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Guidelines for a productive return to VCU
Once we return, the campus experience will be different than it was before the COVID-19 crisis. We all — the university, the students and the faculty and staff — have a role to play in fostering a safe return. It will be a phased return. Many details have been worked out, and many are still to come. This website will serve as your hub for information and resources.
Latest news and updates
- Weekly Update for students - Sept. 18: Testing options, daily health surveys, student orgs and more
- Weekly Update for faculty and staff - Sept. 18: Testing options, resources for working parents, flu shots and more
- Temporary academic regulation: Student absence due to COVID-19
- Message from the president - Aug. 24: Return to Campus and COVID Testing
- Message to students from Student Affairs - Aug. 21: Expectations and consequences
- VCU COVID Dashboard and safe behavior
- Welcome to fall 2020 from VCU Student Affairs
- Aug. 11, 2020: Permanent pass/fail grade policy for undergraduate students beginning fall 2020
VCU Return to Campus plan
See additional details about VCU's strategy for reopening in our Return to Campus plan. This plan has been reviewed by the State Council of Higher Education and has been found to be compliant in containing the required components of the "Higher Education Reopening Guidance," which was developed in consultation with the Virginia Department of Health.
Operational decisions
VCU’s Public Health Response Team (PHRT) and Incident Coordination Team (ICT) consistently review new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and VCU's own medical and science experts to recommend decisions about both safety protocols and university operations. The following data informs PHRT recommendations:
- The rate of positive tests at VCU
- The prevalence of COVID-19 in the VCU community vs. the prevalence of COVID-19 in the Richmond area
- Excessive demand for isolation/quarantine residence hall space
- Hospital capacity
- Test availability and result time
The PHRT follows the Outbreak Management Plan outlined on pages 12 and 13 of the Return to Campus plan. This plan explains how VCU would reduce campus activity in phases in order to manage any outbreaks in partnership with VDH. VCU is currently in Phase 4. VCU communicates changes in operations and safety protocols as decisions are made.
Daily health surveys
VCU students and employees are required to complete daily health surveys and can do so through their email, VCU Mobile app or if a residential student, the Kallaco app.
- Non-residential students: Complete your daily health survey at dailyhealth.vcu.edu or click CampusReady in your VCUMobile app.
- Residential students: Complete your daily health survey by logging into your Kallaco account or click CampusReady in your VCUMobile app.
- Monitor your health daily. Complete a daily health survey at dailyhealth.vcu.edu/ or click "WorkReady" in your VCUMobile app.
COVIDWISE app
COVIDWISE is Virginia’s official COVID-19 exposure notification mobile app. It uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to quickly notify users who have likely been exposed so you can reduce the risk of infection for your friends and family and help Virginia stop the spread.
LiveSafe app
LiveSafe app allows you to send VCU Police information 24/7 about crimes or ongoing incidents. You can send in photos, videos or audio files as evidence of what is occurring. VCU Police can also the app to send users messages about ongoing incidents or important safety tips. Tips submitted through LiveSafe are monitored by VCU Police dispatchers 24/7, just as all emergency calls at VCU are monitored.
Timeline
The last day of classes for both campuses will be Nov. 24. Final exams will take place after the Thanksgiving holiday, running from Nov. 30-Dec. 4 for the MCV Campus, and from Nov. 30-Dec. 7 for the Monroe Park Campus.
Health sciences and other students may be returning after Thanksgiving to resume their clinical placements and similar activities to which they are committed.
The fall 2020 academic calendar is available at https://academiccalendars.vcu.edu/default.asp.
Our priority is the safety of our students, faculty and staff while executing VCU’s mission. These principles have helped to shape our planning. Our guiding principles include:
- We will follow applicable Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and VCU Health guidance.
- We will evaluate and implement health and safety supplies and measures to support the phased return.
- We will encourage flexibility in addressing the needs of vulnerable members of the VCU and Richmond community.
- We will monitor the health of our community and respond promptly to any increase in infection rates consistent with the advice of medical and science professionals.
- We will be flexible to address new situations, including anticipated waves of COVID-19 and changes in requirements, guidelines and best practices.
VCU is committed to providing a safe, equitable and inclusive environment for all its employees, patients and students. Discrimination or discriminatory harassment is not only unlawful, it is harmful to the well-being of our university community. Our university’s core values, specifically those related to diversity and inclusion, have withstood many difficult situations and trying times, and they will not falter now.
Reports of discrimination, bullying, harassment and/or stereotyping of persons of color or those impacted by COVID-19 or otherwise, will not be tolerated. Be assured that VCU will make every effort to address and prevent the occurrence of unlawful discrimination and, if necessary, take prompt and appropriate action to remedy and prevent its reoccurrence. Every member of our community is asked to:
- Become familiar with the university’s policies on Preventing and Responding to Discrimination and Duty to Report and Protection from Retaliation in the VCU Policy Library.
- Consult with Equity and Access Services or VCU Human Resources for additional guidance on how to file a report of discrimination.
- Contact the Office of Institutional Equity, Effectiveness and Success (IES) on how to address and maintain a culture of inclusion.
- Encourage individuals who may need an ADA accommodation for a known or newly acquired disability, to contact the ADA/504 Coordinator in ADA Services.
- Bookmark and share information on university or community agencies that offer support or services, such as VCU’s Counseling Services or Ombudsperson.
- Explore training and educational opportunities on diversity and inclusion at IExcel Education and through the Office of Institutional Equity, Effectiveness and Success.
- Offer nonjudgmental support and empathy to those affected by current events and this health crisis.
The One VCU: Responsible Together plan outlines a phased approach to our return. VCU’s Task Force groups have been working together around the clock to develop plans and guidelines for a productive return. As guidance, best practices and circumstances change, changes in operations, modes of instruction and services at the university may be required. This site will be updated to reflect those changes.