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Latest Coronavirus Communications & News

Ramapo

January 25 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

I write to share my gratitude for the members of the Pandemic Assessment Team, to communicate a change in COVID-19 protocol, and to look forward toward Spring community building for our campus. We are grateful to the members of the Pandemic Assessment Team who have worked diligently these past three years to prioritize the safety, health, and well-being of our campus community. While the committee will continue its work, please join me in thanking the members of the committee for their leadership and dedication. Essayist and poet Charles Lamb said, “The greatest pleasure I know is to do a good action by stealth and have it found out by accident.” Our colleagues on the team did little and big things to make our campus a vibrant and healthy place to live, learn, and work. Their efforts were quiet and behind the scenes…
Read the entire message here.

January 17 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

Ramapo College’s Pandemic Assessment Team provides regular communications to you via Broadcast emails and health and safety guidance through our College’s COVID-19 webpage.   I write to communicate health and safety plans for Spring 2023. We all have a role to play in minimizing the impact of COVID-19 on campus. Please be aware of the symptoms of COVID-19, as well as emergency warning signs. Individuals who may need to take extra precautions should be aware of the CDC guidance for at risk populations. Daily symptom screening is a helpful way to self-identify if you may have an illness and should stay home or seek medical attention.  In order to reduce the community spread of COVID-19, please do your part, screen yourself each day, and call your medical provider if you have any severe symptoms or symptoms that concern you.
Read the entire message here.

December 1 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

Ramapo College’s Pandemic Assessment Team provides regular communications to you via Broadcast emails and health and safety guidance through our College’s COVID-19 webpage.   The Pandemic Assessment Team is already looking ahead toward the Spring semester. I write to communicate where the College will ease restrictions in the Spring and how the College will continue to ensure a healthy, safe, and vibrant campus community.
Read the entire message here.

August 24 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

Ramapo’s Pandemic Assessment Team provides regular communications to you via Broadcast emails and health and safety guidance through our College’s COVID-19 webpage. You can learn more about how the Pandemic Assessment Team continues to create a culture of preparedness by reviewing the College’s Emergency Preparedness Plan. The purpose of this email is to emphasize that health and safety remains our priority, to communicate where the College has eased restrictions, and to share protocols that are designed to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on campus.
Read the entire message here.

July 20 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

Please take note that there has been an increase in the case rate and percent positivity in COVID-19 cases in New Jersey. I know this represents another moment in the historical context of COVID-19 whereby I communicate about an uptick in cases and appreciate your patience and resiliency. I write to share information that may help guide your health and safety decisions:
Read the entire message here.

June 9 – Official Message from the Office of the President

I hope that your summer is going well and that you are finding time for some well-deserved rest and reward. I write today to reflect on the institutional priorities that have guided us over the last year, to share COVID-19 health and safety adjustments, and to thank you for your contributions toward building a healthy, safe, and vibrant campus environment.

As described in our priorities, we must continue to default to being adaptable and resilient—recognizing that conditions are impermanent and new challenges are inevitable. In the spring, our campus effectively transitioned to a face-covering friendly environment. We did so by being humble, continuing to learn about the COVID-19 virus, making adjustments, and demonstrating respect and empathy for one another.
Read the entire message here.

April 22 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

The reality of living, learning, and working in pandemic times is that we can be faced with changing conditions. While the campus has stared down the pandemic, for over two years with Herculean strength, we must stay informed and empathetic.

Please take note that there has been an increase in the case rate and percent positivity in COVID-19 cases in New Jersey. I write to share current data that may help guide your health and safety decisions:
Read the entire message here.

March 25 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

I write to announce that the College will safely move forward as a face covering friendly campus on Monday, March 28. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an evidence driven community tracker tool which publishes COVID-19 community levels.  The tool is used to decide prevention steps to take based on the latest data (hospital beds in use, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area). Bergen County and surrounding areas are marked as “low” in the tool, whereby the mitigation measures recommended are to be up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine and to get a COVID-19 test if you are sick.
Read the entire message here.

March 9 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

I am happy that Spring Break Week (March 14 to March 18) is soon upon us and our students can take a much needed respite from the rigors of attending class.  Spring Break Week also represents when many of us enjoy time away.  Please pause to think about your travel plans and how you will continue to keep yourself, your loved ones, and our community safe from COVID-19.  I draw your attention to some suggestions below which provide tips for a safe Spring Break.
Read the entire message here.

