This week’s D&E COVID-19 test results revealed four positive cases out of 38 students tested, and no positive cases among those administered to 24 faculty and staff. The results of 13 faculty and staff members tested today have not yet been returned from the lab. Additionally, two more positives were revealed through off-campus tests administered to six students, for a total of six new COVID-19 cases this week. Individuals who tested positive are either in isolation or have left campus and are isolating at home. Contact tracing related to these new cases continues.
Students are reminded that D&E is a closed campus. Those entering campus must stop for screening, as well as read and strictly follow guidelines provided at the campus entrance and throughout campus facilities. Regularly scheduled weekend disinfecting measures are part of our safety protocols, as is the use of advanced electrostatic spraying. This procedure provides a comprehensive cleaning to surfaces including equipment and electronics.
COVID-19 cases continue to surge in many states nationwide, including West Virginia. D&E safety protocols are designed to protect our campus, and our continued commitment to these health and safety policies is critical. Again, you are urged to continue your commitment to a safe and healthy D&E campus. A safe and healthy campus requires that commitment from all of us.
Friday email updates will continue over holiday break; read them!
D&E will continue to send out Friday email updates to students with important information related to COVID-19. As always, students will receive the updates via their D&E email accounts and are encouraged to read them thoroughly and share them with their families. Information will range from policy and procedure updates from D&E and the state of West Virginia, what you need to do prior to your return to campus in January, and what you can expect upon your return. As the U.S. continues to have sharp increases in positive cases and deaths, the College urges you to routinely read these updates to aid in the health and safety of students and the entire campus.
Fall 2020 final exam schedule announced
The following is the final exam schedule for the Fall 2020 semester. The specific class is listed, followed by the exam time and date.
- 8:00 a.m., MWF – 3:15 pm on Nov. 21
- 9:00 a.m., MWF – 8:00 am on Nov. 24
- 10:00 a.m., MWF – 10:15 am on Nov. 23
- 11:00 a.m., MWF – 8:00 am on Nov. 25
- 12:00 p.m., MWF – 3:15 pm on Nov. 23
- 1:00 p.m., MWF – 3:15 pm on Nov. 24
- 2:00 p.m., MWF – 10:15 am on Nov. 25
- 3:00 p.m., MWF – 10:15 am on Nov. 21
- 4:00 p.m. or later, M or W – 5:30 pm on Nov. 21
- 8:00 a.m., TR – 8:00 am on Nov. 21
- 9:25 a.m., TR – 1:00 pm on Nov. 21
- 12:00 p.m., TR – 10:15 am on Nov. 24
- 1:25 p.m., TR – 1:00 pm on Nov. 23
- 2:50 p.m., TR – 8:00 am on Nov. 23
- 4:00 p.m. or later, T or R – 5:30 pm on Nov. 23
Quiet hours begin November 20; exam snacks available at Cadillac Daddy Café; adjusted Benedum Dining Room hours
The observance of 24-hour quiet hours begins on Friday, November 20, at 11:59 p.m. and will continue through the end of the semester (12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 27). There will be a $30 fine for each violation.
The extended Booth Library hours during finals week are:
- Friday, November 20: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, November 21: Noon to 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday, November 22: 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Monday, November 23: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, November 24: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 25: 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Exam snacks will be available each evening at Cadillac Daddy Café in the Madden Student Center from 9-10 p.m. from Saturday, November 21, through Monday, November 23.
Benedum Dining Room hours of operation have been adjusted as follows Saturday through Wednesday, November 21-25:
- Brunch: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
- Dinner: 5:00-6:30 p.m.
The Benedum Dining Room will officially close for the semester after dinner on Wednesday, November 25. Cadillac Daddy Café will be closed following exam snacks on Monday, November 23.
Students who are staying on/after Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 26) may pick up a Thanksgiving Care Package in the Benedum Dining Room at dinner on Wednesday, November 25. Please contact Ms. Melanie Campbell, Assistant Director of Dining Services, Executive Chef, and Assistant Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management, by email at campbellm@dewv.edu or by phone at 304-704-5953 if you have any questions.
Students should complete required Residential Departure Survey immediately
D&E is requiring that students complete the Fall 2020 Residential Departure Survey immediately so that we have an accurate count of residential students currently on campus as well as those who have departed. This form can be found by referring to the closing notice sent by the Office of Student Life earlier this week and will also let D&E know of your planned departure date for the end of the semester. Should you have any questions, please reach out to the Office of Student Life at studentlife@dewv.edu or at (304) 637-1211. As noted on the Academic Calendar and in the Davis & Elkins College Policy Manual: Volume VI, Student Life Policies, the residence halls close at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 27. The Office of Student Life requires that you vacate your residence hall room within 24 hours of your last final, with a deadline of 12:00 noon on Friday, November 27.
Students not returning next semester must notify Office of Student Life
Any student not returning next semester must follow appropriate procedures with Angie Scott. She can be reached by phone at 304-637-1983 (office) or 304-642-6217 (mobile); by email at scotta3@dewv.edu; or in person on the third floor of Halliehurst. Please call the Office of Student Life at 304-637-1211 or stop in to see the Student Life staff in Liberal Arts Hall if you have any questions.
