Return to Rowan
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Rowan University is returning this spring to an on-campus living and learning environment. As always, the health and safety of the Rowan community is our top priority. Please see the frequently asked questions below to address commonly raised concerns. (UPDATED: Jan. 6, 2022)
1. What COVID-19 testing does Rowan offer?
On the Glassboro campus, Rowan University tracks daily screenings, symptomatic testing, mandatory testing of unvaccinated employees and students, contact tracing programs and voluntary asymptomatic testing.
2. Does Rowan have an asymptomatic COVID-19 testing program?
Free PCR testing is once again available to members of the Rowan University community who are asymptomatic for COVID-19.
Testing began on the Glassboro campus on Sept. 15, 2021, and consists of a self-administered shallow nasal swab. It's 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. Asymptomatic students and employees can undergo testing as often as they wish.
Prior to the first test, participants must register for an account with JCM (a registration web site). To register, go to the website, 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.
3. I'm a student who isn't vaccinated. What do I need to know about COVID-19 testing protocols?
Unvaccinated students are expected to wear a mask and are required to participate in weekly COVID-19 testing protocols.
Testing is done in the Owl's Nest (Chamberlain Student Center). The Office of the Dean of Students will manage the tracking and scheduling of testing.
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.
4. What happens if an unvaccinated student does not follow testing protocols?
The Office of the Dean of Students will hold students accountable, including removal from in-person classes, revocation of housing, and dismissal from the University in accordance with applicable University policy.
1. What are Rowan's vaccination rates?
Visit the vaccination rates page, which is updated frequently.
2. How is Rowan tracking students who are vaccinated or unvaccinated?
All students must submit proof of vaccination or must fill out a declination form that states they are opting out from taking the vaccine due to medical or religious reasons. Students who are unvaccinated must complete weekly COVID-19 testing and follow mask-wearing protocols. The Office of the Dean of Students will coordinate tracking and testing.
3. Will vaccinated students be required to quarantine if they are exposed to COVID-19?
No, but they will need to mask in all indoor public settings. According to CDC guidelines, if you've had close contact with someone who has COVID-19, you should get tested 3-5 days after your exposure, even if you don't have symptoms. You also should wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure or until your test result is negative. You should isolate for 10 days if your test result is positive. Please contact the Wellness Center, 856-256-4333, for additional information.
4. I want to get vaccinated. Does Rowan have any vaccination clinics on campus?
Yes. Vaccine clinics have been scheduled for the start of the semester and more will be added as needed. Refer to The Wellness Center for more information and to register.
In the meantime, vaccines and boosters are readily available at county vaccination sites and local pharmacies.
5. Does Rowan require vaccinated students and employees to receive a booster shot?
Although the University is recommending that fully vaccinated individuals receive the third dose, Rowan is not requiring it for either students or employees at this time. However, the University will change course if the state updates its requirements or if infection rates negatively impact our ability to operate.
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.
6. Has the "personal exemption" ended now that the Pfizer vaccine has full FDA approval?
Yes. Students who initially chose the personal exemption must now get vaccinated. Please read the Return to Rowan Aug. 23 update.
7. What steps are we taking to ensure that an unvaccinated student's religious beliefs are "sincerely held?"
Anyone requesting a religious exemption must submit a signed attestation that the vaccine violates the tenets of their religion. This accommodation is allowed under New Jersey health codes.
8. I've heard reports of people submitting fake vaccine cards. What steps are we taking to ensure the proof of vaccination is genuine?
All submissions are verified by Wellness Center staff.
1. What if a student is immunocompromised and unable to attend classes in person?
Students with a medical condition or disability that prevents in-person class attendance can contact the Office of Accessibility Services for information and assistance. Students are not to contact individual instructors to request this accommodation; all requests must be directed to the Office of Accessibility Services.
2. Are you considering making in-person classes "physical presence optional," so students can participate remotely?
No, but the University remains positioned to respond to government directives and public health conditions and maintains readiness for restrictions on in-person instruction should this become necessary.
