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Yes – every new student is required to attend Orientation. This is because Orientation gives you the opportunity to meet and get to know your classmates, learn about the campus and available resources, and meet with faculty and administrators.
A current student saw this question and jokingly responded, “EVERYTHING” – but it’s true! Orientation is a time when you meet your classmates, learn about being a college student, hear from different offices and organizations, and receive information about your academic department. It’s the first time you spend time on campus as an official Rider student and it is the foundation of your Rider career.
All first year students have a choice between a two day (overnight) or single day orientation session during the summer. Check in on the first day begins at 11:30 a.m. and the program concludes the second day at noon. Our single day session begins with check in at 7:30 a.m. and concludes at 5:30 p.m. Orientation is for students only.
If you need to reschedule your Orientation, please call 609-896-5314 or email [email protected].
Incoming freshmen are expected to stay overnight in the residence halls during Orientation. Parents and family members coming from a distance are invited to stay at local hotels.
If you are staying overnight you will need to bring bedding and anything else you would need for a one night stay. The rooms are air conditioned, so we ask that you do not bring a fan. You might also want to bring flip-flops for the showers. View a packing list (PDF) for overnight orientation.
Student Accessibility and Support Services (SASS) provides services to students with documented disabilities. These services may include reasonable accommodations, including testing accommodations, accessing auxiliary aids, assisting with communicating needs to professors and staff, and individual sessions with professional staff. If you need disability related services, complete the “Confidential Self Disclosure Form” and return it with the required documentation to SASS.
Student Accessibility and Support Services (SASS) office must receive your Confidential Self Disclosure Form and required documentation prior to your testing date. The office will review and approve your request in advance, if appropriate. Requests on the day of Placement Testing are unable to be considered for that date. Information regarding required documentation can be found on the SASS website.
The placement testing system has been quite accurate in placing students at the appropriate level, so you will not be challenged above your abilities. In fact, students who wait to take a language until later in their college career find that they forget information and have greater difficulty with their courses. Most importantly, Rider professors in the language courses are focused first and foremost on student success. They want you to do well and help you every step of the way. Courses are taught in such a way that students make connections between the language they are studying and the many cultures of the world who use the language in everyday conversation, business environments and in literature, music and the arts. Many of our students like the experience so much that they add a minor or double major in the language and see its benefits to their overall career goals. Taking your language course right away will give you the necessary time to continue your study if you choose to, and perhaps to even add a study abroad experience to your studies.
If you wish to change your major, please call the Office of Admission at (609)-896-5042. If you arrive at Orientation and do not have the correct major on your Orientation nametag, you will be able to speak with an Orientation Staff member to request a change of major at that time.
Course scheduling is done through the registrar's office and all first year students will receive their schedules over the summer. Any questions or concerns about your schedule can be directed to your college where you can speak with an academic advisor.
If you anticipate receiving credit for Advanced Placement classes and have not yet spoken with an Admissions Counselor, you should call the Office of Admission at (609)-896-5042. In order to receive credit you must submit an official Advanced Placement score report to the Office of Admission.
Yes, all students are allowed cars on campus, but you must register your car with Campus Safety. You will have the opportunity to do that during Fall Opening when you arrive for the semester.
It differs from team to team whether students are able to walk on and try out. If you’re interested in trying out for one of the teams, click here to find coaches and information for your particular sport.
Yes, definitely – Recreation Programs offers both Club Sports and Intramural Sports. Club Sports are student-run teams that compete against club teams at other colleges. Intramural Sports are open to the entire Rider community, regardless of skill level, and allow you to keep playing your current sport, try something new, or just stay active. Also, if your sport does not currently exist, students are always welcome to start your own club team.