April 3, 2020

Update from the President

April 3

President’s Update to the Campus

As the spread of the Coronavirus continues and everyday life changes rapidly, Wheeling University is making adjustments to protect the safety of our students and employees, while keeping essential offices open.

We are following stay at home order and the limit to large gatherings as set forth by Governor Justice. These orders were recently extended until the end of April.

Since we established our Coronavirus Taskforce on March 9, the University has consistently monitored the spread of the virus and is making changes to help flatten the curve. Those changes include:

• Individuals serving in essential roles that require them to be on campus are continuing to do so, while other essential employees are working remotely.
• Sadly, we had to activate temporary layoffs of some members of the campus community. We are in the midst of difficult times and I am aware of the hardship these measures are causing our entire community. Like all businesses, Wheeling University is making heartbreaking decisions to limit the impact and protect the University for the future. 
• The Admissions Office is continuing to recruit students with some alterations. The April 3 Cardinal Day/Early Registration was held as a virtual event. 
• All course instruction has been moved online for the remainder of the semester and all residence halls were closed March 22.
• Our environmental service workers have been sanitizing and cleaning all residence halls along with increased cleaning of occupied offices and work spaces throughout campus.
• Commencement has been postponed to December 12, 2020. I know this was difficult news for our seniors, but due to the extraordinary circumstances, this decision was made to ensure the health and safety of our students.
• Gaudiosa has been postponed to the Fall and a new date will be announced once it has been selected.
• Alumni Weekend remains scheduled for June 26-28. In the event this must be rescheduled, we will contact our alumni immediately.

During this time of uncertainty, it is important to remember that we are still part the Wheeling University community. While social distancing keeps us from gathering together on campus, we must continue to support one another. I am grateful for the entire University community – students, faculty, staff and alumni. Let’s all continue to pray for everyone impacted and for the health and safety of our communities. We are all, every one of us, working day by day, hour by hour, to get through this. While I cannot make any promises, we are doing everything we can to get back to normal as soon as possible. What that “new normal’ will be, however, no one can predict.

As we head into the weekend, I hope that each of you has a chance to get some rest, spend some time with friends and family, and temporarily take your mind off things. Much has been taken away from us in recent days – but that does not diminish the amount of care, support and love that we continue to show each other as we care the unknown.

We Are Wheeling Strong!

Ginny R. Favede

President, Wheeling University