3. Will the expanded Pass/No Credit grading option be available in spring 2022?
No. Please review the updated Grading System Policy.
4. Will faculty, advisers and other employees be permitted to require everyone in their classrooms and/or offices to mask if the University no longer requires it?
No. However, we are encouraging people to be respectful of others and wear a mask when asked to do so, particularly when in someone's office.
5. How will advising services be provided?
University Advising Services, peer tutoring, and success coaching will be available in person, with virtual options available. In addition, Rowan continues to support student well-being and academic success through extensive outreach via emails, phone calls, and text messages.
6. What should faculty/staff do if a student refuses to wear a mask in class?
Faculty should follow their normal classroom management protocols when working with a disruptive individual. Faculty members also should report a non-compliant student to the Office of the Dean of Students, deanofstudents@rowan.edu. The office will address the issue.
Anyone, including students, faculty, staff or other constituents, may report concerns or make recommendations with regard to COVID-19 through this online form.
7. How will field experience and student teaching work?
That will be determined by the type of activity and where it will happen.
8. If a student tests positive for COVID-19, will that student's classes close for two weeks of quarantine?
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.
9. How will faculty members know if a student has not registered their vaccination status or signed a declination form?
Faculty will receive a list of students in their in-person classes who have either not submitted proof of vaccination or completed a declination form. Faculty should ask those students to leave class and submit required documentation to the Wellness Center. Faculty will be notified once a student has completed their required documentation.
When information about vaccination compliance is shared with faculty members, the Dean of Students also will provide faculty with guidance on how to handle situations with students who have not submited proper vaccination documentation.
Prior to the start of class, all students will have been repeatedly notified by the Dean of Students that they are ineligible to attend class, live on campus or participate in activities because they have not submitted their documentation.
10. How will faculty be notified when a student in their classroom is in quarantine or isolation?
The Wellness Center staff will notify faculty when one of their students are in quarantine or isolation. This does not mean, however, that the entire class is to be isolated. The Wellness Center staff will notify and give directions to close contacts of the infected individual.
11. Will faculty have control over their own classroom modality to pivot as needed to hybrid instruction?
No. The Wellness Center will work with the faculty member and dean of the college to address any outbreaks and to take necessary steps to mitigate the situation.
Student Life/Housing
1. Can you explain this semester's dining options?
Students, faculty and staff have access to dining options University wide. Gourmet Dining has implemented operational changes that follow current NJ State and Board of Health guidelines with regard to food service, physical distancing and group gatherings. Although subject to change based upon real-time conditions and data, the following is a general outline for dining options.
In an effort to best meet the needs of the community, mobile ordering (Grubhub) has been expanded to incorporate all current dining locations, including the addition of advance order/to-go offerings from Glassworks Eatery at Holly Pointe Commons. Additional preventative measures designed to protect the community include the conversion of all self-serve dining options to full service and the temporary exclusion of reusable to-go containers and mugs.
Gourmet Dining continues to operate within the NJ State guidelines of safe food service at Glassworks Eatery at Holly Pointe Commons, The Market Place, Rogo and Prof's Place. Glassworks Eatery is open for both take out and dine-in services daily.
2. What will clubs and activities look like this spring?
Student organizations can resume in-person meetings. Virtual meeting technology remains available for hybrid meetings to accommodate both in-person and online students who are also encouraged to join clubs. Sport clubs have resumed practices and intercollegiate play.
Guidelines for in-person meetings on campus: If an entire club or organization is meeting indoors, everyone needs to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status. If a handful of group members meet in a room that allows for social distancing and everyone is vaccinated, no masks are required. However, if anyone in a group is unvaccinated, everyone needs to wear a mask.
Student programming can be viewed on ProfLink.
In the Rec Center, gyms and fitness classes, masks may be required in some circumstances. There are mask exceptions in place for activities that a reasonable person would conclude a mask is impractical and/or a danger.
Please follow the policies posted at each facility. Additionally, visit the Campus Recreation website for information on what to expect at the Fitness Center on Victoria Street and the Student Recreation Center.
