Virginia Commonwealth University
PA-14: Wellness Program

RamStrong is a collective well-being resource for the VCU community on the eight dimensions of well-being – physical, emotional, financial, intellectual, occupational, environmental, social and spiritual. RamStrong was originally created by a team at the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute, who envisioned a collaborative tool to easily access resources that support holistic well-being. Today, RamStrong is managed collectively by the Division of Administration, the Division of Student Affairs, Employee Health and VCU Human Resources. Some programs available to staff, faculty, and students under RamStrong include: 

University Counseling Services: all enrolled students have the opportunity to meet with a clinician to assess their specific needs and make a plan for how to best meet those needs. Based on the nature of a student’s concerns, the clinician will make a recommendation for services that may be most beneficial to the student.  Recommendations may include short-term individual therapy, group therapy, support groups, skills groups, and/or support with connecting to a treatment option in the community.

TimelyCare: VCU Students and employees can get the emotional and mental health support they need wherever they are, whenever they need it. TimelyCare offers free, 24/7 access to virtual care, self-care, and well-being tools to help students and employees thrive.

Employee assistance programs: employees who are eligible for and take advantage of state health benefits coverage may be eligible to participate in programs including maternity care, well-being and lifestyle coaching, mental/emotional counseling and more. 

CommonHealth:  administered by the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management to provide health and wellness programs to state employees and their covered family members as well as wage employees and retirees. Programs are presented in a variety of formats to make it easy to participate. 

Information about all of the programs available to VCU Students, Faculty, and Staff under the RamStrong program is available at: https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/

In order to provide a safe and healthy working and learning environment for faculty, students, staff and visitors on its campus, Virginia Commonwealth University has adopted the following Smoke and Tobacco-Free Campus policy: Smoking, vaping, and the use of all tobacco products is prohibited on university property or in vehicles owned or leased by the university, except as specifically permitted below: 

1.In an outdoor area specifically identified as a “Designated Smoking Area.” For information about specific areas, see http://tobaccofree.vcu.edu/.

2.Sponsored research involving the authorized use of tobacco or tobacco products. In the case of smoking, the principal investigator must obtain a written waiver signed by the vice president for research and innovation prior to the initiation of the research. Any such waiver will designate a specific room within the facility (following inspection by the VCU fire safety office and concurrence by the dean or the dean’s direct representative) and sponsored research requirements. Smoke, like any other contaminant, will be controlled. All research involving the participation of human subjects, including that with tobacco, or tobacco products requires approval by the VCU Institutional Review Board. 

3.Authorized theatrical smoking or vaping. Any use of tobacco products in a theatrical production that is required by the script or for character motivation shall be accomplished using non-tobacco substitute material. If a combustible product is to be used, there must be prior approval by the VCU Fire Safety Office. Audiences must be notified that there will be smoking on stage.

4.This policy does not apply to any cessation product specifically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in treating nicotine or tobacco dependence or to the Education City campus in Doha, Qatar. The restrictions are designed to comply with Virginia Executive Order 41 (2006), banning smoking in state offices and vehicles; the Administrative Guidelines for Executive Order 41, Code of Virginia section 18.2-371.2 and the Virginia Indoor Clean Air Act (Code of Virginia sections 15.2-2820 et seq.). In accordance with VCU’s Space Use Regulation, 8 VAC 90-70-10 et seq., entry upon and use of university property must be in accord with VCU policy. Any person who violates these restrictions may be excluded from university property, subject to criminal penalties for trespass, or subject to university action under applicable policy, such as the Student Code of Conduct or employee disciplinary policies.

VCU supports an environment free from retaliation. Retaliation against any employee who brings forth a good faith concern, asks a clarifying question, or participates in an investigation is prohibited.This policy will be communicated through the University Policy program and website, the Tobacco Free VCU website and with no smoking signage and postings.  VCU offers smoking prevention and cessation resources including wellness coaching and access to prevention and cessation tools through RecWell, for students and RamStrong for faculty and staff.  All community members can also access support through the We CAN Quit program through Massey Cancer Center.