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Questions about WVU Parkersburg
and its Relationship with WVU?

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

A state law passed in 2008 changed West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s relationship with West Virginia University.  The purpose of the legislation was to create a statewide network of independent community colleges, including WVU Parkersburg.  The law established the WVU at Parkersburg Board of Governors as the college's governing board to serve the needs of the local region and community.  The legislation allowed WVU Parkersburg to continue an affiliation with WVU.  

Area residents and WVU Parkersburg students may have questions about the impact of this law on WVU Parkersburg.  Here are some frequently asked questions and answers: 

  • Will WVU Parkersburg change its name?
    At its June 10, 2009 meeting, the WVU at Parkersburg Board of Governors took action to retain the WVU Parkersburg name.

Update 6/10/09:  The WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors unanimously approved a Trademark License Agreement which allows the Parkersburg campus to continue the use of the WVU Parkersburg name, logo and related indicia.  

Update 5/19/09:  Community and campus forums as well as an on-line survey were conducted  to collect input.   More than 800 completed the on-line survey.  The feedback was shared with the Parkersburg Board of Governors.

Update 4/28/09:  At its April 27, 2009 meeting, the WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors decided to seek community and campus input regarding the possibility of changing the college's name. 

(Note:  By state law, the WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors had until June 30, 2009 to change the college name if it chose.  After July 1, 2009, any name change will be handled by the state Legislature.)

  • Is WVU Parkersburg still affiliated with WVU?
     The boards of governors at each institution have developed cooperative agreements to continue WVU Parkersburg's relationship with WVU as an "affiliated institution." 

    Update 6/11/09:  At its June 10, 2009 meeting, the WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors unanimously approved Trademark License Agreement and Services Agreement documents which WVU's Board of Governors had already endorsed.

Update 6/5/09:  The West Virginia University Board of Governors approved a modified trademark licensing agreement and a service agreement with WVU at Parkersburg at its June 5, 2009 meeting.  The WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors will consider the agreements at its June 10th meeting.

Update 5/19/09:  The WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors approved a Memorandum of Understanding agreement with WVU on May 18, 2009.  WVU's Board of Governors had approved the agreement earlier at its April 23rd meeting.  The MOU document outlines a formal relationship between the two institutions, designates WVU Parkersburg as an "affiliated institution" of WVU, and establishes WVU Parkersburg as "the exclusive platform for WVU to deliver educational services to the Mid-Ohio Valley."

  • Will my WVU Parkersburg credits transfer to other colleges/universities, including West Virginia University?
    Yes.  This law has no impact on the transfer of credits to other institutions; WVU Parkersburg credits will transfer as they do currently.
     
  • Will WVU Parkersburg continue to offer Bachelor’s degrees?
     Yes.  Bachelor's degrees offered at WVU Parkersburg are WVU Parkersburg degrees.  The Parkersburg campus is accredited by a regional accrediting agency ( The Higher Learning Commission ) to offer Certificates, Associate and Bachelor's degrees.  Undergraduate programs – including four-year degrees -- are WVU Parkersburg programs.   
     
  • What impact will these changes have on the quality and availability of WVU Parkersburg programs?
    WVU Parkersburg has always provided the college's academic and student services.  You can count on WVU Parkersburg to continue to provide a quality, affordable college education.  Plans exist to expand both Bachelor and Associate degree offerings.
     

  • Will financial aid be available at WVU Parkersburg?
     Yes.  The new law has no impact on financial aid.  WVU Parkersburg will continue to process and award financial assistance. 

  • Will WVU Parkersburg students continue to have a MiX e-mail account through WVU?
    WVU Parkersburg has implemented a student email system “WVUP-mail” to better serve students. WVUP-mail is managed locally by WVU Parkersburg's Information Technology Department.  (MiX email accounts through WVU are no longer available.) 

  • Will WVU graduate degrees continue to be offered on the WVU Parkersburg campus?
    Yes.  WVU Parkersburg is the "exclusive platform" for delivery of WVU graduate-level programs in the Mid Ohio Valley.

  • I have other questions.  Is there someone I can contact?
    Send any questions you have to wvupinfo@mail.wvu.edu for a prompt response.

Most Recent Page Update: 
January 26, 2011