3. I am an active military member. What do I need to know?
Deployed students receive support with enrollment and course completion options. Military students should speak with representatives in the Military Services Office for issues related to training absences, post-deployment quarantining, etc.
1. I'm an employee. Where can I find information about returning to Rowan?
Please visit rowan.edu/HR for additional information and FAQs.
2. Employees with young children must consider the possibility that schools will move back online or send students home to quarantine. Will Rowan show leniency if employees need to work from home or revert to teaching online in order to care for their children?
Employees should contact their supervisors and Human Resources for any accommodations. The University will continue to review and adjust policies as needed.
3. Will employees have the flexibility to adjust their schedules when their work can be completed from any location?
Human Resources has a detailed flex work-schedule plan that ensures the University's ability to best serve our students and colleagues. Employees should speak to their supervisors about flex-scheduling and they will explain the application and approval process.
4. Is there a centralized process by which all faculty and staff can request remote work assignments? What is the appeals process?
In June 2021, the governor rescinded the COVID accommodation providing for remote work when operationally possible. Therefore, all accommodation requests are processed in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA requires medical certification and an interactive process for consideration of accommodation requests. The ADA provides that an accommodation should be considered if it allows a person with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without undue hardship to the institution. The medical certification is required so that a fair and consistent process can be followed.
The process involves several different steps, including seeking clarification from the doctor, working with the supervisor and engaging the employee. No decision is made without the interaction of many parties. An appeal for reconsideration can be submitted to HR. The appeal process will depend upon the circumstances and who made the original decision.
Rowan has been proactive in developing a flexible work policy. There are universities in New Jersey that have either decided not offer it or are only studying the option at this time. The flex work policy provides for remote work in a manner that still provides for appropriate coverage for student and patient services.
5. Will the University purchase air purifiers for classrooms without windows or other rooms with little air flow?
The Facilities and Operations Department conducted a comprehensive review of building HVAC systems in spring 2020. Filters are regularly replaced according to standard health and safety protocols. Anyone who has a specific concern about a classroom should contact their supervisor or dean.
1. What should I do if I feel sick?
Employees with a coronavirus-related issue or concern should contact The Wellness Center and Human Resources by completing this form. Rowan students with COVID-19 issues or concerns should submit a Wellness Center Student COVID-19 Form and then contact The Wellness Center for guidance. Call 856-256-4333 before coming in. The center is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday.
Students who opt to see their own physician or obtain testing off campus should also notify The Wellness Center, so we can track cases and conduct contact tracing, if necessary.
2. How are classrooms, common areas and bathrooms cleaned and sanitized?
Classrooms and public spaces are cleaned and sanitized daily. Rowan's Facilities team installed plexiglass where necessary as well as sanitizer stations, wipes and spray. These products will be available so when a student leaves or enters a room they can wipe down their space. And, of course, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to wash their hands often throughout the day.
3. What will happen if a student tests positive for the virus?
Our plans are flexible and designed to accommodate a variety of needs based upon individual circumstances. When a student tests positive, we will connect with the student to gather important information related to isolation and/or treatment protocol.
Some students may elect to return home to see their family physician and get support from loved ones. Some will only need monitoring and their living arrangement may not require a change. Others may need to relocate to Triad for a period of time.
Triad Hall, a 218-bed hall on the main campus, has been designated for quarantining. Arrangements have been made with Rowan's dining vendor to provide food to anyone in isolation. Further, Rowan provides medical services, student services and virtual instruction to students in self-isolation.
As is always the case in emergent medical situations, Rowan will notify individuals that students list as emergency contacts if they become seriously ill. Cases will be handled individually and with the utmost respect for students' wishes.
If a positive case is identified and the affected student attended a classroom within three days prior to onset of symptoms, the students and professor will be notified that they were in a classroom with a known positive case, but present guidance does not call for further action.