March 3 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

The purpose of this message is to provide an update on the College’s indoor face covering requirement. While Governor Murphy has lifted the State-imposed face covering requirement for K-12 schools and child care settings effective March 7th and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued revised guidance as of February 25th, Colleges and Universities have the responsibility and authority to implement their own health and safety measures to best slow the spread of COVID-19 based on their context.
Read the entire message here.

January 27 – Official Message from the Office of the President

We are already in our second week of classes, and I am grateful to everyone for helping to ensure that a healthy, safe and vibrant campus remains our top priority. Over this last week, it has been wonderful to see high levels of joy, enthusiasm, and camaraderie on display in our hallways, classrooms, and across other spaces on our campus. As a public state college, we have the responsibility to provide our students with experiences that foster their academic and social development, as well as their overall well-being.  We are also obligated to contribute to the well-being of our surrounding communities. The College is doing its part with over 94% of our students and 89% of our employees who are vaccinated–and soon to be boosted. I share this with you because, by being vaccinated and boosted, we are safeguarding ourselves against the potential worst of this virus, contributing to the health of our neighboring communities, and becoming even better equipped to deliver on our promise to our students.
Read the entire message here.

January 18 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

We write to welcome new students and employees to Ramapo College and invite back our returning Roadrunners.  Ramapo’s Pandemic Assessment Team provides regular communications to you via Broadcast emails and through our College’s COVID-19 webpage. You can learn more about how the Pandemic Assessment Team continues to create a culture of preparedness in the ongoing fight against COVID-19 by reviewing the College’s Emergency Preparedness Plan.  The purpose of this email is to keep you informed about COVID-19, our expectations of you, and the College’s policies and procedures designed to slow the spread. The policies and procedures are captured in the Spring 2022 COVID-19 Operations Plan.
Read the entire message here.

January 10 – Official Message from the Office of the President

I look forward to stepping foot back on campus with you next week as planned! The purpose of my message is to share with you why our College will start the semester in person, along with the mitigation practices we are putting into place in an integrated manner. Given the rapid escalation of the Omicron variant in our region, the State, and across the country, I appreciate that many of us may be feeling anxious about the coming semester. As I shared with you earlier, while there is a significant increase in COVID-19 cases and the numbers continue to climb at the moment, we are in a very different place now than when compared to 12, let alone 22, months ago.
Read the entire message here.

December 21 – Official Message from the Office of the President

Today is the final day of our Fall 2021 semester and there are only 12 days until the new year. I write to share with you information about how we are planning to start the Spring 2022 semester. In order to deliver over 90% of our courses in person or hybrid and welcome over 1,700 residential students come January, we continue to adhere to our 6 priorities. As such, we are paying very close attention to the presence of the COVID-19 virus and its variants and we remain guided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regional health officials, and other expert resources.
Read the entire message here.

December 15 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

We write to confirm that another outbreak of COVID-19 has been confirmed for our campus. As per requirements issued by the US Department of Education, Ramapo College is required to notify the community in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak. According to the New Jersey Department of Health, an outbreak in the higher education setting is defined as 3 or more laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases among students or staff within a 14-day period, who are epidemiologically linked, meet criteria for higher education-associated cases, and were not identified as close contacts of each other outside of the college setting during standard case investigation or contact tracing.
Read the entire message here.

December 14 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

As per requirements issued by the US Department of Education, Ramapo College is required to notify the community in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak.  According to the New Jersey Department of Health, an outbreak in the higher education setting is defined as 3 or more laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases among students or staff within a 14-day period, who are epidemiologically linked, meet criteria for higher education-associated cases, and were not identified as close contacts of each other outside of the college setting during standard case investigation or contact tracing.
Read the entire message here.

December 06 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff remain our top priority.  To that end, the Pandemic Assessment Team helps create a culture of preparedness in the ongoing fight against COVID-19.   We expect that every member of our community will be socially responsible, work together, and take care of one another in order to minimize the risk of COVID-19 spreading on campus.  With the recent emergence of the Omicron variant , health officials have advised the general public to remain vigilant in order to reduce potential exposure.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have emphasized the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine, acquiring a booster, and continuing prevention efforts.
Read the entire message here.

