Stay focused, stay healthy

As we head into the final few weeks of the fall semester, it’s important to stay focused on staying healthy. Doing so not only impacts your own health, but, also, the health of the entire Rowan community, your family members and friends. 

Wear a mask
Rowan’s confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 remain low thanks, in large part, to diligent mask wearing. The University’s mask mandate remains in effect until further notice.

Rowan follows CDC and state guidance and is requiring all students, faculty and staff, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks in all classrooms, lecture halls, laboratories, and other crowded, indoor public spaces. 

Small groups of vaccinated individuals (i.e.: study groups, colleague meetings), however, may continue to meet unmasked if social distancing is achievable and if the group agrees to the arrangement. Unvaccinated individuals should continue to wear masks, regardless of group size.

As flu season heats up and the pandemic continues to affect communities, it’s crucial to stay vigilant about wearing a mask.

Get vaccinated against COVID-19
COVID-19 vaccinations are safe and effective and reduce your risk of getting the virus and its potentially severe complications. For the most protection, it’s important to get all recommended doses of the vaccine. The Moderna and Pfizer inoculations are two doses. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is one dose.

Additionally, if you have risk factors outlined by the CDC and have had the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, it’s recommended that you get a third vaccine dose or a booster shot (half dose). If you’ve had the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, a full booster is recommended for everyone over age 18.

Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson booster shots are available on Rowan’s Glassboro campus every Monday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Owl’s Nest of the Chamberlain Student Center. Vaccines are free and walk-ins are accepted.

Get tested
Free asymptomatic PCR COVID-19 testing is available to anyone in the Rowan community every Wednesday and Thursday on the Glassboro campus. Testing is from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Owl’s Nest in the Chamberlain Student Center.

The test, which is completely voluntary, is a self-administered shallow nasal swab. Data gained through asymptomatic testing complements the Daily Screening, symptomatic testing, mandatory testing of unvaccinated employees and students and contact tracing programs we have in place, giving us another tool to gauge COVID-19 cases.

Prior to the first test, participants must register for an account with JCM (a registration website). On the website, click on “forgot password,” enter your Rowan email and follow instructions to complete registration. The QR code necessary to get tested and check out can be found in the registration card tab.

Results from the test will be posted on the JCM site usually within 24-48 hours. 

Get your flu shot
The flu shot isn’t just for older people or those with health issues. Everyone should get a flu shot. It’s the best way to protect yourself and others against the flu and its potentially serious complications.

Free flu shots are available at Rowan every Monday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Owl’s Nest in the Chamberlain Student Center. No appointment is necessary. Shots will be available through Thanksgiving.

Seek Help
If you or someone you know are feeling overwhelmed and would like to talk with a counselor,  please call the Wellness Center at 856-256-4333. Crisis counseling is available 24/7. The Wellness Center is open for walk-in appointments Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to  6:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Commit to being healthy
The more each of us stays committed to making healthy decisions, the more we thrive as a community. As always, thank you for helping to keep Rowan University safe.

Contact Information:
Scott Woodside MSN, MBA, RN
Director for the Wellness Center
woodsides@rowan.edu
856-256-4333