Scenarios

There is much uncertainty around the course of the pandemic and what the government may mandate in response. For this reason, TCNJ is planning for two possible scenarios—face-to-face and remote educational experiences—for the fall with the ability to move between them as conditions allow or demand.

Assumptions

1. On-campus education at TCNJ is the mode of delivery preferred by students, their families, faculty, staff, administrators, the Board of Trustees, and our community.
2. TCNJ will operate on-campus instruction only if health and safety measures reduce the risk of exposure to a tolerable level.
3. TCNJ will follow CDC guidelines and state of NJ executive orders in planning and action.
4. Consistent with external directives and health metrics, TCNJ expects a phased return to campus for work, teaching, learning, and research.
5. TCNJ will be ready for both face-to-face and remote learning in fall 2020, with potential to transition from one mode to the other if/when the need arises.
6. TCNJ will operate in a financially responsible manner.

Guiding Principles to Restart Campus Activities

1. The health and safety of students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors and neighbors will be the top priority in our decisions and actions.
2. We remain committed to restarting all campus activities on a realistic timeframe and adhering to the high standards of quality for which TCNJ is known. 
3. We will be inclusive, making decisions guided by the full range of needs for our community members.
4. We will remain nimble and adapt to evolving circumstances, ensuring that we rely on best practice; scientific guidance; and local, state, and federal recommendations and requirements.
5. We take seriously our responsibility to steward our financial resources, positioning TCNJ to continue providing an exceptional education for future generations.

Readiness Task Forces and Coordination Team

The work of planning for the two possible scenarios or some combination thereof will be done by five Readiness Task Forces with oversight from a Readiness Coordination Team. Each of the Readiness Task Forces is co-chaired by members of the president’s cabinet and an operational lead, the latter a staff professional with expertise and planning experience in the task force area. 

Co-chairs from the five task forces will form a Readiness Coordination Team to oversee and facilitate execution of the action plans. To ensure consistent and robust communication for the TCNJ community, also serving on the Readiness Coordination Team are the associate vice president for communications, marketing and brand management and the director of marketing communications.

Readiness Task Forces

Using the assumptions and guiding principles, the task forces will develop and, with authorization from the Readiness Coordination Team, begin executing specific, actionable plans to ensure the college can support students, faculty, and staff in delivering and receiving a high-quality education.