Latest updates

COVID-19 is a rapidly changing situation. Based on our values and the science, the administration has determined that we will begin a phased on-campus opening of the university in June, starting primarily with the health sciences schools and college and research faculty, staff, and trainees, and culminating with the official start of the fall semester Aug. 17. Visit the One VCU: Responsible Together website for information.

June 3 University Update from VCU President Michael Rao

When we moved to a remote experience more than two months ago, we promised to update our students regarding Fall 2020 plans by early June. For all of us, the world has changed in profound ways during these two months, but we know you need to move forward with making personal plans and understanding what to expect as we come back together this fall.

Based on our values and the science, the administration has determined that we will begin a phased on-campus opening of the university in June, starting primarily with the health sciences schools and college and research faculty, staff, and trainees, and culminating with the official start of the fall semester Aug. 17.

The full message and details about the phased opening is available at together.vcu.edu.

Nondiscrimination policy

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.

This is a rapidly changing situation, and we know you have questions. We are working to answer those questions and will be communicating with you directly on an ongoing basis as plans and procedures are finalized.

VCU’s Incident Coordination Team and VCU Health System’s Coronavirus Task Force are working together around the clock to monitor and update response plans.

We remain in close contact with the Virginia Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and continue to take proactive steps to ensure the health and safety of our students, patients, faculty and staff.

In the meantime, this site is updated at least once a day and includes the latest university actions, information, and recommendations. VCU Health also maintains a COVID-19 website that includes frequently asked questions and additional resources.

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