Ensuring we are inclusive to all

As Rowan responds to recent changes at the federal level, the University has an opportunity to intensify our efforts to provide high-quality, accessible and affordable education for all our students. As we review possible changes to policy, we are committed to ensuring that any changes we make are fully aligned with our core values and that every aspect of our work supports the success of our student body.

We recognize that navigating these shifts may create uncertainty, but we are confident this process will help us strengthen the inclusive and student-centered environment that defines Rowan University. 

We are working to ensure compliance with a number of policy shifts at the federal level, and we would like to provide more information about one change many people in our community have been discussing. As we shared recently, on Feb. 14, the Department of Education issued a Dear Colleague Letter stating how the agency will enforce civil rights laws under its purview. 

Using the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, the department has determined that certain “diversity, equity, and inclusion activities” which provide benefits based on membership in a protected classification, such as race, are a violation of federal law and must cease by Feb. 28. All schools that receive federal funding are affected by this interpretation of existing law.

As a New Jersey public institution, Rowan University does not use racial preferences in admissions, hiring, scholarships and scholarship administration. We are in the process of examining our programs, structures, policies and communication to ensure they are inclusive of all.  

Reorganizing to meet federal guidelines

Effective immediately, Rowan has reorganized and realigned the departments within the former Division of Inclusive Excellence, Community & Belonging. The changes are being made so they fully align with federal guidance while ensuring uninterrupted support for all students.  

Penny McPherson-Myers has been named vice president of the new Division of Student Access & Pathway Programs. The division will provide support services, including CHAMP/GEAR UP and Upward Bound for English Language Learners. Janelle Alexander and Brett Pulliam will continue to report to Penny McPherson-Myers as assistant vice presidents over the Student Access and Pathway Program areas, respectively.  

Accessibility Services, led by John Woodruff, and the Center for Neurodiversity, led by Chiara Latimer, are now fully part of the Division of Student Affairs and University College, under the leadership of Rory McElwee. 

Led by Dominique Pierson, the new Center for Belonging & Student Engagement will be part of the Center for Well-Being, which is under the leadership of Kha’ Sadler.  

Naima Hall, of Rowan-Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences, will become the assistant vice president for Wellness Inclusivity in the Rowan Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, reporting to Dr. Anne Jones, assistant dean of Student Affairs.

We are committed to retaining our employees while strengthening existing student support programs. Our leadership team is working to address these changes with input from across the institution. Our colleagues in these departments were notified of these changes earlier this week. 

Feb. 28 deadline

Because the Dear Colleague Letter allowed institutions two weeks to comply with federal guidance, we are implementing the structural changes effective immediately. However, we will continue to work with our colleges and divisions to fully examine all our programs and update our websites to ensure our structures, policies and communication are clear and inclusive to all.  

For more details on how our operations will be affected, please refer to the questions section on our “Addressing federal policy changes affecting our community” webpage. 

If you have additional questions, please send them to the appropriate division vice president or email officeofthepresident@rowan.edu 

Thank you, as always, for your patience and understanding as we work to make sure Rowan University abides by federal policies, while maintaining our mission. 

Very truly yours,

Ali A. Houshmand, Ph.D.

President

Anthony M. Lowman, Ph.D.

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs