Important Update on Implementation of New Gathering Limitation for Main Campus (Message from President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. to Main Campus Faculty and Staff)

Dear Faculty and Staff:

As Radford University is fully committed to protecting and promoting the health, safety, and well-being of all students, faculty, and staff, we are engaging in reporting on our COVID-19 testing strategy, including the total number of campus-based administered tests and the overall positivity rate. We anticipated that there would be positive cases, and we have supported impacted individuals. Working with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), we have been able to attribute an overwhelming majority of positive cases to two 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.

In an effort to take prompt and necessary action, a gathering limitation of 10 individuals is being instituted, effective immediately, for the main campus. All campus-based and campus-sponsored activities are subject to the new restriction. Classroom and laboratory instruction, as well as clinical rotations and field experiences, are not included as part of this limitation.

The University will be monitoring compliance with the new gathering limitation 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.

In an effort to model proper engagement and responsible behavior for our students, any and all meetings and events, both indoor and outdoor, in excess of this limitation 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.

Certain 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.

I appreciate your flexibility in making necessary adjustments to accommodate this new limitation. It is important that we provide sound guidance and demonstrate strong leadership as we diligently work 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