COVID-19 latest updates
As we all work diligently to ensure that faculty, staff, student, parent and community questions are answered, multiple resources have been developed and are being updated continuously.
Remote teaching resources
- Keep on Teaching: Remote teaching resources for faculty
- Keep on Learning: Remote learning resources for students
- Keep on Being Well at VCU
To assist you in working remotely, Telework at VCU offers a collection of software and resources that enables work and collaboration off-site.
Pass/Fail grade option
Because of the unprecedented circumstances surrounding the spring 2020 semester, VCU is offering a flexible grading policy to better accommodate our students and offer the best opportunity for their success. Learn more about the temporary Pass/Fail grade option »
Resources
To see a list of resources available by topic, select a header below to expand:
March 27, 2020 Best Practices for Teaching Remotely with Zoom Support for International Students Fall 2020 or full-year study abroad Student reimbursements for spring 2020 All university academic advisors will be fully functioning through “remote” methods (Zoom, Google Hangout, phone, etc.). All academic advisors are updating their emails to reflect multiple ways of how to contact them and advisors continue to encourage all advisees to make appointments with them via their Navigate platform. VCU has mandated that all students studying abroad during spring 2020 return to the U.S. as soon as possible. Students have been instructed to work with their host institution to determine if online coursework is available. If this is not an available option through programs or host institutions, students have been instructed to inform their study abroad advisors immediately so that they can assist in connecting students with the appropriate offices at VCU that will work to ensure students' continued full-time enrollment at VCU for the remainder of the spring semester. All announcements related to commencement on May 9 can be found at the VCU Commencement website. The following tools and resources can help you navigate experiential learning activities during COVID-19: Accessibility Arts Co-curricular activities (virtual) Community partnerships Curated discipline-specific examples Discussion of a shared text General High impact practices Internships Sciences/labs Support for Student Learners Moving Online Teaching online (How NOT to overwhelm students in a time of disruption) Moving online quickly Synchronous Instruction RAMmalogues a program by the Office of Institutional Equity, Effectiveness and Success - is hosting a virtual forum for faculty and staff as well as students. As the coronavirus outbreak creates distance between us, we believe it is still important to stay connected, check in with our peers and have a discussion about the emotional, mental and social impacts of COVID-19. Have you heard, seen and /or experienced feelings of exclusion related to COVID-19? Has your VCU experience changed as a result of the Coronavirus? These and other topics of conversation are hosted in a virtual dialogue by RAMmalogues - a braver/safer space for all to talk with each other about their social identities and lived experiences at VCU. Dialogues encompassing race, gender, class and similar themes are led by trained facilitators provided by Kimbrough Consulting and Richmond Action Dialogues. Students can register to receive a Zoom video conference link by registering for the March 27, 2020 session from noon-1:30 p.m. Faculty and staff can register to receive a Zoom video conference link for the RAMmalogues special session taking place on March 30, from 8-9:30 a.m. Virginia Commonwealth University remains committed to promoting a culture of inclusion for all its employees, patients and students. Discrimination or discriminatory harassment is not only unlawful, but it is harmful to the wellbeing of our university community. We are aware of the news reports regarding bullying, harassment and stereotyping of Chinese Americans and persons of Asian descent in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19). There is no place for this sort of behavior, especially not at VCU. Our university values, specifically those related to diversity and inclusion, have withstood many difficult situations and trying times, and they will not falter now. Please be assured that VCU will make every effort to prevent the occurence of unlawful discrimination and, if necessary, take prompt and appropriate action to remedy and prevent its reoccurence. Every member of our community is asked to: Visit the Division for Inclusive Excellence's social media accounts at:
A new guide on best practices for teaching with Zoom and other video conferencing tools has been developed to help faculty more easily avoid potential FERPA violations, particularly as it pertains to recordings.
International students and their faculty and advisors with questions can find resources at the Global Education Office's COVID-19 page, which includes links to immigration services as well as contact information for support on other issues related to remaining in Richmond, travel and health. They can also reach out directly to the director of international student and scholar programs, Amber Bennett Hill, at abennett@vcu.edu.
Students who are considering Fall 2020 or Full-Year Study Abroad are encouraged to continue their applications at this time. As updates are made about fall travel abroad, VCU will notify all students and refund any VCU registration fees that have been paid if programs are cancelled due to COVID-19. Students are advised not to make any financial commitments (purchase flights, housing deposits, etc) and to register for fall coursework at VCU until there is more clarity about fall travel. For more information, visit the Global Education Office's COVID-19 page.
Remote learning resources
Remote advising
Spring 2020 study abroad programs recalled
VCU Peer Support to Keep on Teaching
RAMmalogues
Non-discrimination policy
Social media