Students at Wheeling University will be returning to class on campus when school resumes for the fall semester.
University officials announced plans for a 15-week semester with in-person classes beginning Aug. 24.
"While Wheeling University is fully able to deliver a robust and supportive educational experience to students in any format -- including remote/hybrid or fully asynchronously online -- it's our preference and, overwhelmingly, the preference of our students, that classes be held in person unless public health conditions require switching to alternative forms of distance instruction," university President Ginny Favede said in a written statement.
Favede said the plans call for "multiple mitigation tactics" include elimination of the fall break and not allowing students to return to campus after they are scheduled to leave Nov. 24 for Thanksgiving. The remaining classes will be held online with final exams scheduled to take place Dec. 7-11.
The undergraduate dormitory move-in dates will begin the week of Aug. 17 and be staggered to accommodate for physical distancing. All students, faculty and staff will be provided masks by the school, and university officials are exploring the ability to test those who return to campus. There will also be enhanced cleaning of facilities and larger classrooms will be used to allow for social distancing.
"We regret any disruption or inconvenience caused by these new calendar dates. We believe completing the semester at a rapid pace will help us avoid much more severe disruptions if a resurgent COVID-19 outbreak occurs in the late fall," Favede said. "Many public health care experts are predicting a new heightened outbreak to coincide with flu season. The new academic calendar should help us avoid that outbreak while minimizing students' travel between home states and the Wheeling area."
An online Winter Session will be held from Dec. 12 to Jan. 10, and will be offered at a reduced tuition cost. Undergraduate students may return to campus to move into the dormitories starting the week of Jan. 4 in a staggered schedule, and on-campus classes for the spring semester will begin Jan. 11.
"It's been generations since we, as a country and community, have weathered such disruption," Favede said. "With your help, we will emerge stronger and tell our future generations of the successes hard-earned through our collective efforts."
Students or parents who have questions can email them to covidquestions@wju.edu.