Parkersburg, W.Va. (October 27, 2020) – In response to the pandemic, the WVU Parkersburg Makerspace will offer distance services to continue community access to the center’s resources.

Through the Reverse Makerspace, the center will accept projects, and staff will complete them with client guidance. The cost is $15, plus an additional equipment usage fee. Makerspace staff will discuss project expectations, materials needed, cost and more with the client before the start of the project.

“To keep the Makerspace open, we still need people who want to learn or have projects they want to complete,” said Logan Mace, Workforce and Economic Development Program coordinator. “We need our community to understand that we are still here, and we are still a top-notch resource for exploration and education.”

At the start of the pandemic, WVU Parkersburg’s Workforce and Economic Development team used the makerspace to 3D print over 400 face shields for local and state healthcare facilities, nursing homes, businesses and organizations.

The Makerspace provides public access to tools and training in a creative and fun environment for the purposes of creative expression, exploration and skill advancement. The tools currently available are: 3D printers, laser cutter and engraver, CNC milling machine, vinyl plotter, metal lathe, and their appropri-ate creative software such as Autodesk Fusion 360, Inkscape, Easel, RetinaEngrave, etc.

“The main goal is to be valuable by providing education and resources that may otherwise go under-supported in the community,” Mace said.

For more information on the WVU Parkersburg Reverse Makerspace and how you can get started on your next project, contact Logan Mace at amace1@wvup.edu or 304.420.8606.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (October 26, 2020) – Good afternoon, WVU Parkersburg,

I have the unhappy news of reporting that during the last week WVUP has experienced its largest incidence of COVID-19, eight confirmed cases among students, faculty, and staff in a one-week period. A large residential university might consider this a more expected report, but at a community-based college of our profile where we are very close-knit and familial, this news distresses me greatly as I am sure it will distress you.

There are defining moments in leadership, and I believe this is one of those moments for me. Sometimes we get it right. Sometimes we get it wrong. Often, we don’t know the verdict until the passage of time. Always, a leader shares credit for the good and takes responsibility for the bad, and I will model this behavior with this decision.

In consultation with the Board of Governors, executive team, and leadership of the faculty senate and staff, but accepting that the final decision is mine, I am announcing effective immediately that all face-to-face instruction is temporarily suspended on both campuses for a period of two weeks. Face-to-face clinical placements for our healthcare students are suspended for the same period. We will evaluate a return to the limited face-to-face instruction which we have been doing this semester to begin Monday, November 9, with updates prior to that date and further decisions based on the trajectory of the pandemic.

Instruction will continue, but for at least two weeks it will be all technology-enabled instruction. Students, your instructors will be in touch with you about how your classes will continue during this period, and the administration will be in touch with how to proceed with registration for the spring semester.

Furthermore, I am instructing the Vice Presidents of each area to reduce the face-to-face workforce for the same period as deeply as possible while maintaining essential academic and support services, especially services directly to students. Your Vice President or direct supervisor will be in touch by close of business Wednesday with instructions for your division or department.

While this outbreak at WVUP is small and hopefully containable, and while largely our public health protocols seem to be working, I simply am unwilling to expose you or your family to risk which I can mitigate. We were the first college in West Virginia to move to virtual instruction when Covid-19 hit, so it will not surprise you that I am acting on the side of caution. During this time we will complete very deep cleaning of all facilities and evaluate our protocols for any needed updates.

Please know that I make this decision with respect and concern for the temporary instructional challenges it will cause for both students and faculty and for other challenges it will cause for staff as we are already gearing up for the spring semester.

My foremost concern is for our students, like students across the nation, who have been asked to change almost everything about your college experience. To you, I say this: while technology-enabled instruction at the expense of face-to-face instruction is not an optimal longterm situation, we are doing our best in the short term to ensure the quality of the experience and to prepare you to shift back face-to-face as soon as it is safe to do so. Better days will come again, and please do not give up on your education or your dreams. These are hard times, but hard times build character. We are fully invested in your success, and I ask each of you to remain fully invested in your success.

