends, contact Public Safety at 609-896-5029.
   
• Maintain at least six feet distance from others, particularly in more open, shared environments.
   
• Wear a face mask or covering at all times while:     
  • attending class   
  • inside any building where others are present, including walking in narrow hallways 
  • While outside when you can not maintain at least six feet distance from others
  • Inside dining facilities when you are not actually eating
     
• Maintain other healthy practices:     
  • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer frequently. Hand sanitizer dispensers are located across campus.  
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow. 
  • Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
     
• Students who live on campus or who come to campus to take classes or engage in any on-campus activities (at least once per week) are required to participate in Rider’s weekly random surveillance testing program beginning in February. See the surveillance testing program section for more information. 

Know the symptoms of COVID-19

COVID-19 symptoms include the following:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fever or chills
• Muscle  or body aches 
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• New loss of taste or smell 
• Congestion or runny nose 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Diarrhea 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, do NOT come to campus or leave your residence hall room before contacting the Student Health Center as soon as possible at 609-896-5060. Weeknights and weekends, contact Public Safety at 609-896-5029.

In the classroom

Classroom seating has been modified to allow at least six-foot distancing between students and faculty. Seating should remain as modified — no changes are allowed.  Particular focus was given to specialized areas such as science laboratories and dance instruction. Additionally, unique areas on campus were identified and modified to create opportunities to further deliver the academic curriculum while maintaining social distance (e.g., Cavalla, Mercer Room, BLC/Yvonne theaters, outdoor spaces).

Faculty are not required to wear a face covering (such as a cloth face mask or face shield) when plexiglass shields are present on classroom podiums for faculty use, or if faculty choose to use a face shield to allow for a broader range of movement in front of the class. When faculty opt to use a face shield while teaching, they are required to wear a face covering immediately before and after class.

Students are required to wear their face covering and faculty are empowered to enforce this requirement and students’ adherence to CampusClear as they would any classroom rule that they might establish. Students who do not cooperate with these requirements will not be allowed to attend their in-person classes and run the risk of violating the Student Code of Social Conduct.

Traffic flow in and out of classrooms have been delineated and all classrooms are cleaned regularly overnight with additional disinfecting throughout the day.

Temperature taking stations

Temperatures are taken at the following locations across campus. Those taking temperatures do not allow anyone to access their site if their fever is equal to or above 100.4. They will provide students contact information for the Student Health Center. 

• Gourmet Food Service takes temperatures at the entrances to all dining venues: Daly Dining Hall, Cranberry’s and the Pub.
• Ricoh takes temperatures of those who pick up mail/packages or who utilize their copying/printing services.
• Barnes and Noble takes temperatures of those who frequent the bookstore.
• University Athletic Management takes temperatures of those who frequent the SRC fitness center, courts and recreation tents.
• Sports medicine staff takes temperatures of student-athletes before they enter the athletic training area.  

Travel

Students are expected to keep updated on New Jersey travel related requirements, which may dictate the need for quarantine and/or testing prior to returning to campus following any travel beyond the immediate area. 

Diagnostic testing

The Student Health Center provides diagnostic COVID-19 testing for residential students who present COVID-19 symptoms.

Commuting students are responsible for securing their own COVID-19 tests as needed via their primary health care provider, testing site or other testing provider. The Student Health Center has a list of available testing sites. Contact the Student Health Center at 609-896-5060.

Reporting requirements

Students who test positive somewhere other than the Student Health Center or who have been identified by a contact tracer as a close contact of someone who is COVID-19 positive MUST report their situation to the Student Health Center as soon as possible to receive further instructions. You can contact the Student Health Center at 609-896-5060. Weeknights and weekends, contact Public Safety at 609-896-5029.

Quarantine and isolation

Rider follows CDC and New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) guidance regarding quarantine and isolation requirements.

• Resident students who test positive for COVID-19 will be isolated in on-campus isolation space separate from their assigned residence hall.
• Resident students who are awaiting test results from the Student Health Center or who have been identified by a contact tracer as a close contact of someone who is COVID-19 positive will be quarantined in on-campus quarantine space separate from their assigned residence hall. 
• Residential students are encouraged to remain on campus during isolation or quarantine but can choose to go home instead.
• Commuting students who test positive for COVID-19 or are identified by a contact tracer as a close contact of someone who is COVID-19 positive must quarantine or isolate as per instructions from the Student Health Center.
• Resident and commuting students who are quarantined or isolated may not attend in-person classes or on-campus activities for any reason for the duration of their quarantine or isolation until cleared to do so by the Student Health Center.

