March to Sustainability FAQs

How is this restructuring different from the prior such actions the University has taken in recent years?

The University has made many difficult decisions and cost reductions for the last several years to meet the serious enrollment, financial, demographic and competitive challenges that persist today. Unfortunately, even those painful choices did not result in sufficient structural changes to open up a new future for Rider. Because of new and unforeseen developments, Rider must now take urgent steps that enable it to meet its financial obligations later this fiscal year and begin building a sustainable business model.

What is the anticipated outcome of this restructuring plan?

President John R. Loyack, CPA, MBA, and the Board are committed to taking decisive steps to put Rider on a course to a bright and sustainable future. Restructuring is required, not as an end in itself, but as the essential first step toward renewal. With a sound financial base, we will be able to reinvest in our students’ experiences, strengthen and grow our academic programs and enhance Rider’s reputation and enrollment for years to come.

What steps had previously been taken to protect University resources?

Among the difficult steps taken in recent years, the University has laid off staff, reduced staff compensation and hours, supported the early retirement of senior faculty, significantly reduced operating budgets and delayed investments in our facilities. These decisions required significant sacrifices from members of our community. Unfortunately, they have not been sufficient to meet the University’s financial challenges.

What recent financial developments have affected the University’s decisions?

Among other such developments, the University is currently facing the loss of an open line of credit and the necessity of repaying millions of dollars borrowed over the past few years that were used to pay operating expenses and other obligations. The University has also experienced bond-rating downgrades, enrollments that are significantly short of forecasts and the possible loss of federal financial aid funding due to our financial situation. These and other critical challenges necessitate restructuring to put Rider on a sustainable financial footing.

What led to Rider’s current status with the U.S. Department of Education, and what is the University doing about it?

Rider has not met the minimum financial standards set by the U.S. Department of Education for institutions that receive federal financial aid (Title IV) funding. The University’s financial health score, based on equity, reserves and net income, has steadily declined since the pandemic and is now well below the required level. Because of this, the Department of Education has placed Rider on provisional certification and heightened cash monitoring. Rider also posted a letter of credit — essentially a financial guarantee — to continue participating in federal aid programs while it works to strengthen its finances.

What did the Oct. 1, 2025, enrollment census reveal, and how did that impact the University’s financial outlook?

Based on this semester’s student census, both enrollment and retention failed to meet the projections for the 2025-26 budget that the Board of Trustees had approved in August. These developments create an even more challenging situation for the University’s cash flow.

Can the proceeds from the Westminster Choir College (WCC) settlement be used to help reduce current financial pressures?

For more than eight years, Rider has navigated a prolonged and costly effort to responsibly divest its Princeton campus, which had been home to WCC before WCC moved to the Lawrenceville campus in 2020. The funds anticipated from the resulting legal settlement had been committed over the last several years as a basis for borrowing money that paid prior-year cash operating losses. Rider repaid those loans and borrowings using the Westminster settlement proceeds, as it was obligated to do.

The “Transforming Students – Transforming Lives” fundraising campaign raised $100 million. How were those funds used?

Those funds have either already been spent on facilities and infrastructure, are pledged but not yet received, or are already committed within the University’s financial plans.

I understand that Rider’s accrediting body, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE or “Middle States”), placed Rider on probation on October 30, 2025. Is that correct?

Yes. Rider’s institutional accreditor placed the University on probation that day as a result of Rider’s current financial condition. Rider remains accredited while on probation.

May Rider still hold classes, deliver on degree programs, and operate in all ways while on probation with Middle States?

Yes. Rider remains accredited while on probation. As such, Rider is continuing its operations, holding classes and activities and providing student support and other services as usual.

Why did Middle States place Rider’s accreditation on probation?

MSCHE informed Rider on November 7, 2025, that, while still accredited, the University has been placed on probation effective October 30, 2025, following MSCHE’s review of the information provided on October 17, 2025, to Middle States as requested. Middle States made this decision because of concerns over Rider’s financial viability and that there is insufficient evidence that Rider is currently in compliance with Middle States financial standards expressed in the accrediting body’s Standard VI: Planning, Resources and Institutional Improvement.