If students have life circumstances that prevent them from completing their coursework, they should communicate with their professors and Dean of Students Kevin Koett, deanofstudents@rowan.edu. The University will work with the students to support them in their academic work until they can resume normal activities.
4. What do I need to know about Rowan's daily health screenings?
The University instituted a Daily Screening application to collect baseline information on wellness. Students and employees using Rowan networks are prompted to fill out a brief survey upon logging on each day.
5. I'm feeling anxious about COVID-related issues as I return to campus. Is there someone I can speak to?
Yes. Visit The Wellness Center online to find resources or to make an appointment. The center offers therapy and support groups, workshops, pet therapy and "Chill and Chat" sessions.
6. How will the University community know when there's been a confirmed case on campus?
In public health, we must protect the public while also protecting confidentiality.
After we learn about a confirmed case, we do an immediate investigation with that individual. We conduct a thorough assessment to find out who that person has been in contact with, including at meetings, labs or activities, as well as the individual's partners or friends, and any other risk factors that may contribute to the spread of the disease. Close contacts are individuals who are within 6 feet of the positive case for more than 10 minutes.
When a close contact is identified, that person is contacted and a phone investigation is done with that person, as well.
If a student has attended a class, the professor is notified that the student will be out due to isolation or quarantine—the faculty member will not get specific information regarding an infection. If the professor is considered a close contact, the instructor is notified as such and given information and guidance on what to do.
If, after the investigation with the contact, there's a risk we cannot quantify or we are uncertain if others may be exposed, we will make a broader notification including the time and specific location where it may have occurred. But that will not be a regular occurrence.
You can track confirmed positive cases on campus on the Return to Rowan web site.
7. Will the recreational facilities be open this year?
Yes. They observe standard cleaning protocols and, depending on the number of individuals in the spaces, may need to institute mask requirements at a given event/time. Fitness equipment is spaced three to six feet apart. For operational hours, visit the Campus Recreation site.
8. What are the quarantine and isolation protocols for both vaccinated and unvaccinated students and employees?
Vaccinated individuals who are exposed to COVID-19 do not need to quarantine but they should wear masks for two weeks from exposure and seek out a PCR level test five days after exposure. Unvaccinated individuals must report their illness to the Wellness Center (856-256-4333) by completing a Student COVID-19 Form. Staff will contact students and provide guidance about quarantine requirements, testing and assist with contract tracing.
Employees with a coronavirus-related issue or concern should contact the Wellness Center and Human Resources by completing this form.
9. I have health-related circumstances. Who do I contact for accommodations?
If you are a student, contact the Office of Accessibility Services.
If you are a Rowan employee, contact the Office of Employee Equity for more information.
10. Do I need to be vaccinated if all of my classes are fully remote?
No. If you are a fully remote student, do not live on campus and do not attend campus activities, you are not required to be vaccinated.
1. What do I need to know about masks?
The University has extended its mask mandate in all indoor public settings until further notice.
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.
2. Will masks be available for those who need them on campus?
We recommend students, faculty, and staff come to campus with a mask. See https://www.rowan.edu/returntorowan/documents/mask-usage-guidelines.pdf for tips on safely wearing and cleaning your masks.
A limited number of reusable Rowan fabric masks are available for students, faculty, and staff at the Chamberlain Student Center Information Desk during operating hours while supplies last. Event hosts also have disposable masks available at many large campus events.
3. Where are people allowed to not wear a mask?
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.
4. Can I ask someone to wear a mask in my presence?
One of Rowan's strongest attributes is collegiality between colleagues and students. There will be individuals who wear a mask this year for a variety of personal reasons, including for the safety of loved ones or themselves. We ask the University community to respect people's concerns and wear a mask if asked to do so.
5. Will masks be provided to faculty to give to students who may come to class without one?
No. Students who arrive to class without a mask should be asked to obtain one from the Student Center Information Desk.
6. Can faculty/staff enforce appropriate types of face coverings?
No. They may, however, require masks to be worn properly over the nose and mouth. Face shields are not acceptable by themselves.
