SAFE COLLABORATION —IT’S INFECTIOUS
49% statistics come out in the fall— here’s where WVU students usually come from. 44% West Virginia Highest numbers from Monongalia, Kanawha, and Berkeley counties All other U.S. states Predominantly Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, and New Jersey 44% WHERE THEY’RE FROM Detailed enrollment %
Some student activities just can’t be done alone. Faculty and staff have gotten creative for the best and safest experience.
Theater The show will go on,
Labs Labs are collaborative
Football When WVU football players tested positive for the virus over the summer, it raised red flags. No one wants to see the season cancelled— it’s a huge economic engine for town and the university, not to mention entertainment we could all use. WVU is following NCAA guidance for safe practice and competition, measures like the use of masks, face shields, and electronic whistles. The team is also practicing in “pods”— starters against a third unit and second-stringers against a fourth—so an infection would be limited to that player’s pod. And with the rest of the Big 12, it will test football players three times a week through the season and conduct significant fitness checks before a recovered player will be allowed back on the field. Will there be fans in the stands at the first home game, on September 12? Tailgating? The Pride of West Virginia halftime show? Stay tuned.
with adjustments. Three fall productions are now two. Rent will move from an intimate venue to the enormous Clay Theatre. And King Lear will not be live, but rather filmed by West Virginia Public Broadcasting and aired in the new year. “On the technical side, we’ll build costumes and scenery and hang lights with masks and even face shields,” says School of Theatre and Dance Director Joshua Williamson. Acting and singing are high-risk activities. A mask that sits a little off the face—designed by Choral Activities Director Kym Scott and tested by WVU scientists—will be manufactured by costuming for performers’ use in rehearsal. Theater students will be tested for COVID frequently, Williamson says. ”And we are prepared to put a lot of work into a project that we may not see to the end.”
places. WVU’s Chemistry Department first thought its huge introductory lab classes would be fine—masks are an easy addition to the gloves and lab coats participants already wear, and fume hoods make for great air circulation. In the end, though, the interactivity and equipment sharing still seemed risky. “We searched high and low and found a virtual simulation platform that we’re pretty happy with,” says department Chair Gregory Dudley. “Our faculty are supplementing the simulations with background reading, virtual engagement with TAs, and extra quiz questions.” The lab space that freed up let upper-level chemistry labs spread out. “Couple that with good PPE and ventilation, and the in- person experience we can provide for those students is quite safe,” Dudley says. Still, he looks forward to getting all students back in the labs as soon as possible.
7% %
More than 100 other countries Because of ongoing travel uncertainties, most of these students have been here all along
September 12 First home football game. No fans in the stands for this one; attendance at the following games yet to be announced.
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