What does Middle States require to be in compliance with Standard VI: Planning, Resources and Institutional Improvement?

Middle States accreditation Standard VI requires, among other expectations, that institutions demonstrate the appropriate level of financial, human, physical and technical resources, and the funding base and financial development plans necessary to adequately support their educational purposes and programs and to ensure financial stability. We are confident that with the implementation of the March to Sustainability Plan Rider will satisfy these important Middle States requirements.

Does probationary status with Middle States mean that Rider will close?

No. Rider has an opportunity to demonstrate compliance with Middle States financial standards through its implementation of the March to Sustainability Plan unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees and its submission of a monitoring report to Middle States by January 12, 2026. The University appreciates the opportunity to demonstrate to Middle States, via a monitoring report, that Rider has a viable plan for immediately addressing its financial challenges in compliance with Middle States requirements.

When will Middle States decide next steps?

Middle States meets next in March 2026, at which time it is expected that Middle States will decide the status of Rider’s continuing accreditation.

As part of its recent notification to the University, does Middle States require Rider to complete a teach out plan?

Yes. Middle States requires Rider to submit a teach out plan by December 19, 2025, as a condition of its probation. It is not unusual for Middle States to require a teach out plan as a precautionary measure when institutions are placed on probation. A teach out plan ensures that students can either complete their education at the institution or transfer to another institution should the institution announce closure. The March to Sustainability Plan aims, among other goals, to avoid closure. Rider also recognizes, as does Middle States, that a teach out plan should be in place as a precautionary measure. The University already has work underway to complete this plan and submit it to Middle States by its deadline of December 19.

How does the University intend to turn this situation around? 

Following his arrival in July 2025, President Loyack launched the March to Sustainability Plan to assess and address the University’s financial situation and begin building a stronger Rider future. The resulting plan, which began with an audit of the University’s recent financial history, prioritizes a realistic, achievable set of actions to address Rider’s immediate financial challenges and, ultimately, build on the University’s 160-year legacy by focusing on students, their education and their futures. This plan has been carefully evaluated by the Board of Trustees, which unanimously endorsed it on October 30, 2025, and, in agreement with the University administration, advised subsequent discussions on potential alternatives and implementation options with leadership of the two unions that, respectively, represent many members of the faculty and staff: the American Association of University Professors (AAUP); and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). 

What steps were taken to hear from the community as the plan was developed? 

President Loyack and Provost Kelly Bidle, Ph.D., met with groups of faculty, staff and students in small and intensive listening sessions to share the University’s situation and gather ideas both for addressing the financial challenges and building a sustainable Rider future. Community members also contributed ideas via email. 

What steps will the University be taking now that the Board of Trustees has decided the March to Sustainability Plan is necessary? 

The steps in this plan aim to establish a sustainable Rider future in service to our students through strategic restructuring. Because the personnel budget is the largest part of the University’s finances, these immediate steps would unfortunately and unavoidably have the greatest impact on our faculty and staff. Following discussions with AAUP and AFSCME leadership to explore any possible alternatives, if this plan is implemented these steps will follow:

• Rider will adjust employees’ compensation by reducing the base pay of employees by 14%, or by taking other actions that produce the same financial savings, beginning December 1, 2025. Salaries will be reset and then frozen at this level.
• Effective December 1, 2025, Rider’s retirement contribution will be suspended indefinitely.
• The University will immediately begin planning to adjust faculty workload as soon as feasible as follows: (i) workload for full-time tenure and tenure-track faculty will increase to a 4-4, (ii) workload for full-time lecturers will increase to a 5-5 workload, and (iii) workloads for chairpersons will increase to a 3-3 workload.
• The University will notify 35-40 full-time faculty that their positions are eliminated, effective December 31, 2025. These layoffs were primarily determined based on a performance analysis of related annual reports, using such criteria as merit, leadership contributions and academic area of discipline.
• Other necessary expense reductions will be made to faculty travel and faculty development.
• To streamline our administrative structure, we will be eliminating several senior positions.

The president has also appointed a Campus Resource Preservation Committee, which is responsible for ensuring that every dollar spent aligns with the University’s priorities.