Finally, to the entire community, I say this: when I wrestle with my conscience as I often do these days, I only win when I value the lives and the good health of you and your families above all other considerations. Enrollment is important. Budgets are important. Your happiness is important.

Your lives are more important, so please begin taking the necessary steps to implement this decision with all due speed even as we hope that it will only stand for two weeks. No doubt you have questions about implementation, and you may ask them of your supervisors and Vice Presidents. If you have more general questions or concerns about this or other leadership decisions, as always you may address them to me directly. If I may be of service to anyone during this challenging moment, please call on me and know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

President Chris Gilmer

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Oct. 23, 2020) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Associate Registrar Sandi Smith has been awarded the Anderson-Milam Award by the West Virginia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (WVACRAO).

The award honors distinguished professionals in admissions, records or enrollment management who have made a significant contribution to WVACRAO and have been involved with the organization for a minimum of five years.

“Receiving the Anderson-Milam award is one of the most significant events of my professional career,” Smith said. “To be selected out of so many deserving individuals is truly an honor. I feel blessed to be a member of such an amazing organization.”

Smith assists the university’s registrar’s office with the overall operations of the records office. The management areas include student records, official and unofficial transcripts, grade petitions, the graduation process, monitoring academic guidelines, degree audits and other related manners. The associate registrar also supervises student workers, manages the records office in the absence of the registrar, determines undergraduate degree completion, issues all WVU Parkersburg diplomas and certificates and ensures the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act compliance at all times.

Serving approximately 12 years with the WVACRAO, Smith is currently the Constitution Committee chair and previously served on the executive committee for five years as the treasurer and president of the organization. She began working in the WVU Parkersburg records office in 1995 as a records assistant and promoted to transfer analyst before receiving an associate registrar title in 2008.

Smith received her associate degree from Fairmont State University and her bachelor’s from WVU Parkersburg. She has been the recipient of the WV Community College Association Outstanding Contributions Award, Staff Member of the Year by WVU Parkersburg and is the four-time recipient of WVU Parkersburg’s Employee of the Month.

The Anderson-Milam Award was established in 1976 to commemorate the services of Douglas Anderson, former West Virginia State College registrar, and Otis Milam, former Fairmont State College registrar. The individual who receives the award has made a significant contribution to WVACRAO and is presented it as a distinguished service award.

Parkersburg, W.Va. – (October 16, 2020) – John Noltner, Minnesota photographer who has shot for national magazines and Fortune 500 companies, will visit West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Center for Civic Engagement during October, sharing photos and stories from his award-winning series “A Peace of My Mind” with the Mid-Ohio Valley.

Noltner will transform Downtown Parkersburg businesses and organizations into exhibits, featuring compelling portraits and inspiring stories from people of diverse backgrounds responding to the question, “What does peace mean to you?” Since 2009, he has driven over 40,000 miles across the U.S., meeting unique individuals and telling their stories.

“I’ve learned that storytelling can help build a community,” Noltner said. “When we share our stories, we begin to see ourselves and those around us in new ways.”

The community may view the “American Stories” exhibit through a free walking tour from now until November 6. Participants are asked to follow social distancing and mask-wearing policies when viewing displays and entering local establishments.

Displays will be exhibited at:
• WVU Parkersburg Center for Civic Engagement, 414 Market Street
• Parkersburg Art Center, 725 Market Street
• Actors Guild of Parkersburg, 724 Market Street
• Wood County Society, 317 8th Street
• Artsbridge, 925 Market Street
• Edward Jones Office, 617 Market Street

Noltner also invites community members to be a part of his new exhibit, “Voices of the Mid-Ohio Valley.” From Tuesday, October 20 until Friday, October 23, Noltner will host an on-site studio at the Center for Civic Engagement. Individuals wishing to have their portrait taken and share their voice and personal stories may make an appointment by calling 304.424.8341.

