Coronavirus

D&E enforcing precautions, offering in-person classes

ELKINS -- Although some college campuses across the United States are struggling to contain COVID-19 outbreaks early on in the fall semester, Davis & Elkins College's approach to student and staff safety appears to be running smoothly so far.

Unlike many colleges and universities around the country, D&E currently has no positive cases on campus, even while offering in-person classes, which are now in their second week.

By contrast, more than 8,700 cases in 36 states have been reported in recent days.

"We are fortunate to report we currently have no positive cases of COVID-19," said Dr. Rosemary Thomas, D&E's vice president for enrollment management and institutional advancement. "The majority of students continue to abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the Randolph County Health Department for the Davis & Elkins College campus. Any students who fail to abide will be dealt with on an individual basis."

The campus experience this fall has been different for returning students at Davis & Elkins College. And those changes are visible even before entering campus, as signs at all the college's entrances turn visitors away.

"Campus remains closed to visitors and those who do not have official business," said Thomas, who also serves as chair of the Reopening Task Force at D&E. "This is to protect the health and wellbeing of campus and of the greater community."

D&E has partnered with the Randolph County Health Department to establish its guidelines and protocols for the semester. Changes include increased cleaning throughout campus, spaced out seating at Benedum Dining Room, grab-and-go meals with flexible hours of operation, and virtual activities for students such as trivia, bingo and esports.

Students, who have the option of taking some of their classes virtually if they choose to do so, are required to wear masks and practice social distancing while attending class.

"Some professors will have classes twice a week in class and one day they will have it online," said Davis & Elkins freshman Robert Stephenson. "And some professors give you the option to view the in-class lectures on Zoom.

"D&E is a lot better than a lot of the schools and they have everything handled very well," he said. "Everyone is wearing masks and the school is enforcing -- everything is going very well and following the guidelines."

Davis & Elkins College will end the fall semester earlier than its traditional time in December. Finals exams are scheduled just before the Thanksgiving break, Nov. 21 through Nov. 25.