Returning to Rowan Update, Aug. 3

Returning to Rowan Update, Aug. 3

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August 3, 2021
Over the past week, the Centers for Disease Control and Gov. Murphy have issued pandemic-related recommendations. With less than a month before classes begin on the main campus, it is important to reiterate Rowan’s position on safety protocols and requirements.
 
Please be mindful that infection rates are rising and that the situation remains very fluid. We assure you, however, that University leadership, including our own health care and infectious disease experts, are following the development of the virus and its variants closely and we will make decisions based on experts’ recommendations in an effort to keep our community and neighbors safe and healthy. 
 
These are the guidelines in place as of today:
 
Wearing masks
Because both medical school employees and students regularly come in contact with people and/or patients who are in clinical settings, all medical school employees and students must wear a mask when indoors in public spaces, whether they are vaccinated or not.
 
On the main campus and in non-medical, school-related facilities, wearing a mask indoors remains optional for those who are vaccinated. Following recommendations from the CDC and Gov. Murphy, we strongly recommend that vaccinated individuals mask in:
  • Crowded indoor settings
  • Indoor settings involving activities with close contact with others who may not be fully vaccinated
  • Indoor settings where the vaccine status of other individuals present is unknown
  • Where an individual is immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease (the immunocompromised individual should mask, too)
All unvaccinated individuals must wear a mask when indoors in public spaces or when in the presence of others. Unvaccinated students will be required to be tested for COVID-19 weekly starting September 1. The Dean of Students will manage testing for unvaccinated students. Human Resources will work with the Wellness Center to schedule employees. Unvaccinated employees may be required to test more frequently depending on their work assignments.
 
As always, vaccinated individuals—employees, students, vendors and guests—are welcome to wear a mask. We encourage everyone to respect and support each other’s decisions.
 
Vaccinations
All students are required to be vaccinated. Students may opt out for medical, religious or personal reasons (while vaccines are under emergency authorization use) by completing a declination form. Students who submit proof of vaccination by the August 7 deadline can receive up to a $1,000 credit to their semester bill (read more for details). Students who do not submit either proof of vaccination or a declination form will be subject to account/course holds and will not be able to move into campus or affiliated housing.
 
Employees who show proof of vaccination will be entered into the employee incentive program weekly drawing (submit proof). Employees who do not show proof of vaccination must follow mask mandates and will be required to be tested at least once a week. All employees who have not submitted proof of vaccination or who have not received an exemption will be considered “unvaccinated” for testing purposes.
 
Vaccinations  are readily available at all major pharmacy chains and through Rowan Medicine. Vaccinations remain the single most effective way to fight COVID-19 and reduce its effects if exposed or infected.
 
Be prepared for change
Experts do not believe infection rates are headed in the right direction. If rates continue to rise locally, Rowan is prepared to institute other health and safety measures. We will monitor closely New Jersey and CDC public health protocols and develop responses in the best interests of our community and neighbors. What happens in the fall depends on our actions now. In the meantime, the best guidance we can provide to lower personal risk is for everyone to receive a vaccination and wear a mask.
 
We have made it through the past 18 months by relying on data and rallying together at every turn in the pandemic's course. With so much ground gained and so much within reach, we can't relent. Stay vigilant. Encourage those around you to mask, get vaccinated and take precautions on behalf of the most vulnerable. And please show support and compassion especially to our first responders, essential employees and frontline workers. As always, together, we can make a difference. 
 
For more information, please contact:


Contact Information:
Office of the President, officeofthepresident@rowan.edu