Student Life

As the world watched the twin towers fall on Sept. 11, 2001, Americans everywhere questioned what would come next. Jonathan McGee, now a senior studying political science, however, knew what was ahead for him. At the time, he was delayed enlistment for the U.S. Air Force and waiting for an open spot in the firefighting school. Amanda McCarty, currently a senior chemistry major, was in ninth grade when the attacks on Sept. 11 took place. It was then that she decided she wanted to do her part to defend her country. When she turned 18, she enlisted.

Two decades after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, members of West Virginia University’s Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC will stand vigil in shifts for 24 hours, as is tradition, to mark the 9/11 anniversary at the downtown campus memorial site. It is among several planned events to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the attacks.

As a new semester begins, West Virginia University is increasing services to address students’ emotional and mental health needs and promote the awareness of resources available.

West Virginia University issued a statement on Monday (Aug. 23) after the Federal Drug Administration fully approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

West Virginia University will relaunch its public dashboard today (Aug. 23) to track and compile COVID-19 information collected on the Morgantown campus. Information regarding dashboards and data from the Beckley and Keyser campuses will be announced at a later date.

West Virginia University President Gordon Gee welcomed students back to campus on the first day of class (Aug. 18). Gee expressed his joy at the return to campus, but also urged balancing enthusiasm with “a measure of reality.”

West Virginia University is temporarily revising its masking guidelines. Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 18, and for the next 30 days, masks will be required for all those in classrooms, teaching and research labs on all campuses - regardless of vaccination status.

Monday Night Lights for freshmen and first-year students at West Virginia University will now take place on Sunday (Aug. 22) at Mountaineer Field in Milan Puskar Stadium. Inclement weather on Monday forced the rescheduling.

Due to expected inclement weather this evening, Monday Night Lights for freshmen and first-year students at West Virginia University has been postponed to a later date.

As universities reopen this fall, research conducted at West Virginia University suggests campus recreation usage by students can lead to greater retention and overall academic achievement.