“I’m looking forward to gathering stories about resilience in the Mid-Ohio Valley,” Noltner said. “We have all been through a lot over the past several months and storytelling has the ability to remind us how much we are connected, even as we may be apart.”

“Voices of the Mid-Ohio Valley” will be on display at the Center for Civic Engagement from November 4 until November 14.

WVU Parkersburg will host two master class workshops with the artist for those wanting to learn more about photography, storytelling and writing.

Wide-Eyed Rambler: Photographing the beauty and wisdom that is all around us will take place Tuesday, November 3. During the session, Noltner will share his techniques and processes for photographing people, places and things while crafting storytelling images. He will use examples of his own photography from across the country and world.

Soul Sessions: Writing to reveal our personal story will take place on Wednesday, November 4. Noltner will lead a writing workshop designed to explore your own story and celebrate your mission, vision and values in the world. Participants will complete short writing exercises and open discussions, tapping into themes of vulnerability, courage and connection.

Both sessions will be from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Center for Civic Engagement and are free and open to the public. Limited seats are available to accommodate social distancing. Please email wed@wvup.edu or call 304.420.8606 to register.

Programming is sponsored by the WVU Parkersburg, WVU at Parkersburg Foundation, Ross Foundation, First Energy, Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, Arts Collaborative of the Mid-Ohio Valley and Judy Sjosdet Ritchie.

Please contact Senta Goudy, WVU Parkersburg dean of Civic Engagement, at senta.goudy@wvup.edu or 304.424.8341 for more information.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (October 15, 2020) – The WVU Parkersburg Fine Arts Committee is proud to release the Fall 2020 edition of The Poorhouse Rag, the college’s literary magazine. This edition honors 100 years of women’s suffrage with prose, poetry, children’s literature and artwork from students, faculty, staff, alumni and their families, addressing the theme of social and political marginalization and lack of equity in opportunity.

Click here to read The Poorhouse Rag.

Presented as a first-person narrative by student Sarah Weeks.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (October 13, 2020) – Every professor I had at West Virginia University at Parkersburg gave me the same message. They assured me that despite changes in courses, one thing would be certain – they would be with me every step of the way.

Faculty extended due dates. They allowed grace periods. Best of all, I felt my professors were listening and doing their best to understand each situation as it arose.

Yes, challenges did arise when WVU Parkersburg unexpectedly began an online school journey in the middle of March due to COVID-19. As a student, I was personally affected by the pandemic in terms of health, finances, family, schooling, careers and more. Despite any economic hardships, I found consistent comfort in being a student at WVU Parkersburg.

Face-to-face communication and course work turned into weekly Zoom meetings, and questions were asked via email. Although it seems, at first glance, that communication between students and professors would be compromised, I quickly found that it was not. My professors were extremely quick to respond to any question I had and were understanding when it came to technical difficulties and communication issues.

WVU Parkersburg gave its faculty time in the spring and throughout the summer to enhance their technology tools and online presence. The end of spring 2020 seemed to fly by, not because we were online, but because I found myself enjoying going to school from home. I found a relaxed comfort in taking courses in my pajamas.

I have a great admiration for every professor who opened up as many lines of communication as he or she could for each student. Faculty worked every day to ensure we were given an education at the same high-quality level that we would have experienced in a classroom. In my opinion, they accomplished what some felt would be an unachievable task.

WVU Parkersburg’s professors have gone above and beyond each day to ensure their students’ needs are met and our tasks are clear. Although I have never struggled with online courses, many students do not have that same luxury, and I think the greatest part about the WVU Parkersburg staff and faculty is that they recognize that. They provide additional resources. They provide Zoom tutoring sessions.

I never intended for my junior year to end the way it did –with a prolonged spring break that had me quarantined in Georgia for three months. I can thankfully say, though, that it resulted in more positive opportunities than I expected. The WVU Parkersburg campus community worked with every student to ensure academic success following their belief and promotion of equity.

