Safety and well-being resources
The following was an email sent to residential students.
This time has been tumultuous for our country and we anticipate that the next couple of weeks could present further disruptions. A VCU Alert was sent to the entire VCU community earlier today in anticipation of crowds and traffic for activities in the Richmond and Washington, D.C. areas.
VCU is committed to the safety of our campus and community. Below are some of the VCU offices and resources that are in place to keep our community safe.
- The VCU Alert website, which displays information on current VCU alerts, as well as inclement weather advisories, university closings and other operational impacts to VCU and VCU Health. Anyone can sign up to receive text alerts on a cell phone, which include immediate notifications about campus emergencies.
- The more than 350 Emergency Reporting Telephone System (ERTS) phones, which provide a direct connection to the VCU Police Emergency Communications Center and identify the location from which you are calling to the dispatcher.
- The LiveSafe Mobile App, where users can send VCU Police information 24/7 about crimes, concerns or ongoing incidents.
- The VCU Police Department, which has 95 sworn officers who patrol both campuses 24/7 and actively collaborates with local, state and federal law enforcement partners to proactively address public safety concerns at VCU and in Richmond.
- RAMSWay, a walking route connecting key locations on the Monroe Park and MCV Campuses, such as classroom buildings, gyms, libraries, residence halls and parking decks.
- R.M.C. Events security personnel are stationed in academic and residence halls. They are trained in crisis management and work closely with VCU Police.
- Student Safety Ambassadors, who are non-sworn, unarmed employees serving as points of contact on campus when members of the VCU community need assistance, but do not feel compelled to contact law enforcement. (Spring semester 2021 assignments start Jan. 25.)
In addition, Residential Life and Housing staff are always available to support you. Your RA, Assistant Hall Director or Hall Director are great resources to assist you in addressing your concerns and/or connecting you to campus resources.
There are several resources students can access through the Division of Student Affairs to help process and navigate both the ongoing pandemic and the current protests. Some of these resources are:
- Dean of Students Office – The Dean of Students office is available to advocate for and assist students dealing with life situations that are impacting their academic and personal success at VCU.
- Health Promotion and Well-Being Center (The Well) – The Well strives to be a leader in collegiate health promotion by focusing on the unique and relevant health needs and concerns of VCU students to support their academic success. View their virtual offerings on the Keep on Being Well website.
- Office of Multicultural Student Affairs – OMSA celebrates diversity, promotes inclusion and advocates for social justice for the entire VCU community, while proudly specializing in supporting historically underrepresented groups.
- University Counseling Services – University Counseling Services creates an environment that fosters student growth, development, and psychological well being through direct clinical service, education, and prevention. If you experience a mental health emergency and want to speak with a crisis clinician, you can call (804) 828-6200 day or night.
We understand with the current climate, you might wish to reschedule your move-in or move-out time slot. To reschedule your time slot, please log into the VCU Housing Portal, select cancel appointment and select a new time slot.
We are committed to our mission of striving to provide safe, inclusive and well-maintained communities. You are a valued member of our residential and campus community. If you have any questions, please email vcuhousing@vcu.edu or use the chat feature on the housing.vcu.edu.
Sincerely,
Residential Life and Housing
Categories Fall 2020 - Spring 2021