We are nearly a year into living with the Covid-19 pandemic, and I know you are tired. It's challenging to balance your work and/or academic responsibilities while staying physically distanced and masked. Nothing about this is an ordinary experience. This is an evolving situation, unfolding in real-time.
As such, we have had to institute some creative and unique solutions to help everyone stay on campus and be safe. These include limiting access to the building, Library, Wellness Center Weight Room and many classroom spaces, moving events online or to virtual environments, and designating specific dining spaces.
We understand your frustration, and we have worked to make available a number of options on the Health Sciences campus for work, study and eating spaces, including the following:
- HSC 1905 and 1909 — Open study times are posted outside the doors. Students should swipe their badge prior to entering.
- Outdoor Tents — Open for additional work, study and dining space. Health Sciences leadership is assessing the feasibility of using portable heaters for the winter months.
- Lawn Chairs for Checkout — Available for checkout through the ground floor Student Activity Center Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Grab and Go Food Options — Additional grab and go dining options are available, and expanded dining space has been added to The Market.
- Extended Wi-Fi — Capacity has been extended in outdoor areas around the Health Sciences campus.
We ask that you please continue to use these designated spaces for working, studying and eating to help reduce the number of rooms that routinely need to be deep cleaned and to help aid in contact tracing efforts if necessary. Please avoid spaces that are not open for classes and studying.
Masks are still required across campus. Please continue to wear your mask properly, watch your distance when around others and wash your hands regularly to keep yourself and others healthy.
There is no playbook to this pandemic. There are few answers from the past to help solve this problem. We must practice the golden rule and treat ourselves and each other as we would want someone we love to be treated. We must commit to the safety and wellbeing of each other.
I know you will continue to come together and show your true Mountaineer spirit!
Clay Marsh, MD
Vice President and Executive Dean
WVU Health Sciences
Additional information can be found on the Return to Campus website and coronavirus.wvu.edu.
