Currently, our region is experiencing an increase in positive cases of COVID-19.

But the good news is that, according to data from New Jersey and the CDC, the cases are not resulting in increases of severe illness, death, or hospitalization in the ICU.

As a reminder, if you are a Rowan employee and you test positive for the virus, please notify your supervisor and your close contacts and follow the CDC guidance of isolating for five days from the onset of symptoms.

Stay home if you are ill and follow your department’s illness protocols. No notification to the Wellness Center or Human Resources is required. Additionally, no contact notification form needs to be completed.

The best way to try to avoid severe sickness from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated and boosted for the virus. Boosters are available from local pharmacies and the New Jersey COVID-19 vaccination locator can be found here.

Finally, while it is your choice whether or not to wear a mask, the CDC is recommending indoor masking based on the current virus transmission data. Please continue to be respectful to those who continue wearing a mask for their safety and the protection of others.

Thanks for all that you have done—and continue to do—to keep our campuses safe.

After two years of restrictions and heeding public health protocols, we welcome the chance to take a huge and hopeful step on our way out of pandemic public health mandates. 

Current CDC and state COVID-19 guidelines, along with our downward trend of positive cases University-wide, allow us to revise indoor masking and daily screening mandates starting March 7.

Masking
As of Monday, indoor masking will be optional on all campuses except in the following cases:

• In health care clinical settings (wearing a mask is required);
• When you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19;
• When you are instructed to wear a mask by a healthcare provider;
• If you feel ill with upper respiratory symptoms or you are COVID-positive, and isolate.

The masking change is for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. Unvaccinated individuals still must undergo weekly COVID-19 testing.

It’s important for all of us to remember that some people may feel uncomfortable being around unmasked individuals. Additionally, many vaccinated individuals may choose to wear a mask for their own safety or for the safety of their loved ones. Please be respectful of everyone’s choices. 

In instances such as one-on-one meetings, either party may request that a mask be worn. If that is not acceptable to either person, an alternative arrangement should be scheduled.

Daily health screening
Also as of March 7, the daily health screening for students, employees and on-campus vendors will not be required.

Testing
Through May 5, weekly testing of unvaccinated employees and students will remain mandatory and will be available through the Wellness Center and will continue on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Owl’s Nest in Chamberlain Student Center. Testing also is available for anyone who requests it.

Additionally, to ensure the continued safety of our community, Rowan will offer testing each day during the week after spring break, March 21-25, in the Owl’s Nest.

Questions & Answers

Does this mean the end of all masking at Rowan?
While the indoor masking requirement is being lifted in most instances, there still may be times when you may need to wear a mask. As a community, we must remember that masks may be worn at various times for the foreseeable future, so please continue to have a mask on hand should you need it.  

Can I continue to wear a mask if I want to?
Absolutely. We recognize that some folks will prefer to wear a mask for personal reasons. 

Can I request that someone wear a mask in my presence? 
As a community, it’s critical that we continue to be respectful and courteous to others. You can respectfully request that someone wear a mask in your office. In this circumstance, it would be appropriate and courteous for you to put on a mask if someone asks you to. However, if you cannot come to a consensus with someone regarding wearing a mask, please schedule another arrangement, such as a virtual meeting.

What if I feel sick?
Understanding that spring allergies often have symptoms that mimic upper respiratory infections that seem similar to COVID-19, we ask that all students with such symptoms avoid contact with others and wear a mask when around others until symptoms subside. Also, please wear a mask and get tested if you come into contact with someone known to have COVID-19.

If I test positive for COVID-19, do I have to notify the University?
Yes. Doing so allows us to keep track of our case numbers. Students and faculty members who test positive should report their results here.

Could the masking mandate return in the future?
Our COVID-19 advisory group meets frequently to assess the health of our community and to monitor state and CDC guidelines. If we see changes in the data, or if state and federal officials advise a return to indoor masking because of a dramatic increase in positive cases, we will follow the science and take appropriate measures.

Rowan PROUD
As a University community, we have worked together for two years to weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Moving deeper into spring, it’s our fervent hope that we, as a nation, will begin entering the endemic stage of the virus. As Prof Nation, we have done an extraordinary job staying kind, caring, respectful and vigilant as we work together to keep each other healthy and safe.

We are proud and thankful for all that has been done, individually and collectively, to keep Rowan moving, growing and thriving. Please keep up the great work and continue to maintain the wonderful spirit of collegiality that is one of our institution’s most enduring tenets.

Respectfully,

Tony Lowman
Provost

Terri Drye
Vice President for Human Resources/CHRO

Kevin S. Koett
Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students

Scott Woodside
Director for the Wellness Center

As confirmed cases of COVID-19 track downward at Rowan, in New Jersey and across the nation, we are implementing some University-wide changes in our approach to testing and contact tracing.

Testing
As of Monday, Feb. 21, Hollybush Mansion will no longer be a site for symptomatic COVID-19 testing. Any student exhibiting symptoms of the virus should contact the Wellness Center at 856-256-4333 to arrange testing.

Through May 5, asymptomatic testing will continue every Wednesday and Thursday for any student or employee who is unvaccinated or any student or employee wishing to undergo testing. Testing will be from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. each Wednesday and Thursday in the Owl’s Nest in the Chamberlain Student Center.

Contact tracing
Rather than conducting contact tracing investigations on each positive case among our University community, the Wellness Center will instead rely upon any Rowan student or employee who tests positive to personally notify their contacts. The Wellness Center will provide those individuals who test positive with information about informing their circle of contacts. The University’s contact tracing group will no longer conduct active contract tracing investigations.

Remaining in effect
As we continue to evaluate a number of factors and monitor our cases, the University’s masking protocols and daily screening will remain in place at this time.

Finally, anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will still need to report their positive test to the University. Both students and employees must report here. Reporting is necessary as Rowan continues to update our website and submit weekly state reports.

Staying healthy
As always, the best way to protect yourself against serious illness is to get the COVID-19 vaccine and the booster shot. Click here for vaccination information.

Moving forward
Rowan’s wellness team meets several times each week to review the University’s positive case numbers, evaluate statewide and national trends, and consider changes to our pandemic protocols. As we continue throughout the semester, we will communicate any future changes to the University community.

A healthy Rowan is a thriving Rowan. Please continue to take every precaution to keep yourselves and our community healthy and safe this spring.

Contact Information:
Scott Woodside
Director of the Wellness Center
856-256-4333
woodside@rowan.edu

With the spring semester underway, COVID-19 testing is a vital tool to help keep the Rowan community safe. The following protocols are in place this semester:

Residential students
Every student living on campus or in affiliated housing must be tested through the Wellness Center within their first week of arrival. The Office of the Dean of Students has emailed all residential students with testing instructions.

Unvaccinated students and employees
Beginning this week, all unvaccinated students, faculty and staff are required to undergo weekly COVID PCR testing. Testing is Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Owl’s Nest on the first floor of the Chamberlain Student Center.

Rapid antigen testing
Through Feb. 18, rapid antigen testing for students and employees who are symptomatic or who have been exposed to COVID-19 is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at Hollybush.

No registration is required, but you must have your Banner ID information on site.

Asymptomatic testing
Any student or employee who is asymptomatic for COVID-19 may receive a PCR test if they feel they’ve been exposed to the coronavirus. Asymptomatic testing is available in the Owl’s Nest on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Prior to the first test, participants must register for an account. Click on the “forgot password” link, enter your Rowan email and follow instructions to complete registration.

Vaccination clinic
The University will offer a vaccination clinic for COVID-19 vaccines and boosters on Monday, Jan. 24, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Owl’s Nest. Registration is required.

All three vaccines—Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson—will be offered. You may select your vaccine preference when you register.

If you don’t feel well
Anyone with coronavirus symptoms should get tested and stay home until symptoms improve. Rowan follows state health guidelines for isolation and quarantine. Find the guidelines on the Wellness Center’s isolation and quarantine requirements web site.

If you’re a student exhibiting COVID-related symptoms (sore throat, headache, congestion, nausea, or loss of taste or smell) please call the Wellness Center at 856-256-4333 to schedule a COVID test.  

All positive cases of COVID-19 in both students and employees should be reported to the Wellness Center.

As always, thank you for doing your part to help keep our community safe.

Contact Information:
Scott Woodside
Director of the Wellness Center
856-256-4333
woodside@rowan.edu

After a close examination of current CDC and state guidelines, data related to regional infection rates, and conversations with our health experts, the Health Metrics team developed a plan to open for the spring semester in person and on time. As always, the effort to research, develop and implement these health and safety plans is collaborative and we especially thank the Faculty COVID Advisory team for helping develop and approving the guidance. 

As we have done successfully before, we have added protocols and options that will help employees and students proceed safely. We promise to continue to monitor case counts and data. If we need to adjust the plan, we will.

Please rely on these guidelines for the spring semester:

Testing to increase safety
Every student living on campus or in affiliated housing must be tested within the first week of arrival. Having residential students test on campus increases the validity of the test results because everyone will receive the same PCR tests. The Office of the Dean of Students will email residential students with testing instructions in the coming days.  

Students, faculty and staff must have their proof of vaccination or valid medical/religious exemption on file. All unvaccinated students will be required to begin their weekly testing during the first week of classes, starting Jan. 17.

Anyone with COVID-like symptoms should get tested and stay home until symptoms improve. Rowan University will follow state health guidelines for isolation and quarantine. Guidelines can be found on the Wellness Center’s isolation and quarantine requirements website.  

Classroom learning
We will begin the semester on time with in-person instruction. In cases of infection or exposure, students must complete and submit an absence notification form if they miss in-person or remote classes, in advance if possible. Professors will receive a notice from the Dean of Students Office and will be asked to offer support for those who cannot attend class.

Students who are impacted by COVID may ask faculty for temporary special arrangements for remote instruction. Faculty are encouraged to offer such options where feasible and reasonable.  Students will be advised as needed about options for situations where in-person experiential learning cannot be made up or replicated. 

Medical students will continue to follow their school’s health and safety protocols.

Flex work opportunities
During the current spike in virus cases, the University is temporarily expanding flex work opportunities for employees impacted by illness, exposure, or their children’s school closures. Employees must work with their direct supervisor to determine if remote work is possible for their position. Employees must provide proof of exposure or of school closure for their dependents. The expanded flex work opportunity is for the current COVID emergency and will begin with a two-week period. We will assess whether emergency flex work should be extended. Faculty who are impacted by COVID and need to work remotely should notify their department chairs and/or dean that they are switching to remote instruction for a two-week period in accordance with the memorandum of agreement.  

Masking
The University-wide masking policy remains in effect. As a reminder, Rowan requires all students, faculty and staff, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks in all classrooms, lecture halls, laboratories and other crowded, indoor public spaces.

Masks must fit properly, covering the nose, mouth and chin. While the current policy allows for small groups of vaccinated individuals (study groups, colleague meetings) to continue meeting unmasked if social distancing is achievable and everyone in the group agrees to the arrangement, we recommend such activities be curtailed until this wave of COVID infections from the omicron variant subsides. Unvaccinated individuals should continue to wear masks, regardless of group size.

Monitoring infection rates
Rowan’s daily screening for all members of the University community will continue. Employees and students must self-report potential COVID-19 symptoms or exposure via the online screening application every day.

Asymptomatic testing for any member of the Rowan community will continue in the Owl’s Nest in Chamberlain Student Center on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is required prior to the first test. It takes just a few minutes and provides valuable information about our community to help guide our public health decisions. 

The Wellness Center will offer daily symptomatic testing and rapid testing for students and employees. Visit the Wellness Center’s COVID-19 information website for additional information about rapid testing on the Glassboro campus.

Wastewater testing
Last year, the University began wastewater testing in residence halls. Wastewater surveillance will continue this spring as a general community surveillance tool rather than a test that directs immediate action. The testing, combined with asymptomatic testing and our daily screening requirement, gives us another tool to gauge the health and safety of our campus community.

Getting vaccinations and boosters
Rowan students and employees are strongly encouraged to receive their COVID vaccination and/or booster shots, and they may do so at the Owl’s Nest in Chamberlain Student Center (Glassboro). Registration is required.

Vaccinations and boosters also can be obtained at multiple sites in the region. For information, visit the state’s COVID-19 Information Hub.

Thank you
We know life amid a pandemic is complicated and different than what we’d prefer. After more than two years, we also know it’s worth the effort to persist, to be cautious, to be flexible and to encourage each other. We are confident that the Rowan community is up to the challenge.

Respectfully, 

Tony Lowman
Provost

Terri Drye
Vice President for Human Resources/CHRO

Kevin S. Koett
Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students

Over the past two weeks, we have seen COVID-19 case counts steadily climb throughout the state and nation. Rowan’s winter break has largely coincided with what is the projected height of the current wave in our region. We are monitoring its progression and impact closely as we plan Rowan’s opening this coming semester. As of now, we intend to start the semester on time and in person, but we will continue to review the data. If we need to adjust, we will.

Until then, here are some protocols and guidance to help everyone prepare for the spring semester:

• Every student living on campus or in affiliated housing must be tested within the first week of arrival through The Wellness Center. 

• All unvaccinated students will be required to begin their weekly testing during the first week of classes.

• If you have COVID-like symptoms, get tested and stay home until your symptoms improve. NJ requires isolation of 10 days from the onset of symptoms if positive for COVID. Students must complete and submit an absence notification form if they are to miss in-person or remote classes. Professors will receive a notice from the Dean of Students’ Office and make accommodations for those who cannot attend class.

• Medical students will continue to follow their school’s health and safety protocols.

• Employees and students are expected to adhere to current mask policies. As a reminder, Rowan University requires all students, faculty and staff, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks in all classrooms, lecture halls, laboratories and other crowded, indoor public spaces. Masks must fit properly and cover the nose, mouth, and chin of the person wearing the face covering. While the current policy allows for small groups of vaccinated individuals (i.e., study groups, colleague meetings), to continue to meet unmasked if social distancing is achievable and the group agrees to the arrangement, we recommend such activities are curtailed until after this wave of COVID infections subsides. Unvaccinated individuals should continue to wear masks, regardless of group size.

• We strongly recommend that individuals review current guidance on masks and ensure they fit properly. 

• Employees and students may register for vaccines, including boosters, through The Wellness Center. Registration for appointments are required. The Wellness Center will offer rapid and PCR testing. More information can be found at rowan.edu/wellness.

• During this spike in COVID cases, we will temporarily expand the flex work opportunities. Employees must work with their direct supervisor to determine if remote work is possible for their position. Employees will need to provide proof of exposure or school closure. The expanded flex work opportunity is for the emergent COVID period and will begin with a two-week period. We will assess at that time if the emergency flex work policy needs to be extended. 

We’ve been here before, at the start of the spring semester, eager to get back to our studies, friends, colleagues and activities while we continue to fight the pandemic. As we keep doing everything in our power to protect each other and ourselves, we keep making progress that can’t be denied. It looks different from what we’d prefer, of course, but we are still committed as a University community to a safe and healthy Rowan. 

We will stay flexible and ready to respond to changes in infection rates and health protocols. We will look for the best in every instance. We encourage everyone to continue to be clear-eyed about safety, to be optimistic, supportive and kind—all powerful tools to help each other, along with vaccines and testing.

Respectfully,

Tony Lowman
Provost

Terri Drye
Vice President for Human Resources/CHRO

Kevin S. Koett
Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students

With the close of the semester days away and employees and students headed for well-deserved time with family and friends, it may be easy to let our guard down and forget to be vigilant as the pandemic continues. The omicron COVID-19 variant, however, reminds us that Rowan’s currently low infection rates can quickly change. 

To help ensure a safe and healthy return to campus in January, please keep in mind the protocols we have in place and how we are preparing for the months ahead: 

• The University pandemic planning team will continue to closely track local and state infection rates and follow CDC, American College Health Association and state guidance and mandates. What happens at other institutions and regions is important to consider, but may not reflect what is happening here or how we should respond for our communities.

• New students and employees are required to submit proof of full vaccination or have an approved exemption. There will not be an incentive program for students in the spring semester. Unvaccinated individuals who have been granted a medical or religious exemption must comply with mandatory weekly testing protocols. 

• Students and employees, regardless of vaccination status, will continue to be required to wear masks in all classrooms, lecture halls, laboratories, and other crowded indoor public spaces. Small groups of vaccinated individuals (e.g., study groups, colleagues’ meetings), however, may continue to meet unmasked if distancing is achievable and the group agrees to the arrangement. Unvaccinated individuals, even with approved exemptions, will be required to wear masks, regardless of group size.

• Free asymptomatic testing (PCR testing, using a shallow nasal swab) will again be offered every Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Owl’s Nest on the first floor of the Chamberlain Student Center, on the Glassboro campus. Employees and students are welcome and encouraged to make the tests part of their regular routines, regardless of whether or not they have had possible exposure to the virus. 

• The daily online screening form, symptomatic testing, mandatory testing of unvaccinated employees and students, and contact-tracing programs will remain in place, giving the University several tools to gauge COVID-19 rates. 

