Fairmont State’s highest priority is the safety and well-being of all students, faculty, and staff. The University will continue to act out of an abundance of caution to protect our campus and surrounding communities. Additional changes to campus protocols may be announced.

The University’s COVID-19 Task Force will monitor the West Virginia DHHR County Alert System weekly to determine current COVID climates in Marion County. The DHHR County Alert System color map can be accessed here. Fairmont State will operate on one of two campus scenarios that will be determined based upon current coronavirus levels in Marion County and within the University population. Please see the scenarios outlined below.

STANDARD COVID PROTOCOLS

For Use When County Map Lists Marion County in GREEN, YELLOW, or GOLD

• Masking is optional in classrooms and laboratory spaces. All classes held at full capacity.
• Face-to-face classes may involve alternative delivery modalities, such as synchronously streamed and/or recording, based on individual faculty member discretion.    
• In-person meetings, activities and events may be held under normal operations.
• Shared spaces are open under normal operations.
• Maximum gathering numbers determined by space configuration, federal, state, and local guidelines.
• Dining will remain open under normal operations.
• Cleaning supplies will continue to be available. Should cleaning supplies need to be replenished, please contact the Physical Plant at 304-367-4110 or facilities@fairmontstate.edu.
• Plexiglas barriers and other COVID safety items may remain in place. Should you need additional COVID safety items, please contact Physical Plant at 304- 367-4110 or facilities@fairmontstate.edu.
• For assistance with COVID IT related items, please contact Tech Commons at help@fairmontstate.edu or 304-367-4131.
• Requests for additional COVID signage should be sent to University Relations and Marketing at urm@fairmontstate.edu.

*A close contact is a roommate, suitemate, housemate or intimate partner living in the same household with a COVID-infected person for at least 24 hours. Additionally, a close contact is considered when there has been more than 15 minutes of time spent within 6 feet of a COVID-infected person. Recommendations based on guidance from the WV DHHR and the CDC.

ADVANCED COVID PROTOCOLS

May Use When County Map Lists Marion County in ORANGE or RED

• Masks are required by all individuals on campus, even if vaccinated, in indoor areas and classrooms. Masking is not required outdoors.
• Individuals working in an office alone may remove their masks. 
• Remember to adhere to social distancing (6 feet) and continue good hand hygiene.
• Face-to-face classes may involve alternative delivery modalities, such as synchronously streamed and/or recording, based on individual faculty member discretion.    
• Faculty may hold advising sessions remotely. 
• Events of 25 or more may be postponed or canceled. If an event needs to be modified, postponed, or canceled as a result of advanced COVID-19 protocols you will be notified in a separate communication.  

*A close contact is a roommate, suitemate, housemate or intimate partner living in the same household with a COVID-infected person for at least 24 hours. Additionally, a close contact is considered when there has been more than 15 minutes of time spent within 6 feet of a COVID-infected person. Recommendations based on guidance from the WV DHHR and the CDC.

• ​The campus community will be alerted if the campus is downgraded to Standard COVID protocols. 

FEELING SICK OR CAME IN CONTACT WITH COVID?

As the new semester begins, it is important to continue using the Illness Reporting Form to assist with the University’s contact tracing efforts to ensure the safety of our campus community. All students and employees are required to complete this form, regardless of your vaccination status.  

1. Isolate

To keep campus as healthy as possible from all illnesses, it is important that you isolate if you are feeling sick. Fill out the Illness Reporting Form, wear your mask and avoid other individuals and wait for guidance from the COVID student health liaison, Megan Hawkins, RN, or another member of Falcon Wellness and Mental Health Services.

2. Report Symptoms

When you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 (sore throat, headache, fevers, body aches, cough, shortness of breath), it is important to immediately fill out the Illness Reporting Form. This information assists the University’s contact tracing efforts to ensure the safety of our campus community. All students and employees are required to complete this form, regardless of their vaccination status.  

Please note, you must complete the Illness Reporting Form if any of the following applies to you: 

• You are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19. 
• You test positive for COVID-19.
• If you have been in close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 48 hours. 

Once you have completed the Illness Reporting Form, Megan Hawkins, RN or another representative from Falcon Wellness and Mental Health Services will contact you with further directions.  

If you have reported COVID-19 symptoms and have been cleared to come back to campus from the COVID-19 student health liaison, Megan Hawkins, RN, please do not return if you still have a fever. If symptoms of COVID-19 are improving and you have been fever-free for 24 hours, we welcome you to come back to campus and to attend class in person.