Campus Life

Introduction to Campus Life

Opportunities for social and cultural engagement are a significant part of a student’s educational experience. Fairmont State provides many services, activities, and organizations in which students may choose to engage as they acclimate to the college environment. The following section of the catalog describes these opportunities in detail.

Matters concerning student rights, responsibilities, and student conduct can be found in the published online Student Handbook 

Welcome Week

Welcome Week is students first opportunity to participate in academic and social programming; and is specifically designed to aid new students in the transition to campus and to college life in general. Programs are offered to make students feel welcome in their new environment and to introduce them to the support services which are essential to their persistence and success. Each student attending the event will be fully oriented to their academic school or college, as well as the broader institution, and will walk away from the event with a clear set of expectations in both academic and social/behavioral realms. Welcome Week highlights include the annual Convocation Ceremony, a picnic, outdoor lawn games, live entertainment, a resource fair featuring local businesses, community service oppportunitesm and more.

Incoming students will receive an invitation by mail which will include RSVP instructions. For more information, please visit www.fairmontstate.edu/WelcomeWeekend or, contact the Office of Student Success

Housing & Residence Life 

Fairmont State maintains five residence halls which accommodate around 1,200 students. Each residence hall provides a learning environment which is designed to enhance academic and social life. Housing contracts are for the entire academic year and prices vary by residence hall. For additional information, contact Residence Life at (304) 367-4216.

University Terrace, Fairmont State’s newest residential facility has apartments and semi-suites that accommodate 345 students. All apartments and some semi-suites operate on a year-round lease. Tenants are required to abide by all rules and regulations. Prices vary based on room type and length of lease.

1. All students are required to live in campus housing unless approved for an exemption to the residency policy. Students interested in applying for an exemption must submit (a) an application, which can be found on the student’s MyFairmontState account, and (b) any required documentation. All students must receive written confirmation of their exemption from the campus residency requirement before making housing arrangements off-campus. Students requesting exempt status from the residency policy must submit the request at least 30 days prior to the start of the semester indicated in the request. Students may not request an exemption after he/she has completed the lease agreement for the academic year.
2. Students must pay a $200 deposit in order to complete their applications and reserve a room. Housing assignments are completed based upon the student’s date of completed application. All residence hall applications and assignments are made for the entire academic year
3. The deposit refund deadline for the fall semester is May 31st. The deposit refund deadline for the spring semester is November 30th. The deposit is forfeited if the cancellation or release request is not submitted by the semester deadlines. The deposit, less any damages or other outstanding charges, will be returned at the end of the occupancy period.
4. Cancellation for current students ONLY: You may cancel you housing application with us for the upcoming academic year ONLY if you do so by May 31st in writing to reslife@fairmontstate.edu. Your cancellation will be considered if you meet any of the following requirements:
   • You have met the four (4) consecutive semester requirements
   • You plan to live at home with a parent/guardian within 50 miles of campus
   • You are over the age of 21
   • You are married
   • You have graduated
   • You became a parent
   • You have withdrawn from the University
     For any returning student who requests a cancellation after the May 31st deadline the cancellation will not be considered under any circumstances and you will be assessed full room/board charges if applicable.
5. The institution reserves the right to limit the number of students in the residence halls under its control.
6. Students who live in the traditional residence halls or semi-suites in University Terrance must purchase a Meal Plan for the Dining Hall.
7. Room and board fees must be paid in full for a semester prior to the first day of classes.
8. All residence hall students and their parents or guardians are responsible for being familiar with the University Student Code of Conduct and all other regulations that are listed and explained in the Residence Hall Guide to Success.
9. In cases where a preponderance of evidence exists of policy violation or criminal action, the student’s room will be searched in accordance with the University Student Code of Conduct. The student will then have a student conduct hearing to determine the outcome of the incident.
10. Any residence hall student who is suspended or expelled from the institution and/or a residence hall for disciplinary reasons will be responsible for paying for the remainder of the housing contract.
11. All residence halls are tobacco, smoke, and vapor free.
12. Alcoholic beverages or illegal substances are not permitted on campus, including all residence halls.

