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 next 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 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.
Relief Funds distribution
On Monday, March 29th, the Business Office will begin distributing additional awards of HEERF II (Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds). These awards are based on applications received from students demonstrating exceptional needs and/or expenses resulting from COVID-19. Recipients will be required to pick up and sign for checks in person at the D&E Business Office. Due to the large number of checks, they will be distributed in phases. Please watch for an email providing more details about this distribution.
Student Activities Schedule
The D&E Office of Student Life has announced the following schedule of free student activities:
- Free Friday: Food Truck Friday with Brynn E. Bear’s Ice Cream, ice cream sundaes (Friday)
- Super Saturday: Holi Festival, complete with Chicken Curry, Basmati Rice, Naan Bread, and Mango Lassi (Saturday)
- Super Saturday: Bumper Cars (Saturday)
- Hike to the High Falls of the Cheat River (Sunday)
- Celebrate Spring, painting terra cotta flowerpots (Sunday)
Looking ahead, watch for special events to celebrate the Easter season. The month of April will feature the return of the axe-throwing event, a Glaze & Fire event (make your own coffee mug), paintball, Food Truck Fridays, and a Foam Dance Party, just to mention a few. For complete details, students should check their March 25 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.
D&E recorded two more positive COVID-19 cases this week, marking the third consecutive week where testing found positive cases. These findings support our warning to be vigilant in your safety practices: wear your mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, avoid large crowds, and encourage your fellow students to do the same. We also urge you to lead by example during next weekend’s long Easter holiday weekend. 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 stay safe.
