You and your manager/direct supervisor should have a conversation about the timing of returning to campus to work. This will include a discussion about whether you can do your job from home, the type of work you do, and if it would be best performed on campus. You should return to campus only if you are advised to do so by your manager/direct supervisor.
We are following every precaution outlined by Gov. Ralph Northam and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Upon your return, the school will have implemented recommended procedures to minimize the risks of COVID-19 including providing masks and sanitizer, establishing space for safe distancing, sanitizing surfaces, and installing signage to promote safe behaviors. The university has summarized current plans in “Guidelines for a Productive Return to VCU.” More information can be found at together.vcu.edu.
All of us have the responsibility of keeping our environment safe. Disinfectants have been placed throughout each building for employees to keep personal workstations clean. Additionally, every member of our community should lead by example — for example, always wear a mask as you move throughout the building unless in your own office space. Finally, be sure to monitor any symptoms, reaffirm your health status with Daily Health Check emails and stay home if you begin to feel sick.
You should consult with your healthcare provider. If you are requested to return to campus and your healthcare provider recommends that you continue to telework, you must seek an accommodation to continue to work remotely through VCU ADA/504 Coordinator.
We wear masks to protect each other and to follow state and university policy. Masks must be worn at all times in School of Pharmacy buildings other than when alone in your own offices. Rare exceptions may apply. More information is available at together.vcu.edu.
Feel free to submit a question or concern using this form.
For some faculty, family or other responsibilities may make on-campus teaching difficult. Faculty who cannot teach from the classroom may request an alternative work arrangement from their department chair for the semester or specific class days. A list of those faculty who have approved alternative work arrangements will be shared with the executive associate dean. NOTE: Faculty will not be penalized if they need to teach remotely. We would like an overall picture of who is teaching in class and who is not.
Each day, be sure to monitor your own symptoms, reaffirm your health status by responding to Daily Health Check emails, and stay home if you begin to feel sick.
As with all on-campus activities, in-person lectures will take place with a number of safeguards. These include reduced class sizes, seating restrictions to maintain social distance, plexiglass shields at lecterns in large classrooms, and regular sanitizing protocols. In addition, masks must be worn at all times.
You should consult with your healthcare provider. If you are requested to return to campus and your healthcare provider recommends that you continue to telework, you must seek an accommodation to continue to work remotely through VCU’s ADA/504 Coordinator.
All faculty and staff are expected to model safe behavior at all times. This includes wearing masks at all times (other than when alone in one’s own office); practicing social distancing and consistent hand-washing; and encouraging others to do the same. Our actions can inspire others.
Feel free to submit a question or concern using this form.
Orientation for P1 students (Class of 2024) will be held Aug. 11-14. Classes will begin on Aug. 17 in a hybrid format; many classes will be delivered remotely. Refer to updates from the school’s Office of Admissions and Student Support for specifics.
Most lectures will be done remotely; any lectures held on campus also will be available remotely. Lectures on campus will follow special procedures such as keeping rooms at 30% capacity, limiting seating, and mandating masks in all lecture rooms and shared spaces.
Labs taking place in person will be spread out among classrooms over the Smith building so as not to exceed the occupancy rates set by COVID-19 restrictions. Students will need to wear face masks; some may wear additional PPE during some of the laboratory sessions. For P1/P2/P3 blood pressure competencies, students will use the SimMan simulation rather than taking classmates’ blood pressures. P2s and P3s will take their own blood glucose.
We would encourage you to consider remote lecture and exam delivery. While there are some mandatory in-person activities, additional steps are being taken to ensure adequate social distancing and sanitation.
As aspiring health-care professionals, you are expected to model safe behavior. This includes wearing masks in all SoP classrooms, labs and shared spaces; practicing social distancing; consistent hand-washing; and encouraging others to do the same. Do your best to protect and inspire each other.
Feel free to submit a question or comment at this form.
You also may reach out to the Office of Admissions & Student Services. Dean Ogbonna (kcunegbuogbo@vcu.edu) and Dr. Keel (vakeel@vcu.edu) are available to address any questions or concerns.