West Virginia University will proceed with its final exam schedule on the Morgantown campus starting Monday, December 15, despite a significant winter storm that impacted the area over the weekend. University officials have emphasized a policy of flexibility for students and employees who may face travel difficulties due to hazardous road conditions.
While the university will maintain regular campus operations, leadership is urging instructors and supervisors to accommodate those unable to safely commute. Snow clearing efforts have been underway to prepare the campus for the start of the crucial examination week.
Key Takeaways
- Final exams at WVU's Morgantown campus will begin as scheduled on Monday, December 15.
- Students facing unsafe travel conditions are advised to contact their instructors to arrange alternatives.
- University supervisors are encouraged to offer flexibility, including remote work for hybrid employees.
- Campus operations will continue, but some services may be limited due to the weather.
Finals Proceed with Accommodations
The decision to hold final exams as planned comes with a significant directive for flexibility. University leaders have acknowledged the challenges posed by the winter weather and are not requiring students to risk their safety to attend in-person exams.
Students who determine that travel to campus is unsafe are instructed to proactively communicate with their instructors. The university has empowered faculty to make alternate arrangements, which could include remote testing options or rescheduled exams, depending on the course and instructor's discretion.
The final examination period is set to run through Friday, December 19. The full schedule remains posted on the university's official website, and students are encouraged to review it while assessing their personal travel situations.
Context: The Importance of Finals Week
Finals week is a critical period in the academic calendar, culminating a semester of study. Decisions to alter schedules are complex, balancing academic integrity, fairness, and the safety of the entire university community. WVU's approach aims to preserve the academic timeline while prioritizing individual safety.
Guidance for University Employees
The call for flexibility extends to West Virginia University's faculty and staff. The Department of Talent and Culture has issued guidance encouraging supervisors to be understanding of employee circumstances related to the storm.
Supervisors have been given the authority to permit hybrid employees to work remotely if they have travel safety concerns. Employees are advised to coordinate their work arrangements directly with their immediate supervisors to ensure continuity of operations where possible.
This policy allows for operational stability while ensuring that employees are not compelled to undertake dangerous commutes. The focus remains on maintaining essential university functions while prioritizing the well-being of the workforce.
Campus Operations and Services Status
Despite the adverse weather, the Morgantown campus will officially remain open for regular operations on Monday. Facilities crews have been working continuously to clear snow from walkways, parking lots, and campus roads to ensure they are as safe as possible for those who are able to be on campus.
Did You Know? Major universities often have detailed inclement weather policies that outline a chain of command for decision-making and a multi-platform communication strategy to ensure information reaches thousands of students and staff members quickly.
However, university officials caution that some campus services may be limited. This could affect dining hall hours, transportation services, or administrative office availability, depending on staffing levels. Students and staff planning to be on campus are advised to check the status of specific services before heading out.
Specific Directives for Health Sciences
A separate set of instructions has been issued for faculty, staff, and students within the WVU Health Sciences Center. Due to the critical nature of their work in patient care areas and clinical rotations, their attendance requirements may differ.
Individuals in these programs are reminded to check directly with their respective dean, program director, or clinic manager for specific instructions regarding in-person work or testing obligations. The continuity of patient care is a primary factor in these specific decisions.
How to Stay Informed
West Virginia University utilizes a multi-channel system to disseminate updates regarding weather-related schedule changes or closures. The university community is urged to monitor these official sources for the latest information.
Key communication outlets include:
- The WVU Safety Notification System (WVU Alert)
- Official university email accounts (MIX for students, and faculty/staff email)
- The students.wvu.edu and enews.wvu.edu websites
- Digital signage across campus
Additionally, timely updates are posted on social media. The university's official safety accounts, including @WVUsafety on X (formerly Twitter) and @wvusafetyofficial on Instagram, are primary sources for real-time information.
Decisions for other WVU system campuses, such as WVU Institute of Technology and WVU Potomac State College, are made independently based on local conditions in their respective areas. Similarly, the WVU Extension service operates under its own internal inclement weather policy.