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Previous Communications
June 10, 2020
VMI is committed to returning to normal operations at our earliest opportunity, however, there are a number of obstacles created by the pandemic that stand in our way. Virginia, as with most other states, continues under a stay-at-home order until 10 June. The barracks is full of personal belongings and will require cleaning and maintenance once these items are removed. Many planned infrastructure construction projects have been accelerated during this period of remote instruction and need to be wrapped up in order for the Corps to safely return to Post. The Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County community also need ample opportunity to gear up to meet the demands associated with the return of the Corps of Cadets.
As such, the Institute has made the following decisions related to summer operations:
- Summer Session I (previously announced), Summer Session II, Project GO, and the Summer Undergraduate Research Institute will be provided in an online learning environment.
- Summer Transition Program (STP) and the College Orientation Workshop (COW) are canceled.
- Class of 2021+3 August matriculants will be eligible for and are encouraged to enroll in Summer Session II classes. (Instruction on the VMI Honor Code, which applies to all virtual classes, will be provided.)
- Barracks clearance is still scheduled for 12 – 20 June subject, of course, to any changes to the Governor’s stay-at-home order.
- Cadet-athletes will continue virtual coaching with their respective teams and are encouraged to enroll in summer session classes as appropriate.
These changes to summer operations are not ideal, however, they are necessary so that the Institute is in the best position for the Corps of Cadets’ return to Post in August. A planning committee comprised of cadet, faculty, and staff representatives from across Post has begun the arduous process of reviewing each of the Institute’s routines, policies, and procedures that provide our cadets with the unique VMI experience and will make recommendations on how those routines, policies, and procedures should be adapted in an environment where COVID-19 is likely present. There is no doubt this may require significant changes to what we consider standard operating procedures, however, these changes will be necessary to provide the safest environment possible for our cadets, employees, and local community.
Despite the current situation, VMI continues to rise to meet the challenges of today so that we can fulfill our mission of creating citizen-soldiers well into tomorrow. I appreciate everyone’s cooperation, flexibility, and dedication in helping us do so.
COL James P. Inman
U.S. Army (Retired)
Chief of Staff
May 5, 2020
To all members of the VMI community:
Virginia Military Institute learned yesterday, May 4, that an employee of a subcontractor working on the 500 level of Preston Library has been diagnosed with a confirmed case of COVID-19. All individuals who have been working in close proximity to the individual have been notified by both VMI and the contractor. The individual was last on Post on April 23. The exposure risk to the community is minimal as the individual had been working in an area inaccessible to the public and VMI employees since February 3.
A separate potential COVID-19 exposure from May 1 on the 600 level of Preston Library is under review. Employees who may have been exposed have already been notified. VMI is awaiting test results in this case and will follow up with those employees who have been notified of potential exposure.
The CDC website (www.cdc.gov/COVID19) and the Virginia Department of Health website contain all current recommendations for preventing and seeking help with coronavirus.
We also take this opportunity to remind our community of some important information regarding COVID-19. In an effort to slow the spread of the virus, we are requesting your immediate attention to and compliance with the following recommended practices – not only to ensure your own well-being, but the well-being of others:
- Engage in social distancing. Maintain 6 feet of distance from others.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Wear a mask when in public.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your cough or sneeze.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Monitor temperature for a fever above 100.4 degrees F.
Those who develop a cough, fever, and difficulty breathing, should call their primary care provider or nearest hospital for further instructions. Most health care providers are recommending that anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus call for instructions prior to showing up in person. VMI Human Resources has information on counseling options available to support those experiencing anxiety or other mental health concerns through the Employee Assistance Program.
Questions regarding this case or VMI’s COVID-19 efforts should be directed to Bill Wyatt at wyattwj@vmi.edu.
April 9, 2020
Our Pandemic Task Force has been working tirelessly and I’ve been challenging them at every turn. Similarly, our Governor, U.S. Senators and State Legislators, the Virginia Secretary of Education, University, College and Community College Presidents, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, and the Virginia Higher Education Business Council have been conferencing with regularity sharing thoughts and best practices while coordinating efforts. The information contained in this communication is meant to provide a “roadmap” forward based on the information we have right now and the credible predictions of how this crisis may play out over the next few months.
9 April 2020
Members of the VMI Corps of Cadets, Staff and Faculty, the Classified Team, Parents and Families, and our Communities:
I hope this communication finds you well. As these events unfold throughout our Commonwealth, nation, and the world, my thoughts and prayers are with all those who are facing hardship or suffering during this time.
