Dear Mountaineers,
As we enact solutions to maintain safety during COVID-19, we wanted to take a moment to reach out with an update. At WVU, our highest priority is safeguarding the health, well-being and academic success of all our communities.
WVU is continuously monitoring the situation and making decisions based on the most up-to-date information available. This week, the University gave new guidance with respect to class schedules and delivery, employee travel, and unit-hosted meetings, events, etc. The Alumni Association will follow this advice, resulting in cancellation of staff travel, adjusting planning for future initiatives, and cancelling/postponing some events, programs, and meetings.
While there are currently no known cases of coronavirus at WVU, we recognize that our chapters and interest groups are located in areas that may be experiencing cases and/or other impact from the virus. With this in mind, we want to share some specific recommendations with all of you.
- We are asking our chapters and interest groups to cancel, postpone, and/or transition all meetings and events to a virtual setting until at least April 3rd. For example, board meetings can easily be transitioned to a web-conference format, basketball viewing parties should be cancelled, and volunteer activities will need to be postponed. The well-being of fellow Mountaineers and members of our local communities is of utmost importance.
- When individuals are deciding whether or not to travel, attend events, or engage in activities that involve a crowd, we recognize that decision is a personal one. However, it is also important to remember that individual choices may include risks to personal health and elevated risks to other members of the community.
- We encourage you to visit WVU's website [link no longer available] for the most up-to-date University information and recommendations. Also, for current travel and other health-related notices, consult the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's website.
In addition to University guidance, we acknowledge that some states and localities may be advising even more restrictive approaches and/or lengthy periods of time related to hosting/attending events and activities. We ask that you follow the most cautionary guidance.
As President Gee said, “I trust that we will approach this challenge with our uniquely resilient Mountaineer character. Working together, we will sustain our highest purpose—making our world a better place through learning and service.”
To stay up to date on the latest information from the University, we encourage you to visit the University’s Coronavirus Information web page. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Sean Frisbee
President and CEO
WVU Alumni Association, Inc.