I have both joy and appreciation for the college and my faculty because I feel that I am better prepared for my career because of what I have learned through the pandemic. I am now a self-driven professional marketer and show initiative in every project I attempt because of the confidence I have gained by learning to be timely, efficient and dedicated to my work.

As we are in the midst of our fall semester, I am in my senior year, and I am still given great opportunities I would have received if we were still on campus. WVU Parkersburg, my advisors, professors and peers want to see me succeed in every way, just as I want to see for them. The entire campus cheers on their students and welcomes new students with open arms as they begin their college journey in this time of uncertainty.

I recommend that each student continue to pursue their dreams with WVU Parkersburg because there is no other place with the same unwavering support and guidance as this campus community. The one thing I know for sure is that I will succeed because I am WVU Parkersburg proud.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (October 13, 2020) – Many students at West Virginia University at Parkersburg have made the transition to online courses. While about 25 percent of students visit campus to complete hands-on courses that could not be converted to fully online, all students are using technology-enabled tools to complete the remainder of their coursework. Faculty members started transitioning to online learning in March due to COVID-19.

As Holly Martin, associate professor, explains, “One thing that I love about teaching is the interaction with students in a face-to-face class. Creating that same sense of community in a virtual setting was one thing I mostly focused on when preparing my classes this semester.” Martin uses at least three means of communication with students. “Constant communication and timely feedback are critical for a virtual class,” she said.

College faculty are teaching in a variety of ways. Many students meet with faculty and classmates on the same day and time in a virtual manner. Synchronous online learning is a new teaching method many faculty are embracing. Synchronous learning means the faculty and students are interacting at the same time.

As WVU Parkersburg Provost Chad Crumbaker explains, “WVUP faculty have taken technology-enabled instruction to the next level by finding various ways to truly engage with learners without being in a traditional classroom setting.”

WVU Parkersburg has more than 50 degree programs students can choose from. Five of these programs are fully online, regardless of how instruction is delivered to the other programs.

Assistant Professor Katie Life uses online instruction to allow her students to take more ownership of their learning in her math classes. Using a ‘flipped-style classroom,’ students watch the lecture as homework before the class, then spend their class time on higher-level development of the concept by completing projects, practicing harder example problems and discussing the concept more in-depth.

“With the virtual environments, it’s like the material never grows cold. We’re crafting all of these different layers to the learning process week after week after week,” Life said. “It’s really made me reconsider how I will teach once the pandemic has passed, honestly. I’ve learned a lot about myself and what my students can do.”

Assistant Professor Dr. Billy Stone also takes advantage of recording his lectures. “Student feedback shows they enjoy the ability to refer to the recording to review class discussions,” Stone said. “It’s especially helpful should the student be absent from a Zoom meeting.”

Some faculty do prefer more traditional online teaching methods but take extra precautions to engage students. As Tom Riddle, associate professor, explains, “Online learning is lonely. There is less social interaction, and that makes motivation harder.” However, he has found that students enjoy the flexibility in doing their work any time. “I notice many of my students seem to be night owls, and I get many early morning emails.”

Although students no longer commute to campus, they can receive Tutoring Center services and sessions through Zoom. Students can also take advantage of Brainfuse, which offers free tutoring and proofreading services 24/7.
Students struggling with online learning may visit the college’s Distance Learning page to seek assistance.

“Online learning is a perfect example of the need for a community college,” Adjunct Professor Terry Tamburini said. “Many students were headed to other institutions and chose WVU Parkersburg to save money.”
Tamburini also found that students are taking advantage of online learning to expand their skill sets. “Some of my students seem older with a desire to use the opportunity for job upgrades.”

Visit wvup.edu/future-students or call 304.424.8310 to view WVU Parkersburg’s majors, cost and aid and other services.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Oct. 12, 2020) – The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Board of Governors will meet on Wednesday, October, 14, 2020. Due to COVID-19, the members will not meet face-to-face. The meeting will take place at 3:15 p.m. via video conference.

