Dear Davis & Elkins College community, Diligence, and planning related to safety measures and COVID-19 testing continues to pay off at D&E. An employee tested positive this week, but a comprehensive health department assessment showed that the employee had not exposed any other individuals within the D&E community. Further safety measures will begin next week, as random COVID-19 testing starts on campus (see below).
D&E President Chris Wood and a small group of college representatives participated in the D&E Journey Tour last week, traveling to various locations to bring commencement exercises to members of the Class of 2020. The group practiced the highest levels of safety by wearing masks, washing hands frequently, and maintaining social distancing at the ceremonies, which also included required face masks and social distancing for graduates and attendees. Following the conclusion of the events, President Wood and all members of the group entered self-quarantine, were tested for COVID-19, and have since been cleared having received negative results.
Random COVID-19 testing to begin next week
As the result of a meeting that included D&E representatives and officials from the State of West Virginia, random COVID-19 testing will begin next week on the D&E campus. Random testing is part of the overall plan designed to ensure that those in the D&E community remain safe and healthy and that classes continue to be delivered to students in their designated platforms. It is imperative that those selected to be tested comply. All related communication about random testing will be shared through your D&E email accounts.
The safety plan and student behavior at Davis & Elkins College continue to be models in the state of West Virginia and across the nation! By following the guidelines and protocols established by D&E, you have demonstrated behavior that has kept the D&E community healthy and safe! 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 against an individual for violation of safety protocols on campus. If you see a violation of the College Code of Conduct, you can report it by using this form. We all share the responsibility of keeping D&E healthy and safe.
Required Coronavirus student training extended until October 5
The deadline for D&E students to complete required, online “Coronavirus Awareness” training has been extended to Monday, October 5, at noon. Any student who does not complete the required training prior to the deadline on October 5 at 12:00 p.m. will receive a hold on their D&E account.
Student activities schedule: Apples and t-shirts! Free food and fun this weekend!
The following is the schedule of FREE activities for this weekend and next weekend. Be sure to wear your face mask, keep your hands clean, and practice social distancing.
Friday, October 2
Free Friday: Apple Harvest Festival; Halliehurst (small lawn facing Roxanna Booth Hall); 6-8 p.m.
Fresh-pressed apple cider, apple fritters, and apple butter ice cream, sponsored by Senator Entertainment. A celebration of the fall harvest season, complete with food, fun, and apples! Presented by Tyler “T-Claw” Crawford.
Saturday, October 3
“Support Like a Senator – Start Seeing Pink”; Front Campus Lawn (across from The Gatehouse and Memorial Gymnasium/Martin Field House); 3-6 p.m.
Davis & Elkins College is adding pink to its color scheme in October in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. All D&E students are welcome to make their own “Support Like a Senator” tie-dye t-shirt, compliments of Senator Entertainment. Special thanks to Kevin “Woody” Woodcock, Assistant Professor of Art, for printing the t-shirts that will be used for this event.
LOOKING AHEAD…
Friday, October 9
“Rock the Vote”; Booth Library Bridge; Noon-5 p.m.
Rock the Vote is dedicated to building the political power of young people. Get ready for a festive event to promote voter registration. DJ Steve Spin will provide the music with complimentary food and beverages from D&E Dining Services.
Saturday, October 10
Grand Reopening of the Paintball Course; Gates Tower/Allen Athletic Fields; 3-6 p.m.
In working together to combat the opponent, paintball develops communication skills, planning and cooperation, decision-making, and effective use of resources. Dress in layers (getting shot with a paintball hurts a tiny bit if you are not wearing layers) and make it to Gates Tower/Allen Athletic Fields for an afternoon of fun in the wooded part of campus. Special thanks to Dr. Renaud Stauber, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science, for his support in making this event a reality. Sponsored by Senator Entertainment.
NOTE: These activities/events are FREE! Be sure to wear your face mask, keep your hands clean, practice social distancing, and follow D&E COVID-19 safety policies. And have fun!
Spring 2021 schedule available starting today
The Spring 2021 course schedule is available starting today, October 2. All students should review the course offerings and make an appointment with your faculty advisor soon to discuss your plans for the upcoming semester and progress toward graduation. Registration for the Spring Semester will take place on Tuesday, November 3.
Online training scheduled for students on ‘Bystander Intervention’
D&E students will receive an email from Safe Colleges containing the link to “Bystander Intervention for Students.” This training is required for students and should take approximately 30 minutes to complete. The deadline for students to complete this training is October 23 at 5:00 p.m. A hold will be placed on the account of any student failing to complete this required training.
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 Office of Student Life, or Academic Affairs 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.
Academic schedule reminders
October 2 – Spring 2020 schedule posted
November 3 – Register for Spring 2020 courses
November 4 – Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W”
November 20 – Last day of classes
November 21 – Final exams begin
November 25 – Last Day of Final Exams
December 1 – All grades are due by 1:00 p.m.
Double-check your student health checklist
Even though students are back on campus, you should continue to monitor your student health checklist of items to make sure you are healthy and safe. As we enforce special measures on campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, part of our responsibility is to instill responsibilities in you. All students are asked to make sure they have adequate supplies of their own Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and over the counter (OTC) medication supplies. Those items include, but are not limited to, the following:
• thermometer (digital)
• masks (medical grade if of high risk to infection due to comorbidity)
• disinfectant wipes
• hand sanitizer – large bottle for residence hall room and pocket size for carrying around campus
• cold and allergy medications of choice
• pain/fever reliever (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, etc.)
By maintaining this checklist, you can decrease or even eliminate routine visits to Student Health.
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.