• Triad Hall will continue to be reserved for individuals in quarantine who have no other residence options. 

A third dose

The CDC, the state and our own health officials recommend that all vaccinated individuals get a third dose—a booster shot—of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, or a second dose for those who received the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The University will be offering these for free at clinics throughout the spring semester. In the meantime, booster shots are readily available at county vaccination sites and local pharmacies. 

Although the University is recommending fully vaccinated individuals receive the third dose, Rowan is not requiring it for either students or employees at this time. However, we will continue to monitor the guidance and recommendations and change course if the state updates its requirements or if infection rates negatively impact our ability to operate. 

Covid and flu symptoms can confuse

Focused and flexible

We’re each responsible for keeping Rowan safe and healthy. Thank you for taking care of each other and your community by continuing to follow public health recommendations.

For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the Return to Rowan website.  

Respectfully,

Tony Lowman
Provost

Terri Drye
Vice President for Human Resources 

Kevin S. Koett
Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students

Dear Glassboro and Camden Campus Communities,

Although COVID-19 infection rates are trending downward at Rowan, the Glassboro and Camden campuses will continue the current mask requirement until further notice. We will continue to monitor transmission rates in and around our campuses, and will reevaluate the requirement as conditions warrant.

As a reminder, Rowan University is following CDC and state guidance and is requiring all students, faculty and staff, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks in all classrooms, lecture halls, laboratories, and other crowded, indoor public spaces. Small groups of vaccinated individuals (i.e., study groups, colleague meetings), however, may continue to meet unmasked if social distancing is achievable and the group agrees to the arrangement. Unvaccinated individuals should continue to wear masks, regardless of group size. The medical schools will continue to follow their respective protocols.  

Please remember, some people might feel uncomfortable being around unmasked individuals. Many vaccinated individuals choose to wear masks for their own safety or for the safety of their loved ones. If you are asked to wear a mask, please do so.

Asymptomatic Testing
As a reminder, free PCR testing (shallow nasal swab) is available to members of the Rowan University community who are asymptomatic for COVID-19.

The testing is offered every Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Owl’s Nest on the first floor of the Chamberlain Student Center, on the Glassboro campus.

The asymptomatic testing program is completely voluntary. Employees and students are welcome and encouraged to make the tests part of their regular routines regardless of whether or not they have had possible exposure to the virus.

The data gained through the asymptomatic testing complements the daily screening, symptomatic testing, mandatory testing of unvaccinated employees and students, and contact-tracing programs we have in place, giving us another tool to gauge COVID-19 cases on the Glassboro campus. Asymptomatic students and employees can undergo testing as often as they wish.

Thank you for your continued support.

Contact Information:
Office of the President, officeofthepresident@rowan.edu

Dear Rowan Faculty:

With the semester now underway, we have experienced a variety of scenarios involving COVID-19 exposures and infection, leading to many questions about how to manage them, particularly in the classroom. 

Below are answers to commonly asked questions. The guidelines and protocols described may change, of course, as CDC and state guidelines shift and as the University continues to carefully monitor infection rates across our campus locations, in our host communities and in surrounding counties.

Thank you for your flexibility, patience and, as always, your commitment to our students. If you have any questions, please rely on the following people:

• Scott Woodside, Director of The Wellness Center, (856) 256-4500 x53348
• Kevin Koett, Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, (856) 256-4283
• Tony Lowman, Provost, Office of the Provost, (856) 256-4108

Yours truly, 

Tony Lowman
Provost

Guidelines and protocols for classroom management
(This document is on the Faculty Center’s website for future reference.)

Sept. 16, 2021

What happens when The Wellness Center or the Dean of Students Office identifies a student as testing positive for COVID-19?
If a positive case is identified and the affected student attended a class within two days prior to the onset of symptoms, the student’s professors will receive an email from the Dean of Students Office specifying that the student cannot attend class in person. Students identified as close contacts will also be notified that they were in a classroom with a known positive case and will be given instructions based on the specific scenario. 

Vaccinated close contacts can still attend class, but should be tested three to five days after exposure, according to CDC and state guidelines. Unvaccinated close contacts must quarantine for 10 consecutive  days. The contact-tracing process evaluates all positive cases and determines the appropriate course of action. Students who have not received notification of a positive case should assume they are not considered close contacts. 

Should I promote social distancing in the classroom?
Faculty should continue to manage their classrooms as they see fit. According to CDC and state guidelines, social distancing is not required as long as individuals have at least one layer of protection, such as masks and/or vaccination.

Should I announce to the class that a student(s) recently tested positive?
It’s at the faculty member’s discretion. However, the individual cannot be identified. Faculty can tell the class that a student has been diagnosed with COVID-19, and that close contacts have been notified as well. Anyone who is anxious about the situation should be encouraged to take part in Rowan’s voluntary asymptomatic testing program, held on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Owl’s Nest. The faculty member can also offer a remote attendance option. 

Can I continue to teach my course remotely if I test positive, but I am asymptomatic or able to do so?
If you are in quarantine or isolation and able to continue to teach your class remotely, please do. The University has worked with the AFT to develop an emergency remote instruction policy, whether a faculty member is ill or needs to stay home to care for a sick family member. That policy will be coming out shortly. 

What should I do if a student notifies me of a positive test, but I have not received notice from the University?
Please notify the Dean of Students Office immediately by completing the COVID Positive or Exposure Report. Faculty are not breaking any confidentiality rules by filing this report. 

Can I offer a remote attendance option to students?
The University has adopted the following policy in an effort to give faculty and students the flexibility needed. 

Remote attendance option for students in the event of a positive COVID case
In the event that a student has attended an in-person class within two days of symptoms or a positive test, the instructor is notified by email. If the class was a typical forward-facing class in which masks were worn consistently, no others in attendance are considered close contacts and are not required to quarantine or test, and the class can continue to meet normally. 

Instructors are provided with this message from The Wellness Center via email:

This a notice that a student was in your class [title] on [date/time] within two days of symptoms or a positive COVID-19 test. There were no close contacts reported by the individual. Mask-wearing was reported at all times. If, during this class, there were small-group discussions or face-to-face interactions that lasted more than 15 minutes, please respond with the names of the individuals who participated in those activities. Otherwise, no action needs to be taken on your part. Thank you for continuing to support a healthy campus through masking and following our Return to Rowan protocols. 

Under some circumstances, attendance in class by a COVID-positive student or instructor could result in the need for additional public health measures as identified through the contact-tracing process. In such an event, the instructor will be provided with alternate instructions. In most cases, it is likely that the actual close contacts of an infected student can be identified and appropriate public health intervention can be provided to those specific students. However, at the discretion of the instructor, any class with a COVID-positive student can implement an optional remote attendance policy for the students for a period of 10 consecutive calendar days following the last date a COVID-positive student attended the class. During this optional remote attendance period, students may attend that class in person or remotely, following notification to the department head/chair and dean of the college or school housing the course, especially when one or more of the parameters below are not met:

• If masks were not worn
• If there are multiple cases in a single classroom within a two-week time frame
• If the class session was not a traditional forward-facing arrangement and students interacted in face-to-face close proximity for 15 or more minutes

Instructors and students are reminded of the importance of consistent wearing of well-fitting masks in class to reduce infection risk and to prevent disruptions to in-person attendance. Additionally, students are encouraged to note the names of those with whom they work in face-to-face groups to facilitate contact tracing in the event of a positive test. 

Free PCR testing is once again available to members of the Rowan University community who are asymptomatic for COVID-19.

The testing, which begins today and consists of a self-administered shallow nasal swab, will be offered every Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Owl’s Nest on the first floor of the Chamberlain Student Center.

The asymptomatic testing program is completely voluntary. Employees and students are welcome and encouraged to make the tests part of their regular routines regardless of whether or not they have had possible exposure to the virus.

The data gained through the asymptomatic testing complements the Daily Screening, symptomatic testing, mandatory testing of unvaccinated employees and students, and contact tracing programs we have in place, giving us another tool to gauge COVID-19 cases on the Glassboro campus. Asymptomatic students and employees can undergo testing as often as they wish.

Getting tested

Prior to the first test, participants must register for an account with JCM (a registration web site). To register, go to the web site, click on “forgot password,” enter your Rowan email and follow instructions to complete registration. The QR code necessary to get tested and check out can be found in the registration card tab.

According to current CDC guidance, for the most accurate results, anyone who is asymptomatic but concerned that they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should be tested five days after possible exposure.

Results from the test will be posted on the JCM site usually within 24-48 hours.

Staying healthy and informed

The asymptomatic testing is one of several ways we are working to help keep the Rowan community safe and healthy.

All unvaccinated students, faculty and staff are required to have weekly COVID-19 PCR testing. Additionally, vaccination clinics for the Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer vaccines are held every Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Owl’s Nest.

Rowan students with COVID-19 issues or concerns should submit a form to the Wellness Center. Employees with a coronavirus-related issue or concern should contact the Wellness Center and Human Resources by completing this form.

For additional information on testing protocols, click here.

Thank you for staying vigilant as we continue to work together to fight the spread of COVID-19 on Rowan’s campuses.

Contact information:

Scott Woodside MSN, MBA, RN

Director for the Wellness Center

woodsides@rowan.edu

856-256-4333

Dear Glassboro and Camden Campus Communities,

With the continued spread of the delta variant, the Glassboro and Camden campuses will continue the current mask requirement until the end of September. We will continue to monitor transmission rates in and around our campuses, and will reevaluate the requirement as conditions warrant.

As a reminder, Rowan University is following CDC and state guidance and is requiring all students, faculty and staff, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks in all classrooms, lecture halls, laboratories, and other crowded, indoor public spaces. Small groups of vaccinated individuals (i.e., study groups, colleague meetings), however, may continue to meet unmasked if social distancing is achievable and the group agrees to the arrangement. Unvaccinated should continue to mask regardless of group size. The medical schools will continue to follow their respective protocols.  

Please remember, some people might feel uncomfortable being around unmasked individuals. Many vaccinated individuals choose to wear masks for their own safety or for the safety of their loved ones. If you are asked to wear a mask, please do so.

Please visit the Return to Rowan website for answers about Rowan’s preparedness plans. Also, join us for an virtual employee update on Thursday, Sept. 9, at 3 p.m. Invitations to this session were emailed to employees earlier today.

Thank you for your continued patience and support.

Contact Information:
Office of the President, officeofthepresident@rowan.edu

Dear Rowan Faculty:

As we end the first week of classes for fall 2021, we would like to thank all faculty and staff for their assistance in processing COVID-19 compliance matters for Rowan students.

We know the process has caused some stress and confusion and we appreciate your efforts and support. As you might imagine, University officials have processed thousands of student submissions for compliance over the past three days. In addition, approximately 700 students were added to in-person classes and/or housing. With the end of the week upon us, we expect things to settle significantly.

For reference, here’s our latest data:

• Vaccinated students: 13,348
• Student declinations/approved exemptions: 1,374
• Non-Reponses: 1,521 (students who have not submitted proof of vaccination or have an approved exemption)
• Of the students who have submitted proof of vaccination or have an approved exemption: 91% are vaccinated, 9% have approved exemptions

Please note, these figures do not include the approximately 2,500 who will attend the fall fully remote. You can stay up to date on vaccination rates by visiting the Return to Rowan website.

As we move into next week, faculty will once again receive a message with the names of students from their courses who are still not compliant (i.e., they have not submitted proof of vaccination or have an approved exemption). Faculty with 100% compliance in their classes will receive confirmation of that fact, but will not receive an itemized roster.

Expedited Approval
Students on the list for not having submitted the required paper work, but now have the required documents, should be directed to visit the Wellness Center in person. There is a two-step process which begins in the Wellness Center and ends in the Office of the Dean of Students, If all documents are verified and approved, the Office of the Dean of Students will email the student and her/his faculty members verifying the student is allowed to attend classes immediately.

Please note, only the email from the Office of the Dean of Students to the faculty member and student verifies proof of approval to attend. Earlier in the week, a yellow card was issued as proof. Please do not accept those and redirect the student to the Dean of Students Office for final approval.

Again, we appreciate your assistance and patience as we welcome students back to campus for the 2021-’22 academic year.

Kevin S. Koett, EdD
Vice President of Student Life/Dean of Students

Counting down to the start of the semester, our community’s health and safety remain our priority. With pandemic threats continuing, we will rely on public health and medical experts to guide us as we respond, adapt and do our best to protect the Rowan family and our neighbors. 

Personal declination option ends

Earlier today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it gave Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine full approval for those age 16 and older. While the vaccines were under emergency use authorization, Rowan University allowed unvaccinated students to decline vaccinations based on medical, religious or personal reasons. Students who chose “personal” as the reason to decline did so knowing the option would end once a vaccine received full FDA approval.

As of today, Aug. 23, Rowan University no longer accepts personal declinations. Students who chose the personal declination option have until Sept. 1 to submit a declination form demonstrating a valid religious or medical exemption or until Sept. 7 to submit proof of their first dose. Students who receive the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccines must show proof of their second dose by Oct. 7.

Incentive program extended

As an extra incentive to still unvaccinated students, the University will extend eligibility for the student vaccination incentive program until Sept 1. Full-time students may receive a $500 credit to their accounts (plus $500 for residential students) after proof of their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines (or the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.) Part-time students are eligible to receive a prorated amount depending on their course load. 

Student accounts on hold

As of Sept. 7, students who have not submitted proof of vaccination or have not requested an exemption for valid religious or medical reasons will be in jeopardy of having their accounts put on hold, removal from residence halls (if applicable) and, eventually, removal from the University. Faculty will receive a list of students who have not submitted proof of vaccination or a declination form. These individuals will be referred to the Dean of Students Office, where they will have to submit appropriate documentation before being allowed to attend classes. Students can submit proof of vaccination or a declination form at the Wellness Center website. 

Expanded mask mandate

Out of an abundance of caution, the University will extend its mask mandate starting Sept. 1 to all indoor public settings through Sept. 14. Small groups of vaccinated individuals may continue to meet unmasked if social distancing is achievable and the group agrees to the arrangement.  

Please remember, some people might feel uncomfortable around unmasked individuals. Many vaccinated individuals choose to wear masks for their own safety or for the safety of their loved ones. If you are asked to wear a mask, please do so.

After the first two weeks of classes, University leadership will review infection rates for the Rowan community and determine if the broader mask mandate should remain or be modified. 

Virtual information session this week

The Office of the President will host a virtual information session via WEBEX on Thursday, Aug. 26, at 3 p.m. Members of the Emergency Operations Team will provide an in-depth update on all facets of our continuing pandemic preparedness. Please email questions and/or topics you would like addressed to officeofthepresident@rowan.edu by Aug. 26 at 10 a.m. This will help panelists incorporate them into their presentations. In the meantime, please visit the Return to Rowan website for answers to questions you may have, recent University updates and more.

Hopeful and cautious

We are all eager to move past pandemic protocols and restrictions and look forward to sharing better news soon. Until then, please do all you can to protect yourself and those around you. The Rowan community has proven to be resilient, innovative, generous and kind since this global health crisis began. As we start the semester we know that conditions will change, possibly from day to day. Through it all, hopefulness and caution go hand-in-hand. 

Sincerely, 

Ali A. Houshmand, Ph.D.

President

Dear Rowan Employees,

Last week, we announced that masks will be required until Sept. 14 in classrooms, lecture halls and laboratories, regardless of vaccination status. 

We understand this action has raised questions from members of our community—from those who oppose masks and those who believe we should mandate them through the semester. We value the feedback and recognize how difficult these times have been on everyone.

To reiterate our rationale, we made the decision based on the current infection rates in surrounding counties and the fact that the CDC and the state strongly encourage mask-wearing in large group settings, regardless of vaccination status.  

With students arriving to our campuses from communities throughout the state and beyond, the Emergency Operations Team believes requiring masks in all classrooms, lecture halls, and laboratories for at least the first two weeks of the fall semester will provide the University time to better evaluate this situation. This two-week mask requirement also gives us time to pivot to meet any rising on-campus infection rates, if necessary. 

We achieved great success last year because of our close adherence to CDC and state guidance, our consultation with medical and public health experts and our ability to adapt and adjust to the pandemic. The situation and our responses have been—and continue to be—fluid.  

We will continue to monitor the caseload on campus and will extend the two-week mask requirement, if necessary. 

In the meantime, we recognize some people might feel uncomfortable being around unmasked individuals, including in offices and other small-group settings. Many vaccinated individuals choose to wear masks for their own safety or for the safety of their loved ones. One of Rowan’s hallmarks is our collegiality. In smaller group settings and in one-on-one interactions, if you are asked to wear a mask, we encourage you to do so.  

Vaccinations work
We know the first line of protection against COVID-19 is vaccination. While our vaccination rates for students are promising, some students still have not submitted either proof of vaccination or a declination form. Please note, there is a personal exemption option while the vaccines are authorized for emergency use, but that will no longer be the case once the FDA fully approves any of the vaccines. 

