The Living Bridge, Rooted in Fairmont Mural in the Falcon Center

Community Engagement

Fairmont State University cherishes its relationships with the communities that surround us, the students and their families who entrust us with their education, and the businesses and organizations with whom we partner.

We recognize we can’t uphold our mission without the support of our community—that’s why we strive to build meaningful relationships throughout north-central West Virginia and beyond.

We do this via multiple engagement opportunities, both on- and off-campus, to address the opportunities and challenges facing our region. We entertain, inform, educate, and inspire our community through athletic events, fine and performing arts, lecture series, youth programs, and community service.

Through this engagement, we earn and strengthen the public’s trust, deepen our connections, and demonstrate how Fairmont State University contributes to this region’s upward mobility, prosperity, and civic health.

We invite you to explore the community engagement opportunities on this page—there’s always a place for you at Fairmont State University.

Community Newsletter & Calendar Experience Fairmont State Join in the Work We Do See Our Impact

Students at a food truck festival

Community Newsletter

The Falcon Flyer: Community Edition is a bi-weekly email newsletter for our neighbors, partners, and friends across North Central West Virginia. Discover what's happening on campus: public events, performances, athletic games, camps, dining specials, job opportunities, and more—all in one place.

Sign-up for the Falcon Flyer!

Community Calendar

Want to know what you can go to at Fairmont State? Stay up-to-date on the latest happenings open to the greater community!

View the Community Calendar!

Experience Fairmont State

Falcon Center

Falcon Center Recreation

Looking for affordable ways to keep your family happy and healthy? The Falcon Center offers a variety of services that are open to the public.

Community Memberships

Aquatics/Swim Lessons

Falcon Day Camp

Youth Programs

The Falcon Center Gym filled with people at tables

Rentals & Services

Check out our numerous facilities available for conferencing and event rentals. Let us host your next event!

Conference & Event Services

The Soar Store

Printing Services

Pool Party Rentals

Bounce House Party Rentals

A fairmont state basketball player jumping to make a shot in a game

Athletic Events

Take to the field or root for your fellow Falcons on our Mountain East Conference and NCAA Division II teams in 19 different sports.

Athletics Schedule

Athletics Tickets

A group of students on stage performing

Fine & Performing Arts

Fairmont State provides opportunities for people of all ages to experience and participate in the arts. Community members can attend performances and exhibitions, explore public art, and take part in arts education classes in theatre, music and studio art.

Performing Arts Box Office

Academy for the Arts

Community Art

James David Brooks Gallery

Masquers Theatre Organization

Town and Gown Players

A group of people sitting in lawn chairs watching the band perform

Presidential Events

Presidential events bring community members, campus leaders, and guests together for meaningful conversations and shared experiences. Explore opportunities to connect with Fairmont State and engage with ideas that matter to our region and state.

Presidential Speaker Series

Presidential Calendar

Book Fair & Holiday Market

Community Movie Nights

Hometown Markets

Trunk or Treat

Students sitting at tables in the falcon center

Dining Options

Did you know Fairmont State’s dining options are open to the entire community? View current menus, locations and hours, then stop by campus for a meal. You can also explore catering options for meetings, celebrations and other special events.

Chick-fil-A

Catering

Dining Hall

Falcon Center Starbucks

Nickel On Main

The exterior of the Frank & Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center

WV Folklife Center

Housed in an award-winning repurposed historic historic barn building on campus, the Frank & Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center is home to the Ruth Ann Musick folklore archives, the Phyllis W. Moore West Virginia Authors archives, and the Patty Looman collection.

Explore the Folklife Center

Ruth Ann Musick Library

Library & Learning Commons

Ruth Ann Musick Library and Learning Commons welcomes members of the community to explore its resources and spaces. Stop by to read, research, work or connect with others, and learn more about available services, current hours and upcoming programs.

Explore our Public Services

Search our Catalogs

 

Join in the Work We Do

Hardway columns

Academics

Fairmont State’s commitment to community engagement is embedded in our academic mission. Faculty share their knowledge beyond the classroom through community advisory boards, applied scholarship, mentoring, professional development and partnerships.

Academic & Cultural Opportunities

BEACON Simulation Center

CoBA Collaborative Class ProjectPDS Partnership

West Virginia State Capitol Dome

Civics Institute

The Civics Institute at Fairmont State University is dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of civic duties and encouraging active participation in democratic processes. The Institute aims to equip students and community members with resources to cultivate informed, responsible and engaged citizens to shape a just and equitable society.

