Eagerly Awaiting a Vibrant Fall 2021 Semester

April 28, 2021
NJCU Campus in the Spring

The arrival of spring this year comes with a bonus. The pandemic and all of its challenges and limitations are likely soon to be behind us. Every day, millions of people in the U.S. are receiving a vaccine for the COVID-19 virus. President Biden recently announced that all American adults will be able to get vaccinated by the end of May. Governor Murphy has called for the state’s K-12 schools to be back with in-person instruction in September. A new day is dawning.

This is very good news for NJCU. In a few short months, with all the excitement that comes with a new semester, we will come together and once again enjoy the beauty of our campus and the joy and exhilaration of face-to-face interactions.  The classrooms will again be filled with aspiring minds; our champion student-athletes will compete on the playing fields and courts in front of large, exuberant crowds; our musicians, artists, actors and dancers will perform live in the Margaret Williams Theater; our residence halls will be vibrant as old friendships are renewed and new lifelong friendships are made; and our clubs and activities will once again be teeming with excitement. I look forward to being with you again in the SGA meeting rooms, the cafeterias, the Guarini Library and eagerly anticipate breakfast or dinner with you in the Gilligan Student Union.

Over the past year, we have persevered through circumstances not seen in more than a century. Our community has been tested and we have come through with flying colors. Now it is on to the next chapter back together on our campus.  This new chapter is possible because everyone over the age of 16 can be vaccinated and we are putting in place a vaccination requirement for all students who will be on campus this fall. This way, the campus will be safe and inviting.

We will continue to remain vigilant and flexible in all of our planning. Plans may need to be adjusted as we move forward in response to conditions on the ground. We will, of course, keep you apprised of any and all developments as we prepare for the fall semester and a bright future. For more information and guidance on the vaccine requirement click here.

I wish you much success in the final few weeks of the Spring 2021 semester. I look forward to celebrating our graduating classes of 2020 and 2021 at a special double commencement ceremony on Tuesday, June 15.

Sue Henderson, Ph.D.
President, New Jersey City University

 

NJCU is Back: Reopening Facilities Video
Andre Pearson, NJCU's Associate Vice President of Building Services, discusses the work done to NJCU's facilities to ensure safety as NJCU prepares to fully reopen its campus for the Fall 2021 semester.