Reminder of mandatory reporting of COVID-19 symptoms and surveillance testing
Dear students,
With the spring semester underway, we want to provide another reminder of some very important expectations. VCU’s priority will continue to be adopting measures to help promote a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, patients and the general public. Your timely reporting related to COVID-19, including positive test results, and participation in the asymptomatic surveillance testing, are vital steps in this effort.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, have tested positive for COVID-19, or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you must contact the VCU COVID-19 call center, 1-804-MYCOVID or 1-804-692-6843. Callers will be connected to University Student Health Services and will not receive disciplinary action through the conduct process if reporting symptoms, exposure, or positive test results within 24 hours. The call center is available 24/7 and will provide initial guidance as well as connect you with Student Health. For more information about reporting COVID-19 symptoms, exposure, or positive test results, please refer to the VCU Together Reporting website.
Failure to Report Symptoms, Exposure or Positive Test Results
Students who fail to report COVID-19 symptoms, exposure or positive test results or are found violating other COVID-19 safety protocols will be held accountable through the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity. In addition, Residential Life and Housing may cancel housing contracts without refund or waiver of housing charges for students who fail to report.
If you know of someone who has symptoms of COVID-19, has been exposed to COVID-19 or has tested positive and has not reported, please encourage them to do so. You may also inform the University by completing this Incident Reporting Form through the Dean of Students Office.
Asymptomatic Surveillance Testing
Asymptomatic surveillance testing is mandatory for residential students, students who attend on-campus classes and employees who come to campus to work — including employees who are designated as hybrid on-campus/telework. The decision to start classes virtually does not impact this requirement. If you are selected to participate, you will receive an email from covidtest@vcu.edu that includes instructions for setting up your Kallaco portal and links to available appointment slots and other information to help you prepare for your COVID-19 test. If you are selected to participate, you must schedule your test and attend your testing appointment. Students who fail to participate in asymptomatic surveillance testing will be held accountable through the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity.
Our students, faculty and staff share responsibility for helping to foster the health of our community. We must be able to rely on one another to comply with university guidelines and expectations for health and safety. We appreciate your actions in contributing to this effort.
Sincerely,
Charles J. Klink, Ph.D.
Senior Vice Provost for Student Affairs