BUCKHANNON — West Virginia Wesleyan College announced Thursday that the school is partnering with Community Care to offer COVID-19 vaccinations to students. The move comes as cases at the college continue to surge, with seven new cases reported Thursday afternoon.

“With the State of West Virginia expanding access to the COVID-19 vaccine to state residents ages 16 and older, West Virginia Wesleyan College is teaming up with Community Care of West Virginia, the college’s on-campus health care partner, to ensure that any Wesleyan student who wants a COVID-19 vaccine may get one,” the college said in a press release.

The college indicated two-thirds of students indicated they want to be vaccinated.

“The other third either already received a vaccination and an even smaller sample of students opted not to receive the vaccination,” according to the press release. “Currently, the COVID-19 vaccine is optional at WVWC.”

After reporting just a handful of cases over the first several weeks on campus, new COVID-19 cases have increased in recent weeks. Wesleyan’s virus dashboard lists 31 currently active cases.

“This is a great opportunity for Wesleyan students who want a vaccine to get one,” said Alisa Lively, WVWC Dean of Students who is coordinating the student vaccination process. “Community Care of West Virginia has been getting a steady supply of vaccines and has offered the option to our students to get vaccinated.”

Students who have not already indicated they would like to receive the vaccine should contact Community Care directly at 304-471-2240 to be scheduled, the school says.

“Over the last several months, WVWC has provided vaccinations to faculty and staff who opted to receive it,” according to the release. “Some students, such as Resident Assistants, Graduate Assistants and students in the health sciences, have already received the vaccine.”

Wesleyan recently expanded their attendance policy at home events, allowing students athletes to bring up to two guests. The football team is slated to host their home opener this Saturday at 2 p.m., with softball, soccer and lacrosse also set to play at home this weekend.