Please Note: As per New Jersey guidance updated on April 5, 2021, fully vaccinated individuals or those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 3 months and who are asymptomatic are no longer required to quarantine if they are identified as a close contact of someone who tests positive. A close contact is someone who has been within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period, with or without a mask, of someone who is COVID-19 positive.

What to expect with quarantine or isolation

The Student Health Center and Rider contact tracers provide assistance to students in quarantine and isolation, checking on them regularly and providing information regarding symptoms, resources, length of stay, behavioral expectations, etc. Residential students who quarantine/isolate will also be assisted in their move to quarantine/ isolation housing and receive information regarding dining services and what to bring with them.

Students receive an initial call from either the Student Health Center or a Rider contact tracer. More detailed information follows via email. Students in quarantine or isolation are also provided the cellphone number and email address of the contact tracer for any questions or concerns.

The Dean of Students office sends faculty the standard class absence notice via email when a student requires isolation or quarantine. Students should also contact their faculty to discuss course requirements, etc.

Behavioral expectations while in quarantine and isolation

Residential students who are assigned quarantine or isolation housing cannot leave the building, have guests or interact with anyone.

Exceptions include the following (Remember you must still wear a mask whenever you leave your room and remain socially distant from others):

• Using the bathroom and laundry room
• Getting your meals and deliveries
• Accessing the pantry for snacks and drinks
• Getting some fresh air — this is only available to quarantined students who are asymptomatic. This does not apply to isolated students or quarantined students with symptoms. Very specific times and instructions will be provided at the time students are initially quarantined or isolated.

Students who fail to adhere to these guidelines will be referred to the Office of Community Standards for a potential violation of the Student Code of Social Conduct, specifically, 4.12 Failure to adhere to campus-wide pandemic/emergency directives. Potential sanctions could include loss of housing.

When quarantine and isolation end

• Students can end quarantine after 10 days if they are tested for COVID-19 between days five and seven of quarantine, test negative and are not symptomatic.  Or they can end quarantine after 14 days with no testing and no symptoms. In either case, students must first be cleared by the Student Health Center before ending their quarantine. Residential students will be tested by the Student Health Center.
• Students can end isolation 10 days from the date of their positive COVID-19 test as long as they are cleared by the Student Health Center and are asymptomatic.

Contact Tracing

Rider works closely with the Lawrence Township Health Department and New Jersey Department of Health to provide contact tracing for students who test positive for COVID-19 and/or who come in close contact, as defined by the CDC, with someone who tests positive or is symptomatic. Rider’s team of contact tracers work closely with the Student Health Center.

Contact tracers are trained as per the Johns Hopkins contact tracing course. They conduct their work with confidentiality and sensitivity.  They will provide information to students and check on them periodically.

Students who receive a call from one of Rider’s contact tracers are expected to cooperate with them as part of the student responsibility pledge and their obligation as a member of the Rider University community.

Surveillance testing

All resident students and students who attend in-person classes or on-campus activities including among others performance-based or club and intramural activities, are required to participate in Rider’s weekly random surveillance testing program.  Surveillance testing is also required of certain student-athletes.

Students will be randomly chosen to participate in testing each week and receive an email the week before with test information and instructions. Students who do not cooperate run the risk of violating the Student Code of Social Conduct.

Testing will be conducted as follows beginning the second week in February and throughout the spring semester in the SRC seminar room:

• Mondays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Rider uses saliva based PCR tests for its weekly surveillance testing program. Tests are administered by trained medical staff.

It is anticipated that students will be tested no more than one or two times per semester. Results are typically received within 72 hours.

Please note: Students who are awaiting surveillance test results and who do not present COVID-19 symptoms can attend in-person classes and on-campus activities.

Travel

Students are expected to keep updated on New Jersey travel related requirements, which may dictate the need for quarantine and/or testing prior to returning to campus following any travel beyond the immediate area. 

Governor Murphy announced on April 5, 2021 that individuals over 16 are eligible to receive the vaccine as of April 19, 2021. This eligibility includes students who attend a NJ institution of higher education regardless of their home state.

Rider University is requiring all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled this fall to receive a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or World Health Organization (WHO). This applies to all students who are enrolled or will otherwise be present on campus for any reason. Students enrolled in fully online degree programs who do not physically come to campus will not require vaccination, although it is strongly encouraged. Students can find helpful information by visiting New Jersey’s vaccination site, Pennsylvania’s vaccination site or by searching for vaccination information in your home state outside of these locations.

