Emergency Response and Communication Protocol

If there is an emergency or disaster reported to the Rowan University Communications Center, the Rowan police will be immediately dispatched to investigate. The Rowan Police Department is normally the first to arrive, evaluate, and assess the scene. Once the emergency is confirmed the officer determines if additional resources may be needed to mitigate the emergency. If resources are needed the officer in charge will notify the Senior Director of the Rowan Police Department and make the support request. If the emergency is of a magnitude, that disrupts any, or all functions of the University, the Director, in turn, will notify the President's Office and advise them of the circumstances surrounding the emergency. If necessary, the Director will have the Communications Center initiate emergency communications to the University community.

If there is an imminent threat, the officer in charge can notify the community without consulting the Director or the President’s office. The emergency notification must be delivered without delay. Health and Safety are the most important determinant factors when evaluating a threat and initiating an emergency message. The Rowan Police Department generally issues a text alert with emergency messaging and safety instructions. Although this is the fastest way for Rowan Police to reach the community, University Relations has the ability to initiate other methods to support the notification process.  

Communication Methods Used During an Emergency

Rowan uses a variety of methods for mass notification to the university community. If the situation deems it necessary, Rowan University will continue to update the university community via;

• Text-Message Alert System
• Email
• Voicemail
• Rowan's homepage (www.rowan.edu)
• Media (radio, television and newspapers)
• Group meetings
• Social Media