VCU Arts Qatar update

The following message was sent to the faculty and staff of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar. A similar message was sent to the school's students.

I hope you are all staying safe and looking after one another. My day has been filled with important dialogues across our network — from the Qatar Foundation and our fellow partner universities, and our leadership in Richmond. 

I have spoken daily with VCU President Michael Rao, who expresses his strong support and encouragement for our community. Please know that our Richmond colleagues are standing with us and holding us in their thoughts during these difficult days.  

A key decision point today: After careful consideration and in close coordination with Qatar Foundation, partner universities and Richmond leadership, we are permitting a transition to voluntary temporary remote work from outside of Qatar for those who choose this option. 

This decision is made in the interest of flexibility and personal safety. The choice is available to all faculty and staff, not only American citizens. Choosing to temporarily relocate will not affect your employment status.

This means that all colleagues in the VCUarts Qatar Community, regardless of contract type or citizenship, may choose to — when it becomes possible to do so safely — relocate to a destination abroad and continue their work remotely. 

Once you have safely traveled to your preferred location, you will be expected to work/teach in the Qatar time zone. Faculty and staff should coordinate their schedules and responsibilities with their supervisors.  

The decision to relocate is entirely yours. If you choose to travel, the school’s bi-annual airfare allowance for eligible employees will be deposited by March 15 and can support your funding of temporary relocation. All other expenses associated with travel and temporary relocation will be your responsibility. 

At this time, there is no specified return date to Qatar. We will continue monitoring the situation as it evolves, recognizing that it is difficult to predict. You will be notified when a reasonable return date is identified.  

We understand that this is a complex and deeply personal decision. Please prioritize your safety and the well-being of your family as you consider your next steps.

For now, please continue to shelter in place and follow the guidance of local authorities.

Next Steps 

• Discuss with your family whether you plan to depart temporarily.

• Notify your supervisor of your decision.

• If you choose to travel by air, once the airspace opens, book commercial flights for yourself and your family to your chosen relocation destination.

• Given the likelihood of traffic, crowding and disruptions, allow significant time to reach the airport and anticipate possible delays.

• There are limited options for self-travel by land to open airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman. This choice requires special insurance and visas, and operating status may change.

For your reference, I am attaching the related communication shared by Qatar Foundation with its employees.

We will continue to stay closely connected and keep you informed as the situation evolves. Please continue to look out for one another as we navigate this together as a community.

And, please reach out to our health and wellness resources if you require additional support.