While there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in West Virginia, the University continues to monitor this unprecedented and rapidly changing public health situation.
Course work
Following spring break (March 14-22), in-person classes will be suspended until WVU
moves to online class instruction, except some lab courses, beginning March 30.
Courses already being taught online will continue as originally scheduled.
The WVU Teaching and Learning Commons will offer sessions in using online tools for instructional delivery beginning Friday (March 13) through March 27. Health Sciences Center Information Technology Services has created a similar website for HSC faculty.
Campus
The University is curtailing large events, at least until April 3.
- The University strongly recommends that meetings or events of 100 people or more be cancelled or postponed. The use of teleconferencing, group chats, or live streaming as alternatives to in-person gatherings is also strongly recommended.
- The University also strongly discourages all University meetings that include participants from other cities and countries, even if fewer than 100 people.
- The University is requesting that no new, non-essential events be scheduled now through April 3, when the University will re-evaluate and communicate new protocols.
General guidelines for regular business meetings are:
- Limit exposure to crowds and small meeting spaces.
- Reduce meetings as possible.
- If you can meet by phone or technology (ie, Zoom), it is recommended you do so.
- For in-person meetings, always offer a conference call-in option.
- For in-person meetings, make them a handshake-free zone and have hand sanitizer in the room.
- If you are sick, stay home. Call in to the meeting if you are able.
Travel
All University-related international and domestic travel is suspended, unless approved,
through March 30.
Faculty, staff and students are asked to use their best judgment for all personal travel and fill out a form to self-report personal travel to help establish practices for a return to campus.
Additional travel information, guidelines and resources are available at coronavirus.wvu.edu/faculty-staff.
Student employees/graduate student assistants
Before spring break, supervisors should review the following guidance and work with
your student employees and graduate student assistants to take any necessary actions:
Student Employees
- Student employees who need to work are asked to contact their supervisor to make any necessary arrangements.
- If the student does not leave campus during spring break, work with them to determine their work schedule.
- A student employee’s decision to travel during spring break may limit their work options.
- If the student plans to travel, make sure they complete the voluntary travel form. Depending on where the student travels and their potential exposure to coronavirus COVID-19, the University will determine if it is safe for them to return to campus to work.
Graduate Student Assistants
- Graduate student assistants (i.e., teaching assistant, research assistant, service assistant) need to continue working according to the terms of their appointment letter to be paid under their assignment.
- If the graduate student travels during spring break, the same travel rules apply to them as for all students.
- If the graduate student is quarantined or needs a remote assignment for any reason, you should arrange for them to work remotely.
- Graduate research assistants who are funded on federal grants are expected to return to work with efforts focused specifically on their funded project(s).
WVU has established an email account, coronavirus@mail.wvu.edu, for those who have questions or concerns.
Additional resources, information and the latest updates and these and other areas may be found at coronavirus.wvu.edu.
University employees should also continue to monitor their email inboxes, as well as the website, for updates.