MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – WVU officials are hoping for smooth fall semester, but it will take cooperation and people getting vaccinated.
Students, faculty and staff that are fully vaccinated and have verified their status do not have to follow protocols including surveillance testing, mandatory testing and quarantine following out-of-state travel or possible coronavirus exposure.
Vice President & Executive Dean for Health Sciences Dr. Clay Marsh said fully vaccinated people have more freedom in addition to a high level of protection from the virus.
“Even though people might be able to get reinfected if you’re fully vaccinated,” Dr. Marsh said,” That full vaccination is incredibly protective in protecting you from being really severely ill, being hospitalized, going to the ICU or dying.”
For the last month, active coronavirus cases as well as hospitalizations have been on the rise. Nationally, the CDC reports 83-percent of all new infections are the Delta variant of the virus. West Virginia reports 118 cases of the Delta variant.
“The Delta variant is on the rise and we need to be smart to work to protect ourselves and others,” Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Rob Alsop said,” This is not a mandate, but it is a plea for personal accountability and responsibility as we work together to navigate COVID-19.”
Dean of Students Corey Farris encourages student organizations to consider meetings virtually or outside when possible due to concerns over the Delta variant. Additionally, WVU Up All Night will return fully on August 14.
“Consider instead of using a small classroom, but maybe using a much larger classroom which allows you to spread out a whole lot,” Farris said.
Students participating in club sports are asked to conduct those activities outdoors when possible. Unvaccinated participants will have to wear masks and follow quarantine policies after team out-of-state travel or exposure.
All staff, faculty, students and visitors will be required to wear masks at all time on public transportation.
“Masks will be required for everybody on the PRT, WVU transportation and busses through at least September 13 per Transportation Security Administration guidance,” Alsop said.
Classrooms will be at 100-percent capacity and masks are recommended, plexiglass will be available for those who request it and hand sanitizer will be in ample supply. Students will also follow the regular academic schedule.
“We will not be offering the pass/fail option to students that we offered at the beginning of the COVID crisis,” Reed said,” Faculty and instructors are encouraged to return to their regular attendance policies that they had in place before COVID.”
Welcome Week activities will run from August 12 through August 20 and masks are recommended for larger events.