Below are our current vaccination rates. 

Students:

• 89.8% of residential students have submitted either proof of vaccination or a declination form. Of that number, 85.5% are vaccinated and 14.5% submitted a declination form.
• 81.1% of students taking in-person classes have submitted either proof of vaccination or a declination form. Of that number, 83% are vaccinated and 17% submitted a declination form. We still need to hear from 19% of the students, however.

The University continues to contact students who have not submitted proof of vaccination or a declination form. We expect to have nearly 100 percent reporting by Aug. 30. Enrollment totals will fluctuate slightly until mid-September, however. Students who do not submit documentation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including removal of classes and housing, and possible removal from the University.

Employees:
There is no mandate for state employees to be vaccinated, but it’s important that we have an accurate accounting of our vaccination rates. We ask individuals who have not submitted proof of their vaccination status to do so immediately. Doing so will give us a better understanding of the level of protection across the University. 

Below are the reported employee vaccination rates. We know we can do better and we ask you to help us improve these rates by getting vaccinated.

• Vaccination Verified: 2750
• Vaccination Unverified: 1020
• Percentage:  73%
  
  
• Adjuncts:  50%*
• AFT: 83%
• CWA: 78%
• IFPTE: 54%
• Management: 91%
• Part time: 42%*
• Public Safety: 56%  

*Documentation is still being collected as positions are hired and classes assigned

As a reminder, all unvaccinated employees are required to wear masks in all public indoor settings and will be required to be tested at least weekly, beginning Sept. 1. 

Virtual information session
The Office of the President will host a virtual information session on Thursday, Aug. 26, at 3 p.m. Members of the Emergency Operations Team will provide an in-depth update on all facets of pandemic preparedness. In the meantime, regularly visit the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Return to Rowan website for the latest updates. An invitation to the meeting will be emailed to the University community shortly. 

Returning, together
As we’ve seen from incidents nationwide, the subjects of masking and vaccinations can become hot button topics in communities. We encourage all of you in our Rowan community to demonstrate care for yourselves, each other, and our respective extended families. Stay respectful and supportive. Stay determined, flexible and kind. 

Together, we start a new school year. Together, we stay committed to our shared future.

As always, please feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions with us at officeofthepresident@rowan.edu.

Thank you,

Ali A. Houshmand
President 

Dear Rowan University Community,

Rowan University’s infectious disease and community health experts continue to monitor infection rates in Camden and Gloucester counties. Given the counties’ current infection rates, the CDC and the state strongly encourage mask-wearing in large group settings, regardless of vaccination status.  

With students arriving to our campuses from communities throughout the state and beyond, Rowan is following CDC and state guidance and is requiring all students, faculty and staff, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks in all classrooms, lecture halls, and laboratories for at least the first two weeks of the fall semester, Sept. 1 through Sept. 14. Our medical schools will continue to follow their protocols.

University leaders are also considering precautions for all community spaces on campus and will be issuing further guidance in the upcoming week. 

As we did last year, the University will closely monitor infection rates and will take additional precautions or remove restrictions as public health conditions warrant. 

The situation we find ourselves in is continually evolving and will certainly change as we move through the semester. We recognize that people are concerned about the rising infection rates. We hear those concerns and assure you that our leadership and Emergency Operations team will continue to monitor local conditions and follow CDC and state guidance in an effort to keep our community safe and healthy.  

We know there are many questions about health and safety precautions taken for the upcoming semester and we will continually update the Return to Rowan website. We are also working to schedule an open forum for the University community via Webex on August 18 and further details will be provided. Please feel free to email questions to officeoftheprovost@rowan.edu, hr@rowan.edu or koett@rowan.edu

Sincerely, 

Tony Lowman, Ph.D. 
Provost

Terri Drye
Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Kevin Koett, Ed.D
Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students

In just a few days, athletes and other student groups will arrive on our Glassboro campus. We are truly excited about the plans we have in place to keep Rowan safe and healthy in the new academic year. The Return to Rowan website has been updated, and will continue to be edited as the University receives guidance and instruction from the Centers for Disease Control, health care experts and Governor Murphy.

Below is a short update on the progress being made and a list of rules recently adopted to ensure we are ready for the fall semester.

Vaccination rates
We are pleased to announce that our vaccination incentive programs are progressing nicely. As of yesterday, 77.5 percent of our students taking in-person classes either submitted proof of vaccination or a declination form. Of the 77.5 percent, 84.5 percent submitted proof of vaccination and 15.5 percent completed the declination form and opted-out due to medical, religious or personal reasons. 

When just tracking students who will live on campus, 87.3 percent of our students either submitted proof of vaccination or submitted a declination form. Of the 87.3 percent, 87 percent submitted proof of vaccination and 13 percent opted out due to medical, religious or personal reasons.

Please note, students may only opt out of getting vaccinated for personal reasons while the vaccines are under emergency use authorization. Once the FDA gives its full approval for use, students must either vaccinate or submit a declination form claiming medical or religious exemption.  

Rules for the unvaccinated students 
While there remains a small percentage of students who are registered for in-person courses and have not submitted their proof of vaccination or a declination form as of today, we have instituted the following rules to ensure we know the status of each student by the first week of fall semester: 

• Prior to the beginning of classes, faculty will receive a list of students in their in-person classes who have not completed their required documentation relating to their vaccination status. These students will not be allowed to attend in-person classes until they have submitted their required documentation. Similarly, students will not be allowed to attend classes or reside in the residence halls without submitting proof of vaccination or a declination form.

• Students who submit a declination form are required to wear a mask when indoors in public spaces, and will be required to participate in weekly COVID-19 testing protocols. 

• Students who do not comply with testing will be held accountable through removal from in-person classes, revocation of housing, and dismissal from the University in accordance with applicable university policy. The Office of the Dean of Students will oversee tracking and monitoring of students throughout this process. Faculty should not directly address students about their vaccination status; they should refer these issues to the Dean of Students to address through the correct process. 

• Unvaccinated students living in residence halls will be required to participate in on-campus testing prior to being allowed to move in. Students who test negative will be authorized to proceed, and those who test positive will be required to isolate at their home or in Triad Hall, the residence hall used for isolation and recovery last year.

Wearing masks
On the main campus and in non-medical, school-related facilities, wearing a mask indoors remains optional for those who are vaccinated. Following recommendations from the CDC and Gov. Murphy, we strongly recommend that vaccinated individuals mask up in:

• Crowded indoor settings, such as classrooms
• Indoor settings involving activities with close contact with others who may not be fully vaccinated
• Indoor settings where the vaccine status of other individuals present is unknown
• Settings where an individual is immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease (the immunocompromised individual should mask, too) 

Weekly testing
Unvaccinated students and employees who have not submitted proof of vaccination will be required to be tested for COVID-19 weekly starting Wednesday, Sept. 1. The Dean of Students will manage testing for unvaccinated students. Human Resources will work with the Wellness Center to schedule employees. Unvaccinated employees may be required to test more frequently depending on their work assignments.

As always, vaccinated individuals—employees, students, vendors and guests—are welcome to wear a mask. We encourage everyone to respect and support each other’s decisions. 

Employee vaccinations
Employees have been encouraged to submit vaccination records through an incentive program. Employees who provided proof of vaccination have been entered into the employee incentive program weekly drawing and were eligible for a special work scheduling. Employees who have not  provided  proof of vaccination are required to follow mask mandates and will be required to be tested at least once a week. All employees who have not submitted proof of vaccination or who have not received an exemption will be considered “unvaccinated” for testing purposes effective September 1.

Vaccinations available on the main campus
The Gloucester County Health Department, with the assistance of the Wellness Center, will hold COVID-19 vaccination clinics on the following dates:

• August 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chamberlain Student Center (Owl’s Nest)
• August 23 and 27-30, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the South Jersey Technology Park

Pfizer and J&J vaccines will be available. Anyone over the age of 12 is eligible. However, anyone under the age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. These clinics are open to students, employees and the general public. Registration is not required.

Looking forward to fall
As we move closer to the fall semester, University leaders will continue to make decisions to keep our community and neighbors safe and healthy by following the recommendations of the experts in the fields of infectious disease and health care. Please continue to do your part to keep yourself, your family, and your community healthy. We are looking forward to finally welcoming every one of you back to campus as we work together to ensure a productive and rewarding academic year for all.

For more information, please contact:

• Wellness Center, 856-256-4333, wellnesscenter@rowan.edu
• Office of Dean of Students, 856-256-4283, deanofstudents@rowan.edu 
• Human Resources, 856-256-4134, hr@rowan.edu

Over the past week, the Centers for Disease Control and Gov. Murphy have issued pandemic-related recommendations. With less than a month before classes begin on the main campus, it is important to reiterate Rowan’s position on safety protocols and requirements.

Contact Information:
Office of the President, officeofthepresident@rowan.edu

Earlier today, Governor Murphy and New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli strongly recommended that both vaccinated and unvaccinated residents wear masks indoors when there is increased risk of transmitting COVID-19. According to the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, those indoor settings where masking may be appropriate include:

• Crowded indoor settings
• Indoor settings involving activities with close contact with others who may not be fully vaccinated
• Indoor settings where the vaccine status of other individuals in the setting is unknown
• Where an individual is immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease (the immunocompromised individual should mask)

Today’s guidance keeps in place the existing requirement for unvaccinated individuals to wear a mask indoors at all times. As always, vaccinated individuals – employees, students, vendors and guests – are welcome to wear a mask. We encourage everyone to respect and support each other’s decisions and share the University’s commitment to a healthy community.

We appreciate everyone’s patience and support as we develop policies in response to the changes around us over the coming days and weeks. As we review the new recommendations and how they affect our campuses, Rowan University’s priority will continue to be the health and safety our community and neighbors.

Please watch for new guidance on the Rowan website and through official e-mail for the remainder of the summer and as we begin the fall semester. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to our campuses. 

Contact Information:
Office of the President, officeofthepresident@rowan.edu

Dear Rowan Students:

During the past few weeks, Gov. Murphy rescinded several COVID-19 executive orders, allowing the University to move forward with planning for a full return of our students and employees. As of June 14, the following changes will be implemented.

• Students and employees are no longer required to wear masks outside, whether or not they are vaccinated. 
  
  
• Vaccinated students no longer will be required to wear masks indoors, if they have provided proof of vaccination through the student vaccine incentive forms. 
  
  
• Unvaccinated students must wear a mask at all times when indoors. Unvaccinated individuals will be asked to participate in regular testing as density increases toward the end of summer. The Office of the Dean of Students will manage student compliance.  

People may choose to wear a mask indoors or outdoors, even if vaccinated. Members of our community and our guests must be permitted to do so without being harassed or bullied.

University employees may ask if a student is vaccinated, but they may not ask why one is not. Asking why a person is not vaccinated may be a violation of disability discrimination laws.

Please read Student Guide for Summer and Fall 2021 for additional details, such as:

• Vaccination incentive program
• Opting out of getting vaccinated
• Mandatory testing
• Health surveillance
• Housing reopening plan
• Student success/support

Thank you for your continued support and care for each other’s well-being.

Respectfully,

Kevin S. Koett, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students
deanofstudents@rowan.edu

Dear Rowan employees:

During the past week, Gov. Murphy has rescinded several COVID-19 executive orders, allowing the University to move forward with planning for a full return of our students and employees.

As we have done throughout the pandemic, we are continuing to review policies and procedures to ensure the health and safety of our community. We plan to publish a detailed return plan next week, but in the meantime, some of the governor’s announcements allow us to begin our return in earnest.

When planning for the return to campus, we need to remain cognizant of the differences between the campuses. Although the full return date is Aug. 20 for the Glassboro campus, we realize that the date will be earlier for our medical schools who begin the academic year in July.

Rowan Medicine will also have different requirements under both the governor’s orders and CDC guidelines as health care providers.

As of June 14, the following policy and procedure changes will be implemented:

Vaccinated and unvaccinated

• Based on CDC guidelines and Gov. Murphy’s most recent executive orders, employees are no longer required to wear masks outside, whether or not they are vaccinated.
• Vaccinated employees and students no longer will be required to wear masks or social distance indoors effective June 14, 2021, if they have provided proof of vaccination through the employee or student vaccine incentive forms. Rowan Medicine employees must continue to mask in all clinical space.
• Unvaccinated employees and students must wear a mask when indoors unless the employees are alone in their offices or students are within their private residential space. More details will follow in the specific Restart Plan. Employee supervisors will be provided with a report of vaccinated employees and will be responsible for managing workplace compliance. After reminding employees to comply with masking, supervisors should contact Human Resources at hr@rowan.edu or ext. 64134 for direction. Unvaccinated individuals may be asked to participate in regular testing as density increases toward the end of summer. The Dean of Students Office will manage student compliance. 

People may choose to wear a mask indoors or outdoors, even if vaccinated. Members of our community and our guests must be permitted to do so without being harassed or bullied.

Employee supervisors may ask if an employee is vaccinated but they may not ask why one is not. Asking why an employee (or a student) is not vaccinated may be a violation of disability discrimination laws.

Return to campus

All COVID work accommodations will end July 5. Gov. Murphy’s emergency executive order expires July 4.  In addition, under Gov. Murphy’s Executive Order 243, that took effect on June 4, 2021, the requirement to consider remote work as a COVID accommodation was rescinded. 

Any employee requesting remote work for an accommodation unrelated to COVID—excluding approved flexible work agreements—must complete an Americans with Disabilities Accommodation Request including the medical certification for evaluation.

A phased return to campus will begin July 6 and a full return to campus, excluding approved flex-work agreements, will begin Aug. 20. Earlier dates will apply for the medical schools.

An example of a phased return would mean departments with 30% of employees on-site should increase to 50% and then 70%, so a full return is completed by Aug. 20. However, percentage caps are not required.  Schedules should be tied to operational needs. Supervisors should provide employees with at least two weeks advance notice of the schedule change.

Flexible work

Human Resources will publish a flexible work policy in mid- to late-June. It is anticipated that most employees will be on-site, but many will be able to work a hybrid schedule depending on job requirements. Employees working a flexible schedule or working some part of the work week remotely will be required to complete an application and agree to the conditions of the work arrangement including core hours, response time, etc.

Employees who work remotely three or more days per week will be moved to shared space. Facilities Planning will work with each supervisor upon receiving the remote request.

It is critical to keep in mind the purpose and strategy of our individual departments or divisions. Not all departments can work remotely and many jobs will require full onsite presence when the campus is back to normal operations to meet the needs of our students, patients, and other stakeholders.

As we continue to receive guidance from the Office of the Governor and Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, we will further refine policies and procedures in the Return to Rowan operations plan. We ask for your continued patience and understanding, and thank you for your continued commitment to creating a healthy and safer environment. 

Very truly yours,

Theresa A. Drye
Vice President for Human Resources/CHRO

Keep each other healthy!
A vaccination incentive program for Rowan employees

From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have earned a reputation for leading the way during this difficult time and we have done so while providing a safe place to work, learn and receive clinical care. As a public university, fortunate to have health care experts committed to Southern New Jersey, we will continue to work toward the state’s goal of a 70% vaccination rate across all of Rowan University’s campuses by introducing a creative vaccination incentive program for all of our employees. 

Our goal is to provide a safe environment for our students and employees while still providing for personal choice. We continue to follow the New Jersey guidance specific to higher education. We are waiting for updates from the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education related to mask requirements for both vaccinated and unvaccinated employees. Testing programs will be discontinued for vaccinated employees but may continue as needed for unvaccinated employees.

We are also finalizing the Return to Work plans. A phased return will begin July 1 with a full return beginning August 23. Opportunities for flexible schedules and flexible work which were discussed as part of the University of the Future Initiative will be announced soon.

Governor Murphy has rescinded the requirement for employers to provide remote work, when possible, as a COVID accommodation. All COVID accommodations will end beginning July 1^st or not later than August 23^rd depending on your department’s return to work plan.

Employees with a disability must submit a new American’s with Disabilities Act accommodation form if they are unable to return to campus. Employees who currently have a COVID-related accommodation but wish to return to campus sooner may do so.

It’s impossible to offer a one-size fits all incentive program for all 4,000+ Rowan employees, but we believe everyone will find these offers appealing. Employees who complete the vaccination form are eligible for these incentives based on their department or division. 

