A message from President Houshmand: Planning for a return to campus

Dear University Community:

 

A few weeks ago, I recorded a video to encourage everyone in the Rowan community to persist and care for themselves amid the threat of the coronavirus. While I already was immensely thankful and proud of everyone’s effort to transition to remote learning, I knew we’d face some hurdles as we progressed to the end of the semester.

 

I’m writing today with three messages about what we’ve accomplished together and what we’re preparing for in the continued unknown:

 

You—students, faculty and staff—have done truly amazing things. If the COVID-19 pandemic hadn’t developed, we would have had plenty to be proud of at the end of a normal semester. But the crisis came to us and your creativity, commitment and compassion in confronting unexpected challenges gives me confidence and a deep sense of satisfaction. I hope you feel the same way about what you’ve accomplished so far.

 

Just as each of us adapted to address the pandemic’s threats, Rowan University has evolved as an organization. We transformed to meet this challenge and we are better because of it. We didn’t intend to provide fully remote learning, online advising and other services or virtual student activities. But we know how to do it and will use what we’ve learned to create an even more robust and agile academic community.

 

We are optimistically planning for the fall semester with face-to-face learning and a residential campus experience on our main campus while ensuring the health and safety of all of our students, faculty and staff.  Although that is our hope, we still do not know what lies ahead and we are diligently preparing for all scenarios so we will be ready to provide our students with the highest quality educational experience.

There’s something dynamic and powerful about being in a classroom for in-person instruction and on campus to build relationships. I assure you that Rowan University will always do its best to offer those experiences and regardless of the physical environment or schedule, will foster and support our community. And for those times when it’s imperative for public health and safety or more convenient or practical for students’ busy lives, Rowan will provide online, remote and hybrid learning options for earning a coveted Rowan degree.

 

For students who find the new remote learning process challenging, I assure you our faculty and academic advisors are committed to supporting you.Please reach out and allow them to help. In addition, our student success programs remain active and vibrant and are helping students thrive each and every day. The range of resources is amazing.

 

These times are unsettling for all of us. Still, I assure you that the Rowan community will keep pulling together, planning carefully and continuing to serve the public faithfully. 

 

Thank you for your patience and continued support. We will update you with news and  developments as soon as we can. Please continue to share your suggestions and comments with me at officeofthepresident@rowan.edu.

 

Yours truly,

 

Ali A. Houshmand, Ph.D.