Return to Rowan Update: Personal declination option ends; Campus-wide mask mandate instituted

As we count down the days until the semester begins, our community’s health and safety remain our priority. With pandemic threats continuing, we will keep relying on public health and medical experts to guide us as we respond, adapt and do our best to protect each of us in the Rowan family and our neighbors. 

Personal declination option ends

Earlier today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it has given Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine full approval for those age 16 and older. While the vaccines were under emergency use authorization, Rowan University has been allowing unvaccinated students to decline vaccinations based on either medical, religious or personal reasons. Students who chose “personal” as the reason to decline did so knowing the option would end once a vaccine was given full FDA approval.

As of today, Aug. 23, Rowan University will no longer accept personal declinations. Students who chose the personal declination option have until Sept. 1 to submit a declination form demonstrating a valid religious or medical exemption or until Sept. 7 to submit proof of their first dose. Students who receive the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccines must show proof of their second dose by Oct. 7.

Incentive program extended

As an extra incentive to students still unvaccinated, the University will extend eligibility for the student vaccination incentive program until Sept 1. Full-time students will be able to receive a $500 credit to their accounts (plus $500 for residential students) after proof of their second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. (Only one dose is required of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.) Part-time students are eligible to receive a prorated amount depending on their course load. 

Student accounts on hold

As of Sept. 7, students who have not submitted proof of vaccination or have not requested an exemption for valid religious or medical reasons will be in jeopardy of having their accounts put on hold, removal from residence halls (if applicable) and eventually, removal from the University. Faculty will receive a list of students who have not submitted proof of vaccination or a declination form. These individuals will be referred to the Dean of Students Office, where they will have to submit appropriate documentation before being allowed to attend classes. Students can submit proof of vaccination or a declination form at the Wellness Center website. 

Expanded mask mandate

In an abundance of caution, the University will extend its mask mandate starting Sept. 1 to all indoor public settings until Sept. 14. Small groups of vaccinated individuals may continue to meet unmasked if social distancing is achievable and the group agrees to the arrangement.  

Please remember, some people might feel uncomfortable being around unmasked individuals. Many vaccinated individuals choose to wear masks for their own safety or for the safety of their loved ones. If you are asked to wear a mask, please do so.

After the first two weeks of classes, University leadership will review infection rates for the Rowan community and determine if the broader mask mandate should remain or be modified. 

Virtual information session this week

The Office of the President will host a virtual information session via WEBEX on Thursday, Aug. 26, at 3 p.m. Members of the Emergency Operations Team will provide an in-depth update on all facets of our continuing pandemic preparedness. Please email questions and/or topics you would like addressed to officeofthepresident@rowan.edu by Aug. 26 at 10 a.m. This will help panelists incorporate them into their presentations. In the meantime, please visit the Return to Rowan website for answers to questions you may have, recent University updates and more.

Hopeful and cautious

Everyone is eager to move past pandemic protocols and restrictions and we look forward to sharing better news soon. Until then, please do all you can to protect yourself and those around you. The Rowan community has proven to be resilient, innovative, generous and kind since this global health crisis began. As we start the semester, we know that conditions will change, possibly from day to day. Through it all, hopefulness and caution go hand-in-hand. 

Sincerely, 

Ali A. Houshmand, Ph.D.

President