MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – WVU officials have released more information about the return to campus in the fall of 2021.
All students and faculty will be required to take COVID-19 educational module prior to attending classes.
The fall semester will begin Wednesday, August 18 with the intention of operating at pre-pandemic levels for research and educational opportunities. Online classes will still be offered, but the goal is as much in-person instruction as possible.
“Masks must be worn in the classroom and plexiglass will be available for faculty use,” Provost and vice president of academic affairs, Maryanne Reed said,” Instructors will continue to take attendance and they will use seating charts to aid in contact tracing if that becomes necessary.”
The grading system will be traditional. Officials want students to have transcripts that display measured performance rather than pass or fail.
Health data will be evaluated continuously that could lead to changes before the start of the fall semester.
Vaccines a a priority.
Officials want to get 80 percent of the campus community immunized. Reaching the vaccination goals will allow some COVID restrictions to be eased. At this time, the vaccine is not required, but is strongly recommended.
“As those vaccines move out of emergency use authorization and into approval stage,” Associate Vice President for Health Affairs & Dean of the School of Public Health, Dr. Jeffrey Coben said,” We will also reassess and reconsider the requirement around vaccines.”
The Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system will begin running on August 2 with capacity limits dictated by campus vaccine rates. Masks must be worn on the PRT and buses.
The Rec Center and other student activities will open with capacity limits. According to Dean of Students, Dr. Corey Farris details will be released soon regarding Welcome Week for the fall semester. Dining options will open as much as possible, including buffet settings.
Vice president of strategic initiatives, Rob Alsop said opening the campus and holding activities depends on verified vaccination rates. Students faculty and staff are required to be fully vaccinated by August 1. Failure to complete the online vaccination verification or they will be considered unvaccinated.
“Those who have been vaccinated will not be required to undergo reentry testing this fall, undergo surveillance testing during the semester, quarantine if they’re exposed or quarantine following travel,” Alsop said.
As infection rates drop more activities will be added and/or opened. Reopening will continue as the rate vaccine increases and infection rates decrease. University officials believe they achieve “community immunity” when the vaccine rate reaches 75 to 80 percent. At 75 percent, nearly all restrictions will be lifted.
“At a75 percent verified vaccination rate- the Rec Center will be completely open, Up All Night will be at full capacity, concerts, shows and plays will be at full capacity, we’ll run the PRT with up to 12 people, contact intramural sports will resume as well as all sports activities, residence hall fitness centers will open, plexiglass will largely be removed from dining halls homecoming activities will be in-person and Welcome Week activities will be held in larger groups,” Alsop said.
The vaccine will play a pivotal role in how the campus operates for the fall semester. Officials view all three vaccines available as safe, effective and urge students to get the shot or talk to a professional if you have questions.
“Come to one of our clinics or speak to a healthcare provider to learn more,” Alsop said,” We will have healthcare providers at our clinics, not only to give the shot but to answer questions, so if you’re hesitant we can help you understand the benefits of taking the vaccine and the benefits for you and the campus.”