VCU reinstates indoor mask mandate amid COVID-19 surge
Emma Carlson, Contributing Writer On Monday, VCU announced an indoor mask mandate throughout the university and a continuation of the mandate in health system facilities, effective immediately. The more contagious Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus has called for updated public health policies, such as reinstating indoor mask requirements for vaccinated individuals, according to the […]
VCU expels Delta Chi from campus three months after freshman death
Katharine DeRosa, News Editor VCU permanently removed the Delta Chi fraternity from campus on May 28 for violating university policies in the moments leading up to the death of freshman Adam Oakes, according to VCU spokesperson Michael Porter. The Student Organization Conduct Committee Chairs found Delta Chi responsible for violating university policies dealing with COVID-19, […]
VCU drops mask requirements for vaccinated public, updates COVID-19 safety guidelines
Natalie Barr, Contributing Writer VCU students, faculty members and staff who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are no longer required to wear masks indoors or outdoors when physical distancing can be maintained, according to a university announcement emailed to students on Tuesday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an updated mask guidance on […]
Freshmen look back at year marked by COVID-19
Anya Sczerzenie, Contributing Writer First-year student Aanchal Dubey wasn’t expecting her introduction to college life to go very well due to the COVID-19 pandemic isolating her from fellow students. But she says it went better than expected. “I expected it to be a lot worse during COVID,” Dubey said. “But I made a lot of […]
What new COVID-19 updates could mean for Virginians this summer
Natalie Barr, Contributing Writer Fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks outdoors, except in some crowded venues, according to a release from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on April 27. On the state level, Gov. Ralph Northam announced in an April 22 press release that Virginians will see more relaxed COVID-19 […]
Students favor mix of in-person, online classes if COVID-19 improves
Natalie Barr, Contributing Writer After a year of online classes, VCU’s fall semester will offer a range of modality options, according to a VCU spokesperson. The semester’s course schedule will offer a majority of in-person class styles while keeping some online, Director of Communications and Marketing Matthew Lovisa stated in an email. “In person classes […]
As the seasons change, so does our mental health
Monica Alarcon-Najarro, Contributing Writer Unlike other universities, VCU announced that there would be no spring break for students this semester on Oct. 15. Now, students are battling both being in a pandemic and mental burnout from having only two reading days this semester that most used to catch up on schoolwork. Finals are coming up, […]
VCU students observe Ramadan despite new dining, COVID-19 limits
Sahara Sriraman, Contributing Writer Steaming samosas with a spicy filling, community prayers and close gatherings with loved ones are common elements observed during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The COVID-19 pandemic and limited on-campus dining hours have made it difficult for VCU students to observe the month normally. “I think it’s different for a […]
Proposed budget features new meal plan, increased dining prices
Katharine DeRosa, News Editor VCU’s proposed budget for 2021-22 features a new dining plan with unlimited meal swipes and an increase in current meal plan prices. The proposed new meal plan features unlimited swipes, meaning a student would have unfettered access to Market 810 and other swipe exchanges. The plan would either cost $2,910 or […]
Honors College returns to residence hall one year after abrupt transformation
Emma Carlson, Contributing Writer More than one year after workers removed student belongings from the Honors College to prepare the building for potential incoming COVID-19 patients, the building is returning to its regular use as a residence hall for incoming freshmen. Hospital beds placed in the dormitory were removed on April 7. VCU Residential Life […]