Student Vaccine FAQs

Which vaccines are acceptable?

Vaccines authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or World Health Organization (WHO) will be accepted.  Those currently authorized for use in the United States include the two-dose Moderna and Pfizer vaccines and the one-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

How should students submit proof of vaccination?

Students should submit proof of vaccination via the Healthy Broncs portal no later than August 1, 2021, or at least two weeks in advance of an early semester arrival.  

How should students seek a religious or medical exemption?

Information regarding medical and religious exemptions can be found on the Student Health Center website. Exemptions must be submitted via the Healthy Broncs portal no later than June 15, 2021. 

What is the deadline for submitting proof of vaccination?

The deadline for submitting proof of vaccination is August 1, 2021 or two weeks prior to an early semester arrival. Students are encouraged to submit proof as soon as they receive their second dose of a two-dose vaccine or a single dose of a one-dose vaccine.  Submissions prior to this deadline are appreciated, and will help us more efficiently process the volume of documentation as we prepare for the start of the academic year.

Medical and religious exemptions must be submitted no later than June 15, 2021.

Do students need to be vaccinated before moving back on campus?

Yes, students must submit proof of vaccination or be exempted by the University before they can make an appointment to move on campus this fall. Proof of vaccination is also required to attend classes unless a student is enrolled in a fully online degree program and will not otherwise be present on campus.

What if a student is unable to secure an appointment for an FDA-authorized vaccine?

Students should contact the Student Health Center at [email protected] or call 609-896-5060 for further information.

What if a student already received a non-FDA authorized vaccine?

Students should contact the Student Health Center at [email protected] or call 609-896-5060 for further information.

What do early arrival students need to do regarding the vaccine?

Early arrival students must submit proof of vaccination at least two weeks prior to moving on campus, taking classes or participating in training, practices or competitions.

Will students living off campus be required to be vaccinated?

Yes, all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled this fall are required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine authorized  by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or World Health Organization (WHO). This applies to all enrolled students and those who will otherwise be present on campus.  Students enrolled in fully online degree programs will not require vaccination although it is strongly encouraged.

Will vaccinated students still be required to participate in weekly random surveillance testing this fall?

At this time, we anticipate that students and employees, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to participate in regular random surveillance testing this fall.  

Is Rider requiring employees to be vaccinated?

A decision has not yet been made whether or not to require employees to provide proof of vaccination prior to the start of the fall semester. In the meantime, Rider strongly encourages all members of our community to get vaccinated.  

Will employees still be required to participate in weekly random surveillance testing this fall?

At this time, we anticipate that students and employees, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to participate in regular random surveillance testing this fall. 

Where and how do I get vaccinated?

You can find helpful information by visiting New Jersey’s vaccination site,  Pennsylvania’s vaccination site or by searching for vaccination information in your home state outside of these locations.

Promoting the overall health and well-being of students is a priority. Per American College Health Association (ACHA) guidelines, direct services for physical and mental health will remain primarily as virtual telehealth via Zoom. When appropriate to meet the clinical needs of students, in-person appointments will be available. The regularly offered education outreach on well-being will be extended in the spring to include specific emotional issues related to the pandemic and their educational situation.

We will continue to support students in need as they navigate difficult personal and home situations. Supports will include review of student cases by our student welfare committee, promoting student access to technology required for hybrid or remote learning, access to books, and availability of emergency funding.

In anticipation of a possible increased number of students with food insecurities, Rider has expanded the resources available in the Rider Resource Pantry. These will continue to be available pre-bagged and available for pick-up by appointment. 

All campus offices are accessible remotely via email, phone and Zoom interfaces.

For information regarding a variety of other resources available to students this semester, please visit the Resolved and Ready resources page.

Rider has engaged the services of an industrial hygienist, an architectural firm and a mechanical engineer to examine campus building cleaning protocols, room layouts and HVAC/ventilation, respectively.

Housekeeping staff clean offices, classrooms, restrooms and residential spaces based on CDC guidelines for disinfection and Occupational and Environmental Safety Office (OESO) protocols. There are increased nightshift deep cleanings and more frequent classroom cleaning. 

Facilities Management is also maintaining antibacterial soap dispensers, paper towel dispensers, hand-sanitizer stations and sanitizing wipes throughout campus buildings and residence halls. All University vehicles for Athletics, Public Safety, Student Life, Science and Facilities are frequently sanitized.

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