Rutgers–New Brunswick Update for January

January 5, 2022

Dear Rutgers University­–New Brunswick Community,

As Executive Vice President Antonio Calcado announced on January 3, 2022, Rutgers University will begin the Spring 2022 semester with important changes affecting when and how we will repopulate the campus in January.

Please know that we remain committed to our goal of a fully populated campus with predominantly in-person courses. The postponement of our students’ return to campus housing, and the corresponding period during which classes will be conducted remotely, are necessary given the current status of the pandemic and the Omicron variant. Our sincere hope is that this initial modification will position us to return safely in late January.

Further details about the announced changes for members of the Rutgers–New Brunswick community can be found in the Rutgers–New Brunswick Campus Status FAQ. A summary of the updated FAQs can also be found on the Chancellor-Provost Communications page. Members of our community are also encouraged to read the Universitywide COVID-19 Information page.

I acknowledge that the past two years have been extremely frustrating and challenging for all of us, and especially for our students who started or continued their university studies under such trying conditions. Each of us would like nothing more than to put the pandemic’s restrictions behind and return to our pre-pandemic way of life.

But we should take solace in knowing that our community has discovered its true strength: The knowledge that, together, we can survive the worst and accomplish the unimaginable.

While we embrace our mission of serving our students and communities with excellence in education, research, and service, let us remember that we are stronger together – and continue being flexible and compassionate with ourselves and each other.

Rutgers University–New Brunswick students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to share concerns and questions with their respective university leaders and support systems or directly with the Chancellor-Provost’s office via this online form. I will do my best to ensure a timely and effective response.

Sincerely,

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

New FAQ Updates

Rutgers University–New Brunswick Update for January 2022

Updated January 5, 2022

The below information follows up on Rutgers University’s “Significant Changes Related to COVID-19” message dated January 4, 2022, and provides further detail for members of the Rutgers University–New Brunswick community.

Additional information and updates can be found in the Universitywide COVID-19 Information page and the Rutgers–New Brunswick Campus Status FAQ.

Spring Semester Classes

Rutgers–New Brunswick classes will be held remotely through Sunday, January 30, 2022. In-person instruction will resume on Monday, January 31, 2022.

Students who anticipate not having access to the appropriate technology to participate in remote instruction during this period should contact the Dean of Students Office. Students with questions about their specific academic programs and/or course plans should contact an academic advisor through their school’s advising office. You can find the list of advising offices in the Rutgers–New Brunswick Campus Status FAQ.

Student Housing and Dining Services

For nearly all students, the return to housing has been pushed back two weeks to January 29 and 30, 2022. This change does not apply to full-year and international student contracts. Students with extenuating circumstances should contact oncampus@rutgers.edu or 848-445-0750 for possible accommodation.

Rutgers–New Brunswick will continue to provide dining options for students who have been approved to remain on campus during winter break. Starting Sunday, January 16, Rutgers–New Brunswick’s four dining halls will reopen as scheduled for take-out service only. Regular in-person service will commence on Monday, January 31, 2022.

Access to Campus Facilities

Rutgers–New Brunswick libraries, student centers, and recreation centers will remain open to RUID cardholders, with limited hours, during January 2022.

Student Vaccine Boosters

The university requires that all vaccinated students obtain a booster vaccination as soon as eligible, as noted in Executive Vice President Calcado’s January 4, 2022 message. Students who are now eligible must obtain a vaccine booster and upload proof of the booster to the Rutgers Student Immunization portal by January 31, 2022. Residential students are strongly encouraged to upload proof of status by January 15, 2022. Information on scheduling a booster at the university can be found here. Students with approved medical or religious exemptions are excused from the booster requirement.

Employee Telecommuting Needs

The university, its clinics, and research operations remain open; however, the pause in the in-person return to campus for non-essential employees is extended through Sunday, January 30, 2022. Employees are expected to resume in-person schedules on Monday, January 31, 2022.

Faculty and staff who have concerns about their ability to work remotely during this time should contact their departmental deans or directors. More information about the telecommuting policy relaxation can be found in the December 3, 2021 message from Senior Vice President for Human Resources Vivian Fernández.

Employee Vaccine Boosters

The university requires that all employees be vaccinated or have an approved medical or religious exemption by January 4, 2022. In addition, all employees except those with pre-approved exemptions will be required to receive and upload proof of a vaccine booster. A follow-up email on this topic will be sent later this week to all employees.

Additional Information

Rutgers University’s COVID-19 Vaccine page provides information on the university’s vaccination requirements for students and employees, and information on how to schedule an appointment and upload proof of vaccination status.

Employees and students who are New Jersey residents can receive free at-home testing through the state; information is available at learn.vaulthealth.com/nj or by contacting county public health offices. Similar programs are available to employees residing outside of New Jersey; please check with your state or local health agencies for information.

Information regarding university protocols and other essential information can be found in the Guide to Returning to Rutgers (PDF).

The health and safety of our community remain our top priority. Protocols will change as we consult with public health agencies and assess data, including the number of positive cases in New Jersey, COVID-19 hospitalizations, state and regional hospital capacity, and the severity of the dominant variant. Please continue to look for updates at coronavirus.rutgers.edu.