7. Does Rowan require a certain style of face mask?
Except in clinical settings, Rowan does not specify any type of mask. All masks must cover the nose and mouth to be effective.
8. How does the indoor mask policy relate to eating and drinking? Are there designated eating/drinking areas or buildings?
Unless further indoor restrictions become necessary, eating and drinking indoors in established dining and public gathering areas will continue. Masks must be worn when one is not eating or drinking. Outdoor spaces will remain open and available.
9. Will masks be required in campus recreation centers, gyms, and fitness classes?
Yes, in some circumstances. Please follow the policies posted at each facility.
Note, there are mask exceptions in place for activities that a reasonable person would conclude a mask is impractical and/or a danger. Physical activity is one of those exceptions. As an example, a person who is swimming would not be expected to wear a mask. Similarly, a person running on a treadmill may not be wearing a mask. Instead, we will work to ensure that machines are a reasonable distance from each other as a risk-reduction measure. Furthermore, participation in recreation in Rowan facilities is a personal choice (as opposed to a required activity). As a result, we will post signs and information that will share that certain activities may preclude people from masking.
1. Has Rowan considered charging unvaccinated students and employees a surcharge for testing, as done at other institutions?
We consider testing to be a critical component of keeping Rowan safe and healthy. Test kits are subsidized using federal funds. Employees work the clinics as part of their normal job responsibilities.
2. Will Rowan allow students to claim medical or religious exemptions to the COVID vaccine if they have already received other vaccines?
There are many differences with medical conditions, religious beliefs, and vaccination reactions. As examples, an individual may have an allergy to an ingredient in one vaccination and not others. Similarly, a person may hold a religious tenet that impacts one decision in life and not another (or which may differ from another person of the same religious beliefs). The Wellness Center will review the exemptions it receives pursuant to its process.
3. Can professors change the way they manage their classrooms if there's a known COVID-19 exposure or infection?
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.
1. Has the University studied airflow and ventilation rates?
The Facilities and Operations Department conducted a comprehensive review of building HVAC systems in spring 2020. Filters with increased MERV ratings were installed throughout all buildings and are regularly replaced according to standard health and safety protocols. Also, buildings with labs use 100% outside air. Non-lab building air handler units have been modified to allow maximum outside air as conditions permit.
Glassboro Neighbors
1. How is Glassboro working with Rowan on pandemic related issues?
Glassboro and University leadership meet weekly to discuss a wide variety of topics, including infection rates and protocols. As was done in academic year 2020-2021, Glassboro and Rowan will continue to co-host virtual community meetings to update the public.
2. How will the University enforce its standards and public health orders?
Rowan developed an Acknowledgment of Responsibility that students must complete after receiving educational materials related to COVID-19. Compliance expectations have been included in the Student Code of Conduct.
We care about our students and we want them to be successful. We are also committed to holding students accountable. If students don't comply with those standards, they may be asked to leave the Rowan community.
Residential students both on and off campus are receiving personal visits from our Dean of Students to remind them of our expectations. We're also working closely with Glassboro and Gloucester County law enforcement officials.
3. What is the expectation for students living off campus?
Every student is expected to adhere to the University's Student Code of Conduct, as well as local and state public health orders. We have identified and are monitoring all students coming in from states with significant community spread of COVID-19.
4. How is the University handling fraternities and sororities?
We are working diligently with our student organizations, including our fraternities and sororities. We will hold them accountable.
5. How will the University report information about infections, including about testing and tracing?
We're reporting the number of confirmed cases we've identified here.
6. Will Glassboro High School students be able to attend their Rowan classes?
Yes, they can take courses in the offered format.
Student Guide for Returning to Rowan
An Employee Guide to Returning to Work
Screening, Testing & Contact Tracing
Enhanced Cleaning Protocols
Rowan University Travel
Visitors & Vendors
Virus Info Website
IRT Support
Info for Researchers & Labs
Event Guidance
Confirmed Positive COVID-19 Cases at Rowan University
Vaccination Rates
University Updates