Face-to-Face Learning Opportunities in New Brunswick

May 10, 2021

Dear Rutgers–New Brunswick Students:

As we prepare to transition back to campus, our faculty and administrators have worked tirelessly to develop a thoughtful and comprehensive plan to maximize face-to-face instruction. This strategy respects public health imperatives and is guided by our paramount concern, the health and safety of our University community.

We are pleased to report that the Fall 2021 semester plan includes face-to-face learning opportunities in over 70 percent of our course sections. At this time, many courses accommodating more than 100 students will include regular, smaller face-to-face group meetings that will better facilitate learning in a safe environment. The lecture component of high-enrollment gateway courses must be held fully online.

Rutgers–New Brunswick’s diverse array of schools and departments made discipline-specific decisions on how best to meet student needs while adhering to public health guidelines. Many faculty have developed high-quality online lecture options over the past year, and will continue to incorporate innovative teaching approaches. In addition, many departments have increased their face-to-face supplemental learning activities, including research opportunities, experiential learning, seminars, recitations, and other small group interactions. I recognize that every student’s Fall 2021 schedule may not reflect many of these additional face-to-face opportunities but I assure you that we are making every effort to enhance your learning experience. I appreciate the thoughtfulness and careful consideration each academic unit has invested in preparing for their students’ learning.

Students wishing to customize their learning opportunities for Fall 2021 are encouraged to meet with their academic advisors to develop a schedule that meets their needs. Links to the New Brunswick schools’ academic advising offices, along with additional information about Fall 2021, can be found on the Rutgers University–New Brunswick Fall 2021 COVID-19 FAQ website.

Our Fall 2021 academic plan will enable Rutgers­–New Brunswick’s students, faculty, and staff to safely and responsibly transition back to campus. I want to emphasize how much I look forward to welcoming you back to the Banks.

Sincerely,

Francine Conway, Ph.D.
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Research and Academic Affairs
Distinguished Professor