Do you plan to eliminate academic programs? 

No. The Board and administration have been intentional about doing everything possible to minimize impacts of the restructuring on Rider students. The University intends to ensure that every student can take the classes they need to complete their intended major and earn their degree as they have planned. Once the University is on sound financial footing, we will work toward offering an academic program mix, including new programs where appropriate that best support student goals and Rider’s distinct academic strengths and potential.

Is Rider accepting applications from prospective students?

Yes. The restructuring plans focus on providing our students with Rider’s robust and impactful learning experience, and we look forward to welcoming a new class of Broncs to the University next fall.

Will fewer classes be taught next semester?

The University intends to offer a spring 2026 curriculum that is similar to the one previously planned.

Will Rider still fund student employment?

The University aims to provide hours for work-study students who demonstrate the most financial need. As always, the Office of Career Development and Success helps connect Rider students with off-campus jobs as well. Financial Aid, in partnership with Human Resources, helps to connect work-study students with on-campus jobs.

If my faculty advisor is laid off, who can I turn to for academic advising?

Prior to the start of the spring 2026 semester, you would be assigned a new academic advisor in your major.

Would the University continue to provide Undergraduate Research Scholar Awards (URSA)?

No. This program would be suspended.

How and when would faculty whose positions are being eliminated be notified?

Faculty who are being laid off would be informed by December 15. Decisions about specific positions to be eliminated focus on aligning faculty expertise and performance with the evident sustainability of academic programs.

When would these faculty layoffs take effect?

The affected faculty would be employed by Rider until December 31, 2025.

Would faculty promotion and tenure remain as it is now?

Yes. The tenure and promotion process is essential to the teaching and learning that define the Rider student experience, and the restructuring plan aims to keep this process exactly as it is now.

Would athletic coach promotions remain as they are now?

No. Athletic coach promotions would be suspended indefinitely.

How would the restructuring plan impact adjunct faculty?

Rider would continue to invest in, and rely on, the expertise of adjunct faculty across all academic areas.

I am a priority adjunct; what would these changes mean for me?

Effective December 31, 2025, you would no longer be able to receive benefits but your compensation per class would remain the same. For further information about your current benefits, please contact Human Resources.

When would the increase in faculty workload take effect?

Fall 2026. Efforts are also underway for academic year 2027 workload planning, and academic departments should account for the teaching workload increases in those planning efforts.

I currently receive external tuition remission for my child; how would these changes impact me?

The University would honor the external tuition remission benefit for the spring 2026 semester. At the end of the academic year, this benefit would be suspended. However, even then you may be eligible to participate in The Tuition Exchange and the internal tuition remission program at Rider. Please contact Human Resources for more information.

I applied for a summer research fellowship; would my application still be considered?

No. This benefit would be suspended indefinitely.

I applied for a summer reimbursement; would my application still be considered?

No. This benefit would be suspended indefinitely.

I applied for a reimbursement from the faculty travel fund; would these decisions impact my ability to receive this funding?

The faculty travel fund would be capped at $50,000 annually, with a limit of 50 faculty eligible to receive up to $1,000 for documented presentations at a conference or meeting.

I plan to apply for a research leave; would these applications still be considered?

Yes. There would still be a limited number of research leaves granted. However, the number would be limited to six (6), with two (2) specifically reserved for junior faculty.

Would the University continue to offer tuition remission and tuition exchange benefits for all employees?

Yes. The University is able to offer internal tuition remission at Rider University and tuition exchange benefits through The Tuition Exchange for all employees at very low cost and will continue this important investment.

Who can I speak with regarding my TIAA?

The University would suspend the employer TIAA contribution effective December 1, 2025. To discuss your current voluntary TIAA contribution or your account balance you may contact TIAA directly at tiaa.org/schedulenow or via phone at 1-800-842-2773.

What resources would be available to help employees who are overwhelmed, may have foreseen or unforeseen financial difficulties or may have trouble with the transition from the University?

Rider University employees have free access to the Penn Medicine Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which can be accessed by calling 1-800-527-0035 or by visiting the Penn Medicine EAP website. The EAP offers many consulting and advisory services, and can help employees find a financial advisor, tax consultant or other professionals that may be helpful. Faculty whose positions are eliminated would have access to the EAP 90 days after termination of employment to ensure a smoother transition.