Spring 2021 Academic Calendar announced
D&E has announced the Spring 2021 Academic Calendar. You may access the calendar by following this link.
Student activities schedule through November 23
The following is the schedule of FREE activities for this weekend. Be sure to wear your face mask, keep your hands clean, and practice social distancing.
Saturday, November 21
Exam Snacks; Madden Student Center (Cadillac Daddy Café); 9-10 p.m.
Free exam snacks! Taco/Nacho Bar sponsored by the Office of Student Life and D&E Dining Services.
Sunday, November 22
Exam Snacks; Madden Student Center (Cadillac Daddy Café); 9-10 p.m.
Free exam snacks! “Sundaes on Sunday” Sundae Bar sponsored by the Office of Student Life and D&E Dining Services.
Monday, November 23
Exam Snacks; Madden Student Center (Cadillac Daddy Café); 9-10 p.m.
Free exam snacks! “Stress Less Break-Fest” sponsored by the Office of Student Life, Counseling and Wellness Services, and the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)
Join the Office of Student Life, Counseling and Wellness Services, and the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) for the final evening of exam snacks.
Your favorite breakfast foods and a variety of wellness activities will be featured. The sincere hope, at the conclusion of the event, is that you will stress less in preparation for final exams and/or travels home.
Student responsibilities outlined prior to departure at conclusion of semester
Students are reminded to make sure the following safety precautions are completed prior to your departure following final exams.
Failure to fulfill these responsibilities will result in a $50 fine.
- Tidy up your room.
- Properly dispose of all trash and perishable food.
- Close and lock all windows.
- Turn off all lights.
- Turn off heat (only in the residence halls with individually controlled heating/cooling units (such as Moyer Hall and Presidential Center).
- Unplug everything (except refrigerators).
- Lock your door.
Packages cannot be forwarded from D&E during holiday breaks
Packages delivered to the D&E campus cannot be forwarded to your home. Any packages received after Thanksgiving will be held at the D&E mail room until campus reopens on January 4. The mail room will be open during regular hours for in-person pick up except when the College is closed for holiday breaks. The mail room will be closed from 12 p.m. on November 25 through November 27 and December 23 through January 1.
Mental health counseling sessions available to students
Counseling through D&E Counseling and Wellness Services is free to college students and is being offered through a telemental health format this semester. Telepsychiatry services are also available to students through iSelectMD with any related fees charged to the individual’s student account. Students may schedule an appointment for counseling or telepsychiatry services by calling 304-637-1363, texting 304-621-7339, or emailing fallettam@dewv.edu. We can also provide information for off-campus counselors, psychologists, and/or psychiatrists to students, faculty, and staff.
Your COVID-19 behavior impacts the entire D&E campus
Students are reminded that they will be held accountable for their actions, and measures will be taken for violators. Violations of the Davis & Elkins College Code of Conduct will be processed in accordance with the discipline policy (sanctions range from/include fines, residence hall suspension, and expulsion). Serious disciplinary actions have already been taken for violation of safety protocols on campus. If you see a violation of the College Code of Conduct, you can report it using this form. We all share the responsibility of keeping D&E healthy and safe.
Reminder: Non-essential travel protocol
D&E continues to strongly discourage travel outside the 90-mile commuter zone. If you engage in non-essential travel, a strict process has been put in place to protect the D&E community. For pre-approved “essential travel” designation, students must consult with the Campus Nurse, the Dean of Students, or the Academic Dean before travel occurs. Essential travel will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
If you choose to travel and your travel is deemed non-essential, your return to campus will be processed in the following manner, including assessed fees for specific services during your quarantine period.
- You must check in with the D&E Office of Public Safety. From there, you will be escorted to a private quarantine room in the Byrd Center.
- Quarantine begins the day you arrive back to campus – Day 0. You will be tested for COVID-19 on Day 4 by the Campus Nurse. You may not leave quarantine until your test results are received and they are negative. COVID testing is self-pay (you provide your health insurance information to the nurse).
- Quarantine means you may not leave the room and you may not have visitors.
- Your classes will be delivered in an online format. It is your responsibility to communicate with your faculty.
- Food will be delivered to you. You must fill out the meals form before meals will be delivered.
- You will be assessed a meal delivery charge, a cleaning fee, and a COVID testing fee.
- If you test positive for COVID, quarantine continues for 10 more days, provided symptoms do not manifest.
- Failure to report to the Office of Public Safety after a travel excursion is in violation of the college’s code of conduct, which will result in sanctions (ranging from/including fines, residence hall suspension, and expulsion).
Help keep our campus safe. Stay out of large crowds and practice safety protocols that include wearing a face mask, social distancing, and washing your hands. By following safety guidelines, the campus stays open.
Check this weekly student update, the D&E Mobile App, and your email regularly for updates. The Emergency Notification System (nixle) will also be used as appropriate.
Please wear a face mask, practice social distancing, and stay well.
