For students
It takes each of us acting responsibly together to promote safety in our learning, work and living environment. We appreciate the input we have received from students, families, faculty and staff so far and it continues to help shape planning efforts. The VCU Return to Campus plan follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Virginia Department of Health, city and VCU Health guidance. To be together means we are responsible together.
Required Responsible Together course
All new incoming students are required to complete the Responsible Together Course by the time you arrive on campus for move-in, on-campus classes or to access any activities on campus. This course is available in Canvas for all students who are registered for at least one semester course. Visit the Responsible Together Course information page for details and how to access the training course.
Masking: As of March 21, 2022, masking is voluntary indoors and outdoors on campus, with the exception of classrooms, clinical settings, and health system facilities. VCU’s Public Health Response Team continues to strongly encourage masking for individuals at risk for severe COVID-19 infection. Community members who wish to wear masks are also encouraged to do so — we must all continue to treat one another with kindness and respect. For more information, see the masking FAQ.
Vaccines: COVID-19 vaccination and boosters, when eligible, are strongly encouraged for VCU students. Students who are dually enrolled with VCU Health System must continue to follow health system vaccination requirements. Unvaccinated individuals are more likely to become infected and hospitalized compared to those who are vaccinated. Vaccinated-yet unboosted individuals are also at risk for breakthrough infection and possible hospitalization. For more information, see the vaccine FAQ.
Monitor your health
Students should not report to on-campus classes or activities if experiencing symptoms of or testing positive for COVID-19. Call 1-804-MYCOVID or 1-804-692-6843 to connect with Student Health about testing, isolation and quarantine. Inform your faculty that you will not be reporting to on-campus classes or activities. You are not required to disclose a reason.
Additional details and information
There are no longer physical distancing requirements, density restrictions or masking requirements for indoor or outdoor events.
Supplies are made available for free at vending machines throughout both campuses. For details, see the “Supplies” section on the Public Health Measures page.
Student success remains the core of the VCU mission and our goal is to provide resources to help new and returning students successfully navigate academic life. For example:
- Computer access scholarships
- "Are You Ready for Online Learning" module
- 24/7 student support for online and blended learning
- Keep on Learning website, including resources and academic for a strong semester
- Keep Pursuing Your Goals website, including resources related to academic and financial advising
- Early Alert Reporting and student self-referral
- Home network troubleshooting
Student international travel, including study abroad, is currently operating with the following restrictions:
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- Per CDC guidelines, individuals who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 should refrain from all university-sanctioned international travel, including, but not limited to, study abroad and international exchange programs.
- Student international travel in U.S. Department of State Level 1 and 2 countries is permitted. All students must coordinate university-sanctioned international travel plans through GEO and follow all GEO registration requirements and CDC guidance for international travel.
- Student international travel in U.S. Department of State Level 3 and 4 countries is prohibited, but an exception will be considered by petition to VCU’s International Travel Advisory Committee (ITAC). The committee will make the final decision. Students should work with GEO to petition and register their travel if granted an exception.
- Student international travelers must:
- Follow CDC guidance for international travel and follow general public health considerations such as handwashing, cleaning/disinfection and respiratory etiquette.
- Follow all airline and destination entry requirements, such as testing, vaccination, mask wearing and quarantine. Students should be aware that if they do not follow the destination's requirements, they may be denied entry and required to return to the United States. Students should check with the Office of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Health or the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Country Information page for destination-specific entry requirements.
- Enroll in VCU's international health insurance plan with Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) to cover health care and emergency evacuation while abroad.
- Students who are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 should discuss their international travel plans with their health care provider.
“Student international travel” includes all university-sanctioned international travel engaged in by admitted undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree- or certificate-seeking students including credit- and non-credit-bearing experiences; this includes group and individual international programs and experiences facilitated by the Global Education Office (GEO),by other units, or undertaken independently by an individual student as a part of their education.
Students may face unpredictable circumstances accessing medical care if they get sick or injured in their host country. Routine health care and emergency medical services may be impacted by COVID-19 at the destination.
VCU will continue to monitor guidance from the CDC, U.S. Department of State, and Virginia Department of Health, as well as the destinations’ offices of foreign affairs and ministries of health to make recommendations regarding student international travel and VCU’s programs abroad. In the meantime, students are encouraged to explore virtual global learning program options and visit the Navigating COVID-19 Abroad website for ways they can maintain momentum in planning their study abroad experience.
Review the latest guidelines for personal travel as well as university-sponsored travel. Students residing in VCU residence halls should contact University Student Health Services and refer to the Residential Life and Housing website for additional self-quarantine and isolation requirements.
VCU Parking and Transportation offers several long-term and temporary parking accommodations for students. View details at parking.vcu.edu/parking/students.
Learn about the safety measures GRTC and VCU shuttles have put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Navigating the anticipated stressors of daily life can often be challenging enough. When unexpected stressors emerge or when we are faced with uncertainty, it can be tough to know how to cope. Try out some of these tips and resources for health and wellness to see if they are a right fit for you.
VCU recognizes that some students who previously did not need Section 504 Academic Accommodations, and who have a qualifying condition or disability, may now need support or assistance.
The university recognizes that some students who previously did not need Section 504 Academic Accommodations, and who have a qualifying condition or disability, may need support or assistance during the return to campus process. A modified approach for the temporary and more permanent need for accommodation has been developed and implemented to provide students with full access to programs and activities related to their academic majors. Because every case is different, student requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please share your need for an accommodation with the Student Accessibility and Education Office, or for MCV Campus students, the Division for Academic Success, after you have worked directly with your faculty member.
Visit the Admissions & Aid website for details on virtual tours, info sessions and chats with current students as well as everything you need to know about joining the Ram family.
There are hundreds of details involved in each of these measures and considerations. Your input is very helpful as we plan for the return. Climatext, a real-time data collection tool developed by VCU Information Technology and the Division for Inclusive Excellence, is part of the university’s proactive monitoring and response plan to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Climatext gauges the sentiment of faculty, staff and students through a series of “pulse” surveys, which include short prompts or questions designed to provide a high-level snapshot of thoughts and feelings about a particular topic at a particular moment in time. Register with Climatext.