Questions about your 403(b) or other retirement savings plans can be directed to: 

• TIAA-CREF: 1-800-842-2773 or tiaa.org/schedulenow

When would I receive additional information pertaining to my salary reduction?

Human Resources would partner with division heads to provide salary letters to all employees affected by the 14% salary reduction.

How can I as a faculty or staff member help with retention or student recruitment?

Rider’s faculty and staff are the reason students benefit so deeply from their Rider experience. As we restructure toward a Reimagined Rider, you can help strengthen Rider’s future by conveying to and reminding students interested in the Rider of today and tomorrow the following:

• Our faculty and staff are dedicated to the learning and success of every student.
• Students of Rider receive a transformative educational experience focused on deep and impactful learning, highly personalized mentoring relationships, and preparedness for career opportunities and success. In fact, because this restructuring will enable the University to make investments in the student experience, the Rider student experience will become even stronger and more beneficial to students.
• Every aspect of the restructuring plan focuses on protecting and strengthening the student experience.
• Our emerging investments in the Rider experience are outlined here, and include:
  • Expanding First-Year Experience Programs to help incoming students transition successfully to college life and connect with the Rider community before classes begin.
  • Reopening the Student Navigation Office as a central hub to help students navigate academic, financial and personal support resources.
  • Creating a comprehensive Wellness Center that integrates support for students’ physical, emotional and mental well-being.
  • Strengthening our inclusive environment and our students’ spiritual growth, reflection and dialogue by Creating the Chaplaincy Program and Interfaith Advisory Council.
  • Expanding programs for student service and volunteering in our community to help them grow further as leaders and thinkers while making a positive impact beyond our campus.  
  • Establishing the new Presidential Hope Fund that now offers emergency financial support to students facing unexpected challenges, underscoring our deep commitment to caring for every member of the Rider community.
  • Helping our students present their best selves as they pursue future opportunities by providing them with access to professional attire for internships, interviews and career events through a Career Closet.
  • Better serving students by consolidating key offices such as Financial Aid, Residence Life, the Registrar and the Cashier in one convenient location at the Bart Luedeke Center. 

What makes you think the March to Sustainability Plan will work?

Rider has an extraordinary opportunity to become a reimagined institution for many reasons that are reason not simply for hope, but for optimism. These include:

• The Rider student experience is excellent.  
• Our faculty and staff are deeply dedicated to the success of every student.  
• Every year, more than 3,600 students attend Rider because of its transformative impact.
• Our more than 65,000 alumni constitute a community of connection, pride and possibility for Rider’s future.  
• Our annual average revenues of some $70 million create a foundation of resources upon which to build and invest in Rider’s future.  
• Our challenge as an institution is restructuring our scale of annual expenditures to match our annual revenues. After we do that over the next year through the March to Sustainability Plan, all these other Rider strengths, and many more, will be the foundation upon which we can create a Rider Reimagined that ensures students and this institution thrive far into the future.  

What enrollment figure does the University have to achieve to ensure the March to Sustainability Plan works?

Rider enrollment has averaged about 3,700 for the last several years. The March to Sustainability Plan (please see p. 17 of the plan) is built around conservative figures because we want to ensure the financial structure of this plan works as Rider pivots to a new future. Our challenge as an institution is restructuring our scale of annual expenditures to match the annual revenues that our expected conservative enrollment generate. Then we will build on that foundation and invest in a stronger student experience and a stable and stronger University. 

What is Rider doing to strengthen student retention and recruitment? 

The University is focused on retention and recruitment every day, in numerous ways:

• Elsewhere in the FAQs, you will find a list of our emerging investments in the Rider experience that are outlined here.
• We are identifying new strategies to strengthen student persistence and engagement, with particular attention to supporting spring enrollment, through the newly established Retention Task Force.
• Our admissions team is recruiting aggressively and with a powerful story to tell about a newly stable and stronger Rider.  
• Our student life team works every day to support the student experience.  
• And every faculty and staff member has a vital role in helping to communicate to future students the value of the Rider student experience, the related emerging investments, and the promise of the Rider Reimagined that will arise from the March to Sustainability Plan. 