We have spent much time pondering a path forward for the Institute these past few weeks. Front and center in every decision made has been the Mission of the Institute.
The mission of the Virginia Military Institute is to produce educated, honorable men and women prepared for the varied work of civil life, imbued with love of learning, confident in the functions and attitudes of leadership, possessing a high sense of public service, advocates of the American Democracy and free enterprise system, and ready as citizen-soldiers to defend their country in time of national peril.
Our Pandemic Task Force has been working tirelessly and I’ve been challenging them at every turn. Similarly, our Governor, U.S. Senators and State Legislators, the Virginia Secretary of Education, University, College and Community College Presidents, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, and the Virginia Higher Education Business Council have been conferencing with regularity sharing thoughts and best practices while coordinating efforts. The information contained in this communication is meant to provide a “roadmap” forward based on the information we have right now and the credible predictions of how this crisis may play out over the next few months. We must make decisions on the Institute’s significant events to allow time for appropriate planning and preparation on Post, as well as provide lead time for our families and cadets across the nation to react in this dynamic environment. The enclosed dates are tentative and subject to change, but are provided to demonstrate current planning at the Institute. Rolling, timely decision points and “no later than” dates will facilitate actions. We must also set in place, now, plans for the long term (through the Fall 2020 semester) in order to maintain our unique military system, provide solid academics, and to fulfill our Mission for our cadets and the nation.
Many of these plans are contingent on the course that the virus takes. As such, Institute staff have developed multiple courses of action so that we are prepared for most eventualities. Communications will be key during this time and VMI is committed to providing our cadets, faculty, employees, and local community with the most relevant information at the earliest possible time. I hope that some of these courses of action never come to pass. We need to be flexible but we will not sacrifice our storied system that has shaped so many leaders for our nation.
Barracks Clearance
The stay-at-home orders in Virginia and throughout the country has necessitated the delay in clearing barracks. This was an important decision for the health and well-being of the Corps, VMI staff, and the local community. However, the Institute is unable to return to normal operations unless the barracks is cleared in a timely manner to ensure a “reset” with appropriate maintenance, hygiene, and replacement furniture for returning classes.
We will continue to watch the messaging and guidance over the coming weeks for an opportunity to get cadets back to gather their personal belongings. Virginia’s “Stay-at-Home” Executive Order expires on 10 June and assuming no slippage in movement restrictions, our current planning tentatively envisions the Corps returning on a scheduled basis during the period from 12 through 20 June to retrieve their personal effects and clear their rooms. Depending on state and federal rules and regulations governing movement nearer to 12 June, we will publish a sign-up roster allowing for the safe and orderly return of cadets. Although getting all the cadets back to clear barracks is important to barracks preparation for the new academic year, the priority will be given to cadets requiring their personal and service uniform items to attend summer service training, reporting for service related active duty, and for those graduates and cadets headed immediately toward new employment and internships during the summer. For any requests prior to the scheduled cadet clearance period, cadets and new graduates with extenuating circumstances may make an individual request to clear their barracks rooms through LTC Faust, faustkl@vmi.edu.
In the meantime, VMI staff have begun collecting uniform items from individual rooms and from NCAA locker rooms. This allows the items to be laundered and tailored so that they are ready for cadet return in August. Any items found in uniform items such as collars, cuffs, cuff links, or other personal items will be bagged according to cadet laundry number and made available for pickup in cadet laundry bins upon their return.
Rank Announcements
Though circumstances have scattered the VMI community, the business of the Institute continues. Rank announcements for the 2nd Class were made on Tuesday 7 April via the Institute’s Facebook page. 2020-21 Regimental Commander Troy Smith made the announcement virtually from his living room for the first time in VMI history. While not ideal, this approach shows the resilience and ingenuity of the VMI spirit. The 3rd Class rank interviews are under way now and rank announcements will be made in a similar manner in the future after cadet chain of command and Commandant office decisions.
Final Exams / Degrees / Transcripts
Final exams for the Spring 2020 semester are scheduled for 6 – 11 May. In keeping with VMI’s tradition of academic excellence, these final exams will be graded and counted toward a cadet’s semester grade in accordance with the course syllabus. May 2020 degree candidate grades are due 0900 on 12 May.
For those scheduled to graduate in May, degree certification will be conducted by the Academic Board and the Registrar’s office on the regular schedule. Diplomas will be mailed to the home address of record around mid-May. Transcripts will be updated at that time for cadets and graduates to use for employment and other purposes.
