What You Need to Know: Beckley
Together, we're forging new ways of delivering the WVU Tech experience, while looking out for the health and safety of all.
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This content will be added to and updated throughout the semester.
Announcements
For more information:
- Need help navigating quarantining and isolation guidelines? Here is a helpful quarantine and isolation flowchart (PDF).
- The flowchart shows the process of determining what to do if you test positive for COVID-19 or are exposed to someone who has COVID-19. This information also is available in the lists under when to isolate or quarantine.
- This spring, West Virginia University will continue distributing previously announced emergency grants to students using funds allocated by the American Rescue Plan Act authorized by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III. See more in the Emergency Grants for Students section below.
- The WVU Tech COVID-19 Dashboard shares COVID-19 data related to the Beckley campus.
- For updates, monitor wvutech.edu, weekly News and Events (employees) and Student Digest (students) emails as well as special email notices distributed via WVU/MIX email.
- If you have questions about our return to campus plans, please email techrelations@mail.wvu.edu.
Health and Safety Protocols
Mask Protocols
- 3/7/2022 update: West Virginia University will lift mask requirements for individuals, regardless of vaccination status, in classrooms and labs across the WVU System beginning Tuesday, March 8.
- Masks continue to be required for passengers on University Transportation through May 3 under federal guidelines from the Transportation Security Administration.
- Masks are also required in clinical and patient care areas.
COVID-19 module for new, incoming students
As a reminder, new students starting at WVU Tech this spring were required to take the COVID-19 education module by Sunday, Jan. 9. Those who are returning this spring did not need to retake the module.
New students who are required to take the module received an email from covidmodule@notify.wvu.edu with additional details. Students should check their junk and spam folders if they did not receive the email with instructions for completing the module.
COVID-19 vaccination
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, data from recent studies in South Africa and the U.K. suggest that boosters significantly enhance vaccine effectiveness against infection of the omicron variant. Boosters also decrease the risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death for those who are vaccinated but become infected with COVID-19.
Based on this information and guidance from public health officials and WVU medical experts, the University is updating its requirements for students, faculty and staff regarding COVID-19 and vaccinations.
To be considered fully vaccinated at WVU, an individual now must have both:
- Received their primary series of the COVID-19 vaccine (two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson Janssen vaccine).
- Received a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after receiving their primary series of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or at least two months after receiving the Johnson & Johnson Janssen vaccine.
Those involved in patient care, including residents, fellows and students, are required to follow separate WVU Health System or other clinical provider’s policies, including those related to COVID-19 such as masks, PPE and vaccinations.
Verify Vaccine Status
All students, faculty and staff who are on campus should take one of the following actions to verify their vaccine status with the University prior to Friday, Jan. 28:
- Students, faculty and staff who already have verified their vaccination status for their primary vaccine series and have received a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine should visit the Vaccine Verification System and enter details on their booster via StarRez (WVU’s housing portal) at myhousing.wvu.edu. Follow these instructions to add your booster and complete the process.
- Students, faculty and staff who have not yet verified their vaccination status with the University for any COVID-19 vaccine are asked to do so by visiting myhousing.wvu.edu and following these instructions for entering vaccine information. A vaccine verification system video tutorial also is available.
COVID-19 vaccination clinics and dashboard
The University highly encourages those who have not gotten their primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine or those who have not yet received a booster to do so as soon as possible. Vaccines continue to be readily available across the country.
Given the change in requirements for students, faculty and staff to be considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 at WVU, the University’s public dashboard will be updated to report the vaccination verification rate on a biweekly basis beginning in early February for the Morgantown, Beckley and Keyser campuses.
Testing and Monitoring
In partnership with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, WVU is providing students, faculty and staff with a free antigen self-test kit as they return from winter recess.
The tests should be used if the student, faculty or staff member is exposed or develops COVID-19 symptoms.
In preparation for spring break (March 14-18), kits will be available for WVU Tech students and employees in the Student Life house during normal business hours.
You will need your employee ID to pick up the complimentary self-test.
Travelers should still follow the CDC’s recommendations for traveling safely including wearing a mask when required and practicing physical distancing. After traveling, students and employees are encouraged to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and get tested if symptoms develop.
Additional travel information is available at What You Need to Know: Travel.
All WVU community members are required to report if they test positive for COVID-19 or are quarantining due to suspected or known exposure to COVID-19. You should report a positive result to TechStudentLife@mail.wvu.edu.
Isolation and Quarantine Procedures
Need help navigating quarantining and isolation guidelines? Here is a helpful quarantine and isolation flowchart (PDF).
- The flowchart shows the process of determining what to do if you test positive for COVID-19 or are exposed to someone who has COVID-19. This information also is available in the lists under When to isolate or quarantine.