1. Four-day work week this summer: Staff and managers affiliated with Glassboro, Camden and CMSRU may institute a four-day summer work week from Monday, June 21 through Friday, August 27. (SOM employees please see below) During that time, employees must work 35 hours each week (or regular hours) and can take off either a Friday or a Monday. No more than 50 percent of a department’s staff may be off on the same day. Employees will be required to adjust their daily work schedules to complete their regular work week on a four-day schedule. Supervisors may allow employees to take a day other than Friday or Monday to ensure at least 50-percent staffing in their departments. Find a full description of the program at rowan.edu/hr.
2. Free parking: SOM employees can take advantage of two months of free parking during June, July and August. A four-day work week is not available to SOM employees because of the staffing needs of the clinical practices, the earlier return to campus and the impending accreditation visit.
3. Faculty incentives will be considered prior to faculty return to campus. Faculty will be included in the weekly drawings once their vaccine form is approved.
4. Additional staff incentives: Employees working in departments that are unable to participate in the above incentives, such as certain Facilities staff, off-site SOM employees and others, will receive incentives that include special lunches and other department-wide incentives. We will work with the department leadership to find an incentive that is best for each department.
5. Weekly prize drawings. Additionally, across the University, any employee who is vaccinated will be eligible for a weekly drawing for prizes such as a television, laptop or iPad. Prizes will be offered in June, July and August. The sooner you are vaccinated, the more chances that you have to win!

Employee Vaccination Incentive Program Eligibility

Eligibility for the Employee Vaccination Incentive Program is open to employees who have completed at least their first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Employees will not be eligible to continue in the program if they do not complete their second vaccination doses. Every employee who received the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine is eligible for the program. 

Employees who choose not to be vaccinated will not be eligible for the incentive program.

Requests to participate in the Employee Vaccine Incentive Program incentive must be submitted through the following form:

https://asaforms.rowan.edu/Forms/vaccineIncentive/index

Enrollment begins June 1^st and will continue until August 6^th. To be eligible, the employees must complete the form and provide a scanned copy of their vaccination card. (portal is privacy protected) Employees vaccinated through the employee registration at SOM will not need to upload the copy of their card but will still need to submit the vaccination form.

As always, our faculty and staff are our most precious asset. Our University community has done remarkable, historic work to keep Rowan running and to keep our employees, students and neighbors safe in the past year. Now that vaccines are widely available, encouraging everyone to be vaccinated is the next step in protecting our Rowan family--and everyone around us. 

I look forward to seeing a healthier, safer Rowan University as a result of our care for each other. 

Sincerely,

Terri Drye
Vice President/Chief Human Resource Officer

Last week, the CDC issued new guidance regarding mask-wearing for vaccinated people. While this is an encouraging indicator regarding the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine, Rowan University will continue to follow New Jersey’s mitigation policies. 

In response to the new guidance, Gov. Murphy announced that New Jersey’s indoor mask mandate will continue in public settings for now, while vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear masks outdoors. Under these parameters, masks continue to be required in all indoor settings, such as academic and administrative buildings, housing common areas, etc.

“We will keep our indoor mask mandate in place in public settings as we continue to work toward our vaccination goals,” the governor tweeted on Friday, and reiterated at his Monday press conference. “To be clear, we’re making incredible progress, but we’re not there yet.”

More than 3.8 million New Jerseyans have been vaccinated against COVID-19. The governor has set a goal to fully vaccinate 4.7 million adults by the end of June. 

For information about Rowan University’s vaccine student incentive program, visit The Wellness Center’s site. Employee incentives are being developed. 

Contact Information:
Office of the President, officeofthepresident@rowan.edu

Students: Vaccination incentive program Q&A

On May 6, Rowan University announced it will require—and provide an incentive—for all students to be vaccinated, in an effort to help New Jersey reach its goal of a 70 percent vaccination rate and provide the University community a sense of extra safety. The requirement and incentive apply to all students who will live on campus, in affiliated housing or attend classes in person. 

Full-time students who show proof of vaccination before July 31, 2021, will receive a $500 credit to their fall 2021 course registration bill. Residential students will receive an additional $500 credit to their housing bill. Part-time students will receive a prorated credit based on the number of courses taken in the fall. The incentive program includes all students who already have been vaccinated. 

Students may opt out of the vaccination requirement in accordance with guidelines for the emergency use authorization of the current vaccines.

A portal for students to demonstrate proof of their vaccination will be open on Monday, May 17. Students will be notified via email when the site is live.

Residential students who are not vaccinated will be required to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing. In addition, employee incentives are being developed in compliance with union regulations. 

Questions & Answers

1. How do I register my proof of vaccination? The Wellness Center is creating a portal for vaccination registration. It will go live by Monday, May 17. Students will be notified via email when the site is ready.
   
   
2. When will I know when the incentives have been applied to my fall bill? Credits will appear on tuition and housing bills for the fall term beginning August 15. Students will be notified via email when credits are applied.
   
   
3. Will there be incentives for the spring 2022 semester as well? The incentive is for the fall 2021 semester for students who have been fully vaccinated.
   
   
4. Who can opt out of getting the vaccine? While the available COVID-19 vaccines are authorized pursuant to emergency use, individuals may refuse administration of the vaccine based upon their religious  beliefs, existence of a valid medical exemption, or upon the completion of a formal declination statement. This form will be available startingMay 17. Students will receive information via email. 
   
   
5. I’m not vaccinated yet. Where can I get information on getting a vaccine? There are six vaccination mega sites throughout the state that accept walk-ins. For information, visit the state website. Rowan Medicine in Stratford also has a vaccination center. 
   
   
6. Do students need two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to qualify? Yes, in order to qualify for the incentive, students need to show proof of completion for whatever COVID-19 vaccine they’ve received. 
   
   
7. I received the vaccine, but lost my vaccination card. What can I do? For New Jersey residents who have lost their vaccination cards, the state website has information on how to obtain immunization records. Out-of-state residents can find immunization records through their state health department. 
   
   
8. If I am vaccinated and demonstrate proof of vaccination, will I still have to wear a mask on campus? Rowan follows all state guidelines regarding mask wearing. Until the state issues a new mandate, everyone on campus should continue to wear a mask covering both the nose and mouth in outdoor spaces where social distancing is not possible, in indoor spaces open to the public, and in indoor spaces where you’re in prolonged proximity to others.
   
   
9. Does the incentive program apply to incoming freshmen and transfer students? Yes!
   
   
10. Can I request to live with someone who is vaccinated? Because of HIPAA-protected personal medical information, the University cannot make room assignments based on someone’s private medical history.
    
    
11. I’m an international student. Are there special requirements I need to meet? International students should contact Gokhan Alkanat, director of the International Center, alkanat@rowan.edu or 1 (856) 256-4995.
    
    
12. If the majority of the student body has been vaccinated, will there still be limits on the number of students who can attend events, such as Rowan After Hours or athletics events? Will student clubs be allowed to meet in person? Rowan will continue to follow the state’s guidelines for public gatherings.
    
    
13. What if the vaccine I received requires a booster? Currently, the incentive program is applicable for those who are fully vaccinated and will not be applicable to continuing boosters. But if public health dictates that boosters are needed to continue to combat variants of the coronavirus, we strongly encourage everyone to get the boosters.
    
    
14. If I’m not vaccinated, can I still take classes remotely for the fall 2021 semester? Rowan University intends to resume in-person classes as permitted by the governor’s reopening plans and evolving public health guidance. We encourage all students who wish to continue to remain off campus to take advantage of the expanded selection of online courses we now offer to meet your needs for increased flexibility. Students who cannot attend in-person classes may request accommodations through the Office of Disability Resources. Remote attendance may be considered on a case-by-case basis as an accommodation.
    
    
15. If a student tests positive for COVID-19, will isolation housing still be offered for residential students? Yes. Just as the University did in the fall and last spring, Rowan will continue to offer isolation housing.
    
    
16. Will Rowan hold any more pop-up vaccination clinics on campus? We will continue to offer vaccine clinics on campus in cooperation with the Gloucester County Department of Health. Those clinics will be announced to Rowan students as they become available. 

Contact Information:
Office of the President, officeofthepresident@rowan.edu

Next week, Rowan University will celebrate in-person Commencement for the Class of 2021. Over the course of four days, we will honor our graduating class through 20 ceremonies. I am so pleased by what we have accomplished this year. We have engaged in meaningful education, provided countless hours of student support, returned our athletes to active competition, and have held in-person and virtual student activities.

Our success required the combined efforts of our employees, faculty and students and a shared commitment to the health of our host communities.

More work ahead
This academic year, we performed more than 25,000 symptomatic and asymptomatic tests to ensure residence halls could remain open. We reported our travel plans and conducted personal daily health assessments. Many of us have obtained our COVID-19 vaccine. However, our work is not done. 

As the pandemic continues and, in fact, rages in other parts of the globe, we in the United States are fortunate that increasing vaccine availability and acceptance have resulted in decreasing infection, hospitalizations and deaths. However, vaccination acceptance rates are beginning to flatten—and that trend is concerning as we look forward to the next academic year.  

Rowan University is committed to assisting Gov. Murphy and the state of New Jersey in achieving the goal of fully vaccinating 70% of adults. We are equally committed to ensuring that our students, employees and neighbors are safe. We have worked together all year to create vibrant campuses and meaningful learning opportunities. As a University community, we must continue to work together to ensure that public health continues to improve.

Vaccination incentives
After much discussion among our medical and public health experts and University leadership and a review of all options, we are implementing the following: 

• Rowan University will require—and provide an incentive—for all students to be vaccinated. The requirement and incentive apply to all students who will live in campus residences, in affiliated housing or attend classes in person. 
• Full-time students who show proof of vaccination before August 7, 2021, will receive a $500 credit to their fall 2021 course registration bill. Residential students will receive an additional $500 credit to their housing bill. Part-time students will receive a prorated credit based on the number of courses taken in the fall. The incentive program includes all students who already have been vaccinated. 
• Students may opt out of the vaccination requirement in accordance with guidelines for the emergency use authorization of the current vaccines.
• Residential students who are not vaccinated will be required to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing. Other students, such as athletes and those who are in majors where there is close contact with others, still may be required to test, even if vaccinated. 

Employees, too
Our students should not bear the burden of ensuring our community health on campus. This is shared work and only with a shared commitment to increasing vaccine acceptance among our entire community can public health be assured. As such, we are also asking our employees to commit to vaccination. Employee incentives are being developed in compliance with union regulations. We thank those who have already participated in this critical campaign.  

Easy to get
For those who are ready, vaccination centers are currently offering walk-up service, including the Gloucester County Mega Site (1400 Tanyard Road, Sewell) and our School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford (visit www.rowanmedicine.com/vaccine). Students who need transportation to the Mega Site can contact deanofstudents@rowan.edu. 

Our message today is simple. We believe the path to normalcy is through widespread vaccination and we want our entire community to commit to reaching the goal of widespread vaccination. If we work together, we can reach this goal and offer the Rowan University experience that we all deserve. Thank you for doing your part.

Very truly yours,

Ali A. Houshmand, Ph.D.
President

Dear University community, 

As more colleges and universities announce COVID-19 vaccination requirements for the fall semester, questions are arising about Rowan University’s position on the matter. 

We continue to focus on health and safety education and access. As soon as vaccines became available, Rowan University opened New Jersey’s first public COVID-19 vaccination site. As of today, Rowan clinicians and volunteers have vaccinated more than 45,000 people at our Rowan Medicine site in Stratford. It has been a point of pride, particularly, to care for underserved communities and special populations throughout South Jersey.

Of course, our own public health and infectious disease experts strongly recommend to everyone all three vaccines that have been approved for emergency use. Research assures us that a high vaccination rate, combined with public health measures, will help end this pandemic.

However, we’re also sensitive to those who are hesitant about getting a vaccine that hasn’t received full FDA approval and acutely aware of the vaccine access issues that continue to impact many communities. For now, the University will continue to follow state and federal guidelines, which have not yet required proof of vaccination for such activities as traveling or a return to in-person work or learning. 

We’ll continue to weigh our response as new guidance develops and will continue to assist those communities struggling with access issues to get vaccinated. 

In the meantime, we thank you for continuing to do everything you can to keep one another safe—and, please, get your vaccine as soon as possible. It’s easier now than ever before. In New Jersey, everyone age 16 and older is eligible for a free vaccination. The Gloucester County Mega Site is now accepting walk-ins Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Rowan College of South Jersey, 1400 Tanyard Rd., Sewell, NJ 08080. The Office of the Dean of Students is providing transportation to those students who need it. 

You can also find appointments at the Rowan Medicine COVID-19 Vaccination Center or use New Jersey’s vaccine appointment finder to find a vaccine appointment near you. 

Very truly yours,

Tony Lowman, Ph.D. 
Provost

Terri Drye
Vice President/Chief Human Resource Officer

Kevin S. Koett, Ed.D.
Vice President of Student Life/Dean of Students

Travel restrictions and quarantine periods continue to change as the impact of the pandemic and the vaccine continue to evolve.

Currently, New Jersey has revised its COVID-19 Travel Advisory and the length of time a person must quarantine after travel. The State is still strongly discouraging non-essential interstate travel. The advisory indicates that individuals traveling to or returning to New Jersey from any U.S. state or territory beyond the immediate region (New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware) should self-quarantine at their home, hotel, or other temporary lodging in accordance with New Jersey guidance, unless they are two-weeks post full COVID vaccination.

Employees who have been fully vaccinated are no longer required to quarantine after travel. This policy will continue to be updated as public health changes are issued.

Request for Personal Travel
The Personal Travel Request form must be completed and approved by the employee’s supervisor prior to travel. All employees who are traveling outside of the contiguous region (Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York and Connecticut) must complete the form. The Personal Travel Policy can be found at https://sites.rowan.edu/hr/_docs/personal-travel-policy-april-6.pdf.

Employees who will be scheduling time off, even if traveling within the immediate region, must still secure the necessary supervisor approval for the time away from the workplace.

Rowan Business Travel
All those who are interested in travelling for business, to fulfill essential functions of their job, must contact their supervisor and must obtain advance written approval from their supervisor and their divisional vice president or senior vice president.

Business travel is strongly discouraged at this time unless it is essential.

For more information, contact hr@rowan.edu.

The safety of our employees is of paramount importance to us, and Rowan University remains committed to sharing critical information as it relates to the impact of COVID-19 here.

Below is an update regarding positive cases that have been confirmed within the past 24 hours:

Positive case #2

• Confirmed Positive Covid-19 Case: Rowan University has confirmed that one of our employees in the Wellness Center, tested positive for COVID-19. The employee last reported to the work site on March 23 2021 and started showing symptoms on March 21, 2021. The employee tested positive on 3/25/21.
• Cleaning: The area has been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized on March 25, 2021.
• Closure: The worksite was closed on March 25, 2021.
• Re-opening: The worksite will reopen March 26, 2021.

As always, if you are feeling ill, especially if you have COVID-19 symptoms, do not come to work. Notify your supervisor and see your doctor if necessary. If you test positive for COVID-19 or wish to report a covid exposure click here. Contact the Wellness Center at 856-256-4333 for covid related medical questions. Observe all guidelines posted and conveyed to you about hygiene and social distancing. Most employees who have followed guidelines will not need to take any further action.

If you worked at any of the specific work sites above on the last date a positive employee worked, please review CDC recommendations to determine whether you should consult a doctor or take more than regular precautions.

Under no circumstance should you come to the office if you have been told to quarantine. Send in any required paperwork via email to sheariss@rowan.edu. You may return, if you are well, when the quarantine period is over.

The work that you do is essential and important. Let’s keep each other safe while we do it.

The safety of our employees is of paramount importance to us, and Rowan University remains committed to sharing critical information as it relates to the impact of COVID-19 here.

Below is an update regarding positive cases that have been confirmed within the past 24 hours:

Positive case #1

• Confirmed Positive Covid-19 Case: Rowan University has confirmed that one of our employees in Facilities at 70 Sewell Drive and 2^nd floor of James Hall, tested positive for COVID-19. The employee last reported to the work site on March 19 2021 and was asymptomatic. The employee tested positive on 3/21/21.
• Cleaning: The area has been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized on March 21, 2021.
• Closure: The worksite was closed on March 21, 2021.
• Re-opening: The worksite will reopen March 22, 2021.

As always, if you are feeling ill, especially if you have COVID-19 symptoms, do not come to work. Notify your supervisor and see your doctor if necessary. If you test positive for COVID-19 or wish to report a covid exposure click here. Contact the Wellness Center at 856-256-4333 for covid related medical questions. Observe all guidelines posted and conveyed to you about hygiene and social distancing. Most employees who have followed guidelines will not need to take any further action.

If you worked at any of the specific work sites above on the last date a positive employee worked, please review CDC recommendations to determine whether you should consult a doctor or take more than regular precautions.

Under no circumstance should you come to the office if you have been told to quarantine. Send in any required paperwork via email to sheariss@rowan.edu. You may return, if you are well, when the quarantine period is over.

The work that you do is essential and important. Let’s keep each other safe while we do it.

Rowan University Personal Travel Policy: Effective March 16, 2021

Travel restrictions and quarantine periods continue to change as the impact of the pandemic and the vaccine continue to evolve.

