VCOM 2021 Annual Report

SPECIAL REPORT ON VCOM’S COVID-19 RESPONSE

Educational Excellence and Safety The History of VCOM’s Response to COVID-19 I n the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the medical education of VCOM students was a primary following the appropriate precautions. Protective equipment was provided and the facilities staff followed cleaning and disinfecting procedures for the buildings each night.

Control (CDC) for higher education institutions. Students, faculty and staff wore face masks, followed good hygiene, social distanced and the buildings were cleaned several times per day. VCOM implemented an asynchronous learning model to deliver the same classroom curriculum whether the student was attending in-person on the campus or online. throughout the year through rotating schedules between classes. First-year classes were held in the morning and second-year classes in the afternoon. Students were spread across two or three classrooms to allow for social distancing with 50 to 55 per classroom. Required in-person laboratory hours were also alternated with first-year students working in the laboratories in the afternoon and second- year students working in the morning. Classrooms were cleaned and wiped down with disinfectants between classes. Medical simulations were taught through telemedicine and in-person. The number of people in a simulation room was limited to three or fewer students. The College altered the classroom schedules

concern. This was balanced with the critically important value placed on wellness and safety for students, faculty and staff. In March 2020, VCOM closed all campus buildings and removed all students from in-person education to an online curriculum. Accrediting organizations issued guidance statements allowing changes to the The College’s ability to be flexible in this situation is a result from years of having technology already in place, such as VCOM TV and other online resources to support the curriculum. Dedicated faculty and staff provided creative educational models for virtual education and many excellent models that will be used long after the COVID-19 pandemic is over. Faculty and staff with essential duties that could not be performed at home continued to work on campus while practicing social distancing and curriculum, including offering online learning during the crisis.

VCOM held a virtual commencement for the Class of 2020 on all campuses. The virtual events were a success with students and their families. Over 9,700 viewers played videos a total of 31,869 times and downloaded videos over 800 times. Campuses re-opened in late summer of 2020 E ssential faculty and staff began a staggered return in July based on duties. The campus buildings remained closed except for essential personnel and students through much of the fall. Students returned to the Auburn and Louisiana campuses on July 13, 2020, and the Virginia and Carolinas campuses on July 22, 2020. Due to COVID-19, the first two weeks of instruction were provided online while students were self-quarantined. Information for avoiding COVID-19 was provided by the Centers for Disease

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