As you have probably heard, a group of students exercised poor judgment by going to local bars without using face masks and practicing social distancing, nor using health and safety protocols outlined by Davis & Elkins College. As a result, 31 positive COVID-19 cases have been verified (see section below), endangering the D&E community. In an immediate effort to minimize the impact of these cases on campus, D&E moved to online instruction only beginning today and continuing through Thursday, November 12. We anticipate campus instruction will return to regular operations Friday, November 13.

All residential students who have tested positive for COVID-19 must remain on campus and observe all public health protocols for their safety and the safety of those around them.

Fortunately, at the time of this update, none of the students who tested positive are experiencing serious health issues. However, the history of this virus tells us that patient status can change quickly, which is why these students have been isolated in the on-campus isolation facility and are following the appropriate practices and protocols. All contact trace individuals are in quarantine and quarantine rules will be strictly enforced with harsh penalties for any who violate those rules. Students in quarantine may only leave their assigned room for restroom needs and to retrieve food delivery from a common drop-off location.

Some students who were placed in quarantine chose to leave campus to quarantine at home, but no student presenting COVID-19 characteristics or symptoms did so. Some of those who went home have since received positive COVID-19 test results, and will remain in isolation at home to await further instruction from D&E.

D&E President Chris Wood sent out a letter on Monday to all students about this situation. That letter was followed up on Thursday with a letter to all students from Scott Goddard, Vice President for Student Affairs. “Applying disciplinary sanctions is not something the Office of Student Life takes lightly, but we will do what is necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of the campus community,” Goddard said. “Since August, we have seen that the vast majority of students, faculty, and staff are fully committed to doing what is required to safeguard one another. We are asking you to continue following D&E’s COVID-19 safety protocols and policies, developed with such mutual respect in mind.”

Again, you are urged to continue your commitment to a safe and healthy D&E campus. By doing so, you ensure that courses will resume in their regular delivery channels on November 13 and that the campus stays open. Further information about course delivery will follow this student update.  A safe and healthy campus requires that commitment from all of us.

COVID-19 testing confirms 31 positive cases this week

Davis & Elkins College continues to perform random COVID-19 testing among its student body as part of its safety protocols, as well as include self-generated tests in determining the overall picture of campus health. A total of 196 tests were received this week, with 164 of 167 random tests administered along with 29 self-generated tests. Lab results indicated that 31 individuals tested positive of those 196 administered tests. Random tests are not optional and must continue to be a vital component of D&E’s fight against this global virus.

Those who have tested positive are in isolation and adhering to strict guidelines. Additionally, D&E moved to online instruction only beginning today and continuing through Thursday, November 12. We anticipate that campus instruction will return to regular operations next Friday, November 13.

Students are also 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. 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.

Preview of Spring 2021 Academic Calendar

  • First day of class – January 11
  • Registration Day for Fall 2021 courses – March 16
  • Easter Break – April 2-5
  • Capstone Day – April 22
  • Finals Week – May 3-6
  • Graduation – May 8
  • No spring break but a few days off from class will be announced throughout the semester

Student weekend activities schedule: Livestreaming theatrical event, pizza, and a virtual escape room

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.

Friday, November 6

Livestream theatrical event with the fall production “Proof” by David Auburn; 8 p.m.; tickets are free and can be accessed by visiting showtix4u.com/events/dewv or by calling the box office at 304-637-1255.

Directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre Bridget Rue Esterhuizen, presented by the Stage and Screen Program. Winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for Best Play, “Proof” is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York. The play takes place on the eve of the 25th birthday of the main character, Catherine. Played by D&E senior theatre major Hope Roy, Catherine is a troubled young woman who has spent years caring for her father, a brilliant but unstable, famous mathematician. The role is filled by guest artist Jason Young, artistic director of The Vintage Theatre Company.

Saturday, November 7

Super Saturday: Pizza – Any Way You Slice It; Benedum Dining Room; 6-8 p.m.

Free grab-and-go pizza, sponsored by D&E Dining Services and the Office of Student Life

Virtual Escape Room: Follow Me-Dead Lift; Number or participants is limited, email Scott Goddard, Vice President for Student Affairs, at goddards@dewv.edu to register

Join Senator Entertainment and The Virtual Detective with Degy Entertainment at 7p.m. for a night full of suspense and fun as you navigate a virtual escape room! Hosted by a live moderator, participants in each escape room will be led through the event in order to work together to solve clues using the chat feature in the breakout room. “Follow Me – Dead Lift” is a race against time as participants work to escape an elevator. Register with your friends, roommate, or suitemates to see if you can beat the clock and escape before time runs out!

Livestream theatrical event with the fall production “Proof” by David Auburn; 8 p.m.; tickets are free and can be accessed by visiting showtix4u.com/events/dewv or by calling the box office at 304-637-1255.

Directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre Bridget Rue Esterhuizen, presented by the Stage and Screen Program. Winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for Best Play, “Proof” is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York. The play takes place on the eve of the 25th birthday of the main character, Catherine. Played by D&E senior theatre major Hope Roy, Catherine is a troubled young woman who has spent years caring for her father, a brilliant but unstable, famous mathematician. The role is filled by guest artist Jason Young, artistic director of The Vintage Theatre Company.

D&E Dining Services updates

Benedum Dining Room Weekend Features

Saturday, November 7

6:00-8:00 p.m.

Super Saturday: Pizza-Any Way You Slice It (free grab-and-go pizza) sponsored by D&E Dining Services and the Office of Student Life (Special note: The students in isolation/quarantine will receive Julia’s Pepperoni Rolls® from Chico Bakery in Morgantown, West Virginia)

Sunday, November 8

6:00-8:00 p.m.

Sunday Funday: D&E Wing Ding, free grab-and-go wings; sponsored by D&E Dining Services and the Office of Student Life

Cadillac Daddy Café Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday: Regular Hours (10 a.m.-9 p.m.)

Saturday and Sunday: Temporarily closed

The Caboose Café

Temporarily closed

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.

Two female resident assistant positions open for Spring 2021 semester

The Office of Student Life – Residence Life has two female resident assistant (RA) positions to be filled for the Spring 2021 semester. The first available position is in Roxanna Booth Hall. You must be at least a sophomore to apply for the RA position in Roxanna Booth Hall. The second available position is in Presidential Center, where only juniors and seniors may apply for the open position. Click here to review the Resident Assistant Position Description and Terms of Employment.

If you are interested in applying, please complete the Resident Assistant Application and follow these steps:

  • after completing the application, save the application with your name as the file name;
  • attach a copy of your resume and your hall program sample (if you need assistance drafting a resume, contact Mr. Christopher Jones, Director of Career Services, at jonesc3@dewv.edu);
  • email all of the documents to Ms. Kate Garlick, Assistant Dean of Students and Title IX & Section 504 Coordinator, at garlickk@dewv.edu; and
  • be sure to send the email from your D&E email address

Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, November 9. You may also drop off physical copies of your application and documentation in the Office of Student Life during normal business hours Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

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.

Academic schedule reminders

November 20 – Last day of classes

November 21 – Final exams begin

November 25 – Last Day of Final Exams

December 1 – All grades due by 1:00 p.m.

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. Quarantine means you may not leave the room and you may not have visitors.
  4. Your classes will be delivered in an online format. It is your responsibility to communicate with your faculty.
  5. Food will be delivered to you. You must fill out the meals form before meals will be delivered.
  6. You will be assessed a meal delivery charge, a cleaning fee, and a COVID testing fee.
  7. If you test positive for COVID, quarantine continues for 10 more days, provided symptoms do not manifest.
  8. 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.