Pierpont Community & Technical College releases details for fall semester

FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Pierpont Community & Technical College will not only be open with minimal restrictions in the fall, but incentives will be offered for students, faculty and staff who are fully vaccinated by September 10.

“Vaccines have proven to be extremely effective in the fight against Covid-19,” said Pierpont Interim President Anthony Hancock. “The safety of our students, faculty and staff is of the utmost importance, and we will follow state and national guidelines to ensure their health and wellbeing.”
Preventive measures, such as vaccines, masks, COVID-19 testing, hand washing and sanitizing and physical distancing have proven to be effective tools in reducing the spread of the disease,” Hancock said.

Pierpont will monitor infection and hospitalization rates and work closely with the Marion County Health Department to understand the level of infection and adjust COVID protocols if required.

Faculty, staff and students must show proof of being vaccinated by 4 p.m. on September 10 to be eligible for the incentives. Students who are vaccinated will be entered into a random drawing for four $500 scholarships offered through the Pierpont Foundation, Inc. Vaccinated employees will be entered into a drawing for $25 gift cards offered through the foundation, as well.

Pierpont will encourage but not require vaccination for faculty, staff and students. The policy could change after the FDA approves the vaccines.

All employees and students must register their COVID vaccine status by August 1. Students must send their COVID immunization record to the Office of Admissions at 500 Galliher Drive, Fairmont, WV, 26554. Faculty can register their vaccine status through the employee portal.

Reminders will be mailed or emailrd to all students, faculty and staff who haven’t registered their vaccine status by Aug. 5. Those not registered or are unvaccinated are expected to come to the Advanced Technology Center at 500 Galliher Drive in Fairmont on Aug. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon or
from noon to 4 p.m. for COVID testing prior to the beginning of the semester.

All unvaccinated faculty, students and staff will be asked to get COVID tested two additional times during the fall semester, prior to the 12-week and 8-week sessions. Those dates and times will be announced later.

Students, faculty or staff who believe they are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons may apply for an exemption and accommodation. If you are an employee and have questions or need accommodations, contact Human Resources via email at [email protected].

Those fully vaccinated will no longer be required to wear a mask indoors or outdoors on any of Pierpont’s campuses. However, those who are not fully vaccinated are expected to wear a mask while inside all Pierpont facilities and outdoors when around other people. Fully vaccinated individuals who wish to continue wearing a mask for additional protection are encouraged to do so.

Officials expect employees and students to continue to regularly monitor their personal health status. Those who feel ill should not
come to campus and should return to their campus or local residence, self-isolate and avoid further contact with others. Those who are ill should
use a mask or face covering and follow physical distancing guidelines.

Students should contact their local physician or Pierpont’s student health service provider MVA Health Centers, Inc. 1322 Locust Ave, Fairmont at 304-366-0700. Faculty and staff should contact their local physician.

Students and faculty can self-report their status by emailing [email protected].

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all non-essential state business travel for state employees outside of West Virginia, including internationally, is and remains suspended until further notice. Requests to determine of travel is essential or not must be submitted in writing Cabinet Secretary responsible for the agency/employee making the request.

Fully vaccinated individuals may resume non-business travel. However, travel restrictions and safety guidance in the area of travel must be followed. Unvaccinated employees and students must document any out-of-state travel by emailing [email protected]. Unvaccinated faculty, students and staff must quarantine for five days following out-of-state travel.

Classrooms will be at 100% capacity in the fall and social distancing protocol will be no lionger be in effect. Faculty are
asked to maintain a seating chart for all classes to ensure contact tracing can be conducted in case of exposure.

Pierpont students in Fairmont State University Housing must follow the rules established by FSU Campus

These COVID-19 protocols will be enforced on Pierpont campuses, including the Advanced Technology Center in Fairmont, the Gaston Caperton Center in Clarksburg, the Locust Avenue Campus in Fairmont, the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center in Bridgeport and all regional sites.