Message from President Houshmand: We hear you and share your concerns

Dear Rowan Employees,

Last week, we announced that masks will be required until Sept. 14 in classrooms, lecture halls and laboratories, regardless of vaccination status. 

We understand this action has raised questions from members of our community—from those who oppose masks and those who believe we should mandate them through the semester. We value the feedback and recognize how difficult these times have been on everyone.

To reiterate our rationale, we made the decision based on the current infection rates in surrounding counties and the fact that the CDC and the state strongly encourage mask-wearing in large group settings, regardless of vaccination status.  

With students arriving to our campuses from communities throughout the state and beyond, the Emergency Operations Team believes requiring masks in all classrooms, lecture halls, and laboratories for at least the first two weeks of the fall semester will provide the University time to better evaluate this situation. This two-week mask requirement also gives us time to pivot to meet any rising on-campus infection rates, if necessary. 

We achieved great success last year because of our close adherence to CDC and state guidance, our consultation with medical and public health experts and our ability to adapt and adjust to the pandemic. The situation and our responses have been—and continue to be—fluid.  

We will continue to monitor the caseload on campus and will extend the two-week mask requirement, if necessary. 

In the meantime, we recognize some people might feel uncomfortable being around unmasked individuals, including in offices and other small-group settings. Many vaccinated individuals choose to wear masks for their own safety or for the safety of their loved ones. One of Rowan’s hallmarks is our collegiality. In smaller group settings and in one-on-one interactions, if you are asked to wear a mask, we encourage you to do so.  

Vaccinations work
We know the first line of protection against COVID-19 is vaccination. While our vaccination rates for students are promising, some students still have not submitted either proof of vaccination or a declination form. Please note, there is a personal exemption option while the vaccines are authorized for emergency use, but that will no longer be the case once the FDA fully approves any of the vaccines. 

Below are our current vaccination rates. 

Students:

• 89.8% of residential students have submitted either proof of vaccination or a declination form. Of that number, 85.5% are vaccinated and 14.5% submitted a declination form.
• 81.1% of students taking in-person classes have submitted either proof of vaccination or a declination form. Of that number, 83% are vaccinated and 17% submitted a declination form. We still need to hear from 19% of the students, however.

The University continues to contact students who have not submitted proof of vaccination or a declination form. We expect to have nearly 100 percent reporting by Aug. 30. Enrollment totals will fluctuate slightly until mid-September, however. Students who do not submit documentation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including removal of classes and housing, and possible removal from the University.

Employees:
There is no mandate for state employees to be vaccinated, but it’s important that we have an accurate accounting of our vaccination rates. We ask individuals who have not submitted proof of their vaccination status to do so immediately. Doing so will give us a better understanding of the level of protection across the University. 

Below are the reported employee vaccination rates. We know we can do better and we ask you to help us improve these rates by getting vaccinated.

• Vaccination Verified: 2750
• Vaccination Unverified: 1020
• Percentage: 73%
  
  
• Adjuncts: 50%*
• AFT: 83%
• CWA: 78%
• IFPTE: 54%
• Management: 91%
• Part time: 42%*
• Public Safety: 56%  

*Documentation is still being collected as positions are hired and classes assigned

As a reminder, all unvaccinated employees are required to wear masks in all public indoor settings and will be required to be tested at least weekly, beginning Sept. 1. 

Virtual information session
The Office of the President will host a virtual information session on Thursday, Aug. 26, at 3 p.m. Members of the Emergency Operations Team will provide an in-depth update on all facets of pandemic preparedness. In the meantime, regularly visit the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Return to Rowan website for the latest updates. An invitation to the meeting will be emailed to the University community shortly. 

Returning, together
As we’ve seen from incidents nationwide, the subjects of masking and vaccinations can become hot button topics in communities. We encourage all of you in our Rowan community to demonstrate care for yourselves, each other, and our respective extended families. Stay respectful and supportive. Stay determined, flexible and kind. 

Together, we start a new school year. Together, we stay committed to our shared future.

As always, please feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions with us at officeofthepresident@rowan.edu.

Thank you,

Ali A. Houshmand
President