Rider University’s 152-year legacy certainly didn’t happen by accident. Our development over the course of history has always been the story of individuals coming together to transform new generations of students into engaged and educated citizens.
That promise was made long ago by our namesake, Andrew J. Rider, and it is one we recommit to today with the launch of our new strategic plan, called Our Path Forward.
The plan outlines the intentional way we will approach our work in the coming years. It establishes a shared mission and vision that moves our University forward together and serves as a roadmap to achieve the visionary growth that’s required of Rider at this seminal moment in its history.
This is an exciting time for Rider. While we face many challenges, we are setting a course to enhance our living and learning environment so that every Rider student has an educational experience that transforms them for life.
A cornerstone of that transformational experience is our new Engaged Learning Program. Beginning this fall, all students will be required to complete at least two engaged learning experiences, which range from internships to research projects to co-curricular activities such as study abroad and service learning. Each of these experiences will be documented on new engaged learning transcripts that will supplement academic transcripts. Our Path Forward shows us the way toward implementing and realizing the goals of this program, and many more.
The strategic plan represents the work of more than 100 people — faculty, staff, administrators, students, alumni, Trustees and community members — over more than a year. You can learn about the dynamic effort it took to create Our Path Forward in this issue’s cover story. I also encourage you to read the entire plan and learn more at www.rider.edu/strategicplan.
As we settle into another academic year, I also want to personally invite you and your families to return to Rider and join us for our Homecoming celebration on Saturday, Oct. 28. We have an exciting day of activities planned to reconnect you to your alma mater. Please come back and enjoy the day with us. I hope to see you there.
Go Broncs!
Gregory G. Dell’Omo, Ph.D.
President, Rider University