Board of Visitors / Budget Issues
The VMI Board of Visitors is tentatively scheduled to meet on 10 June 2020 to discuss matters related to the pandemic, consider the budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year, and to set tuition and fees for the next academic year. (In accordance with state law, the VMI community will be notified at least 30-days in advance of the meeting with a range of options for 2020-21 tuition and fees.) These past weeks have created a great deal of uncertainty concerning the Commonwealth of Virginia’s biennial budget. The General Assembly is scheduled to reconvene later this month at which time they may make significant reductions to the biennial budget that was enacted earlier in the year.
VMI’s accounting staff is currently in the process of reviewing each cadet’s account and applying the previously announced credit for room and board. There are many factors that go into the amount of any refund after the credit has been applied to each account not the least of which is institutional and private aid. Every cadet account is unique and must be reviewed individually. We hope to complete this process in the next six weeks.
Commissioning and ROTC Summer Training
The Army and Naval ROTC detachments are planning for virtual commissioning ceremonies to be held on 15 May for all those completing their degrees this semester. Details will be forthcoming from the respective detachments on time, technology, and how to participate virtually. This will allow our future officers to commission, on time, in the presence of family and friends at dispersed locations. By keeping to our original 15 May schedule, the officers will then be available to move to their assigned destinations in accordance with their respective active-duty or reserve component orders. When those who have commissioned return to Post to collect their personal belongings, we will support photo opportunities in their service uniforms as desired.
Air Force commissioning will be conducted on an individual basis and coordinated through the VMI’s Air Force ROTC staff.
The current events are also affecting many of the ROTC summer training and camps scheduled to start shortly after the end of the semester. Currently, planning is underway at U.S. Army Cadet Command for a modified Advanced Camp at Fort Knox as well as evaluating what summer training opportunities will need to be cancelled. Training dates that begin in May have been cancelled, but training later in the summer is still under consideration and pending forthcoming decisions. Any specific questions should be directed to the Army ROTC department.
Air Force ROTC is still conducting Field training at Maxwell AFB. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, there will be only 5 training classes instead of 6 and will run June to August instead of May to August.
Naval ROTC Phase 0 cruises have been cancelled and will be redistributed to Phase 1-3. Decisions regarding other summer training programs and schools will be made beginning early next month.
Summer Programs
VMI has already announced that Summer Session I will be conducted 19 May – 19 June in an online learning environment. Additionally, all VMI-sponsored summer study abroad programs are canceled. Instead, online credit classes will be offered for many of the summer study abroad programs. A decision concerning Summer Session II, the Summer Transition Program (STP), Project Global Officer Arabic / Chinese, and the College Orientation Workshop will be made no later than 1 May 2020.
All of these summer programs are designed to fulfill certain aspects of the academic and military mission of the Institute. Staff are exploring many different options to ensure that these experiences are available to our cadets, cadet-athletes, and incoming rats. There are many moving parts. Among the options being considered:
- Summer Session II and STP start 29 June or 6 July instead of 22 June;
- The two Project Global Officer programs to be conducted in a special immersive environment on Post;
- The Summer Undergraduate Research Institute and other cadet independent study may be a hybrid online / in-person learning approach;
- Summer Session II may be conducted in-person but without access to barracks if time is needed to reset barracks;
These are just a few of the many courses of action that are being staffed. No decisions are being communicated today; however, we will communicate them as soon as we have decided on the most prudent course of action that advances our mission while protecting the health and well-being of our community.
Cadre Arrival
Much of the team building, training, preparation, and planning that traditionally occurs during the final six weeks of the school year have been lost to current circumstances. In order to maintain the professionalism and standards that are required and expected of our cadet leaders, it will be necessary to bring back most corporals, sergeants, and lieutenants an additional four to seven days prior to the standard seven-day Cadre Week training period. Cadre should tentatively plan on returning to Post as early as 2 August, with specific names and dates provided in a future published order. More details on the cadre training period will be provided as the spring and summer progress.
The extended Cadre Week will be used to make up for the loss of the New Leader Retreat preparation that has generally occurred each spring. At the same time, our new corporals and sergeants will attend an NCO Academy to ensure understanding and compliance with published standards, while being provided time to rehearse and refine all of the drill blocks and classes that they will be instructing to the incoming Rat Class.
