MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic the West Virginia University Board of Governors met in-person.
A virtual option was also available.
President Gordon Gee addressed mental health issues that are sometimes worsened by isolation.
“I take this issue very seriously – especially in light of the tragic death of one of our students one week ago today,” Gee said. “Ben, and I did not know Ben, was young man full of promise and possibility, and it breaks my heart to know that he is no longer part of our University family.”
Gee also highlighted the effort to improve diversity, reform policing and develop black students leaders. The school launched a website in late March to communicate the plan and solicit feedback.
Vice president of strategic initiatives, Rob Alsop detailed vaccination progress from all three campuses.
Morgantown
To date, 2,338 out of 6,000 employees have been vaccinated.
To date, 5,442 out of 16,000 students have been vaccinated.
Beckley
To date, 204 out of 300 employees have been vaccinated.
To date, 131 out of 1,167 students have been vaccinated.
Keyser
To date, 95 out of 202 employees have been vaccinated.
To date, 189 out of 966 students have been vaccinated.
Alsop said work was underway on the updated 10 year campus plan.
“As we begin to move through the COVID-19 pandemic and with the changing landscape in higher education, now is a perfect time to start this effort,” Alsop said. “It’s going to be about our core, and how we support our academic efforts an our students.”
Provost Maryanne Reed announced plans for an in-person commencement May 15 and 16 at Milan Puskar Stadium. Ticket distribution will be limited, masks and social distancing will be mandatory.
The board also approved the sale of 1.4 acres of land in Star City, the creation of the Communication Sciences & Disorders clinic at the Health & Education Building and Health Sciences Center, renamed three University Farms to better reflect their mission and amended the lease agreement of farmland to benefit to benefit Davis College and J.W. Ruby Research Farm in Reedsville. In Lewis County, the board approved leasing gas and oil rights for 84 acres of land.