West Virginia State University has updated its COVID-19 health and safety guidance as we prepare for the state of the 2022-23 academic year with the first day of fall classes on Monday, August 15.
The university will continue to monitor public health data and re-evaluate campus guidelines throughout the fall semester as necessary. Any updates or changes will be communicated broadly with the campus community.
Vaccination
West Virginia State University strongly encourages, but does not require, everyone to stay protected against COVID-19 by getting their primary vaccine series and staying up-to-date with a booster dose if they are
eligible to receive one.
To determine when they are eligible and due for a booster shot (or any COVID-19 shot), West Virginians are encouraged to use the WV COVID-19 Vaccination Due Date Calculator, a free online tool that helps anyone figure out when they may become due for a COVID-19 shot. Access the calculator by scrolling down at
vaccinate.wv.gov.
Through the Partnership of African-American Churches vaccinations and boosters will continue to be offered on the WVSU campus each Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Wilson University Union. Vaccines and boosters are also available through a variety of local health departments and private sector pharmacies.
Testing, reporting and isolation
The university will not require testing prior to arriving on campus; however, students and employees are encouraged to take advantage of self-antigen testing or community testing opportunities before and during the semester.
COVID-19 tests are available through local health departments, pharmacies and through the federal government's website,
covidtests.gov, which allows people to sign up for free COVID-19 tests, and will be shipped directly to the individual’s household.
Through the Partnership of African-American Churches testing will continue to be offered on the WVSU campus each Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Wilson University Union.
If you test positive, or have had exposure to someone who has tested positive, you need to notify WVSU Safety and Compliance Officer Joseph Davenport at
joseph.davenport@wvstateu.edu (304-204-4060 or 304-590-2727), and are expected to follow
CDC guidelines for isolation.
Those testing positive or have had a COVID exposure should take part in a COVID Interview
- You may be asked if you are symptomatic and what date your symptoms started.
- You may be asked to provide a list of close contacts based on your symptomatic period.
- Email your test results to the Safety and Compliance Office/Contact Tracing office, your information will be kept confidential.
IInform the Safety Compliance Office if your symptoms worsen, or when you become symptomatic if you are in quarantine.
Inform the Safety Compliance Office if you have had close contact exposure to a confirmed positive.
Masks
Masks are not required but are always encouraged in indoor close contact and high traffic areas. The university will continue to provide masks and hand sanitizer at convenient locations across campus and in classrooms.
If a person contracts COVID-19, they must
isolate for at least 5 days and wear a mask for an additional 5 days while in the classroom or other indoor spaces.
Students who contract COVID-19 will be responsible for alerting instructors and working with them on a plan for missed classes and course work. Employees must notify their immediate supervisor.
Anyone who tests positive must also notify Safety and Chemical Hygiene Officer Joseph Davenport at
joseph.davenport@wvstateu.edu (304-204-4060 or 304-590-2727) so that contact tracing can be performed in a timely manner.
For personal safety and the safety of others, students and employees should not ignore
symptoms of COVID-19. Those with any COVID-19 symptoms should not report to campus for work or class but should test immediately.
COVID-19 information, resources
WVSU will no longer maintain a university-specific dashboard as information is available through the
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.
Previous university dashboards and COVID-19 related information may be found at
www.wvstateu.edu/covid.
Faculty should include the following
COVID Statement in their course syllabus.
Questions should be sent to Joseph Davenport at
joseph.davenport@wvstateu.edu (304-204-4060 or 304-590-2727).