WVU Potomac State College

General Information - WVU Potomac State College

WVU Potomac State College serves both the residential and commuter student. The College's degree programs include Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Science (A.S.) transfer programs and Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) career and technical programs. The College also offers a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) degree with emphases in Business Management, Computer Information Systems, Criminal Justice, and Sustainable Agriculture Entrepreneurship. The College offers the Regents Bachelor of Arts (R.B.A.) and Bachelor of Integrated Studies baccalaureate degrees and the West Virginia University Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

West Virginia University is a member of the Higher Learning Commission and the University's educational programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The provisions of this catalog are not to be considered an irrevocable contract between the student and the College. The College reserves the right to change any course offerings, fees, requirements and regulations at any time within the student's term of enrollment.

Students are responsible for meeting the requirements for graduation set forth by the College. The student's adviser assists in the planning of a program of study, but the final responsibility for meeting the requirements for graduation rests with the student.

History of WVU Potomac State College

Potomac State College was created in 1901 as the "Keyser Preparatory Branch of the West Virginia University" by an act of the legislature at the urging of Mineral County Delegate Francis M. Reynolds, who was concerned about the quality of secondary education in the area. The bill provided an appropriation of $20,000 for buildings and empowered the governor to appoint a Board of Regents to govern the school.

Colonel Thomas B. Davis, a local businessman, donated more than 16 acres of land as a site for the new school. That location, formerly Fort Fuller, was a critical fortress in maintaining open roads leading to the South Branch and Shenandoah Valleys and in retaining Union control of the B&O Railroad during the Civil War; the railroad was a major supply route for the Union Army. Two notable figures each served as commander of Fort Fuller, also called Fort Kelly; Major Lew Wallace, who later wrote Ben Hur, and Major Benjamin Harrison, future President of the United States. The land on which the school is built came to be known as Fort Hill.

When it opened its doors for classes in October 1902 as West Virginia Preparatory School, the institution consisted of a multi-purpose administration building fronted by a four-sided clock tower. The building housed offices, classrooms, the library, and gymnasium. Lloyd F. Friend was appointed principal and teacher and was joined by four other teachers.

Potomac State continues today as a fully integrated division of West Virginia University enacted under a higher education reform measure, House Bill 2224, passed by the 2003 state legislative session. The integration became official on July 1, 2005.

In fall 2017, the integration of Potomac State College with West Virginia University was taken to another level when the OneWVU concept was implemented. Potomac State College, along with four other campuses across the state of West Virginia — to include the flagship campus at Morgantown, were aligned as one university.

In this section:

• WVU Mission
• WVU Potomac State College Mission
• WVU Vision
• WVU Values
• WVU Potomac State College Philosophy
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Center for Excellence in Disabilities
• Office of Accessibility Services

WVU Mission

As a land-grant institution, the faculty, staff and students at West Virginia University commit to creating a diverse and inclusive culture that advances education, healthcare and prosperity for all by providing access and opportunity; by advancing high-impact research; and by leading transformation in West Virginia and the world through local, state and global engagement.

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WVU Potomac State College Mission

To provide access to an enriched life through a high-quality, affordable education.

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WVU Vision

As one West Virginia University, we are purposeful in our studies and our work so that we can partner with our communities-both near and far-to bring needed and valued solutions to real-life problems within the pillars of education, healthcare and prosperity.

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WVU Values

Service: We seek opportunities to serve others and are committed to providing the highest quality of service.

Curiosity: We ask questions, seek new opportunities and change through innovation.

Respect: We are respectful, transparent and inclusive with each other.

Accountability: We perform at our very best every day to create a University that is responsive, efficient and effective.

Appreciation: We support and value each other's contributions as we build a community that is One WVU.

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WVU Potomac State College Purpose

To inspire students to find joy in learning, connecting with others, and growing personally and professionally.

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Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

West Virginia University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture by promoting diversity, inclusion, equality, and intercultural and intercommunity outreach. Accordingly, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, marital or family status, pregnancy, veteran status, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or gender expression in the administration of any of its educational programs, activities, or with respect to admission or employment.

In keeping with this commitment, members of the academic community are expected to demonstrate civility and mutual respect for all persons as well as understanding and appreciation for all persons, to express that perspective in every dimension of the institution’s life and mission, and to work cooperatively, representing not only the interests of their own groups but also those of the wider community.

Individuals believing they may have been illegally discriminated against by any member of the university community at West Virginia University may file a complaint with the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

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Center for Excellence in Disabilities

The WVU CED is available for students, staff, and faculty. The federally funded center supports a 80+ team of specialists who provide services for individuals with disabilities of all ages. Clinics and community programming is available throughout the state to address needs related to any disability. The center is also the home of the WV assistive technology (AT) program and family support program (F2F). These and other services provide support for the classroom, community living, and in the workplace. Additional training opportunities are available for students. Students of all disciplines can work in multidisciplinary groups to provide clinical and community services at the center and throughout the state. Trainings and innovative research initiatives also incorporate disability services and awareness and support the Department of Disability Services undergraduate minor and graduate certificate courses (DISB) and micro-credentials/badges.

WVU CED is recognized, and trusted, as a leader and innovative agent in a statewide network of individual and community supports that promote respect, inclusiveness, interdependence, and access for everyone.

Office of Accessibility Services

The Office of Accessibility Services is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for students with temporary or permanent disabilities at West Virginia University and all of its campuses. We provide a range of services and assist in the implementation of accommodations that lead to academic and personal achievement.

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Commitment to Assessment

West Virginia University conducts comprehensive and systematic assessment of student learning across all locations and delivery methods. Continuous improvement of student learning is faculty-driven (authentic and embedded), conducted at the course, program, and institutional levels, and grounded in the work of the colleges and individual academic programs, the Provost's Office, the Undergraduate Council, and the Graduate Council.

The Provost's Office collaborates with the Faculty Senate's Curriculum Committee to ensure quality and rigor of academic programs and courses, the Teaching and Assessment Committee to ensure quality and rigor across sections of courses regardless of modality of delivery or location, and the General Education Foundations Committee to oversee all aspects of the general education program. The Provost's Office works to strengthen the effectiveness of assessment across all programs by:

• Overseeing, reviewing, and approving program creation and review policies, process and governance.
• Serving as an institutional-level resource for curricular design, program evaluation, and assessment of learning best practices.
• Facilitating faculty professional development in curricular design, program evaluation, and assessment of learning.
• Providing consulting to departments to enhance their program improvement based upon assessment planning and reporting.
• Compiling supporting documentation and evidence of the assessment work at WVU in support of institutional accreditation.