Rowan Extending Spring Break To Prep For Coronavirus

GLASSBORO, NJ — Rowan University is extending spring break so staff can prepare for the possibility of remote learning due to coronavirus fears, university officials announced on Monday.

No one at the university tested positive for the new coronavirus, but officials said they want to be prepared in the event classes have to be moved online. No official decision about this had been made as of Monday afternoon.

Spring break will be extended through March 27 to allow faculty time to convert course content to be delivered virtually (i.e., Webex), officials announced on the university’s website.

“All assignments and projects for in-person courses that are due the week of March 23 are now pushed back to the week of March 29,” officials said. “Existing online courses will not be affected, and will follow their planned schedules. Although we are extending spring break a week, we are not extending the semester.”

With the extended break, class registration will now be pushed back to the week of March 29, according to officials. Officials advised anyone who can return home for spring break to do so.

“All resident students will receive a text message from the Office of Residential Learning & University Housing, which will allow you to report your plans,” officials said. “All approved student and Athletics trips will go on as planned over spring break. The University will remain open and operations will continue as usual.

“We understand that news about COVID-19 and the precautionary measures the University is taking can be stressful for some individuals. Whether it’s for mental or physical health concerns, students should request accommodations of their professors.”

Earlier in the day, Princeton University announced that it would be moving classes online at the conclusion of its spring break. Read more here: Princeton U Begins Virtual Instruction Due To Coronavirus Concern

The New Jersey Department of Health has partnered with the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System to open and operate a call center (1-800-222-1222) for public use regarding questions, concerns, and other information related to coronavirus spread in New Jersey. More information is also available on the state's coronavirus webpage.