All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

WVU eases scholarship requirements in light of academic changes amid COVID-19 outbreak

WVU will reduce the minimum grade point average to 2.75 for all merit-based scholarships, making it easier for students, parents, faculty and staff to know the requirements. (WVU Photo/Greg Ellis)

West Virginia University students will be able to more easily focus on transitioning to online courses during the COVID-19 outbreak instead of being troubled about maintaining their scholarship eligibility during the end of the spring semester, as the University has taken steps to continue making higher education affordable.

WVU will reduce the minimum grade point average to 2.75 for all merit-based scholarships, making it easier for students, parents, faculty and staff to know the requirements. However, students will still need to earn 30 hours per academic year.

“Clear and transparent requirements will help students and their families to plan better financially to meet their costs,” said Sandra Oerly-Bennett, assistant vice president, Student Financial Support. “This change will also allow more students to retain their scholarships over their four years of study.”

WVU scholarships affected by the change:

·       Scholarship of Distinction

·       Distinguished Achievement Scholarship

·       Bucklew Scholarship

·       Foundation Scholarship

·       University Merit Scholarship

·       International Scholarship

·       Transfer Scholarship

·       B&E Dean’s Scholarship

·       Reed College of Media Dean’s Scholarship

·       Davis Dean’s Scholarship

·       Engineering Excellence Scholarship

·       Academic Excellence

·       Blue and Gold

·       Presidential

·       Mountaineer

·       Vandalia

Oerly-Bennett said the move would ease students’ stress during this unprecedented and stressful time.

The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission on Friday changed requirements for state scholarships also, suspending the GPA requirements for the PROMISE Scholarship, Higher Education Grant, Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship and Engineering, Science & Technology Scholarship from 2019-20 to 2020-21. The commission extended the application deadline for the Higher Education Grant, the state’s need-based financial aid program, from April 15 to May 15.

The Council for Community and Technical College Education made changes that allow last-dollar-in grant program for students pursuing associate degrees, voting to suspend the community service requirement for spring 2020 awards and GPA requirements to renew for the 2020-21 academic year.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Really Really Free Market and Community Potluck scheduled for Sunday, July 13

A community Really Really Free Market and potluck will be held Sunday, July 13, from 1–3 pm at Walnut and Chestnut streets, featuring free goods, services, food and opportunities to connect and volunteer.

Man arrested for attempted murder after allegedly attempting to run someone over in Walmart parking lot

Rayne Prince Marion Chuma was arrested and charged with attempted murder after allegedly trying to hit a man with his vehicle in the Buckhannon Walmart parking lot before leaving the scene.

Suspect held without bail in Brushy Fork Road robbery case

Bruno Martins Ferreira has been arrested and is being held without bail on felony robbery and conspiracy charges after allegedly participating in an armed robbery at a Brushy Fork Road residence, during which $12,000 was transferred from the victim’s bank account.

Upshur County Board of Education Agenda: July 8, 2025

The Upshur County Board of Education has released the agenda for its upcoming meeting scheduled for July 8, 2025.

City of Buckhannon calendar: July 7-11, 2025

Buckhannon has announced a series of July public meetings, bulky item and yard waste collections, family-friendly events such as Festival Fridays, deadline reminders for firefighter applications, and performances of “Mamma Mia!” at the Colonial Arts Center.

Sherry Esenwein

Sherry Esenwein, a devoted educator, animal lover, and Buckhannon native, passed away peacefully at 71 in Annapolis, remembered for her adventurous spirit, cherished family, and lifelong dedication to teaching and her beloved dogs.

Summer Basketball League kicks off

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League began its season last week, featuring multiple games with standout performances from players such as Josh Trent, Andrew Holcomb, and Sterlin Thropp, while several matches ended in forfeits.

Post 7 falls in twin bill to Charleston

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered two losses to Charleston Post 56 on Sunday, dropping the first game 14-0 by mercy rule and falling 5-2 in the second despite a late rally.

Upshur County Commission partners with development authority, eyes $550k in grants for proposed rec hub

The Upshur County Commission partnered with the Development Authority and authorized applications for $550,000 in grants, as well as a joint property transfer, to support construction of the proposed John C. Allen Regional Hub recreation complex.