Rowan has been actively planning for policy changes that could affect the University community and our research and teaching mission. In addition to establishing a University-wide committee focused on reviewing and evaluating major impacts to higher education, such as federal policy changes, Rowan is also actively monitoring the status of research funding.

For more information, visit our Federal Research Funding Updates page. For questions about changes affecting international students, visit our Know Your Rights page.

The Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) from the Department of Education does not change applicable law. Rather, the letter is a statement about how the agency will implement and enforce the laws under its purview.

Rowan is a public entity and, as such, does not engage in illegal discrimination based on race, color or national origin. Rowan will continue to review the DCL and additional guidance to determine whether policies or practices should be modified.

We have an obligation to the entire Rowan community, particularly to our students and employees, to make sure our work can continue. Failing to comply with the law could jeopardize student financial aid, federally funded research across a range of disciplines and projects, as well as continuing employment for our employees. As such, we will remain focused on our mission of educating our students, and will modify policies and practices as necessary to ensure compliance with federal law.

As described in the Statement of Principles, Rowan remains committed to academic freedom. The free exchange of ideas on campus is essential to quality education and research. To achieve its potential, Rowan must provide academic freedom to allow and support inquiry. We will continue to foster an environment where students and scholars can create new knowledge and challenge conventional wisdom in any field—art, science, religion, politics and others—without fear of reprisal.

Rowan remains committed to supporting our students and creating an environment where all members of our community can thrive. Rowan is a public entity in the state of New Jersey and is subject to the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender, sex and sexual orientation, among many other protected classifications. Rowan will ensure that its campuses remain free from discrimination and that all members feel welcome.

For specific concerns, contact:

• The Wellness Center
• Human Resources
• Office of Social Justice & Belonging

Students, faculty and staff who have F-1/J-1 nonimmigrant visas should contact the International Center with any questions or concerns. For employees whose immigration status is based on their Rowan employment, please contact the Office of the General Counsel at (856) 256-5110 or legalreview@rowan.edu

Those with other types of visa concerns, independent from the University, are encouraged to contact an immigration attorney. Additional resources can be found here.

Rowan also offers a wealth of student wellness resources. Please visit The Wellness Center for more information. Faculty and staff can find assistance through Human Resources.