When to isolate or quarantine
The CDC has updated recommendations for isolation and quarantine procedures. WVU has incorporated these recommendations and adjusted the protocol for quarantine and isolation. Review the updated WVU isolation and quarantine guidance.
Most importantly:
- Those who test positive should isolate:
- for at least 5 days, AND
- until symptoms are improved, AND
- until fever free with no fever-reducing medications for 24 hours.
- Individuals who test positive do not need to test again, and should notify close contacts as defined by the CDC.
- Individuals who have resulted positive may or may not get a call from the Contact Tracing Team due to the volume of cases at this time.
- After receiving positive test results, notify WVU Tech Student Life at TechStudentLife@mail.wvu.edu.
- Those who are exposed to COVID-19 should:
- Self-monitor for any symptoms and get tested on days 5-7 if their vaccine status is up-to-date or they have recently had COVID-19 and recovered.
- Quarantine for 5 days and get tested on day 5 if they are unvaccinated or their vaccine status is not up-to-date.
- Wear a well-fitted mask for at least 10 days whenever in the presence of others.
Note: Day 0 is your first day of symptoms or a positive viral test. Day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms developed or your test specimen was collected. If you have COVID-19 or have symptoms, isolate for at least 5 days.
Follow public health guidance
- Get vaccinated and keep your vaccine status up to date.
- Wear a mask that fits well and has multiple layers.
- Masks are temporarily required for everyone — regardless of vaccination status — indoors in all WVU System buildings and facilities and at WVU-sanctioned events (excluding Athletics) through at least Feb. 25 when public health conditions will be reevaluated.
- While strongly encouraged, masks are not required of individuals in private office spaces behind closed doors. With the mutual consent of the participants, masks may be removed in private meetings.
- WVU recommends wearing a well-fitting KN95 mask and is providing them free of charge to all on-site and hybrid students, staff and faculty.
- Avoid unnecessary large events or meetings. If you are participating in person, wear a well-fitting mask such as a KN95.
- If you feel ill or have COVID-19 symptoms, STAY HOME, regardless of test results. With the omicron variant, results may initially be negative and then turn positive.
- WVU is providing on-site and hybrid students, faculty and staff with a free antigen self-test kit through Friday, Jan. 14 to be used if exposed or COVID-19 symptoms develop.
- All WVU community members are required to report if they test positive for COVID-19 or are quarantining due to suspected or known exposure to COVID-19. In Beckley, students and employees should report their positive results to TechStudentLife@mail.wvu.edu.
- Testing and vaccination information for WVU Tech students and employees is available on the Beckley Return to Campus website.
- Get your flu vaccine – there are other flu and respiratory illnesses circulating.
Students living in the residence halls who have COVID-19 will be isolated in facilities on South Kanawha Street. Non-residential students should isolate at their homes or residences.
After completing isolation, students may return to classes and resume other activities on campus, but they must wear a mask at all times for an additional five days when in the presence of others. Similarly, on-site and hybrid employees may resume on-campus work after completing isolation but must wear a mask for five additional days while around others, including in residence halls common areas or when exercising in public facilities. Repeated testing is not recommended or required at this time.
Emergency Grants for Students
WVU to distribute spring 2022 emergency grants
This spring, WVU will continue distributing previously announced emergency grants to students using funds allocated by the American Rescue Plan Act authorized by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III.
Degree-seeking students on all WVU campuses who are attending spring classes at least half-time and have a 2021-22 Free Application for Federal Student Aid on file by January 26 will be automatically considered for a Spring 2022 ARPA Emergency Grant. Graduate and professional students who meet the outlined criteria will also be considered. Eligible international students will be contacted by the Office of Global Affairs with instructions on how to apply for consideration.
Students whose financial situation has been drastically changed since 2019 (the tax year reported on the 2021-2022 FAFSA) may submit a Family Contribution Appeal. FCAs must be submitted by January 26 for priority consideration.
- Eligible recipients of the Federal Pell Grant with an EFC of zero may receive a spring emergency grant of $1,500.
- Eligible recipients of the Federal Pell Grant with an EFC greater than zero may receive a spring emergency grant of $1,000.
- Eligible non-Pell recipients with an EFC of zero to $10,000 may receive a spring emergency grant of $750.
- Eligible non-Pell recipients with an EFC of $10,001 to $20,000 may receive a spring emergency grant of $500.
- Non-Pell recipients with an EFC greater than $20,000 will not be considered for the grant at this time.
Students who have not yet submitted a 2021-22 FAFSA may do so no later January 26.
For more information about eligibility, timelines, direct deposit and more, see the Student Emergency Grants FAQ.
Academics
Classroom Protocols
The spring 2022 semester began on Monday, Jan. 10, and will include a traditional Spring Recess March 12-20.
Details about assigned seating and seating charts for contact tracing purposes will be shared with faculty and instructors in the coming weeks.
