WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., March 12, 2020 — In response to recent developments in the COVID-19 pandemic and in order to maintain as safe a campus as possible, West Liberty University is extending spring break for face-to-face classes through March 20, 2020.
“West Liberty University is committed to student safety and has been taking every precaution to respond to the threat of coronavirus. We have decided to extend spring break and are asking students to stay home at this time,” said President Stephen Greiner. “We will continue to monitor COVID-19 and update campus as necessary.”
All online classes proceed as originally scheduled. The additional week of spring break will allow WLU to expand distance learning classes as necessary, according to Greiner. Additional information will be shared with students.
All employees are to report to work unless sick. In cases of illness, all staff are asked to stay home and report off as usual.
Additionally the university has cancelled the Hughes Lecture, which was to take place March 26, and the Annual Florida Alumni Chapter Reunion planned for March 27-29, 2020 in Daytona Beach.
Community University, which meets at the Highlands Center campus, is also cancelled.
Hilltopper athletics is following the recommendations of the NCAA and the Division II Atlantic Region Men’s Basketball Tournament, scheduled for Friday and Saturday at West Liberty University.
All games will be played as scheduled but will not be open to the general public.
Each member of the teams’ official travel parties will be allotted six complimentary tickets for admission via a pass list.
Administrators at participating institutions will work directly with participants to create a limited access list for family and friends.All tickets purchased in advance will be refunded in full at the WLU Athletic Department next week, beginning Monday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Individuals must present their tickets to receive their refund. Contact WLU Athletic Secretary Robin Brunner (304.336.8046) for information.
Live video streams, live stats and additional information for all NCAA Atlantic Regional games played at West Liberty this weekend will be available online here: 2020 Atlantic Region Tournament Central.
West Liberty University sincerely regrets the inconvenience to the student-athletes and coaches, their families and the fans.
WLU maintains a Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) that has met repeatedly to plan for the pandemic and all emergencies. Other responses are in place as the pandemic evolves. Additional Student Health Services is available to all students and is located in Shaw Hall.