Radford University has cancelled all in-person classes through mid-April. The school says Spring Break will be extended by one week, and all classes will resume on line March 23rd. Radford officials say this will continue at least until April 17th, and they will re-evaluate procedures for the rest of the semester at that time. Radford joins the University of Virginia in going entirely on-line once Spring Break ends.
NEWS RELEASE: Radford University has announced a modification to its campus operations following Spring Break, which is occurring this week (March 9 through 13, 2020). Classified staff and administrative and professional faculty will continue to follow a regular schedule in order to ensure the availability and delivery of campus programs and services.
Teaching and research faculty will return to campus for the week of March 16, 2020 with the purpose of transitioning all in-person course content to an online format. The Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning and the Division of Information Technology will provide enhanced outreach and expanded service to support faculty during this dedicated, week-long effort. This level of support will continue as needed and requested.
For students, Spring Break will be continued for next week (March 16 through 20, 2020), and online classes will begin on March 23, 2020. The online delivery of course material will continue through April 17, 2020, at which time this evolving matter will be evaluated. Throughout this period, teaching and research faculty should report to campus. All faculty should contact their respective department chair or school director to advise regarding their work plans.
From March 16, 2020 through April 17, 2020, students are strongly encouraged to return to and/or remain at their permanent residence. On-campus residence halls and off-campus apartments will remain closed. A follow-up communication will be distributed by the Office of Housing and Residential Life to students living in campus housing.
Students currently engaged in clinical rotations and teaching placements will receive direct communication from their respective program leads regarding next steps as these will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Work study assignments will be waived during this time, and student workers should contact their supervisors before reporting to their specific assignments.
Beginning on March 16, 2020, the University will not permit any large-scale gatherings and/or meetings with more than 75 attendees. Cancellations and modifications for individual activities will be distributed by event sponsors. The Student Recreation and Wellness Center will be closed. Also, dining operations will be modified with up-to-date information available at www.dineoncampus.com/radford/.
Effective immediately, all non-essential travel to domestic and international locations will not be permitted through April 17, 2020. Faculty and staff should proceed in canceling travel arrangements that are in place and/or pending. This travel restriction will be re-evaluated, and a follow-up communication will be provided.
Students, faculty, and staff, who traveled over Spring Break, will be encouraged to complete a voluntary travel declaration form, which will be forthcoming. This information will be held as part of an educational record for students and a personnel record for faculty and staff. The information will be shared with local health officials as needed on a case-by-case basis. For those who traveled, the University may ask individuals to self-monitor or self-isolate for two weeks depending upon the locations that were visited and the activities that were engaged in.
The University continues to monitor this evolving situation and will provide regular updates to the campus community. For COVID-19 information and updates, visit www.radford.edu/coronavirus.
In sharing this information with various groups, Radford University President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. said, “The actions taken by the University are out of an abundance of caution for our campus and our community. The health, well-being, and safety of all members of the Radford family are of the utmost importance.”
