With recent decreases in COVID-19 cases across the country and the knowledge that COVID-19 vaccines are extremely safe and effective, West Virginia University now plans to fully reopen its campuses this fall.
COVID-19 numbers within the U.S. and West Virginia have significantly decreased as
the number of vaccinations has increased. As of Monday, June 14, there were 2,799
active COVID-19 cases in West Virginia, a decrease of 57% from this time a month
ago. The state is currently experiencing the lowest transmissibility rates since
the pandemic began, according to data provided by the
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. At this time, more
than 52% of West Virginians above the age of 12 have received at least one dose
of a COVID-19 vaccine.
This, coupled with proven preventative measures such as masks, physical distancing,
self-symptom monitoring, COVID-19 testing and good personal hygiene (e.g. hand
washing and hand sanitizer), shows WVU students and employees have access to the
tools to fight COVID-19 and the spread of the disease to others.
West Virginia University’s highest priority is to offer a fully in-person, on-campus
academic and student experience this fall. Lessons learned from the pandemic will
influence how the University approaches some activities and events moving forward.
As always, the safety of students, faculty, staff and guests will be an important
guiding factor.
Please note the following details for the fall semester may be adjusted based on
infection and hospitalization rates and input from health experts. Unless noted,
this information pertains to WVU campuses in
Morgantown,
Keyser and
Beckley, as well as
Health Sciences campuses in
Martinsburg and
Charleston. Importantly,
WVU Medicine and patient care clinics located in Health Sciences have
their own set of policies, procedures and protocols for staff, patients and visitors.
Vaccines
At this time, WVU strongly encourages everyone to be vaccinated but it is not required for faculty, staff or students. The University will reevaluate vaccination requirements upon FDA approval.Those who have yet to be vaccinated, but would like to be, can find available vaccination appointments at http://vaccines.gov. Vaccines continue to be readily available across the country.
As of June 29, nearly 32% of students and 40% of employees on the Morgantown campus have verified that they have been vaccinated. Eight percent of students and 39% of employees at Potomac State College in Keyser have verified their vaccination. Eleven percent of students and 43% of employees at WVU Tech in Beckley have verified their vaccination
All students, faculty and staff must verify their vaccine status by Aug. 1 at
http://myhousing.wvu.edu.
This video explains the steps and information needed to complete verification.
Those who received the vaccine from a WVU or WVU Medicine vaccine clinic are
still responsible for verifying their vaccine status by Aug. 1.
The percentage milestones (e.g. 50%, 60% and 75%) previously announced that relate
to on-campus activities are no longer relevant.
However, Food Fest and Fall Fest, both of which attract large crowds in tight
spaces on the Morgantown campus, will not resume in their previous formats until
a 70% vaccination rate is achieved.
Additionally, the University announced
incentives for all those across all campuses who have already verified their
vaccine or will do so between now and Aug. 1.
Those not fully vaccinated and those who have not verified their vaccine status
by Aug. 1 must:
- comply with re-entry COVID-19 testing prior to the start of the fall semester,
- comply with random sample testing until you become fully vaccinated,
- quarantine for at least 10 days following close contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19,
- quarantine for five days following out-of-state travel,
- wear a mask indoors and when outdoors and around others.
Students, faculty or staff who believe they are unable to be vaccinated for medical
reasons may apply for an exemption and accommodation. Employees can fill out a
modification request or email
coronavirusmodification@mail.wvu.edu. Students should contact Accessibility
Services at 304-293-6700 or
access2@mail.wvu.edu.
All employees and students will be required to take a new COVID-19 educational
module prior to Aug. 12. More information will be available in July.
Masks
Effective June 20, fully vaccinated individuals will no longer be required to wear a mask indoors or outdoors on campus.Those not fully vaccinated are expected to wear a mask while inside all University facilities and outdoors when around other people.
Consistent with federal guidelines for public transportation, masks will be expected for everyone on all WVU transportation including the PRT and buses through at least Sept. 13, as per Transportation Security Administration guidance.
Those who are fully vaccinated and would like to continue wearing a mask for additional protection are encouraged to do so.
Individuals will not be required to demonstrate proof of vaccination on campus but need to complete the vaccine verification process.
