Making careful progress together

Dear Rowan community,

Together, we planned and prepared for the fall semester, balancing caution and optimism, flexibility and safety. Together, so far, we’ve had a strong start and promising results, thanks to everyone’s collaboration, creativity and vigilance.

As we continue to examine COVID-19 health statistics on a daily basis, we are relieved and grateful to report that our infection rates are trending down. This is good news for every member of our community and it allows us to move carefully and thoughtfully to the next step in our semester plan.

More in-person instruction to begin
Until now, we’ve had approximately 17 percent of classes meeting in person, mostly in studio and lab courses. As the rate of new confirmed cases continues decrease, we will be adding more in-person opportunities to our hybrid and remote options. Starting Monday, Sept. 28, we plan to increase in-person instruction incrementally. Following our plan, every aspect of our progress will be measured and implemented with utmost caution.

Faculty who choose to return to in-person activity will notify their students so they can decide if they’d like to attend physically or continue with remote instruction. Everyone who returns to a Rowan facility will find reminders about health and safety. Everyone will be required to comply with requirements for wearing face coverings, limiting distance and density.

Athletics and recreation
Starting Oct. 5, Athletic teams will begin training together and the Fitness Center is scheduled to open. Staff and students in all Athletics and recreation facilities must be vigilant about health and safety, especially with indoor activity. We will spend next week working with the individual teams to review their safety plans and help ensure they are prepared to welcome students.

Proceeding carefully, prepared to reverse
At any point, if we see our infection rates rising, we will roll back in-person instruction and activity. Our plan is robust and practical, designed to flex week-by-week, given various conditions. Our plan also depends on people to follow it. We can’t let down our guard. We must keep health and safety as our priority.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our community. We’re hopeful and eager about our progress. We look forward to more good news as we take next steps.

Sincerely,

Tony Lowman
Provost

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