Students: Vaccination incentive program Q&A

Students: Vaccination incentive program Q&A

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May 7, 2021
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 Aug. 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.
 
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 starting May 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.