BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – West Virginia Wesleyan College strongly encourages students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in its ‘Arrival on Campus’ policies announced Monday. 

While the college is not mandating the COVID-19 vaccine at this time, WVWC will be reviewing this decision once the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) formally approves the COVID-19 vaccines for use beyond the current emergency use status. The FDA decision could come as early as September 2021.  The college’s review and decision regarding a possible vaccination mandate would follow immediately.  

The college is preparing to welcome undergraduate and graduate students to the Buckhannon-based campus for the Fall 2021 Semester.   

About  90 percent of Wesleyan’s faculty and staff have been vaccinated and a large percentage of students have already confirmed vaccination as well. The college will continue to work closely with the local health department to coordinate vaccination opportunities for all students, faculty and staff who still need to get vaccinated.

Among the college’s policies regarding Arrival on Campus:  

• Students, faculty and staff who have been fully vaccinated are able to return to normal on-campus activity and are not required to wear a mask unless they choose to do so.
• Students, faculty and staff who have not been fully vaccinated must wear a mask indoors at all times and maintain a social distance, including in classrooms, dining hall, residence halls, wellness center and at all indoor venues on campus. Unvaccinated individuals will also participate in weekly testing.

The college’s ‘Arrival on Campus’ policies also apply to campus guests, visitors and alumni. If an individual is vaccinated, then they do not have to wear a mask, unless the individual chooses to do so. However, if an individual is unvaccinated, a required mask mandate is in place for all indoor venues. Appointments during this time are encouraged. To view the full Arrival on Campus, fall 2021 policies, visit https://www.wvwc.edu/about/covid-19-update/.  

A COVID-19 hotline (text or call) – (304) 473-8274 – is operational to support students and the campus community at large. Students who feel symptomatic for COVID-19 should contact campus health services.

Students begin arriving on campus this week for pre-season training, campus life staffing and other opportunities. Aug. 21 is both orientation for first-year students and move-in day for all students. The first day of classes for the Fall 2021 Semester is Aug. 23. The Fall 2021 Academic Calendar is available here.