Navigating Rowan University: A Comprehensive Guide to the Campus Landscape

Rowan University, a public research university located in Glassboro, New Jersey, has a rich history and a vibrant campus environment. Founded in 1923 as Glassboro Normal School, the university has grown significantly over the years, now encompassing five campuses and offering a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. This article will explore the university's history, key locations, resources, and how to navigate its evolving landscape.

A Historical Overview

Rowan University's journey began in 1923 when it was established as Glassboro Normal School. This institution aimed to address the shortage of trained teachers in New Jersey. Glassboro was selected as the location due to its accessibility via passenger rail and the donation of 25 acres of land by local residents.

Over the decades, the institution underwent several name changes, reflecting its expanding role and offerings:

1923-1937: Glassboro Normal School
1937-1958: New Jersey State Teachers College at Glassboro
1958-1992: Glassboro State College
1992-1997: Rowan College of New Jersey

A pivotal moment arrived in 1992 when industrialist Henry M. Rowan, Jr., and his wife donated $100 million to the college. This donation, then the largest single gift to a public college or university in history, led to the institution being renamed Rowan College of New Jersey. The gift was specifically intended to establish a College of Engineering, enabling the college to broaden its academic scope. In 1997, Rowan achieved university status, a recognition of its expanded curriculum and doctoral degree programs.

Exploring Rowan's Campuses: An Interactive Journey

Rowan University offers an interactive virtual map that allows prospective students, current students, and visitors to explore its five campuses. This virtual tool provides a self-guided experience with over 60 different locations, offering a closer look at academic buildings, residence halls, and the bustling downtown hub. The interactive experience includes 3D virtual tours, photos, and videos, providing a realistic depiction of campus life.

Read also: Rowan's Tuition Guide

Key Locations and Landmarks

Navigating a university campus can be initially confusing. Here are some key locations and landmarks to help you find your way around Rowan University:

Bunce Hall: This historic building marks the original site of the Glassboro Normal School, where the first class of students arrived in 1923.
Chamberlain Student Center: This is the central hub for student life, offering a variety of dining options such as the Owl's Nest restaurant, Saxby's, Grill Nation, Jersey Mike's Subs, Freshens, Sono, Crust, Chef Jet, Smoked, Breakfast & Co., Bowl Life, Pop Up, and the Marketplace convenience store. The Information Desk at the Chamberlain Student Center provides directions and other useful resources to students, parents and any other visitors on campus.
John Page Memorial Field at Coach Richard Wackar Stadium: This is the home of the football, field hockey, and track & field teams.
Esbjornson Gymnasium: Here you'll find the basketball, volleyball, and swimming & diving teams.
Rowan Soccer and Lacrosse Complex: This is where the women's lacrosse and the men's and women's soccer teams play.
South Jersey Technology Park (SJTP): Located on the West Campus, this park serves as an establishment for science and technology companies, as well as academics.
Welcome Center: Located at the end of Rowan Boulevard, staff members know the layout of campus.

Campus Resources and Support

Rowan University offers various resources to support students' academic, personal, and social development:

Rowan Radio 89.7 WGLS-FM: This award-winning radio station has been a part of the campus since 1964.
Rowan Television Network (RTN): A student-run closed-circuit television station that provides 24-hour content to the students of Rowan University.
The Whit: The campus newspaper since 1938, covering school news, student life, Rowan sports, and entertainment.
Avant: A student-led literary magazine that compiles undergraduate poetry, short stories, photos, and artwork in annual fall and spring issues.
Image: The annual Rowan yearbook.
Halftone: An online magazine focusing on entertainment and pop culture.
At My Whit's End: A zine published by the Writing Arts Club.
Student Government Association (SGA): Oversees various chartered clubs and organizations, including the Rowan Television Network, the local PRSSA, the Rowan College Republicans, the Rowan Democratic Club, and The Student University Programmers (SUP).
PROS (Peer Referral and Orientation Staff): PROS members are trained on how to answer questions from new students and families, including where buildings are located!

On-Campus Housing

Rowan provides housing for over 6,500 students in 13 University owned housing complexes and 5 affiliated housing units. Full-time, non-commuter students are required to live in on-campus until the completion of their sophomore year, and are thus guaranteed on-campus housing during this time. Students have a choice between halls, apartments, or townhouses. There are seven freshman residence halls and five for upperclassmen.

Safety and Security

Rowan University is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its students, faculty, and staff. In response to past incidents, the university has implemented various security measures, including a 14-point plan proposed by the President after the 2007 Farrell's murder.

Navigational Tips

Take a Campus Tour: Even if you are already committed to Rowan, taking a campus tour is a great way to get to know the campus and have questions you may have answered. Rowan is currently offering guided personal and multi-family campus tours, as well as self-guided audio tours.
Associate Landmarks with Buildings: Try to associate certain landmarks on campus with certain buildings.
Look for Signs: There are signs in front of buildings telling you their names, as well as signs around campus pointing you in the direction of other buildings.
Route 322 (Mullica Hill Road) bisects the campus.

Transportation and Directions

Rowan University is located in Glassboro, New Jersey, approximately 18 miles southeast of Philadelphia. Here are directions from various locations:

Read also: The Evolution of Rowan's Brand

From the NJ Turnpike South: Take Exit 2 and take Route 322 East. At the first traffic light (3 miles) turn right and then bear left (.4 miles) to stay on Rt. 322. Continue on Rt.
From Philadelphia (Walt Whitman or Benjamin Franklin Bridge): Take I-676 South toward Atlantic City. Shortly after I-676 becomes Route 42 South, exit right onto Route 55 South. Take that to exit 50A (Glassboro-Mullica Hill).
From I-95 (Commodore Barry Bridge): Take Route 70 West to I-295 South. Follow I-295 to Route 42 South (Atlantic City). Exit Route 42 South onto Route 55 South. Follow that to exit 50A (Glassboro-Mullica Hill).
From the Garden State Parkway: Take the Atlantic City Expressway to Exit 38 (Williamstown).
From I-95 North (Delaware Memorial Bridge): Take the NJ Turnpike North to Exit 2 and take Route 322 East. At the first traffic light (3 miles) turn right and then bear left (.4 miles) to stay on Rt. 322. Continue on Rt.

A Thriving Academic and Athletic Environment

Rowan University has a strong academic reputation, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is also home to 18 sports teams that compete in the NCAA Division III New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC). The sports teams have achieved success on a national level, with notable championships in women's field hockey (2002), men's basketball (1996), and men's soccer (1981, 1990), and baseball (1978 and 1979).

Rowan University Today

As of the fall semester of 2017, Rowan University had an enrollment of 15,401 undergraduates and 2,045 graduate students from 38 states and 34 countries. The university continues to evolve, with ongoing developments and expansions aimed at enhancing the student experience and academic offerings.

Read also: Learn about Section Tally

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