Need a vaccine? Learn how to get your shot at Vaccinate.Virginia.gov or call 1-877-VAX-IN-VA, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Language translation available, TTY users dial 7-1-1.
Students can schedule free COVID vaccine appointments at both campus clinics through the Student Health Web Portal.
Residential Life and Housing has created this guide to help our residents reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our residential community. Infection and exposure to COVID-19 can happen at any time with little or no time to react and prepare for isolation.
What should residents do if they have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19?
Residents who test positive for COVID-19 or experience symptoms of COVID-19 must contact Student Health Services via the COVID-19 Hotline (804-692-6843). Visit health.students.vcu.edu/after-hours for after-hours contact information. Residents instructed to isolate by Student Health must remain in isolation until authorized by Student Health to return to in-person activities.
What should residents do if they have been exposed to COVID-19?
Residents are not required to quarantine after exposure. If exposed, regardless of vaccination status, residents should wear a mask for a full 10 days and test 5 days after the COVID exposure OR test immediately upon developing symptoms. For more information visit the VDH website.
Where will residents stay if they need to isolate?
Residents, regardless of room type, may isolate in their assigned residence hall bedroom. Residents are highly encouraged to go home to isolate, except in cases where public transportation would be required for travel.
How will residents isolate in a shared bedroom?
Residents who are isolating should wear a well-fitted medical grade mask around others as recommended by CDC guidance. Residents instructed to isolate by Student Health must remain in isolation until authorized by Student Health to return to in-person activities.
How will residents get access to food and essential supplies while in isolation?
Essential supplies and food are not provided to residents who isolate in their assigned residence hall. Residents are encouraged to prepare for the possibility of having to isolate for 5 days before returning to campus for the Fall 2022 semester. Residents who are isolating in their assigned residence hall may leave to get food or other necessary supplies while masked, but should limit leaving their room. Information regarding dining options available for purchase will be posted on VCU Dining's website, vcu.campusdish.com.
Which restrooms should residents use?
In traditional style halls, Rhoads and Gladding Residence Center, students who are isolating should use the individual-use bathrooms when possible. In any other hall type where there is a restroom in the resident’s apartment or suite, residents are encouraged to use the restroom closest to or connected to their room. If there are multiple bathrooms in the apartment or suite it is suggested that residents who are isolating use one bathroom separate from other occupants.
How should residents prepare a personal isolation plan?
Residents are asked to go home to isolate. It is important for residents to discuss with their families a pick-up plan should they start experiencing symptoms or test positive for COVID-19. To help reduce the spread to other residential students, residents who are required to isolate should be picked up the same day they experience symptoms or test positive. In the event the resident is not able to go home to isolate, residents should prepare isolation supplies ahead of time and store them in their bedroom.
How can residents prepare for isolation?
Residents should prepare an isolation kit. This kit should include personal items needed for a 5-day isolation, as residents should limit leaving their isolation space. Residents should keep this kit easily accessible in the event of an unexpected need to isolate. The kit should include the following items:
Medications & Supplements
- Thermometer
- Create an emergency medication list with dosage
- Several days’ worth of prescription medications
- Over the counter medications and supplements such as fever/pain reducers, sore throat lozenges and cough medications
Hygiene Items
- Five well-fitted medical grade masks as recommended by CDC guidance
- Toiletries
- Feminine products
- Cleaning supplies to wipe down and disinfect high touch surfaces (doorknobs, faucets, light switches)
School Items
- Writing utensils such as notepads, pencils, pens, etc.
- Art supplies, music Instruments and other specialized equipment needed for school work
Self-care Items to Support Overall Well-being
- Puzzles
- Crafts
- Playing cards
- Portable exercise equipment (like fitness bands, hand weights, or yoga mat)
- Books
What if I have a service or emotional support animal?
Service and emotional support animals may remain with students while in isolation. In the event the resident is unable to care for their animal for any period of time and for any reason, including but not limited to transport to the hospital, RLH staff may contact the individual listed as their emergency contact to come and retrieve the animal from the residence hall and maintain its care away from the residence hall until the resident is able to resume care for the animal. Specific information is available in the resident service and emotional support animal agreement.