November 23 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

As per requirements issued by the US Department of Education, Ramapo College is required to notify the community in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak. According to the New Jersey Department of Health, an outbreak in the higher education setting is defined as 3 or more laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases among students or staff within a 14-day period, who are epidemiologically linked, meet criteria for higher education-associated cases, and were not identified as close contacts of each other outside the college setting during standard case investigation or contact tracing.
Read the entire message here.

November 22 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

About 1 year ago, on December 15, 2020, a health care worker from University Hospital in Newark was administered the first COVID-19 vaccine in NJ.  At present, 75% of NJ residents over 12 years of age are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  The development of the COVID-19 vaccine has led to far fewer serious medical implications, hospitalizations, and deaths from COVID-19.  While the protections offered by the vaccine are very encouraging, please be mindful that we are still experiencing a pandemic.  Getting vaccinated, seeking a booster, and staying vigilant with health and safety protocols is the best way to slow the spread.
Read the entire message here.

October 21 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

We write to share our appreciation for working together in order to ensure that the Fall 2021 operations plan serves as a meaningful approach toward shaping a healthy and vibrant student and employee experience. The Pandemic Assessment Team (PAT) monitors conditions and communicates the most current resources and information. Please bookmark the Health Services website, (which includes campus dashboards) and continue to keep yourself informed of the COVID-19 positive cases we learn of impacting Ramapo College, as well as metrics involving the on-campus testing program.    We appreciate the mutual concern you have had for one another and it shows by our low transmission rates, and as of today, no in-class transmission of the virus.
Read the entire message here.

August 19 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

We write to welcome new students to Ramapo College and welcome back our returning Roadrunners.  The Pandemic Assessment Team provides regular communications to you via Broadcast emails and through the COVID-19 webpage. The Pandemic Assessment Team helps create a culture of preparedness in the ongoing fight against COVID-19.  The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff remain our top priority and why we require students to be aware of and sign the Student Code for Healthy Living and Learning.  Faculty and staff are required to be aware of and sign the Ramapo College Employee Code for a Safe Working Environment.
Read the entire message here.

August 18 – Official Message from the Office of the President

We are now at the 14-day mark until Academic Year 2021-2022 kicks off at Ramapo College! We continue to make preparations in line with our priorities, and I want to take this time to recognize the hard work of so many people in keeping our community healthy throughout this pandemic.

Living in a COVID-informed era has emphasized that conditions are impermanent and yet, with ample reserves of empathy, resilience, and adaptability, our capacity to learn from and cope with change grows.
Read the entire message here.

August 4 – Official Message from the Office of the President

My countdown clock is ticking, is yours? Ramapo College’s Academic Year 2021-2022 will kick off in just 28 days, and I look forward to welcoming you all to our fall semester! Over 5,000 students have enrolled at Ramapo this fall! Approximately 80% of our students will be participating in on-campus instruction, and 25% of our students will be living in residence.
Read the entire message here.

August 2 – HR Message: Return To Campus Fall 2021

I hope that you are enjoying your summer and that this email finds you and your family happy and healthy. I am sure you have had a chance to read Dr. Jebb’s email from Wednesday, July 28, 2021 that welcomed the new academic year and highlighted some significant priorities along with advancing some notable initiatives.
Read the entire message here.

July 28 – Official Message from the Office of the President

I so look forward to experiencing the campus with you this September!
As we welcome the new academic year, we do so together, with our eyes wide open, and our priorities clear:

  • First, we must all do our part to foster a healthy, well, and safe environment for work and study.
  • Second, we must all commit to delivering a high-quality, vibrant student experience.

Read the entire message here.

July 14 – Official Message from the Office of the President

Over the past several days, I have quickly learned that Roadrunners roll up their sleeves and embrace challenges. So, I am pleased to share that this week Ramapo College seized the opportunity to formally participate in the COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge! The Challenge, a plan endorsed through the White House and the U.S. Department of Education, seeks to end the pandemic by engaging colleges and universities in community-based vaccination efforts.
Read the entire message here.

