Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Updates

Ramapo College Reported Cases (last updated 3/28/2020)

Ramapo College will use this website to share information about known cases of COVID-19 among the campus.  The following is a list of confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the Ramapo community.

Public Health Officials inform people who were in close contact with the individual.

Travel Plans

As of March 27, 2020, the CDC has listed all international travel as a concern and travelers should self-quarantine within 14 days of a return: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/warning/coronavirus-global

If you are traveling outside of the United States (to any country), we ask that students and employees please complete the College’s international travel registry questionnaire for any international travel. By completing the questionnaire, you will enable the College to support you with the most current resources and professional advice concerning your international travel.

International Travel Registry Questionnaire

Campus Contact Information

Should you have questions:

• COVID-19 State of NJ Hotline and Website: (800)222-1222 and https://covid19.nj.gov/
• Ramapo College COVID-19 Information Line: (201)684-RCNJ or communications@ramapo.edu
• Students: Health related questions should be directed to Health Services at (201)684-7536
• Students who are studying abroad: Contact the Roukema Center for International Education at (201)684-7533
• Counseling Services: Mental health related services for students can be secured at (201)684-7522
• Employees: Questions regarding employment should be directed to Human Resources at (201)684-7498 or hr2020@ramapo.edu

Ramapo College Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I be wearing cloth face covering?
A: The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (such as the grocery store) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html

Q:  If I am a Ramapo College student, and I feel sick, what should I do?
A: If you feel sick, you should call Health Services, 201-684-7536. You can leave a message and a staff member will return your call. Health Services is working remotely and there are no medical staff on campus. You will be referred to a community provider if your condition warrants.
For questions about coming into contact with a person with COVID-19 and prevention information, please visit the CDC website.

Q:  If I am a Ramapo College employee, and I feel sick, what should I do?
A: If you feel sick, you should stay home. Call Human Resources, 201-684-7498 to inform them of your condition. You should contact your doctor to discuss your symptoms. As there are many respiratory illnesses at this time of year, including the seasonal flu, your doctor can provide medical advice as to the best treatment plan for you.
For questions about coming into contact with a person with COVID-19 and prevention information, please visit the CDC website.

Q:  What does remote instruction mean?
A:  Remote instruction means that the course will not meet face-to-face on campus, but instead, the faculty member will rely on other means to deliver course content and facilitate student learning. One such way a faculty member may choose to do this is via Canvas, the College’s Course Management System. Students can become familiar with Canvas by visiting the Instructional Design Center website and reviewing the section entitled “Canvas Tutorials and Guides for Students”. Approaches to courses that typically involve a physical presence (e.g., science lab, art studio, etc.) will be course specific. Students in courses requiring engagement with external partners (e.g., nursing practicums and student teaching) will take their directive from their dean. Students should await specific instructions from their faculty on specifically which instructional technologies will be used for their classes during remote coursework delivery time period. Once students are informed exactly which instructional technologies will be used in their classes, they can begin to familiarize themselves as needed with the different options by reviewing tutorials and guides, which include pdf documents and short training videos, on the College’s Instructional Design Center website.

Faculty will utilize creative remote delivery methods for classes that have significant hands-on learning activity components and, therefore, typically depend upon a physical presence including but not limited to science labs, art studios, physical conditioning, etc. Students enrolled in courses requiring engagement with external partners (e.g., co-ops, internships, nursing practicums, social work fieldwork, student teaching assignments, etc.) should continue to follow their existing routines unless otherwise directed by their site supervisor, academic program director, or Dean.

Q:  How will student employment be affected?
A: Most on-campus student employment will not continue during remote instruction. Student employees will receive communication from the Student Assistant Program as well as their supervisors. Unit heads will receive further information from their division Vice President on this process. Students on Federal Work Study should expect a specific message from Financial Aid in the future.

Q:  Is international travel cancelled?
A:  Yes.  As reported in the campus wide email on March 4, 2020, all Ramapo College sponsored or supported international travel scheduled to take place through the end of Spring 2020 Semester is cancelled. As of March 27, 2020, the CDC has listed all international travel as a concern and travelers should self-quarantine within 14 days of a return: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/warning/coronavirus-global

Q:  What is Ramapo College sponsored or supported international travel?
A:  Ramapo Sponsored Activities Includes all travel by faculty, staff, students and other eligible participants, which is organized, approved, administered, and/or funded by the College, the Ramapo College Foundation or external funders. Examples of these activities include: Faculty/staff-led programs; recruitment trips; program assessment trips; conference attendance; College-funded scholarly capacity travel; etc.

Q:  Are major college events cancelled?
A:  The events listed below have been cancelled or postponed. Please check on the event websites or with the event coordinator(s) if the event you are inquiring about is not listed.
CANCELLED: NJCEC Conference, EASA Conference, Mack Brandon Gospel Explosion, Le Chanze Berrie Event, & Healthcare Symposium: Who Needs Doctors?
POSTPONED: Scholars’ Day, Topping Off Ceremony, The German Churches in the Nazi Era-Gross Event, Distinguished Citizens Dinner (rescheduled to 6/10/20), & Gross Center Event: Scholar to Examine Legacy of Anti-Jewish Persecution in Soviet Union

Q: What if I was scheduled to go on a Ramapo sponsored or supported international trip?
A:  Impacted participants have received dedicated messages regarding international trips. Student travelers with questions may call the Roukema Center for International Education at 201-684-7533 or the Center for Student Involvement at 201-684-7593. Employee travelers with questions may call Human Resources at 201-684-7506

Q:  Is domestic travel cancelled?
A:  Ramapo College sponsored or supported out-of-state domestic travel is cancelled.

Q:  Is Building Services doing anything different related to cleaning as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19?
A: Ramapo College’s Director of Environmental Health and Safety met with Building Services supervisors and advised on safe procedures for cleaning and disinfecting high touch surfaces at the College.  The Director also confirmed that Building Services staff are indeed using the products that are recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Q:  Where can I find resources and additional information related to COVID-19?
A:  Ramapo College is following the expert national and international recommendations regarding the outbreak.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The World Health Organization websites are important resources for any updates and alerts related to health, safety, and travel.  We recommend that you review the information on these websites before you consider travel and stay current with CDC travel health notices.