Begin your Rider journey
Rider’s First-Year Experience (FYE) is designed to ease your transition to college and lay the foundation for your future success. From connecting you with campus resources to enhancing your academic skills and developing your self-awareness, the FYE program is here to help you navigate your first year with ease.
Meet your team
Graduating from college will likely be one of your biggest accomplishments in life - but we don’t expect you to get to graduation on your own. During the summer, before you start classes, you’ll be introduced to your Rider support team which consists of faculty, staff and student leaders who will be your guides along the way.
- Your admissions counselor is here to ensure a smooth admissions process.
- Your financial aid counselor can answer questions such as, “How can I make my education affordable?”
- Your orientation leader will help you get acquainted with our campus community.
- Your navigation coach will connect you with valuable personal and academic resources.
- Your academic advisor is here to assist you with staying on track to graduation.
- Your career coach will help guide your career objectives and professional development.
New Student Orientation
New students are invited to participate in orientation sessions to get acclimated with our campus community and prepare for a successful transition Rider.
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Early Arrival programs
Early Arrival programs offer an opportunity for you to arrive on campus early to meet students with similar interests and engage in activities before the start of the semester.
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Welcome Week
Welcome Week is all about starting your new journey at Rider. This exciting schedule of campus programs is designed to connect you with new classmates and introduce you to campus.
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First-Gen at Rider
Nearly a third of Rider students are first-generation to college (neither parent completed a bachelor’s degree). Rider is nationally recognized as a First-Gen Forward institution — and with support designed specifically for you (and your family).
Chart your path
First-Year Seminar
Rider’s First-Year Seminar is an intimate classroom setting focused on promoting a successful academic, personal and social transition to Rider, and as a global citizen. The class utilizes a common read, a group project and other common experiences to discuss issues of diversity and social justice.
New Student Engagement Experience
First-year students, the New Student Engagement Experience is your opportunity to get a jumpstart on your Engaged Learning requirements. By attending and reflecting on six Rider events in the various Engaged Learning themes in your first year, you’re one point closer to graduation.
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Cranberry Investment
Get started on your Cranberry Investment requirements by meeting with your career coach who will begin working with you to create an action plan that helps you to complete the Cranberry Investment student responsibilities and sets you up for success after graduation.
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Join the herd: get involved
Find your community at Rider by exploring the unique opportunities that we offer to get involved.
Diversity, equity and inclusion
Rider University strives to be an inclusive campus, one that is committed to providing all members of our community with the guidance and resources necessary to feel welcome, safe and supported.