July 7 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

Roll Up Your Sleeve, Roadrunners. As indicated in previous messages related to planning for the fall semester, Ramapo is pleased to announce a partnership with Bergen New Bridge Medical Center to utilize our Mahwah campus to host a series of COVID-19 vaccine clinics this summer.
Read the entire message here.

May 14 – Official Message from the Office of the President

My tenure with Ramapo College, after 16 years, will conclude on June 30. What I have enjoyed most throughout that time is being with you. Whether we exchanged greetings in the hallway, convened in the Pavilion, or gathered under the Arch — being with you and being a part of the College’s tangible vibrancy has been a gift, and it is that very gift that I have missed most over the past 15 months. So it should come as no surprise that I remain committed to safely doing all we can to restore vibrancy to collegiate life at Ramapo College.
Read the entire message here.

May 6 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

We write to provide you with information and resources related to the COVID-19 vaccine, the presence of variants in New Jersey, updated information concerning the College’s post-travel quarantine timeframes, and a reminder about face coverings.
Read the entire message here.

March 30 – Official Message from the Office of the President

I hope you have been enjoying the warmer temperatures this week. It is reassuring to see spring come into bloom and to see more of you gathering safely on campus lately. I am writing to provide you with information on upcoming programs and our ongoing planning for Fall 2021.
Read the entire message here.

March 15 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

On Friday, President Mercer’s message to students, colleagues, and friends punctuated the realities of living, learning, and working in pandemic times. In concert with President Mercer’s message, we write to remember that on March 14, 2020, the first COVID-19 case was identified at Ramapo College.  What followed would be over 200 students and employees infected with the virus and disruption to what we knew as typical life.  The public health crisis has touched Ramapo in more ways than one and demonstrative of your ability to embrace “firsts.”
Read the entire message here.

March 12 – Official Message from the Office of the President

This week marks the one year anniversary of Ramapo’s decision to shift to remote operations and virtual learning. Looking back on that email announcement from March 12, 2020 I can recall the vast ambiguity surrounding the then unknown virus and the strangeness of the moment as terms like “social distancing”, “community spread”, “PPE”, and “unprecedented” were beginning to emerge regularly in our lexicon.
Read the entire message here.

March 10 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

We write to keep you informed about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and steps Ramapo College is taking to keep our community safe.  While there are confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey, at this time there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on our campus, nor have we been informed of any cases under investigation.
Read the entire message here.

February 3 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

Welcome to the Spring semester at Ramapo college.  The Pandemic Assessment Team provides regular communications via Broadcast emails and through the COVID-19 webpage. Please familiarize yourself with the dashboards we have developed to stay communicative with you about how COVID-19 impacts our campus.  The COVID-19 webpage includes a positive case dashboard, information about on-campus self-isolation/self-quarantine beds in use, and a new dashboard for the weekly resident surveillance testing program, found here.
Read the entire message here.

January 27 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

On January 20, you received a Coronavirus Communication email from the Pandemic Assessment Team. That message shared very important information about the COVID-19 variants, vaccine, on-campus testing, reporting, and local and state resources. Please heed it. Since the start of the Spring 2021 semester, six members of our College have reported that they tested positive with COVID-19. At present, the cases do not appear to be connected to one another.
Read the entire message here.

January 21 – Official Message from the Office of the President

I trust we are all, in our own ways, preparing for the start of the Spring 2021 semester at Ramapo College. You may be checking and re-checking your course schedule, refreshing your WebEx skills, reviewing your personal and professional goals, or, like my wife, Jackie, and I, perhaps you are also nervously but excitedly preparing for what awaits you after Ramapo. On this latter point, I have shared many “welcome messages” with the campus over the past 16 years. With the exception of “welcoming” Ramapo’s fifth president later this year, it is most humbling to know that this will be the last welcome message I share with you all.
Read the entire message here.

