Rider University Will Require COVID Vaccination For Students

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ —Rider University joined a growing list of NJ colleges to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for undergraduate and graduate students for the fall semester.

The university made the announcement Thursday afternoon.

University officials said the requirement applies to all students who enrolled or will otherwise be present on campus.

Students enrolled in online degree programs who do not have to be physically present on campus will not require vaccination.

The university said, “valid religious and documented medical exemptions will be considered.”

“Requiring student immunization will help us achieve our first priority, which is protecting the health and safety of our campus community,” Rider President Gregory G. Dell’Omo said in a statement.

“Achieving widespread vaccination will also accelerate the return to a campus experience that more closely resembles what students expected before the pandemic.” Rider announced in March that it plans to return to “more-normal campus operations” this fall. The decision to require vaccination came after vaccine eligibility expanded nationwide to include anyone 16 years old and over, said the university.

Students are required to submit proof of full COVID-19 vaccination via the Healthy Broncs portal no later than Aug. 1.

Those who arrive early must submit proof of vaccination two weeks before they return to campus.

The University has also advised international students to get vaccinated in the United States before they return to their home countries for the summer.

Rider said it hasn't decided whether employees will be required to provide proof of vaccination before the fall semester.

“We strongly encourage all members of our community to get vaccinated as soon as they can,” Dell’Omo said.

Rider is currently offering a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for employees, administered by Penn Medicine Princeton Health.

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