Currently, New Jersey has revised its COVID-19 Travel Advisory and the length of time a person must quarantine. The State is strongly discouraging all non-essential interstate travel. The advisory indicates that individuals traveling to or returning to New Jersey from any U.S. state or territory beyond the immediate region (New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware) should self-quarantine at their home, hotel, or other temporary lodging in accordance with New Jersey guidance. New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub (nj.gov)

This policy will continue to be updated as public health changes are issued.

Request for Personal Travel
The Personal Travel Request form must be completed and approved by the employee’s supervisor prior to travel.

All employees who are traveling outside of the contiguous region (Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York and Connecticut) must complete the Personal Travel Request Form (link below). Employees who will be scheduling time off, even if traveling within the immediate region, must still secure the necessary supervisor approval for the time away from the workplace.

Personal Travel Request Form

Quarantine
The revised advisory adjusts the applicable quarantine protocols, including shortening the recommended quarantine period to 10 days. International travel quarantine will be determined by the CDC and/or public health. Employees are not subject to quarantine if they:

• Traveled to a state in the immediate region, including New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware
• Engaged in essential travel, such as travel to another state to secure medical treatment for themselves or others or for travel to comply with a court order
• Traveled to another state for less than 24 hours
• Qualify for an essential employee exemption as outlined in the Department of Health’s Current Restrictions on Travel FAQs. New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub (nj.gov)
• All other employees must comply with the Personal Travel Process.

Vaccinated Employees
Vaccinated employees will need to document proof of vaccine and must be two weeks post receipt of the second vaccine. Employees will be required to participate in a rapid antigen test for the presence of COVID-19 on the first workday of their return from travel.  Instructions for scheduling will be available in the Personal Travel Request.  Employees who test negative will be able to return to duties. For those who test positive, they will be asked to participate in a PCR test and will not be able to return to work unless the test is negative. If the PCR test is positive, employees will be asked to quarantine in accordance with requirements for those who have COVID-19.

Unvaccinated Employees
Unvaccinated employees are expected to quarantine in accordance with applicable guidance from the New Jersey Department of Health, which is currently 10 days after travel.  However, essential employees will be offered an antigen test on day five (5) after their return to work and if they test negative, they may return to work on day seven (7) after travel. Instructions for scheduling will be available in the Personal Travel Request.  For those who test positive, they will be asked to participate in a PCR test and will not be able to return to work unless the test is negative. If the PCR test is positive, employees will be asked to quarantine in accordance with requirements for those who have COVID-19.

Rowan Business Travel
All those who are interested in travelling for business to fulfill essential functions of their job beyond the contiguous states mentioned above must contact their supervisor and must obtain advance written approval from their supervisor and their divisional Vice President or Senior Vice President.

Business travel is strongly discouraged at this time unless it is essential. Additional guidance will be provided.

The safety of our employees is of paramount importance to us, and Rowan University remains committed to sharing critical information as it relates to the impact of COVID-19 here.

Below is an update regarding positive cases that have been confirmed within the past 24 hours:

Positive case #1

• Confirmed Positive Covid-19 Case: Rowan University has confirmed that one of our employees in Facilities at 70 Sewell Drive, tested positive for COVID-19. The employee last reported to the work site on March 16, 2021 and started showing symptoms on March 17, 2021.
• Cleaning: The area has been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized on March 19, 2021.
• Closure: The worksite was closed on March 19, 2021.
• Re-opening: The worksite will reopen March 22, 2021.

As always, if you are feeling ill, especially if you have COVID-19 symptoms, do not come to work. Notify your supervisor and see your doctor if necessary. If you test positive for COVID-19 or wish to report a covid exposure click here. Contact the Wellness Center at 856-256-4333 for covid related medical questions. Observe all guidelines posted and conveyed to you about hygiene and social distancing. Most employees who have followed guidelines will not need to take any further action.

If you worked at any of the specific work sites above on the last date a positive employee worked, please review CDC recommendations to determine whether you should consult a doctor or take more than regular precautions.

Under no circumstance should you come to the office if you have been told to quarantine. Send in any required paperwork via email to sheariss@rowan.edu. You may return, if you are well, when the quarantine period is over.

The work that you do is essential and important. Let’s keep each other safe while we do it.

The safety of our employees is of paramount importance to us, and Rowan University remains committed to sharing critical information as it relates to the impact of COVID-19 here.

Below is an update regarding positive cases that have been confirmed within the past 24 hours:

Positive case #1

• Confirmed Positive Covid-19 Case: Rowan University has confirmed that one of our employees at Bole Hall, first floor tested positive for COVID-19. The employee last reported to the work site on March 16, 2021 and started showing symptoms on March 16, 2021.
• Cleaning: The area will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized on March 18, 2021.
• Closure: The worksite has been closed effective March 18, 2021.
• Re-opening: The worksite will reopen March 19, 2021.

As always, if you are feeling ill, especially if you have COVID-19 symptoms, do not come to work. Notify your supervisor and see your doctor if necessary. If you test positive for COVID-19 or wish to report a covid exposure click here. Contact the Wellness Center at 856-256-4333 for covid related medical questions. Observe all guidelines posted and conveyed to you about hygiene and social distancing. Most employees who have followed guidelines will not need to take any further action.

If you worked at any of the specific work sites above on the last date a positive employee worked, please review CDC recommendations to determine whether you should consult a doctor or take more than regular precautions.

Under no circumstance should you come to the office if you have been told to quarantine. Send in any required paperwork via email to sheariss@rowan.edu. You may return, if you are well, when the quarantine period is over.

The work that you do is essential and important. Let’s keep each other safe while we do it.

As COVID-19 vaccines become more available, infection rates are dropping in many places in the United States. Yet, whether you’re fully vaccinated or are still waiting for your turn, now is not the time to become lax in your practices of mask wearing, maintaining safe social distances, and washing your hands.

In fact, even if you have been fully vaccinated, it’s still critical to stay vigilant to help keep others safe.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has loosened up some regulations in private settings for those who have been fully vaccinated, the agency still recommends that all people in public settings—those fully vaccinated or not—should wear a mask, stay at least six feet apart from others, and avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.

Moreover, New Jersey Executive Orders, which govern all educational institutions, businesses and workplaces, state that masks and social distancing still are required in common areas, such as hallways, conference rooms, communal rest rooms, waiting rooms, and other areas where people congregate. 

Masks are not required in your private office, while you are in your residence hall room, or when you are outdoors and can maintain social distances.

As a state institution, we must continue to follow New Jersey Executive Orders. Doing so helps keep you, your friends and loved ones, and our University community safe.

Here are some things to remember as outlined by the CDC:

• Continue to keep your circle small and avoid gatherings of many people.
• Delay domestic and international travel. If you must travel, according to CDC guidelines, you’ll need to get tested before and after your trip and will have to self-quarantine for a full seven days upon your return.
• Students or employees traveling to any U.S. state or territory beyond New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Delaware must notify Rowan. Employees should email mytravelplans@rowan.edu. Students should contact Vice President of Student Life/Dean of Students Kevin Koett atkoett@rowan.edu so that they can be placed into the University’s contact tracing protocol. The University’s travel policy can be found here. 
• Continue to watch out for symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you’ve been around someone who is sick. If you develop symptoms, get tested and stay home and away from others.

To be sure, after a year of living through a pandemic, we’re all eager to resume our activities and social gatherings, especially as more and more people become vaccinated. We’re getting closer, but we’re not quite there yet.

At Rowan and in all areas of your life, please stay vigilant and follow all guidelines regarding mask wearing, social distancing and hand washing. As a University community, we’ve done a terrific job of keeping ourselves and each other safe. Let’s keep it up!

Tony Lowman
Provost

Kevin S. Koett
Vice President of Student Life/Dean of Students

Scott Woodside
Director, Wellness Center

The safety of our employees is of paramount importance to us, and Rowan University remains committed to sharing critical information as it relates to the impact of COVID-19 here.

Below is an update regarding positive cases that have been confirmed within the past 24 hours:

Positive case #1

• Confirmed Positive Covid-19 Case: Rowan University has confirmed that one of our employees at Savitz Hall, first floor tested positive for COVID-19. The employee last reported to the work site on March 12, 2021 and started showing symptoms on March 14, 2021.
• Cleaning: The area will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized on March 16, 2021.
• Closure: The worksite has been closed effective March 16, 2021.
• Re-opening: The worksite will reopen March 17, 2021.

As always, if you are feeling ill, especially if you have COVID-19 symptoms, do not come to work. Notify your supervisor and see your doctor if necessary. If you test positive for COVID-19 or wish to report a covid exposure click here. Contact the Wellness Center at 856-256-4333 for covid related medical questions. Observe all guidelines posted and conveyed to you about hygiene and social distancing. Most employees who have followed guidelines will not need to take any further action.

If you worked at any of the specific work sites above on the last date a positive employee worked, please review CDC recommendations to determine whether you should consult a doctor or take more than regular precautions.

Under no circumstance should you come to the office if you have been told to quarantine. Send in any required paperwork via email to sheariss@rowan.edu. You may return, if you are well, when the quarantine period is over.

The work that you do is essential and important. Let’s keep each other safe while we do it.

Beginning Monday, March 15, Rowan University students in need of emergency aid due to the pandemic may apply for HEERF2 federal funding, which has been distributed to the University through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA).

To apply for funds, please visit the HEERF2 Funding section on the Bursar’s Office web site. The form assesses need based on a number of factors, including food insecurity, housing insecurity, course materials and technology needs and unemployment status.

All requests for assistance are on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are disbursed. The maximum award that will be given to eligible students in need is $3,000.

All currently enrolled Rowan students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens with a valid Social Security number are eligible for the funding.

Contact information:
Office of the Bursar, bursar@rowan.edu
Office of Financial Aid, financialaid@rowan.edu

The safety of our employees is of paramount importance to us, and Rowan University remains committed to sharing critical information as it relates to the impact of COVID-19 here.

Below is an update regarding positive cases that have been confirmed within the past 24 hours:

Positive case #1

• Confirmed Positive Covid-19 Case: Rowan University has confirmed that one of our employees at Hawthorn Hall, second floor tested positive for COVID-19. The employee last reported to the work site on March 10, 2021 and started showing symptoms on March 11, 2021.
• Cleaning: The area will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized on March 14, 2021.
• Closure: The worksite has been closed effective March 13, 2021.
• Re-opening: The worksite will reopen March 14, 2021.

As always, if you are feeling ill, especially if you have COVID-19 symptoms, do not come to work. Notify your supervisor and see your doctor if necessary. If you test positive for COVID-19 or wish to report a covid exposure click here. Contact the Wellness Center at 856-256-4333 for covid related medical questions. Observe all guidelines posted and conveyed to you about hygiene and social distancing. Most employees who have followed guidelines will not need to take any further action.

If you worked at any of the specific work sites above on the last date a positive employee worked, please review CDC recommendations to determine whether you should consult a doctor or take more than regular precautions.

Under no circumstance should you come to the office if you have been told to quarantine. Send in any required paperwork via email to sheariss@rowan.edu. You may return, if you are well, when the quarantine period is over.

The work that you do is essential and important. Let’s keep each other safe while we do it.

The safety of our employees is of paramount importance to us, and Rowan University remains committed to sharing critical information as it relates to the impact of COVID-19 here.

Below is an update regarding positive cases that have been confirmed within the past 24 hours:

Positive case #1

• Confirmed Positive Covid-19 Case: Rowan University has confirmed that one of our employees at James Hall, first floor tested positive for COVID-19. The employee last reported to the work site on March 10, 2021 and started showing symptoms on March 8, 2021.
• Cleaning: The area will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized on March 12, 2021.
• Closure: The worksite has been closed effective March 12, 2021.
• Re-opening: The worksite will reopen March 24, 2021.

As always, if you are feeling ill, especially if you have COVID-19 symptoms, do not come to work. Notify your supervisor and see your doctor if necessary. If you test positive for COVID-19 or wish to report a covid exposure click here. Contact the Wellness Center at 856-256-4333 for covid related medical questions. Observe all guidelines posted and conveyed to you about hygiene and social distancing. Most employees who have followed guidelines will not need to take any further action.

If you worked at any of the specific work sites above on the last date a positive employee worked, please review CDC recommendations to determine whether you should consult a doctor or take more than regular precautions.

Under no circumstance should you come to the office if you have been told to quarantine. Send in any required paperwork via email to sheariss@rowan.edu. You may return, if you are well, when the quarantine period is over.

The work that you do is essential and important. Let’s keep each other safe while we do it.

The safety of our employees is of paramount importance to us, and Rowan University remains committed to sharing critical information as it relates to the impact of COVID-19 here.

Below is an update regarding positive cases that have been confirmed within the past 24 hours:

Positive case #1

• Confirmed Positive Covid-19 Case: Rowan University has confirmed that one of our employees at James Hall, first floor tested positive for COVID-19. The employee last reported to the work site on March 10, 2021 and started showing symptoms on March 8, 2021.
• Cleaning: The area will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized on March 12, 2021.
• Closure: The worksite has been closed effective March 12, 2021.
• Re-opening: The worksite will reopen March 24, 2021.

As always, if you are feeling ill, especially if you have COVID-19 symptoms, do not come to work. Notify your supervisor and see your doctor if necessary. If you test positive for COVID-19 or wish to report a covid exposure click here. Contact the Wellness Center at 856-256-4333 for covid related medical questions. Observe all guidelines posted and conveyed to you about hygiene and social distancing. Most employees who have followed guidelines will not need to take any further action.

If you worked at any of the specific work sites above on the last date a positive employee worked, please review CDC recommendations to determine whether you should consult a doctor or take more than regular precautions.

Under no circumstance should you come to the office if you have been told to quarantine. Send in any required paperwork via email to sheariss@rowan.edu. You may return, if you are well, when the quarantine period is over.

The work that you do is essential and important. Let’s keep each other safe while we do it.

The safety of our employees is of paramount importance to us, and Rowan University remains committed to sharing critical information as it relates to the impact of COVID-19 here.

Below is an update regarding positive cases that have been confirmed within the past 24 hours:

Positive case - James Hall, first floor

• Confirmed Positive Covid-19 Case: The university has confirmed that one of our employees at James Hall, first floor tested positive for COVID-19. The employee last reported to the worksite on February 9, 2021, and started showing symptoms on February 11, 2021.
• Cleaning: The area has been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
• Closure: The worksite has been closed effective February 16, 2021.
• Re-opening: The worksite will reopen February 24, 2021.

As always, if you are feeling ill, especially if you have COVID-19 symptoms, do not come to work. Notify your supervisor and see your doctor if necessary. If you test positive for COVID-19 or wish to report a covid exposure click here. Contact the Wellness Center at 856-256-4333 for covid related medical questions. Observe all guidelines posted and conveyed to you about hygiene and social distancing. Most employees who have followed guidelines will not need to take any further action.

If you worked at any of the specific worksites above on the last date a positive employee worked, please review CDC recommendations to determine whether you should consult a doctor or take more than regular precautions.

Under no circumstance should you come to the office if you have been told to quarantine. Send in any required paperwork via email to sheariss@rowan.edu. You may return, if you are well, when the quarantine period is over.

The work that you do is essential and important. Let’s keep each other safe while we do it.

Non-residential students and employees can now schedule appointments for asymptomatic COVID-19 testing via Eventbrite, an easy-to-use online system.

Appointments for the saliva testing are available every Tuesday from 1:30-3:30 p.m. and every Thursday from 10 a.m.-noon. Appointments must be made 24 hours in advance. No walk-ins will be accepted.

Once an appointment is made through Eventbrite, students and employees will receive an email with details about how to register with Concentric, a testing service. Everyone who signs up for an appointment must sign onto Concentric and complete a survey 24 hours prior to their scheduled appointment. 

A Rowan ID is required by students and employees at the testing site and registrants must show their Evenbrite ticket, either on their phone or in hard copy. Anyone completing a test must not eat, drink or smoke 30 minutes prior to testing and must also wear a mask and follow social distancing requirements.

For information on the testing, contact the Wellness Center at wellnesscenter@rowan.edu or at 856-256-4333.

Contact Information:
Wellness Center, 856-256-4333

During a virtual information session yesterday, Rowan University employees received updates on health and safety concerns from leaders across our institution. Topics covered included the latest information on COVID-19 testing, the University’s vaccination program, student life, academics, and more.

Below are a few of the more frequently asked questions and answers from the session. You can view the meeting in its entirety on Rowan University YouTube.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

How is the University’s testing program different this semester?
Asymptomatic testing for students and employees has been expanded more than tenfold. In the fall, 4,000 tests were conducted. This spring, we expect to complete close to 50,000 tests.

Students who will be on campus in any capacity—for classes, studies, work, activities or athletics--must test negative and provide documentation of that before they come to campus.

Residential students are undergoing mandatory biweekly asymptomatic testing. Additionally, twice-weekly asymptomatic saliva testing for students and employees is available every Tuesday and Thursday by appointment at the Rec Center. Registration is through ProfLink.

We’re also conducting pool COVID-19 testing for certain groups, such as athletes and coaches and performing arts students and professors.