January 20 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

We write to share information about the development of COVID-19 variants, the COVID-19 vaccine, and testing for Ramapo College residents and student athletes. The virus is continuing to spread in our community and beyond as summarized through the NJ Department of Health. According to the State Health Commissioner, 50% or more of the State’s recent infections may have been transmitted by people with no symptoms (a stark change from earlier reports of 30-40%). Please do not let your daily vigilance toward combatting COVID-19 weaken. We urge you to continue to take steps to slow the spread of COVID-19: wear a face covering, maintain at least 6 feet of social distance from others, frequently wash your hands, avoid crowds and large indoor gatherings, and stay home if you are sick or have been exposed to the virus.  Please remember to consult with the College’s Daily Symptom Self Screening.
Read the entire message here.

December 22 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

We write to share this final Fall 2020 semester update with you about the historic administering of the first COVID-19 vaccine and to outline prevention and resources around winter gatherings, travel, and stress and coping. In February 2020, the Pandemic Assessment Team sent a community-wide message to students, faculty, and staff to provide information about intensifying reports of the coronavirus.  In early March, the first presumptive COVID-19 case was identified in New Jersey.  Since then, New Jersey has reported over 400,000 cumulative total cases and over 16,000 COVID-19-related deaths.
Read the entire message here.

November 21 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

We write to keep you informed about the community spread of COVID-19, to provide Thanksgiving risk reduction strategies, information about holiday travel, and safe practices for gatherings. New Jersey is experiencing an uptick in the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.  Governor Murphy has urged residents to “double down” on wearing face masks, social distancing, and hand washing.  Please remember to consult with the College’s Daily Symptom Self Screening and stay vigilant in combatting COVID-19.
Read the entire message here.

November 20 – Official Message from the Office of the President

Governor Murphy announced on Wednesday that colleges and universities across NJ, NY, DE, PA, RI, MA, and CT are encouraged to take additional measures to safeguard against the second wave of COVID-19, with a particular focus on the time period from Thanksgiving through the New Year. The measures outlined include but are not limited to encouraging institutions to transition to remote delivery of instruction after the Thanksgiving break and to encourage students who opt to leave campus for the Thanksgiving break to remain off campus.
Read the entire message here.

October 16 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

We write to update you about the current rate of transmission for COVID-19 in New Jersey, to provide information about how COVID-19 spreads, and to remind you how to report changes to your health to College officials. New Jersey is seeing an increase in the rate of transmission for COVID-19.  Yesterday’s rate of transmission was 1.16, or for every 100 people with the virus, they spread it to 116 other people. Any number above 1.0 means each newly infected person, on average, spreads the virus to at least one other person.
Read the entire message here.

October 5 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

We write to share an update related to new COVID-19 resources available to students and to continue to reinforce the prevention and education strategies that are required for you to promote your own healthy self and to protect others.  With the beginning of the fall semester, there has been an increase in reported COVID-19 cases in college-aged students in New Jersey.  We ask that you continue to be vigilant in protecting yourself and others, especially as it relates to hosting and attending events and gatherings.  As a reminder, for on campus residents, the guest and visitation policy and social gathering policy is suspended, so there are to be no gatherings.  The CDC offers guidance related to personal and social activities.
Read the entire message here.

October 1 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

We write to urge you to download COVID Alert NJ, a free and secure mobile app recently released by the New Jersey Department of Health. COVID Alert NJ anonymously alerts users if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. The app will also provide users with up-to-date information on New Jersey reopening news, key COVID-19 metrics, and a user-friendly symptom tracking tool – all while maintaining privacy and anonymity between users.  Further information is available via the fact sheet.
Read the entire message here.

September 20 – Official Message from the Office of the President

Ramapo learned today, September 20, that a member of our College tested positive with COVID-19 (coronavirus) on September 14. This is the first confirmed case of COVID-19 at Ramapo College for the Fall 2020 semester.

The individual is a non-residential student (participating entirely in virtual learning) who has not been on campus this semester.

In line with College protocols and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the student is self-isolating. We wish them a speedy recovery.
Read the entire message here.

September 9 – Official Message from the Office of the President

Welcome to the fall 2020 semester at Ramapo College. We are one week into this academic year and it gives me great pride to reflect on how Ramapo College has moved through the past six months and how, I believe, our continued shared commitment and mutual respect for one another, will foster our resolve in the months that follow.

I am certain that how we relate to one another in these unique and uneasy times of isolation, digital absorption, and social justice transformation, is increasingly important to our personal and collective well-being and doing so requires effort. Please, we must extend grace, patience, and kindness in all of our interactions with one another whether they be virtual or in-person.
Read the entire message here.