Student Parking Regulations 

The campus provides a 940-space parking garage for students as well as parking spaces in defined areas throughout the campus. Parking permits are required and are included in tuition; they can be obtained from Enrollment Services in Turley Student Services Center. Students receive parking maps at the time of admission and they are available from the Dept. of Public Safety. Visitor and/or day passes can be purchased from the Dept. of Public Safety. Additional information may be found in the Student Handbook.

Falcon Center 

The student Falcon Center, centrally located on campus, provides an environment where students and employees can comfortably interact with one another while enjoying a variety of fitness and recreation programs, eating areas and study lounges. The campus bookstore, copy center, computer labs, dining services, food court, and much more are available for both students and employees.

Included in the recreation/fitness areas are: 7,000 square feet of fitness equipment, five multi-purpose courts marked for basketball, volleyball, badminton and indoor soccer; multi-purpose rooms offering a variety of fitness classes; 25-yard fitness/lap pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, and outdoor eating area; four-lane cushioned jogging/walking track and spacious locker rooms with lockers that may be rented. Throughout the year, the Falcon Center offers special events such as health fairs, wellness and health eating programs, up-all-night parties, and much more. Also, the Falcon Center has a wide range of student social events as well as intramural sports available for students and staff. Located in the Falcon Center is “The Nest” which provides students in need with essential resources such as food, hygiene, and baby products. For further information, call the reception desk at 304-368-7222.

Campus Card Services 

Campus Card Services offers many services to help you with your ID needs.

Your Student ID Card is your official Fairmont State identification. Students can get their ID card issued in the Falcon Center, on the first floor, or at the Turley Center. For further information, please contact Campus Card Services at (304) 368-7227.

Bookstore 

The campus bookstore, located on the second floor of the Falcon Center, carries all textbooks and school supplies needed for classes and a large selection of Fairmont State and Pierpont apparel and gifts. Other items available include diploma frames, graduation supplies, general reading books, reference and test prep books, flash drives, school spirit items, residence hall room supplies, work out items, and much more. Computers and computer software, at educational discounts, are available through the bookstore website. Students may charge textbooks and supplies to their student account, both in-store and online. Clothing, giftware, and many more items are available for purchase through the online site as well. We now accept Falcon Dollars as a form of payment. The bookstore can be contacted at 304-333-3636.

Printing Services 

Conveniently located on the third floor of the Falcon Center, Printing Services is open from 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. No need to leave campus - we’re right here!

We welcome faculty, staff, students and personal work. You create it - we print it - from hard copy, thumb drive, internet or e-mail. Save your work as a pdf or jpeg file for best results.

Our basic services include copying and printing up to 11” x 17” in black & white and color. Additionally, we offer large format printing with various paper sizes up to 42” wide. (See our website for a calculator to figure the cost of your large print) Pricing is the same for departments and students - 8 ½” x 11” black & white copies are $.05 and color copies are $.12. There is no charge for 8 ½” x 11” copy paper. An array of other papers to complement your job are available at an additional charge. Pricing for personal jobs is $.10 for black & white copies and $.25 for color copies, plus cost of paper.

Finishing services include stapling and 3-hole punch at no charge. Laminating, coil binding, cutting, folding, booklet-making, padding, creasing and perforating are also available at an additional cost. Please contact us at 304-367-4185 for pricing.

Before you leave campus, call us (304-367-4185) or stop by to see what we can do for you.

Cafeteria 

Marketplace-style breakfasts, lunches and dinners are served Monday through Friday in the Cafeteria, located on the third floor of the Falcon Center (the student activity center). Brunch and dinner meals are available on weekends and on some holidays. Students with meal plans are to attend meals at this location or may use their Flex Dollars to buy food or groceries at one of the retail venues on campus. Commuter students may also dine in the Cafeteria by purchasing the all-you-care-to-eat option. Commuters have another option - purchasing a commuter meal plan. Commuters can purchase a 30-meal plan, which has $195 Flex Dollars, or the “On-the-Go” meal plan, which has $460 Flex Dollars. Every meal plan participant must present his/her student ID card to the cashier to show payment for a meal. To learn more about the dining options and to make suggestions, call the Dining Services office.

Food Court

Chick-Fil-A, Starbucks, and Chilaca is located on the second level of the Falcon Center that provide additional dining options, especially for those in a hurry. Meal Plan participants may elect to use some of their Flex Dollars at any retail food outlet.

