Wheeling University Students Protest State of Facilities
Shelley Hanson WHEELING -- A group of about 10 Wheeling University students gathered Friday afternoon to protest against what they believe is a mishandling of funding at the school.
The students stood outside the university's entrance on Washington Avenue, holding signs and chanting. They wore face and head coverings to conceal their identity for fear of retribution from the school, they said.
The students say repairs and improvements that are needed are not being done inside university buildings. They complained about mold issues, broken locks on doors, dorm room furniture falling apart, and facilities, such as urinals, not being fixed.
"At Ignatius Hall one elevator got fixed, but it's broke again," said one female student.
"Where is all the money going to?" another student said.
One student said the reason they were covering their faces is because they were told if they participated in the protest they could lose their academic or athletic scholarships.
Wheeling University President Ginny Favede denied the students' claims of threats of taking away scholarships.
"Wheeling University respects the rights of our students to engage in peaceful protest and in no way did the administration try to deter the students from exercising this right," Favede said.
"I have met with student leaders this week, and I am committed to continuing such dialogue to ensure the University is providing each student a nurturing environment to live, learn and grow."
Wheeling resident Brian Shaw, a graduate of WU who was at the protest as well, said the students are frustrated that no meaningful action has been taken, that their pleas for answers have gone unanswered.
Shaw pointed out new banners have been hung around the outside of the school, but items that need repaired on the inside of buildings are not getting fixed.
"They're not making the students the focus of their decisions," he said.
Shaw said some students have tried to contact members of the university's board of trustees, but there is no contact information for them on the school's website. He also claimed that a group of students once tried to talk with President Ginny Favede at her office, but were turned away instead.
A student said she was also concerned about activities groups not being able to get funding approved for events because the administrator who used to OK those items is no longer there to do that work. One student said she was concerned that student-organized homecoming activities might not happen because approval is needed.
The university on Aug. 26 posted a statement on its website regarding the state of campus facilities:
"Wheeling University is aware of the issues involved with a small number of facilities on our campus.
"We remain committed to providing students a nurturing environment to live, learn and grow. As such, we are working diligently with our third-party contractor, National Management, which is responsible for housekeeping and building maintenance, to address and resolve all these issues.
"Like all businesses across the country, replacement-part shortages, staff issues, and shipping delays have hampered our progress.
"We are working closely with National Management and its suppliers to ensure all maintenance issues are resolved in a timely manner."