September 5 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

As we enter into the Labor Day holiday weekend, we write to thank you for doing your part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 on our campus.  We are reminded that the spirit of Labor Day is to honor the achievements of our workforce.  We would not have been able to have a successful opening to the fall semester without the countless hours of devoted preparation work from the College’s faculty, staff, and administration.    One way you can join us in thanking our dedicated workforce is by taking personal responsibility, over this Labor Day weekend and thereafter, to keep yourself safe from COVID-19 and not bring the virus back to our campus.
Read the entire message here.

August 29 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

We write to welcome you to Ramapo College and welcome back our returning Roadrunners.  The Pandemic Assessment Team, provides regular communications to you via Broadcast emails and through the COVID-19 webpage. The Pandemic Assessment Team helps create a culture of preparedness in the ongoing fight against COVID-19.  The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff remain our top priority and why we required students to sign the Student Code for Heathy Living and Learning.  Faculty and staff were required to sign the Ramapo College Employee Code for a Safe Working Environment. We expect that you will be proactive and helpful toward minimizing the risk of COVID-19 spread on campus and anticipate your cooperation in abiding by the below information, so that we can work toward a safe academic year.
Read the entire message here.

August 4 – Official Announcement: Mandated COVID 19 Student Training

COVID-19 has changed the way that we live our lives.  While we could not have predicted or planned for the change we have all been experiencing over the last few months, this is our shared way of life and you can count on the College to support your experience.  One of the ways we support you is to ensure that you understand the context for the pandemic we are in, the health risks, and ways to protect yourself and other Roadrunners as you return to campus.
Read the entire message here.

August 3 – Official Message from the Office of the President

Ramapo College is eager to welcome our new students and to reconnect with our returning students for the academic year 2020-2021. It is hard to believe that we are less than one month away from the official start of the Fall 2020 semester! Over the last several weeks, you have received updates from me and others about how the College has advanced plans for returning to campus and continuing to offer the high-quality, student-centered instruction and services for which Ramapo is known. I am pleased to share that late last week, the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) reported that our Restart Plan was in alignment with the State of New Jersey’s restart standards and that no further review from OSHE was deemed necessary.
Read the entire message here.

July 28 – Official Message from the Office of the President

Thank you for continuing to advance the mission of Ramapo College despite the challenges posed by recent events. I hope this message finds you well. Last week, Assistant Vice President of Human Resources, Virginia Galdieri, communicated an outline of some of the plans being put in place to ensure your safe return to campus. Today, I am pleased to provide you with additional information regarding your eventual return to campus.
Read the entire message here.

July 15 – Official Message from the Office of the President

I write today to advise that after considerable internal planning and review of state, local, and federal guidance and data, the Fall 2020 semester at Ramapo College will feature a combination of limited in-person and remotely delivered instruction as well as modified levels of on-campus activity, residency, and programming.
Read the entire message here.

July 8 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

We write in the spirit of continuing to help create a culture of preparedness in the ongoing fight against COVID-19.  The health and safety of our students and employees remains our top priority. Below is new information about updated rules regarding face coverings, the New Jersey travel advisory, and the COVID-19 rate of transmission.
Read the entire message here.

July 1 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

As a reminder, the State of New Jersey has issued an incoming travel advisory that all individuals entering New Jersey (both travelers and NJ residents) from states with a significant spread of COVID-19 should self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
Read the entire message here.

June 26 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

As the Stay at Home Order has been lifted, you may begin to think about resuming daily activities and venturing out.  Please stay safe and review the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidance document related to “Errands and Going Out”. If you decide to go out, practice everyday prevention actions (listed below under Prevention Information).
Read the entire message here.

June 23 – Official Message from the Office of the President (message for students)

I hope this message finds you well and that your summer is proving to be significantly less eventful than your spring. On those days that I have been on campus these last few weeks for the residential student move out, it has been reassuring to see several of you again in-person. I greatly look forward to the time when we can all be back on campus and I write now to share with you a few updates about that eventual return.
Read the entire message here.

