William Paterson University is set to return to in-person learning for the Fall 2021 semester, officials confirmed in a statement made Friday afternoon.

The decision comes after it officially has been one full year since all instruction and campus facilities went fully remote in wake of COVID-19 last year.

“With vaccine eligibility expanding and vaccination rates accelerating, I am excited to announce that William Paterson University plans to fully welcome students, faculty, and staff back to campus for the Fall 2021 semester,” William Paterson University president, Richard Helldobler said in a campus-wide statement.

“Of course, we will continue to adhere to all State and federal guidelines and regulations, but all signs suggest that conditions will allow for a return to normal operations by the fall, if not sooner.”

Helldobler reassured in his statement that William Paterson will adhere to all State and federal reopening guidelines and regulations to revert back to in-person learning.

In terms of summer programs and instruction, Vice President for Human Resources Allison Boucher-Jarvis shared in a statement on March 11th that the President had approved plans for a four-day summer workweek.

However, “For now, staff will continue with the Orange and Black hybrid schedule of remote and in-person work, but we do anticipate shifting back to fully in-person work schedules sometime over the summer,” Helldobler said.

And everyone will be given a notice at least two weeks in advance of any changes to the schedule.

Helldobler’s statement comes on the same day where Gov. Phil Murphy and Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced increases in capacity limits for indoor dining.

“In New Jersey, we will continue to move deliberately, responsibly, and incrementally, guided by public health data,” Governor Murphy said in a press release.

He continued, “We feel confident in this step given the improving metrics we have seen over the last several weeks in both New Jersey and New York City, as well as the continued ramp-up of our vaccination program. Our states will continue to work together to protect the health of as many residents as possible.”

Beginning on March 15th as well will be the expansion of eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine. Click Here to find out the new eligible groups.

And as of March 5th in total 365 tests for the William Paterson community were taken with one positive test coming back. Click Here to view weekly updates.

This is a developing story. Further updates will be added here.