A Rowan student was recently shot with a BB gun off campus just a block away from school grounds, according to the most recent Rowan Timely Warning.
The student did not report any injuries, suspects, or identifying information other than a white SUV, according to the alert. It also directed students to send any information to the Glassboro Police Department.
The alert also mentioned that the incident took place close to 315 W. High Street, which is only 393.7 feet from the academic building, 301 High Street, according to Google Maps. This academic building houses Rowan’s Art Gallery and numerous classes for students in the College of Communications.
Because of the close proximity to the university, the alert was sent out quickly. According to Rowan Director of Public Safety, Reed Layton, public safety is more inclined to send alerts out quickly when the incident occurs within walking distance from campus.
“When it’s closer, you know, it’s close enough to our perimeter, we send it out right away. But by Clery Law, you [we] don’t have to, but it’s close enough that a couple steps is a big, you know, we were right next door here,” Layton said.
In the past, students have found Rowan’s alerts to be confusing or vague. There have already been several safety alerts sent out to students this year, like the shooting on Carpenter Street in January and another off-campus shooting that took place back in September.
This alert specifically provided students with information about the suspect vehicle and the status of the investigation which has allowed some students to feel more informed.
“It’s nice having more information…sometimes the more it is, the more it scares you, but also the more knowledge the more informed you are,” said Annika Smith, a junior computer science major.
On the other hand, some students still feel as if the definition of an “off-campus” incident can be unclear.
“They claim that the Barnes & Noble is right on campus, but then if it’s in a bad connotation, [they claim] it’s off campus. That’s extremely, you know, that’s mixed messages. That’s something that they should either stick to, ’cause that’s a short walk from any of the main buildings,” said Lauren Sorrento, a junior majoring in liberal studies.
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