June 18 – Official Message from the Office of the President (message for employees)

Having been on campus these last few weeks for the residential student move out, it has been comforting to see many of you again in-person, and I am greatly looking forward to our gradual return to campus. Last week, Governor Murphy lifted the stay at home order that had been in effect since the height of the COVID-19 outbreak and today he released Executive Order 155 which allows for limited in-person instruction starting in July. In light of this and the ongoing work of our Return to Campus Task Force, the College anticipates bringing employees back to campus in several phases over the coming weeks.
Read the entire message here.

June 3 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

We write to share updates about COVID-19, so that you can make informed decisions about your own travel plans and other important resources to be mindful of as you keep yourself safe.
Read the entire message here.

May 21 – Official Message from the Office of the President

While we were unable to be together on campus for Arching, the Rites of Passage, Student Leader Awards, and other end of year festivities including what would have been today’s Graduate Programs Commencement Ceremony, we were able to advance variations of these events as a result of everyone’s forward thinking and dedication to our students. I wish the very best to the newest members of the Ramapo College Alumni Association.
Read the entire message here.

May 6 – Official Message from the Office of the President

Governor Murphy announced today Executive Order #135 today which extends the State’s public-health emergency for an additional 30 days. In light of this EO and in consideration of State mandates regarding K-12 education, Ramapo College will maintain remote operations minimally through to June 30, 2020.
Read the entire message here.

May 4 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

This message is in response to recent inquiries which recognized that, while many Ramapo College students vacated their residence halls when the College moved to remote operations due to COVID-19, indeed, some students who were unable to return home for various reasons were permitted to remain on campus.
Read the entire message here.

April 30 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

While we do miss our #HomeSweetPo, we understand that by staying at home, as much as possible, we can all do our part in slowing the spread of the coronavirus. However, there are essential employees at Ramapo College who have a special responsibility to keep the campus operating. Thank you to the team of Ramapo College essential workers who continue to report to campus and keep our critical operations functional.
Read the entire message here.

April 16 – Official Message from the Office of the President

It has been two and a half months since the College issued its first communication regarding COVID-19. At that time, three cases of the virus were being investigated in New York City and none had yet been confirmed in New York or New Jersey. Recent data suggest that there are now nearly 203,000 confirmed cases in New York and nearly 71,000 confirmed cases in New Jersey.
Read the entire message here.

April 6 – Official Message from the Office of the President

This is a time like no other, and there are serious ramifications. First, the health and well-being of our students, colleagues and friends is paramount. We have taken swift actions over the past several weeks to ensure the safety of our College and we will continue to do so in alignment with federal, state, and local health guidance. Second, the short and long term financial health of Ramapo is of serious concern and it too will require taking strategic action for several reasons…
Read the entire message here.

March 31, 2020 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

We wish to appreciate and acknowledge all of you for demonstrating patience, resilience, and adaptability to a new reality in the face of challenging days. We are committed to communicating with you as the Pandemic Assessment Team works to slow the spread of COVID-19 on campus.
Read the entire message here.

March 27, 2020 – Official Message from the Office of the President

Video Message from President Peter P. Mercer

March 25, 2020 – Coronavirus Campus Communication

We are writing to communicate that the College has been informed of three additional positive cases of COVID-19 involving members of our community.  In total, this brings the number of positive cases, which we are aware of, to five.
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March 22, 2020 – Message from the President

This weekend Governor Murphy issued Executive Order 107  to keep our State safe. Among the pertinent directives therein is a “stay at home” mandate and the closure of all public computer labs and libraries including those on college and university campuses.
Read the entire message here.

March 20, 2020 – Message from the President

I write unfortunately to share with you that Ramapo College learned this evening that a member of our campus tested positive with COVID-19 (coronavirus). This is the second confirmed case of COVID-19 at Ramapo College.
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March 19, 2020 – Message from the President

The remote delivery of instruction will extend through to the end of the spring semester or until Governor Murphy lifts Executive Order 104, whichever occurs later. Our Residence Halls remain closed.
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March 16, 2020 – Message from the President

This afternoon Governor Murphy issued Executive Order 104 which, in pertinent part, limits gatherings/events and orders the discontinuation of in-person instruction at all state colleges and universities until further notice.
Read the entire message here.