Academics and Research
Classrooms will be at 100% capacity this fall. The University system will follow a regular academic calendar, grading scale and attendance policies. Seating charts and seat assignments will still be required to assist in contact tracing when necessary.Vaccinated individuals are not required to wear a mask in the classroom but may choose to wear one. Those who are not vaccinated are expected to wear a mask.
Plexiglass will be available for faculty who wish to use it. In addition, hand sanitizer and cleaning materials will be available in the classroom or nearby hallway.
The University will continue to evaluate study abroad opportunities on a case-by-case basis.
Non-human research activities will resume at 100% capacity effective June 20. Human research should continue under previous spring 2021 guidance while any potential changes are pending.
Student Life
The PRT and WVU buses will run on normal schedules at 100% capacity beginning Aug. 2. Masks must be worn by everyone at all times on University buses and the PRT through at least Sept. 13.Dining halls will open at 100% capacity with safety measures and enhanced cleaning procedures in place. Plexiglass dividers will be available in dining facilities for those who would like to use them.
The Student Rec Center will open at 100% capacity June 20. Unvaccinated individuals are expected to wear a mask inside the facility.
Student organizations can organize and gather without limitations.
Additionally,
club and
intramural sports can resume practice and competition without restrictions.
It is highly recommended that these gatherings take place outdoors. Unvaccinated
individuals are expected to wear a mask at these events.
Residence Halls
WVU Potomac State College first-time students will move in to residence halls on Saturday, Aug. 14. Returning students will move in to residence halls on Sunday, Aug. 15. More information on move in will be announced at a later date.
Students should watch their MIX email account, WVU Potomac State College websites
and social media accounts in July for information on the registration process,
securing a time slot and what to do regarding extenuating circumstances that may
require an arrival before Aug. 12.
There is no limit to the number of family members who can help move students into
their residence hall rooms. Unvaccinated individuals are expected to wear a mask.
A limited number of volunteers will be available to assist those moving into residence
halls during move-in.
Guests are welcome to visit residence halls throughout the semester, as well, following
standard visitation policies. Unvaccinated visitors must follow University guidelines
and are expected to wear masks.
On the Morgantown campus, residence hall move-in will take place from Thursday, Aug.
12 through Saturday, Aug. 14. Students may select and register for a time slot;
every hall will offer time slots each day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration for
time slots will open around July 6.
New students at WVU Tech will move in on Friday, Aug. 13 through Sunday, Aug. 15.
Returning students will move in on Monday, Aug. 16 and Tuesday, Aug. 17. Additional
information is available at the
Return to Campus website.
Visitors on Campus
Departments and units will be responsible for sharing University policy and practices with visitors they invite to campus. All visitors, including vendors and contractors, will need to continue to follow University safety guidelines while on campus; unvaccinated visitors are expected to wear a mask while on campus.Departments and units should continue to use good judgment when determining when to bring visitors to campus (e.g. interview job candidates via Zoom before bringing final candidates to campus).
Welcome Week
More information will be made available to incoming Potomac State College students in July.Travel
Fully vaccinated individuals may resume non-business travel activities. However, they should note travel restrictions and safety guidance in the area of intended travel.University-related business travel will remain limited and require prior approval from a unit vice president or dean. Travel related to externally funded projects does not require vice president or dean approval.
Testing and Isolation
Individuals who have not verified their vaccination status with WVU by Aug. 1 will be expected to be tested prior to the start of the fall semester. Unvaccinated individuals will be randomly selected for regular screening testing throughout the fall semester.Opportunities for testing for those who were exposed to COVID-19 will also be available. Contact tracing will continue on WVU’s campuses. Those who test positive will need to isolate and follow instructions provided by contact tracers.
The University will resume weekly COVID-19 updates through a dashboard on the Return to Campus website, which will feature testing information and vaccination rates.
Events
In-person events may resume on campus at 100% capacity effective June 20. The Health and Safety Committee does not need to approve events, but does recommend organizers use best practices. It is recommended events take place outdoors if possible, and plated or pre-packaged meals are preferred if food is served. Hand sanitizer should be made readily available at the event. Masks are expected for those who have yet to be vaccinated.In addition, concerts, plays and shows may resume on campus at 100% capacity effective June 20. Masks are expected for those who have yet to be vaccinated.
Athletics events will also be held at 100% capacity, and the WVU Athletic Department will separately announce details relating to sporting events in the near future.