April 17, 2020

Update from the President

April 17

Dear Cardinal Family,

As we continue navigating through these uncertain times, I would like to thank all members of the Wheeling Community for helping to flatten the curve. You have been listening to local and state officials by following the stay at home order and continuing to social distance. And, while we may be separated due to the Coronavirus, I encourage you to support and pray for one another.

With students heading into the final weeks of online instruction, their educational pursuits remain our top priority. The campus community is doing everything to ensure students finish the semester strong, with faculty and staff assisting students with ongoing virtual course work. Google Hangouts remains available for students to meet with faculty, fellow students and the Student Success Center staff to seek assistance and discuss assignments. I encourage students to use this tool, and all the available resources.

Just as each of us has been forced to make changes in our personal and work lives, the University has had to make difficult, but unavoidable decisions, to ensure the health and safety of our community. I announced to alumni earlier this week my decision to postponed Alumni Weekend, which was to be held June 26-28. We know the Coronavirus will continue to impact all of our lives for many months, and that is why I found it necessary to make this very tough decision. This is an important event to me and to our alumni, so it is my intent to reschedule this event at a time when we can safely welcome alumni back to campus to celebrate. 

This week, faculty, staff, and students had a virtual site visit with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), our accrediting body. The HLC Site Team met with members of the University community as part of our 10-year re-accreditation. I thank everyone at the University who worked tirelessly to prepare for the visit and all those who participated in the sessions. I look forward to sharing the final results of the HLC report in the near future.

Recently, I launched the President’s Fund for Excellence – a way for the Wheeling University community to provide emergency support to our students and laid-off employees. To no one’s surprise, the Cardinal Family has shown its generosity by making gifts to this fund. I thank you again for your gift and the relief it will provide those in need.

West Virginia remains under a stay at home order indefinitely. Governor Jim Justice said numbers are trending in a ‘positive direction,’ but said he will heed the advice of health experts before lifting any of the restrictions in the Mountain State. He asked residents to continue to stay at home and social distance. In the city of Wheeling, Mayor Glen Elliott is urging residents to wear masks in public to help contain the spread of the virus.

The past month has reminded us of our fragility and the many things we take for granted – hosting family dinners, going to church and hugging friends. I pray that you have time in the coming days to reflect on how much we have been given, to remember these gifts with grateful hearts, and to extend that generosity to others by serving them well.

With gratitude,

Ginny R. Favede

President, Wheeling University