Preparing for Our Return to Campus: Students

August 12, 2021

Dear Rutgers University–New Brunswick Students,

As we prepare for our return to campus, I am reminded of the ways our community came together in Spring 2020 to accomplish what would have seemed unthinkable: the successful continuation of our academic and service mission amid an unprecedented crisis. I am convinced that our Fall 2021 experience will benefit from an even stronger bond forged by the lessons we have learned over nearly two years.

I am encouraged by the university’s high vaccination rates for students, faculty, and staff, as referenced in President Holloway’s communication yesterday, as well as a commitment by the university to keep the health and safety of our entire community as its highest priority. However, as President Holloway said, our new reality requires us to coexist with COVID-19. While there are many unknowns, we will face this reality together, guided by compassion and flexibility. Please know that as we prepare for the repopulation of our campuses, we are confident in our use of the best-available mitigation strategies and our adherence to public health guidelines.

Students and families have reached out with questions about issues such as the university’s Fall 2021 plans, safety protocols, and available resources for members of our community. Many of these questions are answered in online resources such as these:

• Guide to Returning to Rutgers
• Universitywide COVID-19 information FAQ
• Universitywide COVID-19 Vaccine for Rutgers Students FAQ
• COVID-19 Related International Student FAQ
• Rutgers–New Brunswick FAQ for Fall 2021

We recognize that the status of the COVID pandemic is dynamic, and information regarding our environmental safety is evolving. My office will continue to compile your questions so we can provide you with the most current responses. In addition, President Holloway noted that the university would provide our entire community with weekly updates as we approach the beginning of the school year.

In the meantime, I can provide the following information, which is accurate as of today:

• Vaccination: Students are required to comply with the university’s vaccination reporting requirement. Rutgers employees should upload proof of vaccination or participate in weekly COVID-19 testing.

• Face Coverings: Face coverings are required indoors in areas such as classrooms, conference rooms, shared offices, restrooms, and other shared spaces.

• Indoor Spaces: The university follows State of New Jersey guidelines to determine the number of people permitted in classrooms, labs, and other indoor spaces. Under the current executive orders, universities may be occupied up to their full physical capacity.

• Cleaning: Restrooms, elevators, and similar facilities are cleaned twice daily in accordance with public health guidance. University maintenance professionals and engineers continue to manage, monitor, and adjust HVAC equipment as necessary to ensure appropriate indoor air quality for the occupancy level in each space.

As we navigate these uncertain times together, I ask that you continue to share your concerns and questions with your respective university leaders and support systems or directly with me via this online form. I will do my best to ensure a timely and effective response.

I thank each of you in advance for your spirit of collective effort and commitment during this time of continued challenge and transition. Mindful of our own and each other’s safety, I am confident that we will continue to provide our students with the outstanding education they deserve, as well as the groundbreaking research and public service for which Rutgers–New Brunswick is known.

Sincerely,

Francine Conway, Ph.D.
Chancellor-Provost, Rutgers University–New Brunswick