Explore the Civics Institute

Voter Information

People working in a class room

SciTech Education Resource Center

The SciTech Education Resource Center engages educators and students through robotics programs and STEM competitions, including opportunities offered in partnership with the West Virginia Robotics Alliance. The center also provides workshops, professional learning, classroom equipment loans and citizen-science opportunities.

STEM Outreach

Request a Workshop

WV Robotics Alliance

People at a book reading in a cafe

Journals & Publications

Fairmont State supports publications that showcase literature, art, scholarship, and student work. These include Kestrel: A Journal of Literature & Art, the student-produced architecture publication Vernacular and the student art and literary journal Whetstone.

Kestrel Literature & Art Journal

Vernacular: Fairmont Architecture Student Publication

Whetstone

Students carrying cases of water

Student-Led Engagement

Fairmont State students put their Falcon spirit into action through service, fundraising and community projects. Student-led efforts make a difference on campus and throughout the community.

Student-Athlete Advisory Committee

Student Government Association

Faculty and Staff making biomes

Fairmont State Jobs

Build a meaningful career at Fairmont State University. Explore faculty and staff job listings to find opportunities to contribute your talents, support our students, and make a difference in our community.

Check Out Our Current Job Openings

People walking through a street market

Local Government & Public Services

Fairmont State values its partnerships with local governments, schools, libraries, and public service organizations that share a commitment to serving our surrounding communities.

City of Fairmont

City of Fairmont Update of Comprehensive PlanMarion County CommissionMarion County Parks & RecreationMarion County Schools Marion County Public Library Town of White Hall

A group of Fairmont State faculty, staff, and students in hi-vis vests working on a community service project

Community & Economic Development Partners

Our community partners include businesses, nonprofit organizations, and economic development groups dedicated to making our region a vibrant place to live, work, and learn.

Fairmont Farmers Market

Main Street Fairmont

Marion County Chamber of Commerce

Marion County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tygart Valley United Way

Rajiv Vinnakota and Pres. Davis sitting on stage together talking

National Partners

Fairmont State’s national partnerships bring expertise, resources and opportunities to West Virginia. These relationships strengthen our ability to serve students, support communities and connect regional initiatives.

The American Democracy Project

American Red Cross — Central Appalachia Region 

Campus Compact

Institute for Citizens & Scholars

See Our Impact

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On the Road

Led by President Mike Davis, On the Road with Fairmont State brings University leaders, students, faculty, staff, and alumni directly into communities across West Virginia to listen, connect, and build lasting partnerships.

On the Road 2027

On the Road 2026

On the Road Stories

Children training with the Fairmont State soccer team

Athletics in the Community

Fairmont State student-athletes and coaches build connections in our community through youth programs, community service, and partnerships that bring people together. From sharing skills to supporting local causes, our players, coaches, and administrators make a difference. Discover how Athletics engages with our community and explore opportunities to get involved.

Contact a Coach

Falcons Online Store

Athletic Camps

A drone shot of locus avenue

Redevelopment of Locust Ave.

Fairmont State University, in collaboration with the City of Fairmont and First Exchange Bank, has purchased several properties along Locust Avenue that were damaged in the 2025 Father’s Day Flood. The redevelopment aims to create additional private residential spaces, establish a vibrant public area, and support economic growth in the community.

April 2026 Press Conference

Drone Footage of the Property

Learn More About the Redevelopment of Locust Ave.

A podium in front of screen that says Presidenital Speaker Series

Presidential Speaker Series

Several times a year, the series brings public figures, scholars, leaders, artists, and experts from multiple disciplines to Fairmont State’s campus to explore and discuss the important issues that touch our lives.

See the Schedule

A closeup of a guitar during a concert

Rock the Roost

Rock the Roost is a full-day music festival and battle of the bands celebrating the sounds, stories, and talent of West Virginia. This first-of-its-kind event will bring together bands from across the Mountain State for a day of live music, food, vendors, community, and competition on Fairmont State’s campus.

Learn More About Rock the Roost 2027

Students sitting at a table studying

Middle College

Middle College at Fairmont State University is a specialized academic and student success support program created for West Virginia youth who have experienced foster care. It provides a pathway for 11th and 12th grade students to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and an associate degree (or college credit toward a bachelor’s degree).

Learn More about Middle College