Faculty may obtain additional PPE measures for classrooms through Mountaineer Marketplace.
The University will use a traditional grading scale again this spring and will not offer a high pass/pass/fail option.
Classwork
- If you are required to quarantine due to the criteria mentioned in Isolation and Quarantine Procedures, it is your responsibility to let your instructors know you will not be attending class.
- Your instructors will work with you to develop a plan to receive the necessary course content, activities, and assessments to complete the course learning outcomes in accordance with the COVID-19 syllabus statement. This may be the same content, activities, and assessments, or they may be alternative but substantially equivalent content, activities, and assessments. Students will have the same opportunity regarding course content and assessment due to missing an in-person class while quarantining.
- If you need assistance reaching instructors, please reach out to the department chair and then college or school dean, if needed.
Academic Resources
WVU offers many resources such as tutoring, success coaching and workshops to help students be academically successful. Information about tutoring can be found on the Student Success Center and Student Support Services websites.
Additional resources from the WVU system:
- More than 50 on-demand workshops (Student Lingo) are available 24/7 and cover important topics such as exam preparation, taking tests online and staying motivated in online learning. For more information visit studentsuccess.wvu.edu/services/student-workshops.
- MindFit is a program offering a range of services designed to help students overcome obstacles to academic success, including enhanced academic support and coaching, as well as innovative, brain-based interventions - such as cognitive training and neurofeedback - to improve attention span, memory and cognitive functioning. For more information, including the cost of these services, visit mindfit.wvu.edu.
The University continues to monitor current travel guidelines and global infrastructures and will follow federal and state guidelines. Students and academic advisers with questions related to international study abroad opportunities should contact the Office of Global Affairs.
Student Life
Residence Halls
Individuals, upon entering the residence halls, are required to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status. Students and guests who are fully vaccinated can remove their masks in the residence halls if:
- They are on a residence hall floor (including floor lounges).
- Note: There are some halls where a residence hall floor may be on the main level. Masks are still required in the main lobby/common areas of those halls. They can remove their masks once they are in the residential hallways.
- They are in a residence hall bedroom; however, a mask must be worn when responding/opening their doors.
- They are eating or drinking.
- They are in a residence hall fitness center.
Additional COVID-19 Campus Protocols
Visitors on Campus
Departments and units will be responsible for sharing University policy and practices with visitors they invite to campus. All visitors, including vendors and contractors, will need to continue to follow University safety guidelines while on campus; visitors are expected to wear a mask while on campus.
Departments and units should continue to use good judgment when determining when to bring visitors to campus (e.g., interview job candidates via Zoom before bringing final candidates to campus).
Admissions opened to normal capacity for tours and visits on June 20, 2021. Guests must follow University safety guidelines while on campus; visitors are expected to wear a mask while on campus.
Travel
Fully vaccinated individuals may resume non-business travel activities. However, they should note travel restrictions and safety guidance in the area of intended travel.
University-related business travel will remain limited and require prior approval from a unit vice president or dean. Travel related to externally funded projects should follow existing approval processes as detailed in the University’s Travel Manual.
Meetings and Events
The University asks that health and safety protocols be used during all in-person meetings and events through Feb. 25, when public health conditions will be re-evaluated.
While strongly encouraged, masks are not required of individuals in private office spaces behind closed doors. With the mutual consent of the participants, masks may be removed in private meetings.
Masks are encouraged but not required for home athletic events. Refer to the Golden Bear Athletics website for mask protocol details.
Campus Spending Guidelines
WVU Tech faculty and staff are reminded that all WVU Tech-related purchases made, whether on PCard, Mountaineer Marketplace or otherwise and whether for the state, foundation or research corporation: (1) must be for a legitimate and justifiable business purpose, (2) must be in accordance with WVU’s purchasing, PCard, hospitality, and travel and expense guidelines, and (3) are subject to audit. The following guidelines are effective August 1, 2021.
Purchases:
- All purchases over $1,000 must be approved by the campus Provost (for academic purchases) or President (for non-academic purchases). This amount was determined based on the needs and spending patterns of the Tech campus.
- One change from the FY21 spending guidelines is that this is now applicable to all purchases, regardless of funding source.
Hospitality:
- All hospitality expenses, regardless of the dollar amount, must be approved by the dean of a college or the vice president of the unit prior to the event unless funded by a WVU Foundation account.
Travel:
- All non-grant funded travel – both domestic and international and regardless of the dollar amount - must be approved by the college dean or unit vice president prior to booking any reservations.
- Travel on externally funded grants and sponsored projects and Foundation back bill accounts should follow existing approval processes as detailed in the University’s Travel Manual.
- Preference for in-person travel will be given to those faculty perusing tenure where in-person attendance is required for the event. Virtual attendance will be encouraged for all other requests unless there is a valid business purpose.