Starbucks at the Library

There is a treat in store for all who choose a rich and creamy Starbucks latte or rich brewed coffee. We have expanded the menu and you will now find a good selection of pre-packaged salads, sandwiches and desserts. Look for us off to the right as you enter the Musick Library.

The Libraries of Fairmont State

MAZURE, SHARON L. (1997)
Library Director, Acquisitions, Reference, and Interlibrary Loan

CHIBA, TORU (2002)
Reference and Electronic Services Librarian

HIVELY, CHARLEY (2007)
Reference and Instructional Services Librarian

SHERMAN, JACQUELYNN (2016)
Assistant Library Director, Reference, and Emerging Technologies

BARRA, MOLLY (2017)
Reference and First-Year-Experience Librarian

Fairmont State has two libraries that may be used by all students, faculty, and staff. The Ruth Ann Musick Library is full service and is located on the main campus. The second facility is located at the National Aerospace Education Center (NAEC) at Bridgeport and provides aerospace resources.

These libraries function at the heart of the institution’s academic programs. Library staff members work closely with students and faculty to develop research skills and to provide a wide range of support services that enhance the learning experience. The libraries’ print and electronic holdings are designed to support the curricular needs of the academic program of study offered and to encourage intellectual and personal growth in all areas of the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and technology

The libraries provide easy access to over one million items, including books, magazines and journals, specialized reference works, newspapers, government documents, style manuals, DVDs, and other streaming multimedia. There are over 120 academic electronic databases accessible from the library’s homepage, and nearly 750,000 electronic books are available through the online catalog. More than 50,000 journals, magazines, and newspapers are accessible through online databases. A limited number of print journals and newspapers are also available. The Fairmont State Library is a member of WVDELI, a consortium of public and academic libraries providing downloadable materials: books, magazines, audio, and video, for all library users.

The librarians offer instructional programs and training sessions that explain the use of the library’s resources, methods of dealing critically with available information, and ways in which the library can provide information, both through traditional methods and through the use of electronic formats. Training in the use of information gathering on the Internet and the libraries’ electronic information resources is available to all users.

The library on the main campus is open over 70 hours a week during fall and spring semesters and over 40 hours a week during the summer sessions. At least one professional librarian is available or on call most hours that the library is open. The librarians provide individualized assistance with projects, research, questions, and papers.

Interlibrary loan is available if students and faculty need research materials that are not available in one of the libraries. Users may place requests online, using ILLIAD software, and the library absorbs any fee involved. Books come in by mail and articles are electronically transmitted to the requestor.

Specialized assistance in locating resources is available. Students and faculty may visit the reference desk in person, phone or e-mail questions to the librarians, or ask for help via a live chat. All online resources are available remotely from any location with Internet access, through the use of the UCA (Unified College Account) username and password.

Student Success

The Student Success office is focused on keeping students continuously enrolled through completion and is here to help students with developing academic skills, finding campus resources and creating a connection to campus. Besides outreach efforts, the Student Success office is open for individual appointments to talk through solutions to students’ troubles.

The Student Success is located in the Turley Student Services Center. For Appointments and more information, please call (304) 333-3360, email success@fairmontstate.edu or visit www.fairmontstate.edu/retention.

Career Services

The Office of Career Services provides students and alumni with a variety of benefits, including career exploration, life planning, and job searching assistance. Students can utilize career counseling and online software to clarify their options. An extensive career resource library is also available. The Office of Career Services provides the following to both students and alumni:

• Assistance in declaring a major through a variety of assessment tools
• Personalized career counseling
• Information on employment trends, outlooks, etc.
• Internship/practical experience opportunities
• Workshops, career/job fairs
• Graduate school information
• An online resume and job database
• Full and part-time job opportunities
• Assistance with resumes, cover letters, and interviewing
• Practice interviews (videotaping is available)
• On-campus interviewing
• Career resources library

Counseling Services

The Counseling Center offers high quality counseling services to Fairmont State’s undergraduate and graduate community. Psychological, emotional, and mental well-being are important contributors to academic success, personal growth and success. Students can obtain assistance with a variety of issues that affect their emotional and interpersonal development through individual counseling, group counseling, training, consultation, and referral services that are provided to the members of the Fairmont State community.

