Planning for a safe and healthy new year

December 16, 2021

With the close of the semester days away and employees and students headed for well-deserved time with family and friends, it may be easy to let our guard down and forget to be vigilant as the pandemic continues. The omicron COVID-19 variant, however, reminds us that Rowan’s currently low infection rates can quickly change.

To help ensure a safe and healthy return to campus in January, please keep in mind the protocols we have in place and how we are preparing for the months ahead:

The University pandemic planning team will continue to closely track local and state infection rates and follow CDC, American College Health Association and state guidance and mandates. What happens at other institutions and regions is important to consider, but may not reflect what is happening here or how we should respond for our communities.
New students and employees are required to submit proof of full vaccination or have an approved exemption. There will not be an incentive program for students in the spring semester. Unvaccinated individuals who have been granted a medical or religious exemption must comply with mandatory weekly testing protocols.
Students and employees, regardless of vaccination status, will continue to be required to wear masks in all classrooms, lecture halls, laboratories, and other crowded indoor public spaces. Small groups of vaccinated individuals (e.g., study groups, colleagues’ meetings), however, may continue to meet unmasked if distancing is achievable and the group agrees to the arrangement. Unvaccinated individuals, even with approved exemptions, will be required to wear masks, regardless of group size.
Free asymptomatic testing (PCR testing, using a shallow nasal swab) will again be offered every Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Owl’s Nest on the first floor of the Chamberlain Student Center, on the Glassboro campus. Employees and students are welcome and encouraged to make the tests part of their regular routines, regardless of whether or not they have had possible exposure to the virus.
The daily online screening form, symptomatic testing, mandatory testing of unvaccinated employees and students, and contact-tracing programs will remain in place, giving the University several tools to gauge COVID-19 rates.
Triad Hall will continue to be reserved for individuals in quarantine who have no other residence options.

A third dose

The CDC, the state and our own health officials recommend that all vaccinated individuals get a third dose—a booster shot—of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, or a second dose for those who received the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The University will be offering these for free at clinics throughout the spring semester. In the meantime, booster shots are readily available at county vaccination sites and local pharmacies.

Although the University is recommending fully vaccinated individuals receive the third dose, Rowan is not requiring it for either students or employees at this time. However, we will continue to monitor the guidance and recommendations and change course if the state updates its requirements or if infection rates negatively impact our ability to operate.

Covid and flu symptoms can confuse

The top three symptoms of the flu and the omicron variant (coughing, nasal congestion and fatigue) make distinguishing between the two viruses difficult without a test, but both are contagious, so please stay home if you feel sick. Vaccination is the best defense against both viruses. The Wellness Center administered 1,450 flu shots this semester and will continue to hold clinics throughout the spring.

Focused and flexible

Rowan’s pandemic planning team continues to meet weekly. Our strategies and everyone’s efforts kept the pandemic relatively at bay (see rates) for the fall semester, but we understand that the situation can change rapidly. Flexibility will continue to be the key to continuity and a successful academic year.

We’re each responsible for keeping Rowan safe and healthy. Thank you for taking care of each other and your community by continuing to follow public health recommendations.

For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the Return to Rowan website.

Respectfully,

Tony Lowman
Provost

Terri Drye
Vice President for Human Resources

Kevin S. Koett
Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students