Rowan University is not just requiring students to get the COVID-19 vaccine … it will give them as much as $1,000 to get it.
The university said this week that it will incentivize the vaccines for all full-time students who live on campus, in affiliated housing or attend classes in person. Those students who show proof of vaccination before July 31 will get a $500 credit to their fall 2021 course registration bill — and a $500 credit toward their housing bill if they are a residential student.
Part-time students will receive a pro-rated credit based on the number of courses they take, and students who have already been vaccinated are also eligible, the university noted.
“Our message today is simple: We believe the path to normalcy is through widespread vaccination, and we want our entire community to commit to reaching the goal of widespread vaccination,” Rowan President Ali Houshmand said in a prepared statement. “If we work together, we can reach this goal and offer the Rowan University experience that our students and employees deserve.”
The school said students may opt out of the vaccination requirement in accordance with guidelines for the emergency use authorization of current vaccines, but it said residential students who are not vaccinated will be required to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing. (Certain vaccinated students may also be required to undergo testing, as well.)
Rowan also said it is working on employee incentives, in compliance with union regulations.
