September 10, 2021
Update from the President
Dear Wheeling University Community,
The surge in COVID-19 cases has everyone around the country concerned. We are experiencing very few issues, but that is not the case on many college campuses. This week, our men’s soccer match was impacted and had to be canceled because the opposing team had COVID issues. To slow the spread of this virus and keep everyone at the University protected, I ask that our students, faculty, and employees wear masks inside regardless of vaccination status. For those who have not received a vaccination, please consider getting vaccinated. Getting vaccinated and wearing a mask provide the best line of defense against this virus. Recently, the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department issued some new guidelines. The department strongly recommends that unvaccinated people who come in contact with someone infected with the virus quarantine for 14 days (returning to regular activity on day 15). These individuals should also wear a face mask during this time. For individuals who are vaccinated and have close contact with someone with COVID-19, the health department states that a person would NOT have to quarantine, BUT they must wear a mask for 14 days or until a negative test can be provided. The health department also has isolation protocols for individuals who test positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. Any member of the campus community who tests positive for COVID-19 should contact Vice President for Student Services, Andrew Lewis, immediately, and he will instruct you on how to proceed. If you have any questions pertaining to our COVID-19 protocols, feel free to email covidquestions@wju.edu.
Wednesday, the Campus Activities Office held an Involvement Fair for our first-year students (FYS). Several clubs and campus organizations lined the first floor Donahue lobby, offering the students information on their group. In addition, the FYS groups participated in a scavenger hunt, with the top three teams winning prizes. Hats off to Josie McAninch and the Campus Activities Board for organizing this year’s event.
The Cardinal Rugby team found a unique way to help the canine community of Wheeling by supporting the Fitzsimmons Family Dog Park. The team dropped off a number of worn-out rugby balls for the dogs to enjoy while at the park. TheRugby Team willhost the WVU Mountaineers at 6 p.m. Saturday, September 18, at home. I hope to see our rugby alumni on campus to cheer the team on to a victory against the Mountaineers!
The Cardinal Softball team is hosting two skills camps in September at the J.B. Chambers Sports Complex. To learn more about the camps or to register, go to the Wheeling University Softball Camps website.
We have new Cardinal apparel available for purchase inside the campus coffee shop, and it is flying off the shelves! We plan to have these t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies available at some of our future home sporting events so our alumni and parents can purchase them as well!
The RATT is now open! The hours of operation each week are: Monday 7 p.m. to midnight; Thursday and Friday 5 p.m. to midnight and Saturday and Sunday noon to 10 p.m. These hours will allow students to hang out in the RATT and watch Monday Night Football and weekend sporting events.
Recently, many employees inquired about whether it would be possible to have a 30-minute lunch break, instead of an hour, so that the workday could end earlier. In response, I sent out a survey to all employees to seek input on which option they preferred. The results showed that 90 percent of our employees elected to change our working hours to 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and take a half-hour, unpaid lunch break. Therefore, these new hours of operation will begin immediately. Again, I thank everyone for your input and participation in the survey!
Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of September 11. This day has come to be known as Patriot Day and is a time for all of us to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost during that devastating attack on our homeland. It is also a time to honor the brave first responders who put their lives in peril to help others. As we mark this solemn anniversary, let us use this day to undertake an act of service or kindness to honor all the perished on that fateful day. Finally, may we all find time on Saturday to pray for those who died and the families they left behind.
With gratitude,
Ginny R. Favede, President
Wheeling University