The primary mission of Counseling is to assist Fairmont State students in defining and accomplishing personal, academic, and career goals. To accomplish the mission, Counseling Services strive for high quality provision of:

• Individual and group counseling services to students who may be experiencing psychological, behavioral, or learning difficulties.
• Programming focused on the developmental needs of students to maximize their potential to benefit from the academic environment and experience.
• Consultative services to the institution to help foster an environment supportive of the intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and physical development of students.
• Advocacy for a healthy and diverse learning community.
• Assessment services to identify and address student needs through appropriate services and referrals.
• Crisis response, including threat assessment.

Contacts with the Counseling Services are held in strict confidence. Appointments may be made by calling 304-333-3661 or in person.

The office is located in 316 Turley Student Services Center. For more information please visit our website http://www.fairmontstate.edu/counseling.

Accessibility Services

The Office of Accessibility Services at Fairmont State University is dedicated to facilitating equal access to all institutional opportunities for students who have disabilities. We collaborate with administrators, faculty, and other personnel on campus to identify and remove barriers to foster an all-inclusive campus. It is the responsibility of the student to self-identify to our office. Once registered, the Office of Accessibility will work with students to establish accommodations, aids, and services. Through an individual consultation, a staff member will engage in an interactive process with each student to understand how his or her disability intersects with the institutional environment and how accommodations can reduce barriers to success.

The Office of Accessibility is located in 316 Turley Center and can be reached at (304)333-3661. For more information please visit our website www.fairmontstate.edu/access.

International Student Services

The Educational Pathways for International Centers and Students (EPICS) Office offers onboarding of new students, immigration advisement, support services, counsel, and programming for all international students from applicant through alumni status. A trained staff supports international students as they settle into the community and assists in locating the resources they require to succeed academically. All student applicants who hold a United States visa or who have been educated at the high school or collegiate level outside the United States should contact the Office of International Student Services when seeking admission. All international students must meet with a Designated School Official (DSO) upon arriving on campus and at the beginning of each semester thereafter to complete immigration procedures with SEVIS prior to the start of classes. International students must bring their passports, visas, I-20s (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status), and I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) to each semester meeting. For additional information about the program, email the Director of EPICS in International Office Amanda.Stinemetz@fairmontstate.edu.

Student Health Service

The Student Health Service is located on the 3rd floor of the Falcon Center. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. A healthcare provider is available to care for students’ needs during those hours.

The service is available only to currently enrolled students with a valid student ID. Summer hour are the same as those of the general institution. Students may visit the office for any reason that may cause them to seek treatment from their general health care provider or urgent care center at home. If a high level of care is needed, the student will be referred to the appropriate facility or a referral can be made. Students are encouraged to make an appointment by calling (304) 367-4155 but walk-ins are always welcome.

Tutoring

Tutoring is available on a “drop-in” basis to all Fairmont State students through the Tutoring & Testing Center on the middle floor of the library. Students have access to both professional and student tutors in subject areas such as math, chemistry, biology, physics, engineering technology, anatomy & physiology, and much more! Praxis and TEAs test prep assistance is also available. All services are free, and tutors are trained to provide targeted assistance with academic skills, such as test preparation, effective studying techniques, and time management. Students are encouraged to visit the center early and often! For hours of availability, contact the Director of Tutoring and Testing Center in the Library, 2nd Level at 304-367-4722.

Writing Center

The Fairmont State Writing Center offers one-on-one peer tutoring to help students with writing assignments. This service is free for all full-time and part-time students. Tutors are trained to help with any kind of writing, including essays, research papers, technical documents, and writing in any discipline. Additional assistance is available for students with documented disabilities and those for whom English is not their first language. For hours of availability, check the Tutoring Services college website.The Center accepts walk-ins or appointments.

Student Activities & Organizations

The Office of Student Activities (OSA) provides students with opportunities to attend and participate in a wide variety of engaging social activities. These activities include but are not limited to comedy shows, musical performances, dances, educational and motivational lectures, and many other enjoyable events. A calendar of student events and activities can be found on Fairmont State’s homepage under Campus Life dropdown menu and clicking on the “Calendars” link.

The OSA is located on the 3rd Floor of Colebank Hall where the Coordinator of Student Activities also resides. The best way to contact the OSA is by emailing: StudentActivitites@Fairmontstate.edu

The Office of Student Activities also oversees the registration and operations of over 50 Student Organizations, Clubs, Honor Societies and Greek Life Communities.

