VCU news

Dear VCU and VCU Health community,

As we near the end of the semester and approach Thanksgiving, I want to pause briefly and say thank you again. This summer and fall have been extraordinary, bringing together the best in all of us. We found new ways of teaching, healing, research and creativity. We found new ways of listening and learning from each other.

There have been many challenges, and you have risen to them. Students, faculty and staff have followed public health guidelines, allowing us to stay open. Our health care team members have been vigilant, with the hospitals and clinics reactivated and delivering high-quality care to all.

Our dedication to being responsible together, as one VCU, is working. And now is not the time to let up. Across the country, COVID-19 infection levels have reached record levels. As of Monday, there are now more than 10 million cases across the nation, an increase of more than three times since Oct. 1.

Infection rates in the Richmond region, VCU included, have held fairly steady and lower than in many other parts of the country. We want to keep it that way for our community and ourselves. This means washing our hands, wearing face coverings, maintaining physical distancing, letting others know we are not feeling well, and adhering to other public health measures in our living, learning and work environments.

Collectively you have lived up to the commitment to be responsible together in carrying out our education, research, and health care missions. Please stay strong for yourselves and each other. I am so proud of you.

Sincerely,

Michael Rao, Ph.D.
President
VCU and VCU Health System