Rowan College Expanding On-Campus Capacity As Pandemic Wanes

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — Rowan College at Burlington County is adding more on-campus seats for the fall semester as coronavirus transmission rates continue to decrease, the college announced on Tuesday.

“On-campus courses have been filling more quickly than our online courses, which sends a strong signal that students are ready to get back to normal,” Rowan College at Burlington County President Dr. Michael A. Cioce said. “Celebrating graduation on campus in May in front of thousands of smiling faces provided us all with energy, enthusiasm and excitement for a broader return. I cannot wait to see our classrooms filled again.”

The number of seats will increase, and the college said it will remain in compliance with all relevant state and federal guidance.

“The increased on-campus capacity meets the increased demand from students, and they will fill quickly,” Cioce said. “If you’re looking to return to an on-campus environment this fall, don’t wait. Register yesterday!”

The college will host a virtual information session at 6 p.m. Thursday evening. The Return to RCBC session will help students make the transition for the fall. Clickhere to register.

Certain second-year students who will be taking courses on-campus for the first time this fall are also eligible to participate in a special registration/orientation VIB (Very Important Baron) event on June 22 and 23.

“We appreciate the extra effort made by our instructors over the past year to support us online and many students are thrilled to build upon that spirit with more on-campus classes and Student Life activities this fall,” Student Government Association President Christina Scillieri said. “I can’t wait to be back on campus to engage with fellow students in ways that support our vibrant learning community.”

The college had been planning to run courses at 50 percent of classroom capacity. However, the state continues to reopen as the number of daily new coronavirus cases and deaths continues to drop.

On Monday, Gov. Phil Murphy referred to the emerging cases and deaths as a “pandemic of unvaccinated individuals.” Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ Has COVID Pandemic Of Unvaccinated Individuals

About 0.06 percent of New Jersey's fully vaccinated persons have contracted the virus, New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said. There have been 1,319 so-called "breakthrough" cases of COVID-19 since vaccinations began in New Jersey in December, Persichilli said. Those who do experience breakthrough cases also report less severe symptoms, Persichilli said. Read more: How Effective Is The Coronavirus Vaccine In NJ? New Data Released

Amid this news, Rowan College at Burlington County’s COVID Task Force which includes representation from Public Safety, Health Sciences, Faculty, Facilities, Academic Leadership and most administrative areas of the college, recommended the expansion.

The college’s broad return to campus kicked off in May with five graduation ceremonies held over three days with participation from the classes of 2020 and 2021. Cumulatively, among the on-site attendees and live stream and virtual ceremonies played on social media, Rowan College at Burlington County officials said they set a college record with 15,000 people viewing commencement this year.

With reporting by Tom Davis