Dean of Students

Watch: A special message from the staff of The Office of the Dean of Students

Happy New Year and Welcome Back Highlanders!

I hope you had the opportunity to spend meaningful time with your family and loved ones. It goes without saying that the Fall semester was challenging but in true Highlander form, you rose to the occasion. Your collective efforts to adhere to university health guidelines were key in keeping the number of positive cases on campus low during Fall.

For the Spring semester, we look forward to continue working together to keep our community safe. To that end, we are asking every member of our community, whether you reside on campus, off campus, or at home with families, to commit to the following safe practices:

●    Wash your hands regularly.

●    Wear a mask or face covering – be sure that your mouth and nose are covered.

●    Practice social distancing – keep six feet between yourself and others.

●    Monitor your health daily.

• Seek medical attention when needed (this includes getting tested for COVID).

●    If you are sick, please stay home.

It is imperative that we practice these health habits every day. Our goals are to stay open and keep our community safe. If you are new to campus this semester, we invite you to stop by the Office of the Dean of Students located in the Campus Center, rm. 255, to pick up a health and wellness bag which includes two NJIT face coverings, hand sanitizer, and a thermometer. 

While I am delighted that the vaccine to fight the COVID-19 virus is hopeful for the future, today also marks a new chapter for our nation with the inauguration of President, Joe Biden and Vice President, Kamala Harris. The violent protests that took place at the Capitol building on January 6, 2021 was a stark reminder of issues in our country and the work that still needs to be done. We must combat racism and divisiveness, and our efforts will be guided by a commitment to education and initiatives to promote unity.

The Division of Student Affairs joins the many voices denouncing the recent display of hate and violence that desecrated the halls of Congress. Per Dr. Bloom’s message, “we must lead by example of caring for each other at all times, but especially at times such as these”. Now more than ever, it is more important that we, as a community, uphold NJIT’s core values of integrity, civility, and social responsibility.

My colleagues in the Division of Students Affairs are looking forward to an exciting Spring semester, virtually and face-to-face. Be on the lookout for information about exciting opportunities to engage outside the classroom. Also, please know that we are here to support and assist you in meeting your semester goals. 

We believe in you, Highlanders!

Dr. Marybeth Boger

Dean of Students and Campus Life

COVID-19 Code of Student Conduct Rules and Regulations Requirements/Guidelines for Students

Student Compliance Guidelines

With the ongoing pandemic happening across the world and within our nation, the health, wellbeing and safety of our students, staff and faculty at NJIT is paramount. We are prepared to welcome our students back but in order to do that effectively, we will be adhering to strict guidelines as stated by Governor Murphy of New Jersey in an executive order to our community. As a community member of NJIT, we have a responsibility to protect the health and safety of all members by behaving in a manner that reflects and embodies our core values of integrity, civility and social responsibility. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated that COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person (within about 6 feet). It further confirms that through respiratory droplets produced, if and when an infected person coughs, sneezes, laughs or talks, these droplets can land in the mouths or noses or eyes of people who are nearby and then possibly infect the respiratory cells.

The most important measures to limit the spread of the virus are maintaining physical/social distance of six feet or more at all times and by wearing face masks. See CDC use of masks

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

All students should take very seriously the responsibility of preventing and limiting the spread of COVID-19, and abide by the directives given by the President and the other constituencies such as the Office of the Dean of Students. 

To this end, the following guidelines have been put in place for instructional spaces and it is extremely important that these guidelines are followed at all times:

Face Masks - “Your mask may protect them. Their mask may protect you”

• The university has provided two face masks coverings at no cost to students, staff, and faculty. You can also wear your own. It is a mandatory directive that all students, faculty, and staff wear face masks/coverings in classrooms and in any common campus areas where people congregate. The masks must cover the nose, mouth and chin. 
• Recommended protective face masks are encouraged outdoors especially where physical distancing is not possible.
• Face coverings with exhalation valves or vents are not effective and therefore not acceptable. 
• A face shield may be added to a face covering for additional protection but is not considered an effective alternative.

Classroom Instruction

• Instructors are expected to ensure compliance with the face covering directive and other protocols as directed by the university such as physical distancing in their learning spaces. The requirement that students wear a face covering in classrooms should be reinforced by each instructor in their course syllabus and articulated at the first class and afterwards.
• Instructors may ask students who are out of compliance with the face covering requirement to leave class and attend remotely. **Repeat infractions or uncooperative individuals should be reported to the Office of the Dean of Students and/or Public Safety.
• Students must always use the designated seats for that class period (red or blue), and classrooms will be cleaned before any seat is reused to ensure students always sit at a clean desk.

Social Gatherings

• **Parties or gatherings of any kind (fraternity/sorority, residence halls, clubs, etc) are strictly prohibited. Failure to comply with this directive may result in individual and/or organization sanctions.  Student clubs, orgs and individual students allegedly violating the code will be reported to the Office of the Dean of Students and/or Public Safety for possible adjudication..

The Office of the Dean of Students with oversight over Student Conduct and Academic Integrity hopes that there will be absolute compliance from our student community regarding the guidelines for limiting the spread of COVID-19. However, should students not observe or adhere to the new behavioral guidelines stipulated, once it is reported as a violation of the Rules and Regulations Requirement as is outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, the violators will be adjudicated accordingly.

REPORT a COVID-19 Non-Compliance Violation here: 

NJIT Maxient Report Form - https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?NJInstofTech&layout_id=5

NJIT Return to Campus Module:

It is required that ALL students (graduate and Undergraduate complete the NJIT Return to Campus COVID-19 Safety Module: What I need to know and do. It can be accessed via the link provided.

https://canvas.njit.edu/ 

For information on the Student Code of Conduct policies, please click on the following link https://www.njit.edu/dos/policies/conductcode/article9.php

COVID-19 Bulletin

If you think you have been exposed to COVID‑19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, or other flu like symptoms, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Information and updates related to NJIT’s response to COVID-19 (coronavirus) can be found at https://www.njit.edu/coronavirus.

NJIT  will implement three modes to deliver courses in fall 2020:

Converged mode:  - Synchronous online: - .Online: The plan is for the great majority of 100- and 200-level classes to be offered in a converged model. The majority of lecture courses at the 300- and 400-level will be offered in the synchronous online mode. .. [read more]