Pandemic Recovery Update

NJIT community members,

Congratulations and thank you for the hard work and dedication which enabled NJIT to successfully complete the fall 2020 semester. We showed the perseverance and tenacity that makes NJIT unique. As a team, we kept the incidence of COVID-19 infections low by following protocols, wearing face coverings, social distancing, and practicing good hand hygiene. Our students and faculty successfully navigated converged learning, an experience that will inform the modalities for NJIT Global as we implement that component of Building on a Strong Foundation - NJIT 2025.

As the Pandemic Recovery Steering Committee and the subcommittees that many of you participate in look toward the spring 2021 semester, we are reminded that NJITs Pandemic Recovery Plan is nimble, with the ability to pivot based on the assessment of variables for operational change and guidance from governmental agencies. Our desire is to return on January 19 with the various modalities of instruction: converged, synchronous online, and asynchronous online learning. However, we will monitor the conditions locally and statewide and make an assessment no later than Friday, January 8, should a change in the plan be warranted for the start of the spring semester.

Using lessons learned from the fall, we will make some adjustments for the spring as we provide opportunities for students at all levels of education to attend converged, in-person instruction. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Audio quality in the classrooms will be improved through microphones, acoustical treatments, and additional speakers;

• Digital white boards will be installed in several classrooms to allow streaming of what is written;

• Revised CDC quarantine guidelines will be implemented at the conclusion of the fall semester;

• Redwood Hall will become an isolation facility for known positive students.

The balance of our plan, including a comprehensive testing program beginning with baseline testing of all community members returning to campus, quarantine requirements for those who traveled outside of New Jersey, continued surveillance testing, and the requiring of face coverings, remains in effect. NJIT faculty and staff will have the opportunity to be tested using the surveillance testing program beginning on January 4. Students should get tested at home before returning to campus. However, those who cannot get a test can contact the Office of the Dean of Students and utilize NJIT Health Services at St. Michael’s Medical Center to get tested.

Only through your diligence and compliance will we be able to navigate the spring semester even more smoothly than we did the fall. Together, we have made NJIT a standard for colleges and universities around the state. I wish you all a restful holiday season and happy and healthy new year!

Regards,

Andrew P. Christ, PE

Senior Vice President for Real Estate Development and Capital Operations