Wheeling University held its first of what figures to be many virtual presidential town halls.
Andrew Lewis, the Vice President and Chief Student Services Officer, joined President Ginny Favede for an hour-long Q&A session Thursday evening.
In keeping with social distancing guidelines, a few students were allowed into the meeting room, with the majority watching virtually via YouTube. You can find the replay of the first meeting here.
The main topics of discussion dealt with the university’s return to school policies in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as touching on some of the changes and the rules.
The main premise, however, is to keep an open dialogue between university leadership, its faculty, and its students.
That’s why the show will air weekly, starting next week on Wednesday at 6 p.m. and continuing throughout each Wednesday.
“We wanted to talk a bit about our reopening plan, how we’ve implemented it and what our plans are moving forward,” Lewis said. “
“We want to insure we keep an open dialogue with our campus community,” Favede added.
Central Theme
Much of the topic of conversation centered on the importance of getting the students back on campus and learning in person.
How was that plan accomplished? What challenges were overcome to get to and through move-in day three weeks ago?
Everything is geared toward the students and ensuring they have a positive, in-person experience.
There may be an increase in rules and restrictions and not all campus life and student experiences, like athletics for example, are available as usually offered. But Favede noted that through it all, the students generally thankful to be back on campus.
“We wanted to talk about our opening plan and some of our successes,” Favede said. “Classes started two weeks ago, and we had move-in three weeks ago. Plus, we saw an increase of 106 percent in our incoming freshman class.
“But as a group of students, the one thing I’ve noticed and I find it to be remarkable, is that students in general are showing gratitude for the opportunity they have to experience some sense of normal life and the collegiate experience.”
Adjusting on the Fly
While initial reopening talks took place in March and the committee itself began meeting regularly in May, the original plans needed updated multiple times as mandates changed.
For one, students were originally to return to school having already been tested and receiving negative results.
That changed when Gov. Jim Justice mandated students be tested on-campus upon returning for more up-to-date results.
“That mandate threw us for a loop, and we had to put in a lot of work to make that adjustment,” Favede noted. “That’s the thing that’s shocking is how much work has gone into all of this, the planning and putting it into place, even the testing itself.”
Favede did note that along with the mandate, funding was made available to help cover the costs, which the university and its staff were thankful.
The president noted there are a lot of rules, found here.
A big key is the big three of social distancing, wearing masks in all required spaces and instances, along with hand sanitization.
As more as learned, adjustments can and will be made as needed.
Favede and Lewis both admitted that they know there will be things that go wrong and positive cases. The university has experienced two amongst its students so far. Both were ale to be quarantined at home and are now deemed free of the virus and back on campus.
But they are confident with the steps they are taking to reduce the risk of spread and transmission that it will lessen the impact.
“We recognize that we’ll have instances and things will go wrong,” Favede said. “But we’ve taken precautions and whenever something happens, we’ll deal with it. We’ll stay light on our feet and we are willing to adapt.”
Opening Up the Spaces
While student congregating has been curtailed, the university didn’t want to put a stop to all social activities. That’s why it’s expanded its outdoor seating and lounging capacities for the fall.
Work began on the Benedum Patio in mid-spring with the objecting of opening up that outdoor space for students to enjoy. While masks must be worn indoors, they can be removed outdoors with proper distancing guidelines and the Benedum has seating for around 72 students.
There are also other similar options around campus, including reopening the library plaza in around two weeks.
The university also purchased Adirondack chairs to add to the comfort level.
It’s a big veer from the norm and no situation will be perfect while the pandemic remains an issue.
But the overall experience has been a positive one, thus far. And that’s the purpose and why it was important to have students back.
“Everyone learns differently, but the thing we began to understand is the need for socialization, to be amongst your peers and colleagues.
“We don’t want our students to be deprived of that.”
