VCU news

By Mike Porter

Virginia Commonwealth University today detailed disciplinary measures for students and employees who fail to comply with the university’s COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements. These steps are part of the university's ongoing plan regarding COVID-19 and reflect feedback from employee and student groups.

Almost all of the VCU community — 97.4% of students and 89% of employees — is fully compliant with current vaccine or exemption requirements. But those who do not comply with those requirements will face disciplinary measures.

In June, the university announced a requirement for students to submit vaccination records or request a medical or religious exemption. Those who did not act have a registration hold on their accounts, which limits their ability to make schedule changes, prevents them from registering for classes in the spring 2022 semester and requires them to undergo regular COVID-19 surveillance testing.

In August, the university announced a requirement for employees to submit vaccination records or request a medical or religious exemption. Those who do not report their vaccination status by Sept. 15 or have a medical or religious exemption will also be required to undergo regular surveillance testing. Those who do not report their vaccination status or request an exemption by Oct. 1 will be subject to termination.

Students and employees with an approved medical or religious exemption are required to report for surveillance testing and complete daily health checks. Students who do not report for testing will face disciplinary action up to and including administrative withdrawal from classes for the fall semester. Students will receive a warning if they miss one test; if they miss two they will be administratively withdrawn.

Employees who do not comply with testing requirements will face disciplinary action up to and including termination. All employees who are not fully vaccinated, including those with medical and religious exemptions, and who do not have a remote work-only exemption, must comply with weekly testing requirements. Employees will receive a warning if they miss one test; if they miss two, they will be placed on unpaid leave for up to 30 days or until they comply. If they miss three or are out of compliance for more than 30 days, they are subject to termination.

As a reminder, faculty and staff who are dually employed through both the university and the health system, or university employees working in health system facilities must comply with health system vaccination requirements in accordance with VCUHS guidelines.

Students, employees and families overwhelmingly supported the decision to require vaccinations. VCU’s high vaccination rates, along with other public health measures, are essential to promoting a safe environment in which to live, learn and work. 

For additional information and the most current information about VCU operations, visit together.vcu.edu.