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  • Student Experience Dean Lucas Taylor Invites All to PSC's Campus Conversation Thursday, July 23, at 2 p.m.

Student Experience Dean Lucas Taylor Invites All to PSC's Campus Conversation Thursday, July 23, at 2 p.m.

Dear WVU-Potomac State College Campus Community:

WVU-PSC’s faculty and staff are busy planning for fall and are eager to welcome students back to campus. We know that robust programming and activities complement academics to round out the student experience. Because we recognize the importance of student life, I would like to share additional information as a follow-up to our initial Student Life Return to Campus message of June 23.

As we prepare for the fall, we know there will be times we will ask for your patience and flexibility. The circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic are fluid and ever-changing. Our planning process has been, and will continue to be, dynamic. We have adapted activities and programs with guidance and insights from our University, local and state public health experts.

Yet there remains one constant in all our efforts: WVU-PSC is committed to providing a diverse and meaningful experience for all students.

We have heard from many of you with questions about what you can expect when you arrive on campus in a few weeks. For your convenience, we’ve grouped this information into three categories: Taking Care of Your Health and Safety; Where to Find Help; and Getting Connected and Engaging with Others.


Taking Care of Your Health and Safety

You have told us that you want to be on campus, and that means that we all must take personal responsibility and be accountable for maintaining the health and safety of our community. You’ll need to take care of the following before you’re ready to step foot into a classroom or participate in an on-campus activity.


COVID-19 Testing and Education Module

The University requires all students and employees who are returning to WVU campuses to be tested. You must register for the free test; WVU began sending registration emails to Morgantown students on Monday, July 20. Beckley and Keyser faculty, staff and students will be sent an email on Monday, August 3. Visit What You Need to Know: Testing for the testing schedule and more information.

Students also must complete a COVID-19 education module prior to their return to campus. Watch your MIX email account and WVU-PSC social media accounts for information, which will be available before the end of July.

Failure to take the COVID-19 test and/or complete the COVID-19 education module will result in a fee of $250 added to a student’s account. They will also be referred to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.


Personal Hygiene and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Everyone on campus will be expected to practice good personal hygiene including wearing masks or face coverings, maintaining the appropriate physical distance of 6 feet whenever possible and washing hands frequently. Carefully review the Public Health and Safety information for more about these requirements.

Consequences for not complying with the Student Code of Conduct relating to PPE include one or more of the following: written warning, removal from class, probation, suspension and/or expulsion from the College.


Move-In

  • Residence hall move-in will begin on Wednesday, August 12 and continue through Friday, August 14.
  • Students with even number room assignments: Move in Wednesday, August 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Students with uneven number room assignments: Move in Thursday, August 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Returning students move in Friday, August 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • * No prior sign-up is necessary. 
  • * Maximum of two guests may help you move in. No additional people will be allowed in the residence halls. 
  • Further information can be found on the College’s website at PSC Residence Hall Move-In Fall 2020.

 

Where You Can Find Help

Navigating this fall is likely to bring challenges to both new and returning students. There are many resources on-campus to help you. Here are a few that you will find particularly helpful.


Tutoring

The Academic Success Center staff is committed to supporting our students through this difficult time.  Tutors and students will be meeting face-to- face by appointment only and through Zoom, email and phone calls. To provide social distancing, only 2 tutors and 2 students will be in the facility at a time.  If students had previously been working with a tutor, they can contact them directly to make arrangements for a meeting.  If students need to make new appointments or just have general questions they can contact Jennifer Jones at  jrjones@mail.wvu.edu or (304)788-7144.


Paying for College

Financial aid staff in the Office of Enrollment Services can help with scholarship and financial aid questions. Connect with our financial aid staff via phone, email or Zoom. Contact our Student Accounts staff for help with questions about your account and payment options.


Health and Wellness Programs

Taking good care of yourself is important, and you’ll have many (virtual and in-person) options to choose from this fall. More information about the College’s Student Health Center, Psychological Counseling Services and other local health options are available on the website under Student Experience.


Libraries

You will need academic resources to help you, too, and the PSC Library will be open by August 10. Hours are Monday – Thursday, 8am to 6pm, Fridays 8am to 4:30 pm and Sundays 4pm to 8pm. We’ve created plenty of study nooks spread throughout the library so there will be room for everyone. And, of course, Librarians will be on staff and ready to assist you face-to-face, or give us a call at 304-788-6901.


Getting Connected and Engaging with Other Students

Nothing is more important to the overall student experience than the opportunity to engage with your friends and fellow students outside the classroom. You’ll still be able to do that in ways that maintain the health and safety of all.


Student Activities and Programs

Guidelines for student organizations are being developed so groups can meet while maintaining health and safety protocols. Student organizations will be expected to meet virtually; however, if the student organizational leadership determines that a meeting or event must be held in person, there will be policies and procedures that must be followed by organizers and attendees. Group travel will not be allowed during the Fall 2020 semester for any social function.


Campus Conversation Thursday, July 23 at 2 p.m.

We know you have many questions about campus life, and we hope to address as many of those as possible on Thursday, July 23 at 2 p.m. during the Student Life Return to Campus Conversation. You can submit your question ahead of time to psc-ur@mail.wvu.edu which is suggested so we can find answers before the live discussion, or you can ask questions via chat during the event. To join the July 23 conversation and find up-to-date information, visit the Return to Campus website. Scroll down to Keyser Campus for July 23.

This academic year will be different from what you — and all of our faculty and staff — have previously experienced. Please be patient with us and your fellow students as we navigate these new processes together. Though this is not what any of us would have imagined for fall, we can choose to make the best of the situation and act thoughtfully and responsibly to help keep our campuses open for in-person learning.


Let’s Go!

Lucas Taylor
Dean of Student Experience
WVU Potomac State College