President Wood: D&E will have in-person commencement ceremonies on May 8
In response to the decreasing number of COVID-19 cases and the rapid rollout of the vaccine, D&E President Chris A. Wood has announced that the college will hold in-person commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 8. As a precautionary measure, three separate ceremonies will be held during the course of the day in Harper-McNeeley Auditorium in Myles Center for the Arts.
“I am confident that we can do so safely,” Wood said of the commencement ceremonies. “However, there will be necessary COVID protocols and restrictions that will make it unlike previous ceremonies. I ask for your full cooperation and understanding to ensure we can offer a safe ceremony for graduates, faculty, staff, and guests.”
You can read the full announcement from President Wood by clicking here and then clicking on the March 30, 2021 UPDATE.
Students traveling or in proximity of potential COVID patients must self-report
Any students traveling outside the D&E campus area (beyond the 90-mile radius) or who come in contact with or have been in proximity to persons with COVID-19 symptoms over the Easter holiday weekend must self-report upon their return to the D&E campus. Students must self-report via email at studentlife@dewv.edu. COVID-19 tests will be administered to those who have self-reported on Friday, April 9.
Student COVID-19 behavior over Easter holiday could have significant impact
We strongly urge students to make good, safe choices over the long Easter holiday weekend, as the health of students returning to campus will determine how the Spring 2021 semester concludes. Not adhering to COVID-19 safety practices could have a significant impact on campus operations, such as the following:
- campus closure;
- finishing the semester online;
- discontinued participation in and/or cancelation of spring sports; and
- discontinued student activities on campus.
The best way to avoid these undesirable outcomes is to continue COVID-19 safety practices. Stay safe this weekend and use common sense as you enjoy your break.
D&E COVID-19 statistics
The cooperative effort to maintain a safe and healthy campus is the top priority at D&E. In an effort to provide a complete picture about the status of COVID-19 on campus, click here for updated COVID-19 testing data. Click here for updated vaccination data.
Random COVID-19 testing on campus
In compliance with the mandate by the State of West Virginia, 10% of the campus community (students, faculty, and staff) must be tested each week for COVID-19. The test utilizes the VAULT saliva-based PCR test instrument. Any student receiving an email indicating you have been selected to test is required to comply.
Student Activities Schedule
The D&E Office of Student Life has announced the following schedule of free student activities:
Holy Week Services
Students are invited to join the Elkins Community in daily Holy Week services. Each day at noon, churches will gather — masked and socially distanced — at Woodford United Methodist Church. Students are welcome to join in this 20-minute worship service.
Easter Blessings
The Fellowship & Faith Club is preparing five spaces on campus to share Easter Blessings and invites the D&E campus community to participate as well. If you would like to participate, go to the Benedum Dining Room and drop your message in the “Blessings Box” for a chance to win a spring lap quilt. The drawing will be held on Easter Sunday. In the meantime, take a walk around campus during the week of Easter and “count your blessings.”
- Free Friday: Waffle Night (Friday)
- Super Saturday: Spring Cookout (complete with chicken BBQ sandwiches, coleslaw, assorted chips, and lemonade) (Saturday)
- Easter Brunch (Sunday)
- Easter Worship Service (Sunday)
- Doughnut Fundraiser Pick Up (Monday-Thursday)
- Virtual event: History, Human Rights, and the Power of One, presented by Kenneth B. Morris, Jr. (Wednesday)
- Free Friday: Glaze & Fire (make your own coffee mug) (April 9)
- Free Friday: Food Truck Friday (April 9)
- Super Saturday: Back by Popular Demand — Axe Throwing (April 10)
- Super Saturday: Back by Popular Demand — Acoustic Karaoke, featuring John Rush (April 17)
Student Assembly wrapping up this year, planning for next year
Student Assembly is wrapping up the 2020-21 academic year. Recently, Student Assembly approved the “rebirth” of a few student clubs/organizations that were on hiatus, including the Art Club, Chemistry Club, and Investment Club. The annual “transition of power” will take place in the coming days with the election of new Cabinet officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer). If you are interested in running for office, please contact Mr. David Magda (magdad@dewv.edu) immediately.
For complete details, students should check their March 31 email from the Office of Student Life. Be sure to wear your face mask, keep your hands clean, and practice social distancing at all student activities. All events will have COVID-19 protocols and procedures in place. Your full cooperation is appreciated.
Residential students should complete D&E meal service form
Any student living on campus should complete the meal service form. Information from this form will be used in case the student is placed in isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19 exposure.
During this holiday weekend, we ask you to demonstrate the vigilance you have shown throughout this pandemic. We ask you to wear your mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, avoid large crowds, and encourage your fellow students to do the same. We are heading toward the final month of the semester and encourage you to be more focused than ever on safety. We will keep you updated as to the availability of vaccines for students prior to the end of the semester as we are updated. Stay diligent and have a Happy Easter!
