Important Update on Summer 2021 and Fall 2021 Semester Operational Plans for RUC

Important Update on COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic at Radford University Carilion Message from President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.

Dear Radford Family:

In recent weeks, Radford University has closely monitored local, state, and federal developments regarding the COVID-19 global health pandemic. As a result of these developments, relaxed restrictions and reduced regulations at the state and federal levels have occurred in both business practices and everyday life. In accordance with these actions, the University is announcing revised operational plans, as well as a vaccine requirement for students. With a strong focus on vaccines, the University will be returning to normal operations in nearly all aspects of our overall efforts and daily engagements.

OPERATIONAL PLAN UPDATES

Following the March 15, 2021 distribution of the Summer 2021 Operational Plan and the April 2, 2021 distribution of the Fall 2021 Semester Operational Plan, the below updates are being implemented at Radford University Carilion (RUC) effective June 15, 2021.

  • Face covering requirement
    REVISE
    Face coverings for fully vaccinated individuals will no longer be required in RUC dedicated spaces, such as classrooms, laboratories, and offices, as well as the Highlander House, Library, Testing Center, and the Virginia Intercollegiate Anatomy Lab, or VIAL.
    Face coverings for all individuals, regardless of vaccine status, will be required in all common areas, such as the cafeteria, elevators, hallways, open seating areas, stairwells, etc.
  • Physical distancing requirement (to be phased in for specific configurations and locations based on planned events and institutional priorities for completion by August 13, 2021)
    REMOVE AND RETURN TO NORMAL
  • Revised room capacities (as determined due to COVID-19 related physical distancing)
    REMOVE AND RETURN TO NORMAL
  • Dedicated entrances and exits
    CONTINUE*
  • Three-person limit in all elevators
    CONTINUE*
  • Enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols
    CONTINUE*
  • Daily symptom tracker requirement
    REVISE
    Continued requirement for partially vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals
    Not required for fully vaccinated individuals
  • Visitor check-in process
    CONTINUE*

*As RUC is housed in Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital, the return to normal dates and processes for the aforementioned protocols will be determined by Carilion Clinic at the appropriate time. At this time, no changes have been made.

 

VACCINE REQUIREMENT FOR STUDENTS

In addition to the operational updates, which represent both a systematic and thoughtful phased return to normal operations, Radford University is implementing a vaccine requirement for students attending in-person classes and/or activities. This vaccine requirement is effective with the Fall 2021 semester and must be met prior to students arriving on campus or in the area for the start of the semester as any delayed compliance could pose a significant risk to the immediate campus.

Students enrolled in a fully online program with no in-person engagement or physical presence on campus are not subject to the vaccine requirement as they pose a limited health and safety risk to the immediate campus. Additionally, an exemption process for either a medical or religious reason is available.

For students, both new and returning, taking Fall 2021 classes, all vaccine related documentation, either demonstrated compliance or requested exemption, is required by August 2, 2021. Electronic submissions can be uploaded via a secure Medicat website at https://radford.medicatconnect.com. As an alternative submission process, a paper form can be downloaded, completed, and returned to the University. All submissions must be received by the August 2, 2021 deadline.

Questions regarding the overall process and/or an individual situation can be submitted via e-mail to vaccine@radford.edu or healthrecords@radford.edu. Additionally, the Dean of Students Office can be contacted at (540) 831-6297 for those needing assistance by phone.

As Radford University faculty and staff model responsible behavior for all Highlanders, especially students, every employee is strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated as it represents our best individual and collective defense to the pandemic. Please note that unvaccinated members of the campus community may be subject to required surveillance testing on a reoccurring basis. The University looks forward to its continued efforts to provide engaging and safe experiences in the weeks and months to come!


With Highlander Pride,

Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
President