March 14, 2020 – Message from the President

The College is closed effective immediately through March 22. The College is scheduled to reopen on March 23, 2020.
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March 13, 2020 – Updates on Level 3 Travel Warning

We write to keep you informed about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and steps Ramapo College continues to take to keep our community safe in connection to your personal international travel plans. While there are confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey, at this time there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on our campus.
Read the entire message here.

March 12, 2020 – Message from the President

All classes scheduled for March 13, 2020 are canceled. The College, however, will remain open. We re-emphasize the message, that has been delivered consistently across various channels, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on our campus. We have made the decision to cancel classes to advance our social distancing efforts in light of the recent announcements from Governor Murphy and New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. The College’s plans to deliver coursework remotely for two weeks from March 23 to April 4, 2020 remain unchanged.
Read the entire message here.

March 11, 2020 – Additional Details and Information for Students

Remote Instruction: A vast majority of Ramapo classes will be delivered between Monday, March 23 and Saturday, April 4, via remote instruction. Please see FAQs below for more information on what remote instruction may entail. Students should await instructions from their faculty members for each of their classes on specifically which instructional technologies will be used for their classes during this 2-week remote coursework delivery time period.

Student Employment: For those students who work on campus, we encourage you to connect with your direct supervisor about continuing your employment during the two week remote instruction period as some college services may be limited.

Out-Of-State Travel: Ramapo College sponsored or supported student, out-of-state domestic travel will be limited, reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and require approval.
Read the entire message here.

March 10, 2020 – Adjustments to Ramapo College Schedule

Classes will continue to be held this week as scheduled. From March 23, 2020 to April 4, 2020, Ramapo College will deliver the vast majority of its coursework remotely. Students are strongly encouraged to study from home during this time as our campus will remain open but with limited services. Students who must remain in residence will be accommodated.

As you depart for Spring Break, you are encouraged to bring all that you will need for remote academic instruction from off campus.  We must be able to plan for who has a need to stay on campus. Please e-mail the Office of Residence Life at reslife@ramapo.edu by 4:30pm on Thursday, March 12, 2020 if you need to register for on campus housing. Further instruction will be provided by the Office of Residence Life to those who register.

If you have questions:

  • COVID-19 Hotline: 1-800-222-1222
  • Students: Health related questions should be directed to Health Services, 201-684-7536, general questions to the Dean of Students, 201-684-7457.
  • Students who are studying abroad: Contact the Roukema Center for International Education, 201-684-7533
  • Counseling Services: Mental health related services for students, 201-684-7522
  • Employees: Questions should be directed to Human Resources, 201-684-7498

Read the entire message here.

March 8, 2020 – International Travel Registry for Ramapo Students and Employees

With Spring Break (March 16-20) almost upon us, Ramapo students and employees are planning their own personal international travel. If you are traveling outside of the United States (to any country), we ask that you please complete the College’s newly established international travel registry questionnaire for any international travel between now and May 12, 2020.
Read the entire message here.

March 6, 2020 – Pandemic Assessment Team and FAQs

The Pandemic Assessment Team is committed to keeping you informed about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the College’s coordinated response. Below is a list of frequently asked questions which contains clarification related to the State’s recent notice on travel bans for State employees and clarification on Ramapo College sponsored or supported domestic trips and off campus activities.
Read the entire message here.

March 5, 2020 – Status of Campus and Local Area Response to Covid-19

The CDC has indicated that the current risk, of contracting COVID-19, to the American public is low – at this time. We have been informed that there are two presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Bergen County. The New Jersey Department of Health is waiting on further analysis by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to confirm the positive results. The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff are our top priority and will remain at the forefront of our response. We will continue to keep the campus updated as the situation warrants. If you have questions, please contact Health Services at 201-684-7536.
Read the entire message here.

March 4, 2020 – Travel Cancellation

Cancellation of Ramapo Sponsored or Supported International Travel
Read the entire message here.

February 3, 2020 – Information About Coronavirus

The staff from the Center for Health & Counseling Services, the Office of Student Affairs, the Roukema Center for International Education and other offices are monitoring this evolving situation. The College has a robust Emergency Preparedness Plan where the Pandemic Assessment Team makes recommendations around assisting in the control of the spread of a pandemic illness on campus, while also planning for business continuity and academic instruction.
Read the entire message here.

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