How can employees receive the COVID-19 vaccination through Rowan SOM?
Rowan employees who meet the criteria (based on age or pre-existing health conditions) can now register to receive the vaccine at the Rowan Medicine Vaccination Center on the Stratford campus.

Employees who are eligible will need to attest to their eligibility, provide insurance information, their Banner ID number and other information when they register online athttps://rowanmedicine.com/vaccine/employees. Appointments can only be scheduled a few days in advance.

Employees who are not yet eligible for the vaccine at this time will receive an email from Rowan’s Human Resources Department when additional phases of the vaccine rollout are approved by the governor.

Why is getting the vaccination helpful? Is it mandatory for employees?
The vaccination isn’t mandatory. However, getting both doses of the vaccine will help protect you with 95 percent efficacy from severe sickness and death from COVID-19. Rowan SOM administers the Moderna vaccine, which is two doses four weeks apart.

For the foreseeable future, even after receiving the vaccine, you will still need to wear your mask, practice social distancing and wash your hands frequently.

More information on eligibility and the vaccine can be found at the N.J. COVID-19 Information Hub.

What will the fall semester look like?
We are hoping that the fall semester returns us to some sort of normalcy. Though this isn’t an absolute certainty, we are planning for that. If health concerns force us to pivot in some way, we will refine our plans. We are working to put everyone in the best position to succeed and be safe.

Contact Information:
Office of the President, 856-256-4100

The safety of our employees is of paramount importance to us, and Rowan University remains committed to sharing critical information as it relates to the impact of COVID-19 on our campuses.

Below is an update regarding a positive case that has been confirmed within the past 24 hours:

• Confirmed Positive Covid-19 Case: Rowan University has confirmed that one of our employees at Savitz Hall (first floor) tested positive for COVID-19. The employee last reported to the worksite on January 27, 2021, and symptoms started on January 27, 2021.
• Cleaning: The affected area in Savitz Hall was thoroughly cleaned and sanitized on January 28, 2021, after hours.
• Closure: The affected area was closed on January 28, 2021
• Re-opening: The affected area will open on February 1, 2021.

As always, if you are feeling ill, especially if you have COVID-19 symptoms, do not come to work. Notify your supervisor and see your doctor if necessary. If you test positive for COVID-19 or wish to report a covid exposure click here. Contact the Wellness Center at 856-256-4333 for covid related medical questions. Observe all guidelines posted and conveyed to you about hygiene and social distancing. Most employees who have followed guidelines will not need to take any further action.

If you worked at the specific worksite above on the last date a positive employee worked, please review CDC recommendations to determine whether you should consult a doctor or take more than regular precautions.

Under no circumstance should you come to the office if you have been told to quarantine. Send in any required paperwork via email to sheariss@rowan.edu. You may return if you are well when the quarantine period is over.

The work that you do is essential and important. Let’s keep each other safe while we do it.

Dear University Community,

Welcome back to another new beginning. As we start this spring semester, I can’t stop thinking that opportunity surrounds us. This is our moment, our time to move forward.

As the pandemic still rages across the country, hundreds of our students and staff are volunteering on the front lines. The Rowan Medicine COVID-19 Vaccination Center continues to involve students and staff as they administer thousands of vaccinations at our Stratford campus. Rowan volunteers are also assisting at a mega vaccination site at Rowan College of South Jersey in Sewell. And Cooper Medical School of Rowan University students are helping at Camden County’s vaccination site in Blackwood. 

I’m so proud and grateful for their service and for the opportunity to share our expertise and resources. 

New this spring
As we return, the University will follow increased COVID-19 protocols for those who will be physically present on campus. Residential students and those taking in-person courses have been submitting their pre-return test results. There also will be increased asymptomatic testing for the general student body and expanded testing protocols for on-campus residents, athletes and performing arts students. The strategy will help us identify and limit the spread of the virus and keep everyone more safe and healthy.

To allow faculty and students the flexibility of in-person and remote learning, we have continued to install camera systems in classrooms, with more than 160 rooms completed so far. This important investment will enable the University to think differently about education well beyond the end of the pandemic. 

We are also excited to continue work on some important campus additions. We’ll soon complete Discovery Hall, a 68,000-square-foot academic and research building primarily for instruction in the STEM disciplines. The School of Osteopathic Medicine will move into its new facility on the campus of Rowan College of South Jersey, allowing for Rowan Medicine’s expansion in Gloucester County this spring, and eventually, the expansion of the medical school. 

Later this year, we’re breaking ground for the Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park museum and research center. New dance studios in Wilson Hall are in the works and plans are well underway for the huge expansion of the Chamberlain Student Center—the heart of student activity, dining, programming and entertainment on our main campus.

We expect the semester will close? with Commencement activities similar to last year's. We are planning a virtual ceremony on May 8, followed by smaller, in-person college ceremonies throughout the following week. Of course, whether we can host events and the number who can attend will depend on state health and safety protocols for outdoor gatherings. We are confident about our prospects for celebrating, however, and will continue with our planning.

As always, I thank each of you for your flexibility, your hard work and your energy. Let’s all look forward to a momentous spring semester. 

Very truly yours,

Ali A. Houshmand, Ph.D. 
President

Please review these FAQs and resources to ensure you are ready for spring courses. For an overview of what to expect, please join the Spring Semester Info Session on Thursday, January 21, at 6 pm. Note that all students who will be coming to campus physically are required to submit a negative COVID test taken no more than 10 days prior to their return date (details here).

1. When do classes begin? While most courses (including full-term courses) begin on Monday, January 25, some Online courses begin on Tuesday, January 19, and some other courses begin on other dates. Please check your course schedule inSelf-Service Banner so you are aware of when each of your courses begins. This information is also included in Section Tally.  

2. How do I know the mode of delivery for each course? Please review the information at this site or in this PDFcarefully to determine the mode of delivery for each section. For spring, any type of course (not just labs and studios) can be Physical Presence Required, so be sure to check each section’s attributes. Not registered yet? Please finalize your course schedule as soon as possible; email advise@rowan.edu for help. Online registration help sessions are available this week.

3. How will I know what to do on the first day of class?  The first week of class for full-term courses (January 25-29) will be fully remote. Starting in the second week (February 1), courses which are Physical Presence Required (PPR) or Physical Presence Optional (PPO) will begin in-person instruction on a gradual basis. All Fully Virtual courses will remain remote/online with no in-person meetings throughout the semester. Your instructors will communicate with you about how to attend each of your courses – be sure to check your Rowan email and Canvas portal every day.

4. Is the Pass/No Credit option going to be available for spring 2021? Yes. It is in students’ best interest to earn the highest possible grade to maximize their learning and to meet expectations for grades required for graduate and professional schools, employment, and licensure. However, the expanded P/NC option is again being offered in recognition of the multiple challenges to student well-being and with the remote/modified learning environment due to COVID-19. The same policy and procedure will apply as per spring 2020 and fall 2020 (see fall FAQs here). Following the posting of final grades in May, students will have until June 4, 2021 to decide to replace a passing letter grade with P (Pass) or replace a failing or poor grade with NC (No Credit) for all undergraduate and graduate spring 2021 courses through Self-Service Banner.  Some graduate courses have minimum grade requirements. (This option is not available to students enrolled in MD, DO, or PhD programs).

5. Do I have appropriate technology for my courses? Please see: Students, Do You Have Access to Appropriate Technology?

6. How do I access my online/remote courses (via Canvas)? Canvas is Rowan’s learning management system (LMS).  Visit online.rowan.edu, click “Access Your Courses in Canvas,” and log in with your Rowan Network ID and password. Your courses will be listed in the portal starting as soon as 5 days prior to the start of the course, though some may appear closer to the first day of class. If you add a course after the semester starts, the new course will appear in your Canvas portal within 1 to 2 hours of the change.

7. What strategies will help me to succeed academically this spring?

1. Check with your academic advisor regarding any questions as you finalize your spring course schedule. Keep in mind any grades in prerequisites courses. Even though students can turn low passing grades to P grades for spring 2020 and fall 2020, if a higher minimum grade (such as a C) is normally required for the subsequent course, speak with your advisor about whether you are ready to succeed in the next course or should repeat the prerequisite course to maximize your learning.
2. Plan to use Rowan’s many student support resources including tutoring, success coaching, the Office of Career Advancement, and the Office of Disability Resources.
3. Stay engaged with Rowan’s many in-person and virtual activities and events through ProfLink.

Rowan’s strong community, dedication to academic excellence, and support for the well-being of all of our students, faculty, and staff have prepared us for a successful spring 2021 semester. We look forward to seeing our students return, whether in-person or virtually, and welcome many new students to the Rowan community.

Contact Information:

Dear Rowan Employees:

COVID-19 cases continue to increase in the country and in the state and infection by the virus continues to impact each of us directly every day.  While infection numbers reach historic highs, there remains reason for optimism as vaccines begin to reach those most at risk for serious illness from the virus.  

Vaccines first reached our region in mid-December and the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, which was selected as a vaccine administration site, began vaccinating healthcare personnel in Phase 1A on December 24, 2020.  The New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) adopted a phased distribution process for vaccine administration and continues to update that process in light of changing circumstances of the pandemic. 

In the most recent change, Governor Murphy announced that individuals in Category 1B, those aged 65 and older and those ages 16-64 with medical conditions increasing the risk of serious illness from COVID-19, are now eligible for the vaccine, along with (Category 1A) front-line healthcare workers and law enforcement and fire department personnel.  

Rowan Medicine Vaccination Center
RowanSOM is working diligently to ensure that vaccines received by RowanSOM are expeditiously administered.  However, we must ask for your patience in this process and we ask that you help share accurate information about the vaccine with those with whom you interact.

New Jersey, like many other states, is awaiting additional vaccine supply from the federal government.  New Jersey has engaged in significant infrastructure development to ensure that vaccines can be rapidly administered once in hand. But, currently, demand for the vaccine is simply outstripping supply.  The DOH is deploying vaccines to its sites and RowanSOM is in frequent communication with the DOH about eligibility, capacity, and supply. The process is working and we are proud to say that we are vaccinating approximately 200 persons each day.  However, the process takes time and we are constrained by vaccine availability.

Employee vaccinations
Many of our employees are asking how they can access the vaccine for themselves or for those in their circle who are now eligible.  As noted above, RowanSOM is monitoring the DOH eligibility criteria and worked to ensure that its eligible healthcare personnel who were interested in being vaccinated were vaccinated. 

As we move into this larger phase of 1B eligibility, we are now working with an internal Ethics Committee to prioritize high-risk employees.  As you may know, we released a survey to full-time employees to gauge your interest.  We ask that you reply to that survey as soon as you are able.  Using that survey data and taking into consideration risk of exposure while at work, as well as individual risk categories, we are working with RowanSOM to make a certain number of vaccines available to Rowan employees while remaining an open vaccine site for the state in accordance with the DOH standards.  Our focus is expediting access for those employees who have increased exposure relating to their job duties while ensuring continuing access for the public. If selected, you will be notified by your supervisor about your eligibility to receive a vaccine and your scheduled appointment time/date if you choose to be v accinated.

We have agreed to serve the public and the state’s needs as a vaccine distribution site and cannot reserve all vaccines for Rowan employees.  However, we can work within the applicable guidance and begin to open vaccine slots for employees with the highest risk for exposure.  We need your help, however. First, please respond to the survey. Second, please be patient. Third, please educate yourself about vaccine eligibility. 

Other vaccination options
If you do not believe you work in a position that will expose you to many other people, but you still fall into Category 1B, feel free to either register directly through the Rowan Medicine Vaccination Center  website or through the N.J. COVID-19 Information Hub for nearby mega vaccination center sites.

More information on eligibility and the vaccine can be found at N.J. COVID-19 Information.

Sincerely,

Terri Drye
Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer

Dear Employees:

New Jersey has revised its COVID-19 Travel Advisory and the length of time a person must quarantine. 

The State is strongly discouraging all non-essential interstate travel at this time.  The advisory indicates that individuals traveling to or returning to New Jersey from any U.S. state or territory beyond the immediate region (New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware) should self-quarantine at their home, hotel, or other temporary lodging following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html.  The revised advisory adjusts the applicable quarantine protocols, including shortening the recommend quarantine period to 10 days, as more fully explained bel ow.  Please also note that there will no longer be a list of designated states that will change each week.

Travel Exceptions
When an employee returns from interstate travel, Rowan will evaluate the employee for potential exclusion from the workplace.  Under the advisory, employees are not subject to quarantine if they:

• Traveled to a state in the immediate region, including New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware
• Engaged in essential travel, such as travel to another state to secure medical treatment or travel to comply with a court order
• Traveled to another state for less than 24 hours
• Qualify for an exemption as outlined in the Department of Health’s Current Restrictions on Travel FAQs.

If an employee does not meet any of the above exemptions, they are not be permitted to return to the workplace until the 10-day recommended quarantine period has expired.

Quarantine/Isolation Period
If an employee tests positive for COVID-19 following travel, that employee should remain out of the workplace for 10 days from the date of return to New Jersey if they do not develop symptoms.  Symptomatic employees should remain out of the workplace for 10 days after symptom onset if they remain fever-free for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medications, and with improvement of other symptoms.

Employees will be required to use sick or vacation time, in accordance with state regulations if you are unable to work remotely during the 10 day period.* Employees who either suspect that they are positive for COVID or have been tested positive should notify the Wellness Center.

As a result, we are asking that you do not schedule personal travel to any impacted states unless such travel is unavoidable due to emergent personal or extraordinary circumstances, such as an immediate family member’s death or sudden illness or similar emergency and you have received approval of your Divisional Senior Vice President or the Provost for the travel and subsequent period of quarantine.

Notification Requirements:
Please notify Rowan at mytravelplans@rowan.edu of your international and domestic personal

travel plans and please observe any periods of self-isolation imposed by the State or local health department.

If you do not obtain advance approval in accordance with this policy, you will be subject to disciplinary action for taking unapproved leave or for failure to follow the Professional Responsibility Statement. Rowan reserves the right to deny requests relating to personal travel if anticipated quarantine periods disrupt orderly University operations.

International Travel:
If you choose to engage in international personal travel, you should enroll in the DOS Smart

Traveler’s Enrollment Program (STEP) (or similar programs offered by other governments for their citizens/nationals) and closely monitor local travel advisories.

*Please note:  Employees who are covered by Civil Service and cannot be accommodated for remote work will be temporarily reassigned to duties that will limit direct contact with students, faculty and staff in lieu of accumulated leave.

We are proud to announce that our School of Osteopathic Medicine’s COVID-19 Vaccination Center is ready to join the national effort to vaccinate our front line health care providers. We expect to receive the vaccine in the coming week and then move quickly according to NJ Department of Health’s distribution guidelines.

This is wonderful news, not only for our institution, but, more importantly, for our region and state.

We invite you to visit our newly created Vaccination Center website. It will constantly evolve and serve as the primary source of information about the phases of vaccination and when to register. We also plan to have a series of information sessions for the University and community members once the center is operating.

We’re also pleased to announce that we have been asked to provide assistance to a mega vaccination site that will be at Rowan College of South Jersey. It is expected to vaccinate 2,500 people a day.

Remarkably, these developments—establishing a long-term vaccination center and assisting with a regional vaccination site at RCSJ—have occurred within just the past two weeks.

As is the Rowan way, our employees immediately mobilized, demonstrating extraordinary commitment, teamwork, leadership, expertise and enthusiasm to ensure that our vaccination center is ready to provide equitable access to the vaccine for our fellow citizens.

Every vaccination we give has the potential to save many lives from a deadly disease, one that has affected every one of us very personally. As a University community, we are proud--and extraordinarily thankful--to contribute to such an incredible endeavor.

Yours truly,

Dr. Ali A. Houshmand
President

Dr. Thomas Cavalieri
Dean, RowanSOM

Dear University community:

I am excited to share with you that the N.J. Department of Health has selected our School of Osteopathic Medicine to manage and host a regional COVID-19 vaccination center at the Stratford campus.

Many of our colleagues have been working around the clock for the past week developing extensive distribution plans so that we can vaccinate 300 people a day, five days a week. We will begin by vaccinating front-line health care providers, and then open registration to groups as outlined by state health officials, including non-healthcare employees, students and the general public. We expect that our site will be active for at least the next six months.

We will not have a definitive date to open registration until the state shares its plans next week. We are prepared, however, to distribute any vaccine they ask us to.

I thank SOM Dean Tom Cavalieri and his vaccination center planning team for the incredible work they have done to prepare for this historic initiative. I expect every one of us will have a role to play in this effort in the coming weeks and months. We should all be very proud to participate in this enormous public health intervention. 

Once again, we will have more information to share once the New Jersey Department of Health unveils its plans for distributing vaccines to centers across the state. We will post updates and share FAQs on our website.

Congratulations to all!

Yours truly,

Ali A. Houshmand
President

It wasn’t easy, but we did it! 

