The University of Virginia has created a new Community Concerns Reporting Portal for members of the Charlottesville community and surrounding areas to report possible violations of the public health protocols and policies UVA has put in place for the fall semester.

The portal allows community members to submit details, including photos and video, of possible violations. The goal is to identify significant or repeated noncompliance with University public health policies, including requirements that faculty, students and staff wear face coverings, observe physical distancing and gathering only in small groups not exceeding 15 people.

It is one of many safety measures UVA has put in place to protect its Charlottesville neighbors, including setting up free weekly community COVID-19 testing sites, asking all students to submit a negative COVID-19 test result if they are returning to Charlottesville, working with community leaders, and sharing information and answering questions in a recent virtual town hall for community members.

Students, staff and faculty members can make similar reports of potential public health concerns through the University’s existing Just Report It system. All reports will be reviewed by relevant University departments, which will follow up and take action as needed.

UVA Today spoke with University Counsel Tim Heaphy to learn more about how the Community Concerns Reporting Portal will work.

Q. How can community members submit a report?

A. We have established a process by which community members can submit information about violations of the rules requiring University students and staff to wear masks, maintain social distance, not gather in large groups, and comply with other public health protections. Information about serious, persistent violations of these rules can be provided using a form available at https://communityconcerns.virginia.edu/. We hope that most minor concerns will be addressed directly by the observer to the person who may be violating one of these rules, with an educational, community-wellbeing approach.

Q. What will happen once a report is submitted?

A. All information received through this process will be reviewed and appropriate remedial action will be pursued when needed. The University may not be able to share information about what actions are taken in response to reports due to federal privacy protections.

Q. What possible follow-up actions can the University take? 

A. Information provided through the community concerns process may be routed to various offices or units within the University for possible follow-up. Serious violations may result in immediate action, up to and including suspension of involved students and organizations. Other reports may prompt additional preventive and educational action in an ongoing effort to protect public health.

Q. How will this community reporting system supplement other efforts and public health measures the University is taking?

A. Compliance with masking, social distancing, limitations on gatherings, and other COVID prevention measures is essential to the University’s ability to provide a safe environment in which to live and learn. All reports received through this community reporting system will be documented, allowing us to evaluate the data collected to spot trends and take additional steps to protect community safety.

Ultimately, we hope that most instances will be addressed through University community members committing to be active bystanders and educating one another when minor infractions occur.