First, check to see if the instructor has added a syllabus for preview in eServices or in your course Canvas site. Some faculty have already published their syllabi for fall in those locations, but others may not publish this information until closer to the start of the fall semester. All faculty will send an email to your VCU email address no later than one week before the start of classes with the course syllabus. If you want or need clarification sooner, please contact the instructor directly via email.

If you’re new to online coursework, don’t worry, you’re not alone! VCU is here to support you in this new learning experience. A great first step is to make an appointment to meet with an Academic Coach before the start of classes so that you can establish good time management, study skills and additional sources of academic support like tutoring and Supplemental Instruction through the Campus Learning Center.

First, all students should communicate directly with their instructor to notify them of their illness and to work together to develop methods for completing the course successfully. Students who have flu-like symptoms should STAY HOME and CALL University Student Health Services at (804) 828-8828 to determine whether further assessment or treatment is recommended.

Yes; however, computers and seating in public gathering spaces on campus will be limited due to physical distancing guidelines. Libraries will be open; however, students are encouraged to bring their own laptops and headphones.

Some additional suggestions for locations around campus that have better than usual WiFi reception for locations to sit and do coursework include:

• Siegel Center near the ticket booths
• Depot Annex outside the front door
• ICA outside of the Cafe and around the front doors
• ICA 2nd floor outdoor seating area
• Cabell Compass area
• Academic Learning Commons courtyard
• Student Commons
• Temple, Trani Life Sciences & Oliver Hall courtyards
• Engineering West courtyard
• Rhoads & Brandt outdoor seating area
• Monroe Park around Round House
• Singleton courtyard behind Hibbs
• Sanger courtyard
• Larrick outdoor seating area
• School of Nursing courtyard

A computer is considered essential for study at VCU and personal ownership of a computer is required for enrolled students. However, iPads, netbooks, Chromebooks, Android-based tablets, eReaders, and other similar devices may not be able to run the software needed for some programs and/or specific courses. A personal laptop with Microsoft Windows or Apple MacOS, is the most suitable option for a student’s primary computer. Additionally, a Microsoft Surface Pro or MacBook Air may not be sufficient. The Student Computer Initiative can help you identify which computer is best for you and your studies.

Students should make adjustments to their schedule to ensure that they can attend class at the published meeting times. Students can search for sections of the class that meet at a time that works with their schedule, or search for blended, hybrid or online-asynchronous courses using the attribute feature in eServices that will allow for asynchronous completion of the course.

Students will NOT be automatically dropped from classes due to time-conflicts. Advisors for new first-year students will correct any time conflicts prior to advising holds being released on August 10th. New transfer students, graduate and professional students and continuing undergraduates are responsible for making adjustments to their schedules on their own. If you need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact your academic advisor.

The Academic Calendar has been revised, and the drop deadline has been extended one week to 8/31 to allow students the maximum time possible to finalize their schedule. Students may add courses to their schedule through 8/24. The withdrawal deadline has also been extended to the last day of classes 11/24. Students are strongly encouraged to make any needed changes to their schedule prior to the start of classes on August 17.

Please refer to these tutorials on how to add and drop classes in eServices and how to find alternative classes to take via Degree Works. Incoming freshmen should also refer to these instructions, as they will not be able to make changes to their schedules on their own until August 10. Don’t forget, your academic advisor is here to help with recommendations.

Use the Advanced Search feature of Banner 9 Registration to search for courses by Attribute Type. You can search by the course modality types, as well as for no-cost or low-cost course materials, and for courses that fulfill certain degree requirements. You can also look for courses that meet at certain times, and limit your search to Open Classes Only.

Please ask your academic advisor if deferring the lab portion to next semester may negatively impact your progress towards graduation.

Incoming first-year students should follow the instructions they received in Module 4 of Ram Ready to meet with their advisors. On August 1, all new first-year students will have an advisor assigned and will be able to make an appointment to meet with them in Navigate. New transfer students and continuing undergraduates can make an appointment to meet with their advisor in Navigate. Graduate and professional students should reach out to their program directors.

The online course fee has been waived for the Fall 2020 semester. Students will still be responsible for paying tuition and other fees for all of their courses.

Students may be eligible to apply for limited Federal Emergency Relief Grant funds if they have incurred expenses as a result of the disruption of VCU on-campus operations due to COVID-19. According to the U.S. Department of Education, this is different from a change in the student's financial need due to COVID-19. This grant is intended for students with the following COVID-19 related circumstances:

• Loss of income because of unemployment, underemployment or furlough related to VCU moving to remote instruction and operations
• Assistance with housing, food or utility expenses related to VCU moving to remote instruction and operations
• Online classroom instruction expenses related to VCU moving to remote instruction and operations. This includes expenses for a new/replacement computer or laptop purchase to take more classes online
• Unexpected moving expenses for the spring or summer 2020 semesters related to VCU moving to remote instruction and operations
• Child care expenses related to VCU moving to remote instruction and operations
• Other COVID-19 financial hardship related to VCU moving to remote instruction and operations

Students taking online classes and/or in-person classes are both eligible to remain on campus. The 2020-2021 Housing Contract outlines eligibility to live in on-campus housing.

We understand these are extraordinary times and are allowing residential students to cancel their housing contract related to academic course concerns until noon July 31, 2020. This includes returning students that have an existing assignment and new students that have recently received an assignment.

We also want to clarify that you are able to take all online classes and continue to live on-campus as a residential student. We wanted to ensure you had time to review academic course information to make the best decision possible for your residential needs.

If you wish to cancel your contract, please complete a 2020-2021 Request to Cancel form. Under reason for cancellation any student canceling due to schedule modality will click the “New incoming student for Fall 2020 - Spring 2021 semester. I am requesting cancellation of my housing assignment within my assigned cancellation grace period” option. Even returning students will click this option.

Changes or cancellations must be made before 4 p.m. Sept. 4, 2020 via vcu.campusdish.com, by emailing dining@vcu.edu or by contacting VCU Dining Services at (804) 828-1148, Monday – Friday 8 a.m. until 4p.m. Please provide the student’s V number to facilitate cancellation and refer to the 2020-21 Dining Contract for full details.

Many classes are now offered entirely online, allowing for remote attendance, so we encourage you to explore the schedule of classes to see if online sections of your same course are being offered. Some classes will require in-person attendance in order to meet the objectives of the course. Students can review the course syllabus and contact their instructors to learn more about the course expectations. We encourage you to work with your advisor to determine a schedule that allows you to continue to progress towards graduation by investigating if there are alternative courses you may register for in your preferred modality.

The university recognizes that some students who previously did not need ADA or Section 504 Academic Accommodations, and who have a qualifying condition or disability, may need support or assistance during the return to campus process. A modified approach for the temporary or more permanent need for accommodation has been developed and implemented to provide students with full access to programs and activities related to their academic majors.

Because every case is different, student requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please share your need for an accommodation with SAEO after you have worked directly with your faculty member. For students on the MCV campus, please contact the Division of Academic Success.

The university is reviewing the possibility of providing clear face protectors for faculty who teach students needing this type of accommodation. Students in need of accommodation should register for accommodations on the SAEO website. Instructors who have a student in their in-person class who raises this concern may similarly contact SAEO to request a clear face mask.

International students should refer to the Return to Campus FAQ page and contact Global Education with any questions.