Important Update on Implementation of New Gathering Limitation for Main Campus (Message from President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. and Vice President for Student Affairs Susan P. Trageser, Ed.D. to Main Campus Students)

Dear Students:

As Radford University is committed to protecting and promoting the health, safety, and well-being of all students, faculty, and staff, as well as taking prompt action when necessary, a gathering limitation of 10 individuals is being instituted, effective immediately, for the main campus. The University will be monitoring compliance with the new gathering restriction for all main campus students in both on-campus and off-campus environments.

This increased restriction and related enforcement on gatherings are being implemented due to student behavior in our broader community. Working with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), we have been able to attribute an overwhelming majority of positive cases to students attending two unrecognized fraternity parties and one large gathering, all of which occurred off-campus. Students who are following public health measures and engaging in on-campus activities, such as wearing face coverings and attending in-person classes, have very minimal exposure to COVID-19.

If you are hosting or attending local parties and other large gatherings, you are putting your health and the health of others at risk. Furthermore, you are impacting your ability to remain in good standing at Radford University. Please know that the University is very serious about this matter and will take significant steps to ensure compliance. Again, your health is at stake!

Any and all meetings and events, both indoor and outdoor, in excess of the gathering limitation of 10 individuals shall be reviewed with the following options considered: (1) reduce in-person attendance by utilizing a hybrid model or moving to a fully online format or (2) cancel. A limited number of exceptions for meetings and events may be considered for review and approval and should be requested by e-mailing COVID19@radford.edu. Please note that no off-campus events will be approved through this process.

Classroom and laboratory instruction, as well as clinical rotations and field experiences, are not included as part of this limitation. Other campus functions and locations, such as the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, the Bookstore, dining halls, and customer-facing, service-based offices, are not subject to this restriction. These dedicated spaces have physical distancing measures and other protocols already in place, which have been reviewed for compliance and deemed effective.

Now is the time to be a responsible member of the Radford family by diligently working to ensure our campus community continues to be a safe learning and living environment for all Highlanders!


With Highlander Pride,

Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
President

Susan P. Trageser, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs