Rowan University cancels in-person classes after boiler system failure at Glassboro campus

Breaking Foster mother charged in death of missing 10-year-old girl Rowan University Rowan University cancels in-person classes after boiler system failure at Glassboro campus Rowan University cancels in-person classes after boiler system failure WPVI By Trish Hartman Thursday, November 5, 2026 11:15PM Share GLASSBORO, N.J. (WPVI) -- Rowan University canceled in-person classes for the rest of the week after a boiler system that provides heat and hot water to many campus buildings in Glassboro, New Jersey, went down. The university is encouraging students living in affected residence halls to go home for the weekend if possible while repairs are underway. Some classes have moved online. Freshman Miracle Onyechere is heading home to North Jersey for a long weekend after dealing with cold showers. "I don't like it. I need my hot water. If I'm paying this much money, I need my hot water," Onyechere said. The university sent a notice to students and staff Wednesday announcing that in-person classes were canceled for the rest of the week. Freshman Christopher Peña said he was happy about the cancellation, even though some classes are continuing virtually. "I'm quite happy we don't have class, but we do have online Zoom meetings, so it's not like we're not doing anything. We still have work to do," Peña said. Katie Thorn, editor-in-chief of the campus newspaper The Whit, said problems with the heating system have been an issue this semester. "This is not a new issue for Rowan. This is just the worst it's been," Thorn said. Foster mother charged in death of missing 10-year-old girl in West Philly 1 minute ago Owners of Gone Rogue Girls Rescue in New Jersey charged after dog allegedly shot in the head 2 hours ago 77-year-old man says he was beaten in unprovoked attack in Ridley Township: 'I'm lucky to be alive' 2 hours ago Thorn said heating and cooling problems have affected a building she frequently uses. "The building that I'm in the most, there's issues with heating and cooling every single day. At the beginning of the school year, it was so sticky and so hot in every single classroom you could barely focus," Thorn said. Rowan University spokesperson Joe Cardona said the university is working to rent large industrial boilers to provide heat and hot water while the system is repaired so students can return to class as normal next week. Cardona said a longer-term solution is also in the works but will take years. The plan would involve smaller units that control individual buildings rather than relying on steam pipes running throughout campus. "To avoid that in the future - we have pipes and steam pipes running throughout the campus - is to make smaller units that control the buildings themselves. So if we do have these kinds of problems in the future, it'll be easier to repair, quicker to repair," Cardona said. Campus officials said affected buildings remain open for students who cannot go home. Students should plan to return to in-person classes Monday. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics EDUCATION GLASSBORO BOROUGH NEW JERSEY GLOUCESTER COUNTY ROWAN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE Dan Baker donates Phillies memorabilia collection to Rowan display Jason Kelce talks retirement, NFL Draft and Eagles future Rowan University receives $10M gift Rowan University holds annual Rosa Parks luncheon Watch Live ON NOW Foster mother charged in death of missing 10-year-old girl 1 minute ago Owners of Gone Rogue Girls Rescue charged after dog allegedly shot 2 hours ago Man, 77, says he was beaten in unprovoked attack: 'Lucky to be alive' 2 hours ago Major hazmat response in Upper Merion Twp. after gas pipeline struck 2 hours ago Dow plunges 1,800 points, wiping out gains from midterm results rally 3 hours ago AccuWeather: Soaking rain sets in Friday for most of us 1 hour ago Winning ticket drawn in New Jersey for $847M Powerball jackpot 1 hour ago Russell Brand has been convicted of rape and sexual assault