Will scholarships be affected?

The plan makes no changes to any scholarship or financial aid students may currently be receiving. 

How will academic programs be affected?
They will not be. The plan makes no changes to major academic programs.

How will this affect financial aid and scholarships?
The plan makes no changes to any scholarship or financial aid students may currently be receiving. Students under scholarship today will retain their current scholarships at the same level of support through a planned four-year graduation timeline.

How will athletics be affected?
The plan makes no changes to our current athletic offerings.

Will any student services be discontinued?
No. To the contrary, we are already implementing ways to strengthen the student experience, from expanding programs to help incoming students transition successfully to college life, to reopening the Student Navigation Office as a central hub to help students navigate academic, financial and personal support resources, to creating a comprehensive wellness center and more. Learn more here.

What support are you offering students during this emotional time? 
The Counseling Center continues to support students fully and is monitoring student needs for support. If greater demand for counseling support emerges amid this challenge, we will add appropriate staffing.

What is the timeline for Rider’s probationary status with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE or “Middle States”)?
We anticipate learning from Middle States about our status by March 2026.

What will the impact be on spring courses once the number of faculty positions is reduced and will students still be able to take the courses they need?
We do not anticipate any significant impact on the regularly offered spring courses that students are currently registered for.

Will tuition increase?
Decisions regarding tuition increases are decided annually and approved by the Board of Trustees. The Board does not begin discussing tuition for the next academic year until its spring meetings, so they will undertake discussions of 2026-27 tuition in spring 2026. Tuition for the spring 2026 semester remains at the same rates that were determined in spring 2025.

What does a teach-out plan look like and why is it being developed?
A teach-out plan is being created in the unlikely event that Rider must close. Taking this preventative preparatory step ensures that even in that unlikely circumstance, Rider has made the necessary plans to ensure all students have a smooth path to transfer to another school with their current academic program. Schools that will be part of Rider’s teachout plan are in our same geographic area and would accept all Rider credits without the need for a student to apply. Should implementing the teach-out plan prove necessary, students would not have to attend one of the teachout schools but could instead opt to transfer to another school of their choice, although in that case they would have to apply through the new school’s normal processes.

How does the timing work on the teach-out plan if accreditation is lost in the middle of the spring semester?
Middle States would likely only determine that Rider had lost its accreditation if it judged that the March to Sustainability Plan is insufficient to meet Rider’s financial challenges. We are confident the plan is strong and definitive enough to avoid that outcome and, in fact, doing so has been among the primary reasons we developed the plan. However, were Middle States to determine somehow otherwise, Middle States would very likely end Rider’s accreditation only with the conclusion of the spring 2026 semester, once courses were completed and students had graduated. All credits earned in the spring semester would therefore be accredited and transferable to another university or college.

In the event of a teach-out, will my child be guaranteed a spot at another school? 
Yes, in such an event, students would be guaranteed admission to any of the schools with which Rider has established a formal teach-out agreement. Should a student choose in that situation to attend an institution with which Rider does not have a formal teach-out agreement, the student would need to apply as a transfer student through that school’s admissions process for transfer students.

What happens to students' academic credits if the University loses accreditation?
If the University were to lose accreditation, all credits earned through spring 2026 would be fully accredited and transferable to other four-year institutions.

If I graduate and then Rider loses accreditation and/or closes, what happens to my degree? 
If the University were to lose accreditation, any degree earned from Rider through spring 2026 would be from a fully accredited institution.

How can parents help?
Rider knows that parents trust us with their children’s educational experience and takes that responsibility most seriously. The plan addresses our challenges directly because we believe in Rider and its future. At this pivotal time, we are asking everyone who shares this conviction to be a vocal champion for Rider and participate in a campaign for our campus community to showcase its support for and belief in Rider. Below are some graphics you as a parent can use on your social media, and we encourage you to include the hashtag #IBelieveinRider. Stickers and signs also will be placed on doors of faculty and staff who are willing to speak with students should they have questions or concerns. 

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