With an academic year that ended so abruptly, there was little opportunity to conduct any on-the-job training, a handoff of responsibilities from the graduating leaders to the rising 1st Class leadership, nor was there any time to anticipate future challenges. Many details and standards will need to be addressed with the returning cadets. We have an incredible opportunity to reinforce some of our very best procedures, eliminate many of the bad habits, and knock the rust off of those things we haven’t done in a while. I fully expect the additional training time to be highly productive, team-building in nature, and demanding in our standards. It will be a time well spent.
Details regarding the important EMT training will be forthcoming and may be dependent upon the availability of barracks over the summer. It is likely that some of this training will be conducted in an online environment through a certified program while the required hands-on training could be completed once Post is open or during Cadre Week. Having our EMTs trained and embedded in the Corps is an invaluable asset to the safety, health and well-being of the Institute.
Cadet-Athletes
The NCAA landscape is shifting quickly and dramatically. The athletic department continues to track the ever-changing NCAA policies and procedures in an effort to best serve our cadet-athletes. From virtual coaching time to temporary recruiting legislative changes, the department is assessing ways to optimize our operations. The final quarter of the fiscal year has introduced unexpected, financial challenges as a result of significantly reduced NCAA supplements; however, I am confident in our athletics staff and our collective resolve to do what is in the best interest of our cadets while working more efficiently. Our foundational pieces of cadet athlete educational achievement, superb coaching, ethical program management and sportsmanship, in all areas of our operations remain.
Although our athletic academic support staff and athletic trainers have adapted their services to an online environment, there’s no question that our cadet-athletes have suffered from current events. I fully recognize that summer is an important time for cadet-athletes to make strides in academics, training, skills, and recovery. These are important factors in our future decisions regarding the Institute’s summer programs and the need for athletes to be on Post.
The department has developed plans to support a variety of potential return dates, and appreciate the various levels of review that this decision requires. As of today, below are noted the tentative report dates for fall sports:
- Women’s Soccer – 3 August 2020
- Football – 6 August 2020
- Men’s Soccer – 11 August 2020
- Cross Country – 17 August 2020
Fall Activities
This fall will be particularly busy as we attempt to reschedule the many events that were canceled this spring. We will find a way to do many of them even if in a format that was not originally planned. We will ensure that pertinent cadet training and leadership development programs are rescheduled. This also includes numerous reunion weekends. The change of command ceremony traditionally held on 14 May at Finals will be replaced with an assumption of command ceremony for new Class of 2021 cadet leaders. Additionally, we will find ways to recognize our 2020 retirees, honor graduates from all wars who were killed in action, and celebrate the departing Class of 2020 at a December commencement ceremony. Obviously, we will continue to celebrate our Founders Day, host speakers of high regard, and enjoy parades and athletic festivities.
Fall Semester
I want nothing more than for VMI to be in full business as usual mode come August 2020. We are an institution that requires our cadets to be present on Post in order to experience our unique adversarial and leader system of training. However, I am not confident that this pandemic will be in our rearview mirror by then or, if it is, that it is not lurking around the corner waiting to threaten our Corps of Cadets and VMI family again. We are assessing all options for the possibility of a truncated Fall semester whether it be truncated on the front end or the back.
This would be a very delicate dance as there are many factors to consider not the least of which are maintaining the Institute’s high academic standards and accreditation while ensuring that the Class of 2021+3 receives the appropriate training necessary to instill honor, character, and integrity demanded of a VMI cadet.
A truncated term would mean sacrifice. But, then again, no VMI cadetship has gone without such sacrifice and, as I have said before, great opportunity. Our history is replete with varied academic approaches… and, in every instance, we still accomplished our Mission.
December Commencement
I am excited to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2020. While I wish that we could do that through the typical May traditions and ceremonies, I am committed to ensuring that our December commencement ceremony will be no less important than what May had in store for our graduates. In addition to the pageantry of a December commencement attended by the Corps of Cadets, the VMI community, and family and friends, the 1st Class (2020) will be honored with the prestigious awards traditionally bestowed at graduation and will select, as is usually the case, a valedictorian from among their ranks. More details on that process will be forthcoming from the class president and the Commandant’s office.
We find ourselves in historic times. VMI was and is in a strong position to weather such a storm; however, none of us could have predicted the magnitude and complexity of this situation. As we move forward, we are governed by the unique Mission of Virginia Military Institute. We will stay true to that Mission but we must and will find ways to achieve it without compromising our principles. Together, we will do just that.
Sincerely,
General Peay
You may also download a copy of this letter from Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III '62.
U.S. Army (Retired)
Chief of Staff
Due to the ongoing public health emergency, academic coursework will be offered in an online environment through the end of the spring semester. Cadets are not to return to post to retrieve their belongings at this time. More information about barracks move out, commissioning and commencement, as well as other frequently asked questions will be forthcoming early next week.
