Open Mind: Living, learning and working while implementing social distancing
Mar. 16, 2020—In her latest "Open Mind" column, Interim Chancellor and Provost Susan R. Wente discusses how we can live, learn and work with social distancing, and our responsibility to do so.
VandyRides services suspended; on-call medical transportation service continues
Mar. 15, 2020—Due to the current status of the University concerning the COVID-19 virus, the VandyRides service is suspended as of March 14, 2020. The health and safety of our students is our top priority; therefore, VUPS will continue to provide an on-call medical transportation service.
Changes to VandyRide starting March 16
Mar. 14, 2020—Beginning Monday, March 16, VandyRide will move to using small, open-air vehicles to provide safety escorts for students, faculty and staff.
For staff: Initial remote work period March 16-27
Mar. 13, 2020—In order to protect the health and safety of the Vanderbilt community during the unprecedented public health challenge of COVID-19, the university is instituting an initial remote work period beginning Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 27. Individual remote work decisions require approval by an employee's manager.
Aetna waives co-pays for COVID-19 screenings
Mar. 13, 2020—Insurance provider Aetna is waiving co-pays and member cost share for all diagnostic testing related to COVID-19.
Centralized web portal, workshops launched for online and alternative education resources
Mar. 13, 2020—The Office of Faculty Affairs has launched a new centralized web portal where faculty members can find the broad array of resources available to them as the university transitions all academic courses to online and alternative education.
Zoom online conferencing platform available; Add a VU virtual background
Mar. 12, 2020—Vanderbilt has made Zoom online conferencing software available for all university faculty, students and staff. Are you missing the sights of Vanderbilt while living, learning or working off campus? Bring the university home by downloading campus images to use as virtual backgrounds for your next Zoom meeting.
For undergraduate campus residents: Information about move out
Mar. 12, 2020—All undergraduate campus residents should make plans to move out no later than Sunday, March 15, and should complete the required Spring Move-Out Information Form available on the OHARE website as soon as possible. Classes will resume using online and alternative learning on March 16.
Athletics events suspended through March 30
Mar. 12, 2020—Due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, the Southeastern Conference has canceled the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament in Nashville. In addition, and effective immediately, regular season competition for teams in all sports on SEC campuses, as well SEC championship events, will be suspended until March 30.
For faculty, staff, grad and professional students and postdocs: Update on travel policies
Mar. 12, 2020—Due to the recent presidential proclamation on international travel, Vanderbilt is reminding faculty, staff, graduate and professional students and postdoctoral scholars of the university's existing policies, and also providing some updates for community members to continue being proactive in their COVID-19 prevention measures.
For students: Guidance for study abroad participants regarding presidential proclamation
Mar. 12, 2020—The federal government is restricting travel from Europe to the United States for the foreseeable future, beginning Friday, March 13. It appears this development does not apply to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. Vanderbilt is standing by to assist study abroad participants to the extent it can as this situation continues to evolve.
Triple-negative breast cancer drug therapy shows promise
Mar. 12, 2020—Researchers from Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) discovered a role for MYCN in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a particularly aggressive form of the disease, and identified a potential intervention for further clinical investigation.
For students: Message to undergraduate campus residents
Mar. 11, 2020—All undergraduate campus residents should make plans to move out no later than Sunday, March 15, and should complete the required Spring Move-Out Information Form available on the OHARE website as soon as possible. Students who may need to remain on campus beyond March 15 will receive further communication. Classes will resume using online and alternative learning on March 16.
For staff: Message about remainder of spring semester
Mar. 11, 2020—Following the transition to online and alternative learning for the remainder of the spring semester and move out of all undergraduate residential students, the Vanderbilt University campus remains safe and open. Staff are expected to work their normal schedules and should direct questions about schedules or work arrangements to their managers.
For faculty: Resources for moving to alternative education
Mar. 11, 2020—Online and alternative learning will launch Monday, March 16, for undergraduate, graduate and professional students. The university is committed to providing faculty with the resources and support they need as this unprecedented shift is made to protect the health and safety of the campus community.