Last summer we came together as a University community and committed to offering safe options for learning, working and living at Rowan for the fall semester. Students and employees showed flexibility and creativity in getting back to campus and taking advantage of online and hybrid choices. We adapted to COVID-19 health and safety protocols and state mandates. We made the best of challenging circumstances. 

We haven’t escaped the virus’ reach and we sometimes need reminders about following guidelines, but overall, students and employees have adapted very well. 

Rowan’s cautious plan offered a path forward through so much uncertainty. Thanks to our community’s commitment to care for each other, Rowan earned accolades from national and local health and safety experts. 

With public health officials predicting higher rates of infections across the country this winter, we will continue to use data and national best practices to shape our approach to protecting our community as we look forward to spring semester. Testing for COVID-19 is critical to our efforts. This is some of what to expect in the new year: 

Baseline testing for all students participating in in-person educational and residential activities
Every student who will participate in face-to-face or hybrid instruction and those who choose to live on campus will receive a PCR/nasal swab test kit in the mail during the winter break. Students  are required to mail their completed kits for analysis and receive results before returning to Rowan.  

Wastewater testing
Testing the cumulative wastewater of a building is an efficient way to check for the presence of the virus among a group of people, particularly on college campuses. Rowan will start wastewater testing at all of its residential facilities in early January. If coronavirus is found, residents of the building tested will be required to take a rapid antigen/saliva test to identify infected students. Students who test positive through the rapid test will be required to take the more reliable PCR/nasal swab test to verify findings. Those students will be moved to Triad Hall for the balance of their isolation period, up to 10 days, where they will have support from the University. 

Community health through voluntary testing
All students and employees will be eligible to participate in Rowan’s Asymptomatic Saliva Testing Program. The Wellness Center will administer up to 250 saliva tests each week at a walk-through clinic (pre-registration required). Volunteers’ test results will provide important information about the presence of virus on and around Rowan campuses and in the community. 

Special populations and targeted testing
Rowan will implement rapid antigen/saliva tests or PCR/nasal swab tests with certain groups if the need arises (e.g., contacts or groups of contacts). Screening methods will be determined based on public health recommendations.

Athletes, Performing Arts and high-contact programs
Student-athletes will continue to follow NCAA guidelines. If student-athletes do not participate in competition but engage in in-person athletic activities, Rowan will institute regular screening protocols for them.  

The University will also implement a regular screening program for Performing Arts students who participate in in-person activities, including theater, dance and musical performances and instructional activities. Students in high-contact conditions (e.g., clinical internships, athletic training programs and physical education courses) also will have to adhere to a testing schedule. 

Symptomatic testing
Rowan will continue to offer daily PCR/nasal swab testing to symptomatic students at its Hollybush Testing Clinic. Students who participate in symptomatic testing must quarantine or self-isolate as directed by the Wellness Center.

Once again, we are relying on science and everyone’s sense of shared responsibility to help fight the COVID-19 threat. Data on higher education communities show that robust testing, strict safety protocols and community cooperation make the difference between campuses that are able to stay open safely and those that create hazards on- and off-campus.

We are proud of what we all accomplished during the last several months. We’re prepared to use data to continue fighting the pandemic together, especially on behalf of the most vulnerable. We are committed to help the Rowan community continue to learn and serve through each day ahead. 

Tony Lowman
Provost

Kevin S. Koett
Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students

Scott Woodside
Director, Wellness Center

Rowan University has partnered with LabCorp Employer Services to provide free at-home, self-collected COVID-19 testing for employees and medical school students. Nasal swab tests from Pixel by LabCorp can be ordered online here. The visitor access code to create your account is "rowan." For more information about the testing process, contact LabCorp’s customer support at 1-844-251-6524.

How testing works
The kit, which will be delivered to homes and returned to the lab via FedEx, includes all of the supplies you will need, including detailed instructions to complete your self-collection. Upon completing your test and securing it in the postage-paid, pre-addressed FedEx return package, you will deliver it to a FedEx drop box. All instructions will be in your package.

Timing
According to LabCorp, if you order the test by 3 p.m., it will be sent overnight and delivered to your home by FedEx the next day. If you order after 3 p.m., it will be shipped the following morning.

Completed nasal swab tests must be delivered to a FedEx drop box the same day you collect your sample. You will be able to track your sample on the LabCorp web site.

Results
Once received by the lab, results will be available on the secure, online HIPPA-compliant portal where you requested your kit. You will receive an email when your kit has been received and results are ready to view. Results will be available in two to four days. If your test comes back positive for COVID-19, a health care professional will contact you to help you with next steps.

About testing
Please understand that a negative test does not tell the whole picture. The incubation period for COVID-19 is 2-14 days, meaning there is a window where someone could be infected and still test negative. A test is simply a snapshot in time.

Stay vigilant
As always, to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, public health officials recommend reducing the number of potential exposures you may encounter, wearing a mask, focusing on physical distancing and remaining vigilant.

Contact Information:
Scott Woodside, MSN, MBA, RN
Director for the Wellness Center
woodsides@rowan.edu
856-256-4333

Rowan University will offer free asymptomatic coronavirus testing to all students and employees before Thanksgiving Day to continue efforts to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Students will be tested, primarily using saliva tests, at a tent on Robinson Circle. Employees and medical school students will be able to request a nasal swab test to be mailed home.

Accurate, reliable testing is only one tool in the fight against COVID-19. When coupled with diligent physical distancing and good public health practices, these safety measures can provide a high degree of reassurance.

Student testing:
Testing begins on Thursday, Nov. 12.

Students must register for testing at least 72 hours in advance. Click here for more information and to schedule your test. Your insurance will not be processed and results will be back within four days.

Any negative test result will be emailed to your Rowan email account. Students with a positive test result will be called by Rowan University health staff and contact tracers.

Public health officials do not recommend retesting if you’ve had a positive result in the past three months. There have been cases of individuals testing positive for weeks or months after a confirmed infection.  This offering is for asymptomatic students. If you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, contact the Wellness Center at 856-256-4333 or your healthcare provider.

Students who test positive for the virus will be offered the opportunity to isolate on campus in Triad Hall, the residence building set aside for isolation throughout the semester. The University will continue to provide health monitoring and meals for students throughout their stay in Triad Hall.

Students who choose to remain on campus or nearby over the long Thanksgiving weekend will be able to enjoy activities the Division of Student Life is hosting, including a Thanksgiving Day meal and outdoor, in-person programs, as appropriate based on public health considerations. Dining services also will be available throughout the weekend.

Register at: https://sites.rowan.edu/universityevents/covidtesting.html

Testing location: Robinson Hall Circle (Park in Lot 0-1)

Employees and medical school students:
Employees and medical school students will have the opportunity to register online to receive at-home nasal swab testing kits. More information regarding the process will be announced this week.

Contact Information:
Wellness Center, 856-256-4333

While the trajectory of positive COVID-19 cases continues to rise across the state and region, Rowan is ready for expanded or reduced operations if Gov. Murphy adjusts restrictions.

The Emergency Management Operations Team recently reviewed and updated the University’s plan, which includes items that explain new processes and protocols in a more restrictive status than we are operating in today. Significant changes are highlighted in the document in blue, and include:

Pg. 2 — Clarification of operations during all three stages

Pg. 23 — Instructional delivery strategy for spring semester

Pg. 34 — Clarification of who can request on-campus housing during Stage 1

Pg. 36 — Description of the spring 2021 housing plan

Pg. 38 — Description of our housing plan during Stage 1

Pg. 40 — Description of library operations during Stage 1

Pg. 49 — Details about travel and cancellation of study abroad programs

For more information, please contact the following offices:

• Office of the Provost, 856-256-4108
• Office of the Dean of Student, 856-256-4283

To continue efforts to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, Rowan University will offer free coronavirus testing to all students and employees before Thanksgiving Day.

“We know that the virus spreads most often among people who know each other—family members and friends,” says Rowan President Ali A. Houshmand. “By offering testing, we can do our part to keep all members of our extended Rowan University family safe.”

Saliva and nasal tests are scheduled to be available to all students starting the week of Nov. 16. Currently, 4,100 students live on Rowan’s campus and approximately 2,000 students live nearby in Glassboro. Employees will be able to request home test kits.

Details about registering for the free screening will be announced soon, according to Scott Woodside, director for the Wellness Center.

“Members of our campus community, particularly our students, have done a great job in taking measures to limit transmission of the virus at Rowan,” says Woodside. “By offering testing before Thanksgiving, we hope to continue to help them and their families stay well. They must, however, be vigilant about maintaining good health and safety practices when they are around family and friends,” says Woodside.

Students who test positive for the virus will be offered the opportunity to isolate on campus in Triad Hall, the residence building set aside for isolation throughout the semester. The University will continue to provide health monitoring and meals for students in Triad, according to Woodside.

Students who choose to remain on campus or nearby over the long Thanksgiving weekend will be able to enjoy activities the Division of Student Life is hosting, including a Thanksgiving Day meal and outdoor, in-person programs, as appropriate based on public health considerations. Dining services also will be available throughout the weekend.

Contact Information:
Office of the President, officeofthepresident@rowan.edu

This Monday brings the first of many traditional fall and winter days when we may be off from school and work. We all need these breaks for well-being. However, New Jersey’s COVID-19 numbers are rising again, partly because of more indoor activity and casual contact in social and family gatherings.

Through contact tracing, we can follow viral spread. And while global health expert  Dr. Deborah Birx commended Rowan’s community for all that we’re doing to protect each other, she warned that some of our greatest challenges lie ahead this fall and winter. Here’s what we all need to keep in mind:

• Communal spread—with friends and family—is risky because we assume everyone has been careful. If one person is infected, a long weekend at home or even a few hours together can make many people virus carriers, even if they show no symptoms.
• Casual contact can be unsafe, especially if you’re near someone for more than 15 minutes at less than six feet distance. Wearing a mask is critical, especially when you’re with people outside your “bubble” or “pod.”
• We will continue to make decisions based on science, public health knowledge and our virus metrics, with health and safety as our priority. For the most recent virtual COVID status update sessions, view the recordings for students and employees online.  
• Every time our positive cases go up, Rowan community life is in jeopardy. We are continually monitoring our public health. A late-October/early November outbreak of COVID-19 could significantly change how we finish this semester and the school year. 

We want to stay together at Rowan. We want to maintain safe in-person instruction and activity. We are eager to increase these options when it makes sense.

Until then, please enjoy time off and keep safe. A day when we change our careful routines and let down our guards can be dangerous.

Tony Lowman
Provost

Kevin S. Koett
Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students

Scott Woodside
Director, Wellness Center

This week’s update on our Return to Rowan plan includes encouraging news in a number of areas, starting with these quick snapshots of our University health:

• New confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 dropped throughout the University last week.
• Students in on-campus isolation at Triad Hall — only two as of Friday — are recovering relatively quickly and continuing their studies.
• Active cases overall are declining.

We’ve worked hard throughout the pandemic to protect the Rowan community and our neighbors—and we plan to keep up the intensity of our fight. As we look forward to more progress, we share more news from throughout campus:

Academic options expanding
Last week, a number of faculty and students opted to start more in-person instruction on the main campus. While we’re not near our normal on-campus academic activity and we expect many to prefer remote and hybrid options for the foreseeable future, we’ll continue to expand classroom and lab opportunities as much as possible within health and safety guidelines.

Athletics teams start training
The start of team conditioning in small groups for student-athletes in our fall Athletics programs begins this week. With careful team activities underway, we are hopeful about eventual competition as Athletics leadership and our conference develop plans for the rest of the year.

Increased testing, more promising results
In just the last two weeks, the number of students being tested for COVID-19 increased significantly. Testing those with and without symptoms helps ensure that we’re providing health care and resources to those who need them, slowing the rate of infection and capturing a reliable picture of our population’s health. 

Continuing communication sessions
Last week we responded to our borough neighbors’ concerns  with our third online town hall conversation about the campus and community. This week, we will hold the next of several Webex meetings to present information and answer questions for employees and students:

Wednesday, October 7, 4 p.m.: Employee update
Wednesday, October 7, 6 p.m., Student update

If you can’t attend the virtual session, you can review the recording of these and earlier sessions posted on the Rowan YouTube channel.

New mobile phone app: Anonymous alert

COVID Alert NJ, a new free and secure mobile phone app, is now available to assist all of us in our fight against COVID-19. Available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store, New Jersey’s exposure notification app will anonymously alert users if they have been near someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and offers other services to help individuals fi ght infection.

Staying the course
Although we’re gaining confidence from progress so far and many are eager to ramp up instruction and activity, it’s prudent to take our time. We will keep relying on science and public health guidance as we implement and adapt our return plan. Our gradual, cautious approach is helping keep the Rowan community safe and reducing the chance of setbacks.

Thank you, everyone, for your flexibility, patience and commitment to each other in these historic and challenging days. We are making a difference, apart and together.

Tony Lowman
Provost

Kevin S. Koett
Interim Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students

Scott Woodside
Director, Wellness Center

Every Tuesday, 100 asymptomatic students living both on campus and off campus will be selected for COVID-19 testing.

If you are a student living on or off campus and would like to be considered for testing, sign up here.

Asymptomatic students will be chosen at random to participate in walk up (on-campus students) and drive thru testing (of-campus students) and will be required to make an appointment before arriving. Appointments are available on a first come, first served basis.

NOTE: This testing is not for students who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms or who have been in contact with someone who has tested positive. If you are symptomatic or are a known contact, contact the Wellness Center at 856-256-4333.

Contact Information:
Scott Woodside, MSN, MBA, RN

Whether you’re faculty or staff interacting with students in person or remotely, you know the past few weeks have been exciting and intense. While it’s a relief to see most things running smoothly and our health metrics are showing positive trends, we must remain cautious and flexible. It is vital that we remain vigilant in our efforts to combat this virus.

We are writing today to respond to concerns and questions that have come up now that we’re underway with in-person, remote and hybrid instruction throughout the institution.

Employee responsibilities
Working in higher education during the pandemic has raised more new questions than ever. It’s important that you feel comfortable engaging with students while taking appropriate action to protect students and everyone in our community. Here are three points that have been in question frequently:

I found out that a student is positive for COVID-19 and may not have reported being infected.
Simply stated, you must report information about COVID-19 shared with you by students to ensure appropriate follow-up, whether they reside on-campus or off-campus (including students who are living at home, at their primary residence). 

• You are required to share that information with the Dean of Students through email or this form. Even if you believe that the student has already shared the information, please report it. We would prefer to have duplicate reports than miss information critical to caring for the student and protecting others.
• If you have any reason to be concerned about a student’s health or well-being, whether COVID-19 related, or not, please submit that information. If your concern is urgent, please dial 256-4911 for immediate assistance. If the issue is not urgent, please:
  • email the Dean of Students
  • complete the  COVID-19 Concerns and Information Report form
  • or complete the Student of Concern form

I am concerned about sharing information that would require a student to be isolated or quarantined.
While you may not want to be the “reason” that a student is isolated or quarantined, by sharing information with the Dean of Students, you help us make sure students get the support they need in a safe setting and help protect the well-being of the entire community. Wellness Center, Student Life and Gourmet Dining staff are providing services for students in Triad Hall. Our goal is to support the students’ recovery, help them continue classes remotely and slow the spread of the virus.

I shared information about a student’s COVID status but didn’t get any follow-up.
Because of health information protections, you may not receive an update about the student’s health. However, we are working to ensure that you receive an email confirming that the information has been received so the Wellness Center and other staff may reach out to the student. If you have continuing concerns, please contact the Dean of Students to make sure the information was received. You may also contact your department head or dean, who can also follow up.

Face coverings and room capacity
At Rowan, essential basic precautions for protecting each other include two things:

• Everyone must wear a face covering while in common areas of University facilities like classrooms, hallways, restrooms and other shared spaces. It is not optional. Failure to do so will result in appropriate disciplinary consequences.
  
  
• All faculty and staff must adhere to capacity guidelines and ensure social distancing in any in-person educational activities. If you have questions about capacity, please contact your department head or dean.

Contact tracing and information sharing
Contact tracing is a critical component of managing COVID-19. It is effective, but it is also labor-intensive and time-consuming. It becomes more challenging when individuals do not provide complete or timely information. Please be considerate, vigilant and forthcoming when responding to contact tracers, whether from Rowan or other agencies.

We appreciate all you are doing to help us help our students and community. We are proud and thankful to say that together, we are finding ways to serve students and encourage each other. If you have questions or concerns, please e-mail us: officeoftheprovost@rowan.edu orhr@rowan.edu. 

Sincerely,

Tony Lowman
Provost

Terri Drye
Vice President, Chief Human Resource Officer

Yesterday afternoon, the University held a virtual information session for employees about COVID monitoring and testing, academics, outreach efforts and other related topics. Almost 650 employees attended, with many submitting questions for the panel. For those who were unable to attend, the video of the session is available on the Rowan University YouTube site.

