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WEATHER ALERT - Remainder of the Week - Remote Operations More Details

WEATHER ALERT - Remainder of the Week - Remote Operations

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.

Students – No on-campus in-person classes will be held. Instead, instructors of in-person courses have prepared to provide their courses through remote means to maintain continuity of learning. Please consult Blackboard and your professors about the possibility of virtual instruction or alternate assignments.
Faculty – Please communicate directly with students regarding any shift to virtual instruction or alternate assignments. (For more information, please see Provost Bedford’s “continuity of instruction” email sent January 22.)
Staff – Offices will operate remotely. Please consult your supervisor for additional guidance about remote operations.

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:

The Falcon Center will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The cafeteria will operate on reduced hours: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for brunch and 4 to 6 p.m. for dinner.
The Ruth Ann Musick Library’s 24/7 computer lab, printers and vending machines will be accessible via student ID.
Students' ID Card provides building access to all academic buildings from 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Student athletes should check with their coaches for further direction.
For athletic schedules, visit fightingfalcons.com.

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.

Do Tell! A Storytelling Workshop for Adults at Fairmont State’s Folklife Center this Spring Impact

Fairmont State News

Do Tell! A Storytelling Workshop for Adults at Fairmont State’s Folklife Center this Spring

Jan 29, 2026College of Liberal Arts, Events, Folk Life

Storytelling Workshop

Storytelling is a traditional art grounded in live performance, oral learning, and tales both old and new. On Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the West Virginia Storytelling Guild will offer a workshop for adults on how to find, craft, and tell stories. The workshop is open to everyone 18 and older—from experienced teachers and performers to those simply interested in finding their voice. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required by February 21. Participants can register on the Folklife Center’s website: www.fairmontstate.edu/folklife.

The West Virginia Storytelling Guild began in 1996 and now has more than 50 members from West Virginia and neighboring states. Guild members perform at events such as the traditional Appalachian festival “Vandalia Gathering,” as well as at local libraries, schools, churches, and national storytelling events. The Guild is a diverse, multigenerational group that reflects a wide range of backgrounds and approaches to discovering and telling stories.

“Learning how to tell old stories and craft your own with guidance from the Storytelling Guild is a really meaningful way to engage with this tradition,” said Folklife Center Director Dr. Lydia Warren. “But in addition to learning a traditional art, this workshop will provide skills that are beneficial for everyone who talks to other people!”

Guild members will teach new storytellers how to create mental imagery for their audience, conveying the meaning of a story through voice, movement, and presentation. Everyone will have an opportunity to craft and share a short story on the Folklife Center’s stage.

The Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center is located on Squibb Wilson Boulevard. The building is accessible, with an elevator and handicapped parking. For questions or assistance, please call 304-367-4286.

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