Approved chat platforms for Rowan business

To ensure compliance with updated guidelines from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Rowan University has updated our Acceptable Use Policy to require the use of a Rowan-approved platform when conducting official university business through chat or instant messaging. This rule applies to academic, administrative and operational discussions and supports the security, compliance and discoverability of our digital communications. 


Approved Chat Platforms

The  following chat platforms have been reviewed by the Office of General Counsel and the Division of Information Resources & Technology and are approved for use at Rowan University because the records created on these platforms can be archived and retrieved if necessary:

  • Webex: Webex is the preferred chat platform for Rowan University, is fully supported by IRT and has been approved for all data types, including confidential information. With the Webex App, you can chat in one-on-one or group conversations, make calls and join virtual meetings from one place while seamlessly switching between devices.

    Download the Webex App

  • Google Chat and Microsoft Teams: Google Chat and Microsoft Teams are also approved chat platforms that may store all data types. However, IRT does not provide support documentation or technical assistance for these platforms. We recommend you use Webex for the best experience.

Use of Non-Approved Chat Platforms

You may not conduct official university business on non-approved chat platforms, including, but not limited to Slack, HipChat, Telegram, Signal, Facebook, SnapChat, Instagram, iMessage and SMS tools.

If you are currently using a platform that is not approved to conduct university business, you must transition to an approved platform by Wednesday, May 15, 2024. 

You may use a non-approved chat platform for non-official University activities, such as informal faculty-student conversations outside the academic record and collaborative research with external entities responsible for their own Data Management Plans.  

When using a platform not approved by the university, you are responsible for ensuring that you do not transmit, store or process university-related business communications or sensitive, confidential or restricted university data on the platform. You are also responsible for troubleshooting any technical issues, as IRT does not support non-approved platforms. 


Where can I get more information?

Review our article on approved chat platforms for more details, as well as the updated Acceptable Use Policy. 

If you have any other questions, please contact the Technology Support Center at 856-256-4400, or submit a ticket in the Rowan Support Portal. You can also get answers to common questions in our Knowledge Base and our chatbot, Ask Susan, at any time.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to maintaining the integrity and security of our digital communications.


Melissa Wheatcroft, Esquire
General Counsel


Dr. Mira Lalovic-Hand
CIO & Senior Vice President