Date Approved: Tue, 01/17/2023
Winter Storm Fern and frigid temperatures have left many of us in a deep freeze with a number of issues: The conditions on primary roads are tenuous, many secondary roads are still not clear, and it is so cold that de-icers are barely having an impact on walkways.
As a result, a State of Emergency remains in effect and Governor Morrisey has told the public: “Please stay off the roads. Only go out if you have to.” Therefore, all campuses of Fairmont State University will operate remotely for the remainder of this week. We anticipate a return to regular operations on Monday, February 2.
We would like to take a moment to recognize and thank everybody in the Facilities Department who have battled terrible conditions this week in an effort to keep campus safe and accessible. Please say "thank you" next time you see them on campus.
Operational updates follow:
Some personnel necessary to the operation of the University, including those who work in the Physical Plant, Dining Services, the Falcon Center, and Public Safety, are considered essential employees and are expected to report to work. If it is unsafe to do so, please consult your supervisor.
The Weather Committee continues monitoring the impact of Winter Storm Fern on and off campus. If additional updates are necessary, they will be communicated in a timely manner through our emergency alert system, email, social media, and the University website.
Note that due to this weather system, we anticipate the top deck of the parking garage will remain closed for the coming days. (This location accounts for a significant portion of winter slip, trip, and fall injuries on campus. To support the integrity of the structure, salt or other ice melting agents cannot be used. Structural deterioration from de-icers can lead to major repairs costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.) The University will alert motorists via large yellow signs posted at the traffic circle, near Turley Center, and at the top of the hill.
Beginning September 2024, all teacher education programs in West Virginia must adopt a nationally normed, scientifically valid, and reliable instrument of teacher performance assessment (TPA). The adopted TPA (must be approved by the WV Board of Education) and is a requirement f teacher certification. Previously, teacher candidates completed an Action Research project and took the Principles of Learning and Teaching exam for certification; the WV Department of Education and WV Board of Education is no longer recognizing these two assessments for certification requirements. To support teacher candidates in secondary Education programs through the completion of the TPA, students will take EDUC 4480 Teacher Assessment Seminar (2 CH)
New course proposal for EDUC 4480. This is a required course that seniors in Elementary Education or any Secondary Education program must take during their student teaching/Residency 2 semester to fulfill WV Board of Education Policy 5100 6.7.b.2. The revision to this policy requires all teacher education programs in WV to adopt a nationally normed, scientifically valid and reliable instrument of teacher performance assessment (TPA) by September 1, 2024, to certify in West Virginia. This course will provide the supportive space and tools needed for students to engage in analysis of their teaching to prepare them for the reflective thinking process and writing assessed by TPA.
Beginning September 2024, all teacher education programs in West Virginia must adopt a nationally normed, scientifically valid, and reliable instrument of teacher performance assessment (TPA). The adopted TPA (must be approved by the WV Board of Education) and is a requirement for teacher certification. Previously, teacher candidates completed an Action Research project and took the Principles of Learning and Teaching exam for certification; the WV Department of Education and WV Board of Education is no longer recognizing these two assessments for certification requirements. To support teacher candidates in secondary Education programs through the completion of the TPA, students will take EDUC 4480 Teacher Assessment Seminar (2 CH).