Robust testing ahead for our health and safety

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: 

 

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.  

 

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. 

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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