Student Organizations

Fairmont State has over 50 student organizations that include clubs, Honor societies and Greek Life communities for the promotion of interests in various academic fields, the recognition of outstanding achievement in various campus activities, and for general social purposes. A list of currently active organizations can be found online at Fairmont State’s home webpage under the Campus Life dropdown menu, and clicking on the “Student Organizations” link.

Please contact the Office of Student Activities for more information by emailing: StudentActivitites@Fairmontstate.edu

Forensics (Public Speaking, Oral Interpretation, and Debate)

Fairmont State offers a variety of programs for all students interested in public speaking, oral interpretation, and debate. Participation in all of these activities is open to any full-time student in good academic standing at Fairmont State. All activities operate under the direction of the Communication and Theatre Arts faculty. The Intercollegiate Debate Squad participates annually in several intercollegiate debate tournaments and community-based events.

Students may participate in intercollegiate competitions in oratory, extemporaneous speaking, persuasive speaking, impromptu speaking, afterdinner speaking, and prose, poetry, and dramatic interpretation. All full-time students have the opportunity to participate in the Annual M.M. Neely Persuasive Speaking Contest. The contest is a public speaking event which is endowed by the heirs of the late U.S. Senator and Governor of West Virginia, Matthew Mansfield Neely.

Intramural & Club Sports

Intramural Sports offers students, faculty & staff at Fairmont State the opportunity to participate in many organized sports and activities on a competitive and recreation level. Its mission is to encourage, promote and develop active living and healthy lifestyles, as well as personal growth through competition and recreation. All skill levels are welcome and there is no fee to participate. Students must be currently enrolled in on-campus classes and/or have admission to the Falcon Center, and employees must be currently working on campus.

Our goal is to provide a structured sporting environment that maintains competition, camaraderie, physical fitness and fun while promoting sportsmanship and respect for competition among participants and spectators.

Events are organized for competitive play among groups, individuals and campus organizations in both semester long league sports as well as over 15 different single-night events. Our single night events include both tournament format and open play in such things as volleyball, dodgeball, ping pong, cornhole, Texas Hold’em, Knockerball, indoor soccer and many more.

Several club sports are organized on the campus and students currently enrolled in at least 6 credit hours with a 2.0 or better GPA are eligible to participate. Current clubs include Men’s and Women’s Rugby, Cheerleading, Dance, Powerlifting, and Fishing. Club Sports are 100% Student supported with guidance from the Intramural Department. Contact information for each club team can be found on the web page or for additional information, please contact the Director of Intramurals & Recreation at (304) 367-4291 or email tmascaro@fairmontstate.edu.

Music Organizations

Performing organizations in the Department of Music are open to all interested and qualified students.

Instrumental organizations include the Fairmont State Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble. Other ensembles include Woodwind Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, African Drum and Dance Ensemble, and Piano Ensemble and are organized on demand under faculty supervision.

Vocal ensembles include: Collegiate Singers, the Chamber Choir and Community Chorus. Additional ensembles are organized on occasion under faculty supervision.

All musical ensembles present concerts on and off campus during the school year. Students may receive credit in the General Studies curriculum by performing in Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Collegiate Singers, Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Choir, and Percussion Ensemble. Participating students are encouraged to apply for a School of Fine Arts Participation Scholarship. Interested students should contact the Department of Music, in the School of Fine Arts, for additional information at (304) 367-4169 or email D.Eichenbaum@fairmontstate.edu.

Publications

Student publications available on campus include The Columns, the student newspaper; The Mound, the yearbook; Whetstone, the student art and literary journal; and Tracts, the student scholarly journal.

Staff positions are open to all interested students, with approval of the respective editor and advisor. Application forms are available in 311 or 301 Jaynes Hall. Students participating as staff members may also receive variable course credit for their work. Editors are responsible for staff assignments, and enrollment is by advisor permission.

Editor positions for the respective publications are competitive and chosen annually by the Student Publications Board, which governs all student publications.

