Buckhannon, W.Va. — West Virginia Wesleyan College is beginning to take steps toward reopening for the fall semester. 

Wesleyan President Dr. Joel Thierstein announced the establishment of a Safe Campus Task Force last month. The group, which includes faculty, staff, and students, is charged with developing and implementing a plan for students to return safely to campus in the fall. 

Campus safety remains the highest priority at WVWC. The college will carefully monitor all recovery guidelines outlined by West Virginia Governor Jim Justice, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the President of the United States.

“We are excited to have the students return to our campus,” Thierstein said.  “I think I speak for the entire Wesleyan community when I say, ‘We miss you and can’t wait to see you again in the fall.’”

Wesleyan moved to an alternate delivery model with academic coursework online in mid-March and celebrated the Class of 2020’s accomplishments during the Virtual Commencement Ceremony on Saturday.  The ceremony recognized 320 members of the Class of 2020, including 270 undergraduates and 50 graduate students.  The virtual ceremony was the first of its kind in the school’s 129 year history and also marked Wesleyan’s first two doctor of nurse practitioner graduates.

Since closing the campus in mid-March, Wesleyan offered a full range of academic support services to assist students.  Wesleyan also partnered with United Methodist Churches in West Virginia and surrounding states to provide internet access for those who had limited services at home.

“I want to say again how impressed I am with the grace and strength the entire Wesleyan community showed during this unprecedented situation,” added Thierstein. “I am humbled to be part of such an amazing organization.”

Since the outset of the coronavirus pandemic, Wesleyan has worked closely with the Upshur County Emergency Services, the Health Department, and health care providers along with the Governor’s Office and the Center for Disease Control.  Wesleyan will continue to partner with local groups throughout the summer months as the school prepares to reopen its campus.