COL James P. Inman
U.S. Army (Retired)
Chief of Staff
March 17, 2020
Since the Superintendent made the decision to move our academic courses to an online learning environment last Friday, the situation in our Commonwealth and nation continues to evolve. Currently, there are no cases of coronavirus associated with VMI or the Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County communities. We know that can change in an instant.
We promised last week to provide answers to the multitude of questions you may have regarding our decision to move to an online learning environment. The VMI Coronavirus Task Force and many faculty and staff have been working diligently to create and implement the many processes necessary to make such changes. The following is general guidance for cadets, faculty, employees, and the community. Our coronavirus webpage attempts to further answer many of these questions and provide greater detail. This webpage will be updated frequently and should be reviewed with regularity. Questions may be directed to coronavirus@vmi.edu.
The situation remains dynamic with national and state directives arriving daily. The leadership team continues to make decisions based on the most up-to-date information provided by our public health partners and civic leaders. Decisions are motivated by the health and well-being of our cadets, faculty, employees, and local community. Updates will continue as the situation evolves and so may some of the decisions outlined today.
COL James P. Inman
U.S. Army (Retired)
Chief of Staff
March 13, 2020
Dear VMI Community:
With the health and well-being of our cadets, faculty, staff, and local community in mind and based on guidance from our public health partners, we are implementing the following changes to VMI operations.
VMI has cancelled all on-Post academic instruction. Beginning on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, classes will move to distance learning environment and will continue until at least Friday, April 17, 2020. Cadets will not report to post until further notice. If a cadet has extenuating circumstances that requires barracks housing during this time, requests will be considered on a case by case basis. Details on barracks housing will be forthcoming.
During this period of distance learning, cadets will still be expected to uphold the core tenets of being a VMI cadet – honor, integrity, physical fitness, and self-discipline. The honor code and other academic regulations will continue to be enforced.
VMI faculty have been working since Wednesday to develop plans for delivering instruction in a distance learning environment that continues to provide our cadets with the rigorous and challenging curriculum for which VMI is known. Faculty have been given license to develop a plan that is suitable to the unique nature of each course and the cadets who are enrolled. Each plan for online instruction will be approved by the department head and the dean of the faculty. If a faculty member has chosen to provide synchronous (live) instruction, that instruction will occur at the usual time designated for that class period (Eastern Daylight Time). Cadets are able to access asynchronous instruction on their schedule and based on the instructor’s direction. Cadets must continue to regularly check their VMI email and Canvas accounts for updates from their professors.
There are still many questions to answer regarding cadet life, academics, and operations. I ask for your patience as our faculty and staff are working around the clock to implement these changes and prepare for the many questions that will be raised. We will communicate more specifics early next week.
This is a challenging time for everyone. We realize that many of these decisions have a lasting impact on the future of our cadets beyond their immediate health and well-being. VMI is committed to providing a quality education regardless of the situation at hand and will work with each cadet based on their unique circumstances. This is not unprecedented in VMI’s history but it is unlike anything we have seen in our lifetime. But there is no place in the country whose people are more prepared for such adversity than VMI.
Very respectfully,
J.H. Binford Peay, III ‘62
General, U.S. Army (Retired)
Superintendent
March 11, 2020
Dear VMI Community,
Over the past several weeks, you have, no doubt, grown increasingly concerned over the spread of the novel coronavirus across the globe and now into our own backyards. I too share your concerns and am tasked with the responsibility to balance those concerns with continuing to carry out VMI’s mission. This is not a task that I take lightly.
The VMI Pandemic Task Force has been meeting for several weeks and continues to work with our local, regional and Commonwealth health partners. As you know, this is a constantly changing situation and we are addressing many different concerns based on VMI’s unique mission. Suffice it to say, however, the health and safety of the corps, faculty, staff, and our community is paramount in every decision we make.
As I write this, VMI is business as usual. We are taking steps to ensure that we know our cadets’ whereabouts during spring furlough as well as making sure that all cadets, faculty, and staff have updated their emergency contact information. We have established a coronavirus website to communicate the latest operational updates to the VMI community. This website will be the official record of any necessary changes in Institute operations. If you hear a rumor about VMI and it is not reflected on the website, then the rumor is not true. The website will be updated each day at 4 p.m. Cadets, faculty, and staff are expected to check it each day.
