Students at Davis & Elkins College are leading the way in their commitment to COVID-19 safety protocols, but your continued diligence in following these guidelines is essential. The mid-point of the semester is now behind us and relaxing your efforts to stay safe could have disastrous results quickly. An increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Randolph County this week is a reminder that we must remain careful and conscientious in our safety practices, and that a breakdown in those practices could mean interruptions or changes to our academic year.
Our observation is that some students on campus have become lax in the practice of face coverings, for example. D&E President Chris Wood addressed the issue in a message to students this week, reminding all that campus health and safety is a team effort. Additionally, we continue to emphasize that parties and off-campus travel put the entire campus at risk.
Student activities schedule: Rock the Vote and paintball highlight free 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 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.
Sunday, October 11
General Assembly Meeting of Student Assembly; via Microsoft Teams; 6 p.m.
This meeting is required for all Class Senators. Senators, you will receive the link to this meeting via email/Teams. This event is open to all students. Please pre-register for this event by connecting with Mr. David Magda at magdad@dewv.edu. This important meeting will involve several key topics to discuss, including:
- Class Senator Elections: Update
- Clubs/Organizations: Fall Fest Planning
- Professor of the Year: Nomination/Election Process
Looking Ahead
Friday, October 16
Food Truck Friday; Halliehurst (small lawn facing Roxanna Booth Hall); 8-11 p.m.
Senator Entertainment, with support from D&E Dining Services, is proud to host another Food Truck Friday! Davis & Elkins College is happy to offer the culinary delights of Mr. Elijah Cordle. Aspiring Chef Cordle is preparing tasty treats for you to enjoy Friday evening. The best part is that the cost is covered by Senator Entertainment!
Saturday, October 17
The Return of Axe Throwing; Front Campus Lawn; 3-6 p.m.
Due to the overwhelming response (and positive student feedback) to Axe Throwing on September 19, Senator Entertainment is happy to host this event once again. If you missed it the first time, here is your chance to participate or just watch. Safe demonstration and COVID-19 precautions. Presented by Appalachian Axe Company.
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!
Fitness areas are open on campus
Students are reminded that fitness areas are open on campus, including the Myles Ahead Walking Track. Using these facilities means that you should practice safety guidelines outlined by D&E.
Campus Bookstore hours
Due to unforeseen circumstances our campus bookstore store will have limited hours of operations for the next few weeks. It will be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The website is operational 24/7, shopdecstore.com , to order course materials, supplies and tech items. If you have an immediate need, please reach out to the campus store regional manager at, saylward@follett.com or 330-327-7427.
Spring 2021 schedule available; registration November 3
The Spring 2021 course schedule is available. 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.
Academic schedule reminders
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.
Mountain East Conference delays start of winter sports
The Mountain East Conference Board of Directors today announced the unanimous decision to delay winter sports until no earlier than January 1, 2021. Read the full announcement here.
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 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.