For further details and instructions on how to attend the meeting, please contact Brady Whipkey, WVU Parkersburg chief of staff, at brady.whipkey@wvup.edu.

Visit wvup.edu/about/board-of-governors/agendas/ to view the complete agenda.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Oct. 8, 2020) – The WVU Parkersburg Fine Arts Committee will lead a community-wide volunteer initiative to clean up the Wood County Poorhouse and Farm gravesite on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., on the WVU Parkersburg main campus, in honor of the college’s Poorhouse Week celebration.

Volunteers will pick up trash, trim bushes and trees interfering with gravesite markers, replace rotten crosses and put new crosses on unmarked graves. This is a socially-distanced event, and participants are required to wear masks during service.

WVU Parkersburg now sits on the former site of the Wood County Poorhouse, and the Fine Arts Committee focuses on the social justice-related themes of the Poorhouse to emphasize its historical value.

The committee honors the Poorhouse every year with the release of The Poorhouse Rag. This literary magazine contains the published works and art of students, faculty, staff, alumni and their families and addresses social and political marginalization and lack of equity in opportunity.

The Poorhouse Rag has also restarted the creative initiative on campus. Part of this initiative is offering education to combat poverty to create a more enriched community as a whole.

“The college catalog says we consider education a ‘sacred trust,'” Dr. Sandra Kolankiewicz, WVU Parkersburg professor, said. “We share the property with souls who have come and gone before us and who most likely suffered in their lives.”

The Fine Arts Committee finds importance and value in honoring the Wood County Poorhouse, so keeping it clean and preserved is both a goal and a promise. The graveyard is a reminder to those who serve and volunteer to keep the historical aspect alive.

“Poorhouse Weeks is a way to celebrate our efforts to help others, be reminded of the past and be conscious of the importance of our efforts as educators,” Kolankiewicz said.

In addition to the clean-up, the Fine Arts Committee will celebrate Poorhouse Week by publishing The Poorhouse Rag, giving a Poorhouse Farm virtual tour and providing a virtual reading and art show.

The Fine Arts Committee also encourages students to use their voice and is open to any ideas to continue the Poorhouse’s education.

For more information about the gravesite clean-up or future Poorhouse initiatives, email thepoorhouserag@wvup.edu.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (September 28, 2020) – The Wood County Public Library (WCPL) is teaming up with Stephen Hupp, the library director of West Virginia University at Parkersburg, to present a video about Hupp’s novel “Wings in the Night.”

The WCPL and Hupp plan to air the presentation consistently from mid-September through October. The presentation is pre-recorded and available to watch on the WCPL Facebook page.

“The presentation went very well,” Hupp said. “The Mothman story is a bit of West Virginia folklore and should interest many people.”

In “Wings in the Night,” Mothman is seen once again over half a century after appearing in Point Pleasant, but this time in Collinsburg, the Two Rivers area. In an effort to learn more about Mothman, Kat and Erin (“Daughters of the Valley”) are joined by their new friend Jenny Jordan, in this second novel set in the Mid-Ohio Valley, to find out who Mothman is and why they are here.

“I have an interest in the occult and have been long familiar with the Mothman story,” Hupp says, explaining his inspiration for the novel. “It is a good choice to use in one of my novels.”

“Wings in the Night” is Hupp’s fifth novel and is the sequel to “Daughter of the Valley.” His other books are “Born to the Breed,” which is about the first female NASCAR driver; “On a Sunday in May” that covers three stories about the Monaco Grand Prix, Indianapolis 500, and NASCAR World 600; and “Of Gods and Spirits,” a tale about a witch, warlock, voodoo priest and a Lakota Sioux holy man who recover stolen holy objects.

Stephen Hupp has been the WVU Parkersburg library director since 2001. He is currently working on two new books, one about organized crime in Wheeling, W.Va. The other is about events taking place in 2020.

All of his books are available for paperback or Kindle e-book purchases on Amazon.