A pandemic outbreak response is something that the Institute has been planning for many years but hoped that would never come to fruition. The manner in which we are able to weather this storm while preserving our mission relies on frequent communication and sound intelligence. Our emergency planners are in constant communication with health professionals, higher education colleagues, and local and regional organizations. We are gathering sound information from many reliable sources. Our decisions are being made based on the most up-to-date, factual information at the time. We will not make decisions based on rumors or what other institutions are doing.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding. We will get through this together.
Very respectfully,
J.H. Binford Peay, III ‘62
General, U.S. Army (Retired)
Superintendent
News Update from March 9, 2020
The Virginia Department of Health has announced three cases of coronavirus in the commonwealth. Nine tests are currently pending. Two of those tests are from VDH’s northwest region which encompasses the entire Shenandoah Valley. At the present time, all VMI operations continue as normal unless told otherwise.
The best way to prevent the spread of the virus continues to be practicing healthy habits such as avoiding contact with sick people, washing your hands frequently, covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Everyone should be wiping down their living and work spaces several times a day with disinfectant wipes or with soap and water.
Anyone traveling over spring furlough will check travel advisories before beginning their travel. Both the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control provide advisories based on a number of factors. VMI does not recommend, nor support, travel to countries at a level 3 or higher. As coronavirus spreads throughout the United States, travelers must check with their destination’s local or state health departments to determine the risk of travel. Any questions about travel risks will be directed to COL Dave Hall, director of International Programs, at 540-464-7350.
On Wednesday afternoon, a message will be sent with a situational update and final instructions prior to leaving for spring furlough. It is each cadet’s responsibility to update emergency contact Information and follow all instructions prior to signing out on furlough. Additionally, cadets will check their email messages throughout the furlough period.
News Update from March 6, 2020
The VMI Pandemic Task Force continues to monitor the latest information regarding the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). While the virus has been identified in other areas of the country, there are currently no known cases of coronavirus in Virginia. The Institute is working with our partners at the Virginia Department of Health as well as local and regional agencies to prepare and coordinate a response if coronavirus makes its way to the commonwealth.
In the meantime, VMI’s Physical Plant is taking steps to reduce the spread of germs by more frequently disinfecting surfaces, doorknobs, and handrails. Cadets, faculty, and staff should follow suit by frequently wiping down their living and workspaces with disinfectant wipes or with soap and water. Everyone should be practicing healthy habits by avoiding contact with sick people, washing your hands frequently, covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Cadets and faculty who plan to travel internationally during spring furlough should check the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control travel advisories. Additionally, anyone planning on traveling throughout the U.S. should also exercise caution as the number of cases being reported in individual states is increasing daily. VMI does not recommend travel to any country listed by the CDC at a level 3 (China, South Korea, Iran, Italy). If you plan to conduct personal travel anywhere outside of the United States, especially to a level 3 country, or have questions or concerns about that travel, it is important that you stop by the Office of International Programs, 101 Old Hospital, before traveling to speak with COL Hall, Director of International Programs or call him at 540-464-7350.
News Update from Feb. 27, 2020
In light of the Centers for Disease Control’s recent update regarding coronavirus (COVID-19), VMI is continuing to take steps to prevent and prepare for an outbreak. The Institute is following protocols established in its pandemic emergency plan and has established regular communications channels with external partners including the Virginia Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control. A team of VMI officials, including the Institute’s senior leadership, emergency management, health, and communications professionals, are meeting regularly to effectively plan, conduct surveillance, and communicate with VMI faculty, staff, and cadets. Situational updates will be provided when available. Any questions should be directed to COL Wyatt, public information officer at 540-464-7170 or wyattwj@vmi.edu.
The Centers for Disease Control continue to suggest that the risk to the American public of COVID-19 is low at this time. The best way to prevent the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu is to practice healthy habits. Avoid close contact with people who are sick, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and wash your hands often.
As spring furlough approaches, members of the VMI community are encouraged to consult the U.S. Department of State or the CDC’s travel advisories for any planned international travel. By simply typing in your destination country into the State Department’s advisory site, you can discover the travel advisory level. The State Department is currently factoring into their travel advisories CDC warnings with respect to coronavirus. VMI does not recommend travel to any country listed at a level 3 or 4 (China, South Korea, Iran, Italy, Japan or Hong Kong).
If you plan to conduct personal travel anywhere outside of the United States or have questions or concerns about that travel, it is important that you stop by the Office of International Programs, 101 Old Hospital, before traveling to speak with COL Hall, Director of International Programs or call him at 540-464-7350.