Also available are new statistics about the health of our campuses. On the Return to Rowan website, under the “Confirmed Positive Cases” section, we have added charts that describe:

• People in isolation and quarantine, on and off our campuses
• Rowan’s asymptomatic testing program on our Glassboro campus

Please note that we will update the Weekly Confirmed Positive chart three times weekly (i.e., Mon., Wed., Fri.), and more often, if necessary. This will help us keep the data as accurate as possible, and not have to back-date figures as test results return from the labs we use and from external agencies such as county public health departments.

Later tonight, University leaders will participate in a similar virtual information session to update Glassbororesidents on COVID-related concerns. We also will hold a session for Rowan students and parents on Thursday at 4 pm. 

For more information, contact:

• Testing and health matters – Scott Woodside, director, Wellness Center (woodsides@rowan.edu)
• Work issues – Terri Drye, vice president for Human Resources (hr@rowan.edu)
• Academic and instruction delivery – Tony Lowman, provost (officeoftheprovost@rowan.edu)
• Facilities – Joe Campbell, vice president for Facilities & Operations, (campbellj@rowan.edu)

Contact Information:
Office of the President, 856-256-4100

We’re midway through September and it’s been wonderful to see students back on our campuses. We are excited to have school back in session, along with activities and events taking place that bring back a sense of normalcy, even if they look different. We write today to provide information and updates about life at Rowan this fall. 

There are more than 19,500 students in the Rowan family this semester. Of approximately 15,500 undergraduates, about 4,100 students chose to live on the main campus, helping us see firsthand how well the community can work with so many new procedures and restrictions in place. 

Remote and in-person classes on all campuses are off to a strong start. Faculty, advisors and student services professionals made an immense effort throughout spring and summer to adapt and innovate for fall. Their commitment, focus and flexibility are apparent. 

Following our plans
To date, about 17  percent of our classes — mostly studio and labs which require physical presence — have carried on well in the hybrid format and will continue to have in-person opportunities. While some students and faculty are eager to participate in more in-person instructional activity in September, our primary concern is always the health and safety of the Rowan family. So, while data and observable conditions are within our expectations, we believe it is prudent to continue with our current level of in-person classes for now. When appropriate, we will expand in-person options for more courses. 

Thankfully, we have planned for this level of flexibility. Again, this is because of the extraordinary work of our faculty to develop flexible, practical processes to help ensure best outcomes for working with students in a dynamic, unpredictable environment.

Reporting in context
Recent media reports tell of wide-ranging COVID-19 infection rates at institutions across the state and region. A look at our dashboard shows that since Aug. 25, we have had a total of 131confirmed cases:

• 55 are tallied on-campus (main campus) because our definition counts them “on campus” if they were at Rowan facilities at any point during their infectious period.

• 30 students who tested positive are in isolation in our residence hall reserved for this purpose; the balance are not on campus.

• 74 students were never on the main campus, so they are categorized as “off campus.”

• two employees have been working remotely.

It’s important to note that not all of these individuals are currently infected; 109 cases — as of Sept. 10 — are active. And while we are encouraged to see students recovering after testing positive, we can’t let down our guard.

Assessing the infection rate
We know from contact tracing and reported activity that most infections are occurring in social situations where people are not being vigilant about safety, particularly at off-campus rental housing. Because we consider these residences a source of concern for spreading infection, we will continue health and safety education and outreach with these students. 

Rowan is providing on-campus testing Monday through Friday each week, serving students at various levels of likely exposure and infection with COVID-19. So far, we’ve relied on volunteers to help determine the baseline for the residential student population’s infection rate. To get a clearer picture of infections at Rowan, we need even more residential students to participate. Next week, we will expand our community health assessment by inviting more students to volunteer to be tested. Once we are able to increase the value and certainty of the data with residential students, we will broaden testing to off-campus students and others in the Rowan community. Good data will help us better anticipate challenges and fight the virus among us.

Reading the data
Each day, we continue to update the dashboard that shows all campuses and categories of our population since tracking began in mid-March. We have accurate statistical snapshots of our community and we are pleased that state health officials have lauded our definitions and process. However, because there are no official standards for reporting, we must be cautious in comparing our data with other institutions’ figures. Even so, we continue to refine our reporting process and work with the state Department of Health to create common reporting metrics and definitions throughout New Jersey.

Please visit Return to Rowan regularly for updates and resources to help students and employees navigate our new environment. Our goals are to provide information, protect our community and neighbors, and build confidence as we move forward together. 

Your support and collaboration are more vital than ever. Thank you for your commitment. 

Sincerely,

Tony Lowman
Provost

Kevin S. Koett
Interim Vice President of Student Life/Dean of Students 

Scott Woodside
Director, Wellness Center

As a reminder, employees and students must self-report potential COVID-19 symptoms or exposure through our online screening application every day. The screening can be completed by visiting daily-screening.rowan.edu. 

As of Monday, August 3, if you do not complete the daily screening before logging in to an application or system protected by the University’s single sign-on service, such as Canvas, Rowan Gmail and Google Drive, you will be prevented from accessing those resources until you have completed the screening. We will also be implementing additional measures, including direct emails, to remind students and employees to complete the mandatory daily screening. 

The screening consists of basic questions to help us ensure the wellness of students and employees. If you report potential symptoms of or exposure to COVID-19, the local tracing office for your campus will be notified via email for any necessary follow-up.  

Contact Information:
Office of the President, 856-256-4100

As Rowan University continues its gradual return to campus, we are now implementing a new daily health screening requirement and offering limited in-person student services on the Glassboro campus. 

As of today, Monday, July 27, employees and students must self-report potential COVID-19 symptoms or exposure through our online screening application every day. The screening can be completed by visiting daily-screening.rowan.edu.

The screening consists of basic questions to help us ensure the wellness of students and employees. If you report potential symptoms of or exposure to COVID-19, the local tracing office for your campus will be notified via email for any necessary follow-up.  

As of Monday, August 3, if you do not complete the daily screening before logging in to an application or system protected by the University’s single sign-on service, such as Canvas, Rowan Gmail and Google Drive, you will be prevented from accessing those resources until you have completed the screening. We will be implementing additional measures in the coming weeks to remind students and employees to complete the mandatory daily screening if they expect to be on campus. 

Limited In-Person Student Services in Glassboro
While we encourage students to continue to use phone or email to contact our offices whenever possible, we are now offering limited in-person services for students on the Glassboro campus. 

As of today, Monday, July 27, students who require in-person assistance from the Registrar, Financial Aid, Bursar, Residential Learning and University Housing, Admissions or Disability Services may visit Savitz Hall during normal business hours for help. The Chamberlain Student Center and the Wellness Center are also now open for limited in-person services.  

Starting Monday, August 3, the University Advising Center and other departments in Student Life will be available for limited in-person services in Savitz Hall. 

Please remember that employees and students are required to wear face coverings in all indoor public/shared areas on campus.

Building Access on Glassboro Campus
Access to administrative and academic buildings on campus, except for Savitz Hall, the Chamberlain Student Center and the Wellness Center, remain restricted during this phase of our reopening.

Employees who require access to buildings on the Glassboro campus must work with your division head to gain access. 

Thank you for your help in keeping Rowan University safe as we begin to welcome students and employees back to campus. 

Contact Information:
Office of the President, 856-256-4100

We can reopen! The Office of the N.J. Secretary of Higher Education earlier this week notified the University that we may proceed with our return-to-work plans. 

Please note that while the state and the University remain in Phase 2, we will have more employees than not working remotely. When we are in Phase 3, this will flip with more employees in the office than not (in accordance with health and safety guidelines). Please do not return to work, however, until consulting with your supervisor and following your divisional restart plan. 

Below are general guidelines from the Employee Guide to Returning to Work and links that may also be helpful:

• Return-to-Rowan user-friendly website

• Rowan’s official restart plan as submitted to the Office of the N.J. Secretary of Higher Education on July 1.

• A guide for Researchers and Labs 

Timeline for return:

• Week of July 27 – All Research, Administration and their offices, Financial Aid, Bursar, Registrar, Residence Life, Admissions, Advancement, University Relations, Finance, IRT, some Student Life (Testing Services, Disability Resources, RLUH) 

• Week of August 3 – HR, Audit and Compliance, Legal, Student Life (Advising, Chamberlain Student Center, Orientation, Military Service), University Events

• Week of August 10 – Some Athletics, DEI, Government Relations, Advising

•  Week of August 17 – If we are in Phase 3 – All other offices. If we are still in Phase 2 – Office of Career Advancement and Tutoring return; for all other offices, most employees will continue working remotely to ensure full operations to support the Fall semester start until we move into Phase 3.

A four-phase process
Phase 1: Only essential employees on-campus or in medical offices, and all other employees working remotely.

Phase 2: We are now in this phase. The University begins a staggered return to campus. Phasing in departments, as well as employees, will provide for the necessary in person support required to effectively prepare the campus for the return of students as well as the more effective implementation and refining of environmental and public health protocols.

Phase 3: Other staff return, but under restrictive guidelines. 

Phase 4: Return of faculty and students under guidelines to be developed and adapted as public health initiatives direct.

A safe working environment
Rowan has developed protocols to help ensure that reasonable measures are in place for a safe working environment. Although some apprehension is understandable, Rowan will implement processes to fairly and consistently review requests for accommodation in accordance with applicable law. 

In addition, Rowan has implemented measures throughout its campuses and facilities to protect its employees, students, and community.  Some of these measures  may be university-wide, and others may vary by department, depending on specific practical realities and requirements. These measures may include: 

• Staggered shifts

• Temperature scans

• Social distancing 

• Room-occupancy limitations

In instances where an employee feels that the applicable university or departmental measures taken to promote health and safety may not reasonably and adequately address the employee’s particular set of health-related circumstances, the employee may request from Human Resources  accommodation in accordance with applicable law or other modifications. 

These requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Policies and Training
Human Resources, in partnership with the Wellness Center, Facilities, Public Safety and others, will continue to revise policies and have developed training to ensure that employees understand processes, procedures and expectations.

Policies that have been and/or will be created or revised are as follows:

1. Sick Leave and Centralized Call-off Reporting, Attendance and Return to Work

2. COVID-19 Workplace Expectations

3. Accommodation and Leave Policies

4. Flexible Scheduling

5. Telecommuting

6. Return to Work Complaint Process

7. Ethical and Professional Requirements for a Safe Environment

In addition, all employees will be required to complete return-to-work training to ensure everyone understands the protocols and can work within the new workplace.

Screening, Testing, and Contact Tracing are Critical to safe return 
All employees and students who will participate in on campus activities, including on site employment or participation in classes will be expected to engage in daily monitoring of their health status to ensure that they are symptom free. The Wellness Center will provide medical oversight for tracking temperatures and symptoms for employees and information collected from the screening will be provided to Human resources to ensure call off and return to work processes are followed. Human Resources and the Wellness Center will engage actively with recovered employees before their return to work. All employee specific information collected in this process will be maintained with the strictest confidentiality.

Under the direction of the Wellness Center, plans are also in place to identify and recommend testing as appropriate.

The Wellness Center, on behalf of Gloucester County Health Department, has trained contact tracing specialists to provide investigation and communication with individuals who may have been exposed to a positive-testing individual. Individuals testing positive will be monitored for appropriate isolation or quarantine.

The Wellness Center will develop the appropriate policies and procedures to manage testing, data analysis, isolation and any change in levels of operations.

Workplace environment
A critical component in returning employees to work is an assessment of the work site and the implementation of processes and procedures, social distancing, protective equipment, engineering controls, enhanced cleaning protocols and building access control.

Below are rules currently being implemented. This is NOT an all-inclusive list and will continue to evolve as more scientific data is collected and operational planning occurs.

Social Distancing

• Occupancy will be restricted in the workplace as required for compliance. 

• Employees should remain at least 6 feet apart to the fullest extent possible.

• Signs will be posted reminding employees of social distancing requirements.

• Floor markings should be used to identify 6-foot parameters.

• Handshakes and physical contact are prohibited.

• Workstations, conference rooms, reception areas and common areas will be reconfigured to provide distancing.

• One-way directional traffic flow will be implemented in some locations.

• Common areas such as kitchens, community refrigerators and other break areas will continue to be reviewed for closure or adaptation. Employees should bring lunch and beverages from home rather than preparing them in shared kitchens. On-campus eateries will expand seating into tents and outdoor seating as the University opens.

• Sharing of phones, headsets, desks, etc. will be prohibited when possible. Adaptations and cleaning protocols will be implemented as necessary if sharing is required.

• Building access will be as limited as possible. 

• Elevator use should be restricted to those with accessibility needs and should be used in a manner that provides for social distancing.

• Meetings should occur via video. Any in-person meetings will require the use of approved table and desk configurations.

• If weather permits, in-person meetings and other activities requiring less social distancing should be held outside.

Enhanced cleaning and building maintenance

• Offices, restrooms, hallways, classrooms, etc., will be equipped with soap and sanitizer.

• There will be cleaning schedules for high-touch areas.

• Deep cleaning will occur. Staggered work schedules will assist Facilities and Environmental Services to schedule more focused cleaning in areas that have been used that day.

• HVAC filters will be changed frequently. 

• Structural barriers have been assessed and modified wherever possible.

• Touchless equipment will be provided where possible, such as soap and towel dispensers, garbage cans.

• Badge access will be implemented where possible.

• Work orders and cleaning will be scheduled to minimize contact.

Employee Safety
Protocols will be coordinated between Public Health, Environmental Health & Safety and Human Resources. The following requirements will be addressed:

• Face masks/cloth face coverings: Face masks or face coverings must be worn by all students, employees and visitors when indoors in common areas such as hallways, shared offices, kitchens, restrooms, classrooms, conference rooms, etc. Face masks are not required in private offices when an employee is alone and can manage the access to the room. They are also required outdoors when social distancing is not possible. 

• Employees will be required to document temperature and symptoms daily. A questionnaire will be available each day for employee completion.

• Sick employees are expected to remain home and to secure appropriate clearance prior to returning.

• Employees will abide by safety rules as outlined by Rowan in accordance with state and CDC guidance.

• Employees will abide by safety rules including building access, touch surface contact (i.e., time clocks, shared copiers, lab equipment)

• Employees will complete assigned training and follow policies and procedures as required.

Classroom and Laboratory Safety

• Classrooms and labs have been reviewed and prepared with signs to mandate the use of masks and social distancing measures. 

• Extra cleaning supplies will be provided in each area

Visitors
Guests are discouraged from visiting campus in the early phases of opening. Their visits should be scheduled in advance to prevent social distancing concerns. Visitor logs will be required.

Visitors to campus will be required to complete the screening questionnaire and may not visit campus if they demonstrate symptoms. 

Flexibility and Patience
We expect new health and safety information to continue to develop in the weeks and months ahead. It is critical that we remain flexible and seek to better understand how to protect everyone, especially the most vulnerable in our academic community and those around us.

If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources: HR@rowan.edu, www.rowan.edu/HR

Thank you for your commitment to work with us in what is sure to be a dynamic and evolving work-life environment.

Contact Information:
Office of the President, 856-256-4100

Dear Students, 

As our countdown to Fall 2020 continues, we know you have many questions about returning to campus and your studies, whether in person, remotely or in a combination. To help provide answers and share information, we’re presenting a series of Return to Rowan virtual information sessions to help you prepare for fall semester. 

Each Tuesday and Thursday from July 28 through August 27, University and student leaders will offer updates and information on specific topics. The sessions will offer guidance to help you start the school year with confidence and address concerns that many of you have shared with us already. As time allows, we will respond to participants’ questions. 

Please plan to join us Tuesday, July 28,  3:30 – 5:00 p.m., for the first session:

What to expect when you return to Rowan

• Health and wellness (general guidance, testing, isolation
• Academics (course options, classroom guidelines)
• Student success (advising, academic support)
• Student life (housing, dining, activities, athletics)

We will return to Rowan, as always, with your health and safety as our priorities. We are eager to help everyone explore new options, adapt to new circumstances and embrace new opportunities. Thank you for choosing to be part of the Rowan community. 

If you can’t participate at the scheduled time for the video series, visit Rowan YouTube to review the recorded sessions. Throughout the remainder of the summer we will also be hosting Instagram Story Q&A’s. Follow along to ask your questions.

Sincerely, 

Arielle Gedeon
SGA President

Kevin S. Koett, Ed.D.
Interim Associate Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students

PS - Parents and employees are welcome!

Return-to-Rowan Video sessions for students

July 30 – Housing/Dining

August 4 – Academic Affairs: What to Expect for Your Courses 

August 6 – Student Success: Advising, Academic Support, Career Services, and Disability Resources

August 11 – Business Days (what you need to complete in the next 3 weeks)

August 13 – Student Activities

August 18 – Athletics

August 20 – Life at Rowan in protecting against COVID (wearing masks, social distancing, classrooms, dining, activities, etc.)

August 25 – Wellness (last-minute updates based on current data and information)

August 27 – General questions