Rowan Sets COVID Vaccine, Testing Policies Ahead Of School Year

Unvaccinated students and staff will be required to wear masks and get weekly COVID-19 tests when they return to in-person classes at Rowan University this fall, the university announced.

That may not be many, though, as the university has said its “vaccination incentive programs are progressing nicely.”

“As of yesterday (Tuesday), 77.5 percent of our students taking in-person classes either submitted proof of vaccination or a declination form,” the university said in a statement. “Of the 77.5 percent, 84.5 percent submitted proof of vaccination and 15.5 percent completed the declination form and opted-out due to medical, religious or personal reasons.”

Among only students who will live on campus, 87.3 percent have either submitted proof of vaccination or submitted a declination form. Of the 87.3 percent, 87 percent submitted proof of vaccination and 13 percent opted out due to medical, religious or personal reasons.

Everyone will have the chance to get vaccinated during a pair of upcoming clinics. They will be held:

• August 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chamberlain Student Center (Owl’s Nest)
• August 23 and 27-30, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the South Jersey Technology Park

Pfizer and J&J vaccines will be available. Anyone over the age of 12 is eligible. However, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. These clinics are open to students, employees and the general public. Registration is not required.

“Please note, students may only opt out of getting vaccinated for personal reasons while the vaccines are under emergency use authorization,” university officials said. “Once the FDA gives its full approval for use, students must either vaccinate or submit a declination form claiming medical or religious exemption.”

Classes begin Sept. 1. Before then, Rowan faculty will receive a list of students in their in-person classes who have not completed their required documentation relating to their vaccination status, officials said.

These students will not be allowed to attend in-person classes until they have submitted their required documentation. Additionally, students will not be allowed to attend classes or live on campus without submitting proof of vaccination or a declination form.

Students who submit a declination form are required to wear a mask when indoors in public spaces, and will be required to participate in weekly COVID-19 testing protocols, which will begin Sept. 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.

Students who live on-campus will be tested before moving in. Those who test negative will be able to move in to their dorm rooms. Those who test positive must isolate, either at home or in Triad Hall, the residence hall used for isolation and recovery last year.

Those who do not comply will be removed from in-person classes, have their housing privileges revoked and be dismissed from the university, in accordance with applicable university policy, officials said.

“The Office of the Dean of Students will oversee tracking and monitoring of students throughout this process,” officials said. “Faculty should not directly address students about their vaccination status; they should refer these issues to the Dean of Students to address through the correct process.”

On the main campus and in non-medical, school-related facilities, wearing a mask indoors remains optional for those who are vaccinated. The university strongly recommends that vaccinated people wear masks in:

• Crowded indoor settings, such as classrooms
• 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
• Settings where an individual is immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease (the immunocompromised individual should mask, too)

Employees have been encouraged to submit vaccination records through an incentive program. Employees who provided proof of vaccination have been entered into the employee incentive program weekly drawing and were eligible for a special work scheduling.

Employees who have not provided proof of vaccination are required to 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 effective Sept. 1.

“As we move closer to the fall semester, university leaders will continue to make decisions to keep our community and neighbors safe and healthy by following the recommendations of the experts in the fields of infectious disease and health care,” officials said. “Please continue to do your part to keep yourself, your family, and your community healthy. We are looking forward to finally welcoming every one of you back to campus as we work together to ensure a productive and rewarding academic year for all.”