COVID-19 Planning and Response Update for the 2020-2021 Academic Year

Dear Radford Family:

As we have completed one week of classes in the 2020-2021 academic year, I want to express my sincere appreciation to students, faculty, and staff for following Commonwealth of Virginia requirements and Radford University expectations for the modified ways in which we must operate and interact due to the COVID-19 global health pandemic. In accordance with the Commonwealth’s masking mandate, I have been encouraged by the many Highlanders who are wearing face coverings as they are on campus and in buildings. Highlanders have also been diligent in completing the Daily Symptom Tracking for COVID-19 Screening and the “Healthy Highlanders” honor pledge.

Radford University developed a comprehensive Campus Reopening Plan in response to the COVID-19 global health pandemic. The University is implementing all facets of that plan in order to promote the health, safety, and well-being of the campus and the community. Additionally, the University is continuously updating the Reopening webpage with recent campus communications and the latest information. Last week, the Virginia COVID-19 Dashboard feature was added, which provides statewide, regional, and local data from the Virginia Department of Health. And, today, the University COVID-19 Dashboard feature was launched to share campus-based testing information, which provides overall testing totals and the up-to-date positivity rate.

As the University works diligently to implement our comprehensive plan, respond to emerging issues, and ensure accountability and transparency on campus and in the community, we ask that you do your part regarding the accuracy and validity of any and all information that you share. I encourage you to ask questions when you receive information from others. Be committed to your role as a Highlander in preventing the spread of misinformation, which may result in confusion and fear among both internal and external groups. If you have specific concerns or questions, please contact COVID19@radford.edu.

Please continue to demonstrate your Highlander values, while on campus and in the community as our ability to remain open and operational with an in-person format is dependent upon the individual behavior of every student, as well as every faculty and staff member. Again, I want to express my continued gratitude to our campus community, as well the broader region, for your partnership and support!


With Highlander Pride,

Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
President