Coronavirus Updates
Information current as of May 13, 2020
Memorandum for the VMI Community:
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
This website will be updated as new information is available and is the primary vehicle of communication for cadets and their families, and for faculty and staff. You are encouraged to bookmark this website and check it throughout spring furlough and as the situation continues to evolve. Cadets are also encouraged to be signed up for emergency alerts through the VMI Mass Notification System to receive a phone call and text with emergency information. Visit the site to sign up. For questions or more information, contact coronavirus@vmi.edu
Additional, audience-specific pages have been added to streamline access to pertinent information. The items can be accessed using the page's sub-menu or by visiting: For Cadets, , For Employees, For the Community, or Frequently Asked Questions.
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.
Operational Status Updates and Cancellations
- On-Post classes are cancelled. All classes will move to a distance learning environment beginning March 25, 2020, and continue until the end of the semester. Cadets will not report to post during this time.
- All public events on Post are cancelled until further notice.
- All Post buildings will be locked until further notice. Employees may use their VMI IDs to access their offices. Availability of spaces in many Post buildings will be reduced to accommodate for available staffing and to reduce maintenance.
VMI cancellations, including events for Alumni Agencies, our museums, VMI athletics, and the Center for Leadership and Ethics will be shared here.
VMI Facility Status
| Facility | Status |
|---|---|
| Cocke Hall | CLOSED for fitness activities |
| Cormack Hall | CLOSED for fitness activities |
| Corps Physical Training Facility | CLOSED for fitness activities |
| George C. Marshall Museum | CLOSED until further notice |
| Preston Library | CLOSED until further notice |
| VMI Museums | CLOSED until further notice |
VMI Event Cancellations & Status Updates
| Name of Event | Date(s) | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| Director’s Guided Battlefield Tour - CANCELLED | May 15, 2020 | Virginia Museum of the Civil War |
| Annual Reenactment - CANCELLED | May 16-17, 2020 | Virginia Museum of the Civil War |
| VMI Foundation Board of Trustees Meeting - MOVED ONLINE | May 28-30, 2020 | VMI Alumni Agencies |
| Keydet Club Board of Governors Meeting - MOVED ONLINE | June 11-13, 2020 | VMI Alumni Agencies |
| Keydet Club Leadership Outing - CANCELLED | June 11-13, 2020 | VMI Alumni Agencies |
VMI thanks you for your patience and understanding as decisions are made and as we continue to operate as an educational institution. Previous post-wide notices can be found on our Previous Communications page.