WVU Parkersburg fall semester to begin

WVU Parkersburg fall classes begin Monday (August 21) with new technology, program and facility enhancements/additions.

CONTACT: Cecelia Malhotra, registrar, 304-424-8220.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

When fall classes begin Monday (August 21), West Virginia University at Parkersburg students will find technology refinements, facility enhancements and new programs.

College officials expect another increase in the overall enrollment for the fall semester.

For the first time, WVU Parkersburg students will have email accounts through WVU’s Mountaineer Information Xpress, effective with the fall semester. Students can access on-line registration, check their grades, and take advantage of other technological offerings through an on-line student information system as well. Wireless internet capabilities for students are available throughout the campus, including the student lounge, library, Caperton Center for Applied Technology and the Corporate and Community Education building.

Campus improvement projects completed during the summer involved various areas of the college, including faculty offices and the library which were repainted and carpeted on the main floor. On the second floor, the Health Sciences Division’s complex was relocated, and classrooms and labs were renovated. A music room was designed to serve various aspects of the college’s music curriculum.

The college’s 20-year roof was replaced over the "banana" wing where many of the college’s faculty offices are located and the two-story main building. Similar roof replacement was completed at the Jackson County Center in Ripley. Total cost of the roofing project was $220,000.

Also, the $3.1 million construction project involving stabilization of the three-story classroom tower is nearly complete. Project completion is set for mid-October.

With the students’ return, new programs have been added, including a certificate in Emergency Response, an associate degree in Automotive Technology, and the Regents Bachelor of Arts degree, now offered by WVU Parkersburg.

On August 28, the college will conduct its first-ever First Year Experience Convocation at 11 a.m. in the multi-purpose room. Convocation speaker will be Susan Hardesty, chair of the WVU Mountaineer Parents Club.

"The Convocation is designed to assist students in transitioning to higher education," explained Dotty Muir, dean of students. There are approximately 580 students who are first-time freshmen enrolled for the fall semester.

Also on August 28, a Welcome Back Concert featuring Recycled Percussion will be held at 7 p.m. in the multi-purpose room. The concert is presented by the college’s Student Government Association with the Distinguished Performance Series. The percussion group has garnered Campus Entertainer of the Year honors. Tickets are available in the college business office.

cd08/18/2006

For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
WVU Parkersburg
Executive Director
Institutional Advancement
Office: 304-424-8203
Fax: 304-424-8315