Student publications allow students to hone their writing, editing, photographic, and graphic-design skills in professional settings, using advanced computer technology. The Columns is published six times per semester. The Mound, Whetstone, and Tracts are published annually. Whetstone showcases student writing and art and accepts submissions on a rolling basis. Kestrel: A Journal of Literature and Art is published biannually by the Department of Language and Literature. This journal features poetry, fiction, nonfiction, drama, translations, and visual art from art and literary professionals around the world. With a mission of promoting living literature and art, Kestrel acts as a cultural bridge to the community. Each year, Kestrel provides a three-credit internship to a junior or senior. Interested students should inquire through Dr. Donna J. Long, the editor, in 315 Jaynes Hall or at Donna.Long@fairmontstate.edu.

Additional publication opportunities are available through the Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center: www.fairmontstate.edu/wvfolklife.

Religious Organizations

The Wesley Foundation, sponsored by the United Methodists and Presbyterians is located across the street from campus and next to the Alumni Center. The Wesley Foundation runs a weekly free-lunch program for students in need. For more information, contact Reverand Maria Wiblin at maria.wiblin@gmail.com. Students can also contact the Wesley Foundation at (304) 363-8210 or fairmontstatewesleyfoundation@yahoo.com.

The campus Roman Catholic Community gathers at the Newman Center which is located directly across the street from the entrance to Bryant Street Residence Hall. The Newman Center is a full service campus ministry organization available to all administrators, faculty, staff and students. Weekend services are at 7 p.m. Saturday evening and 10 a.m. and 12 noon on Sunday. Contact the Newman Center at (304) 363-2300.

Student Government Association

Student Government actively seeks to supplement the academic atmosphere with intellectual, cultural, and social activities. Student Government members are involved in all aspects of life on campus and work cooperatively with the college administration, alumni, and community.

Every segment of the student body is represented in the Student Government Association. Members are elected each spring by the student body and receive special training for their positions. The association comprises a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, representatives of each class (Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior), Board of Governor’s Representative, House of Representatives, Statewide Advisory Council Representative, Faculty Senate Representative, and a Director of Publications. Student Government elects an advisor who must be a fulltime faculty or staff member.

Student Government meets weekly. All meetings are open to the public. Meeting location and times are subject to change; further information can be found on the Student Government website www.fairmontstate.edu/stulife/student-government/student-government.

Intercollegiate Athletics Policies

The program of intercollegiate athletics at Fairmont State is supervised by a Director of Athletics, who reports to the University President.  The Fairmont State Athletic Association (FSAA), the Faculty Senate Athletic Committee, and the Athletic Affairs committee (a sub-committee of the BOG), are available to advise the Director of Athletics.

The mission of Fairmont State University Department of Athletics is to actively support the University’s mission of teaching, research, and service by providing an atmosphere in which student-athletes can succeed at championship levels within the spirit of fair play, sportsmanship, and integrity.

In pursuance of the policies recommended by the North Central Association, the following minimum standards governing intercollegiate athletics are maintained:

• The ultimate responsibility for the conduct of the athletic program rests with the President of the University.
• Students participating in athletics are admitted by the Director of Admissions on the same basis as other students. Athletes are required to maintain the same academic standards as non-athletes.
• The award of scholarships, student loans, and student employment to athletes are made through the same agency of the Institution and on the same basis as grants of aid to all other students. All employed students are required to give full and honest work for pay received.
• All athletic funds are handled by the Business Office. An audit of the receipts and disbursements of these funds is made annually by the Legislative auditors.
• An effort is made to compete only with institutions having similar educational and athletic policies.
• Fairmont State is a member of the Mountain East Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
• Athletic participation is regulated and controlled by the eligibility rules of the Conference and the NCAA. Copies of these rules are on file in the Office of the Director of Athletics.

It is our philosophy to offer a variety of sports for men and women so that they meet the needs and interests of individual students, as well as those of the student body as a whole. Furthermore, the athletics program serves as a cohesive agent in bringing about good university community relationships, and it provides a rallying point where students, faculty, staff, and administrators come together in one common place to show pride, enthusiasm, and loyalty to Fairmont State University.

Progress-Toward-Degree Requirements

To be eligible to represent an institution in intercollegiate athletic competition, a student-athlete shall maintain progress toward a baccalaureate or equivalent degree at that institution as determined by the regulations of that institution. As a general requirement, “progress toward degree” is to be interpreted at each institution by the academic authorities who determine the meaning of such phrases for all students, subject to controlling legislation of the conference or similar association of which the institution is a member.

Fulfillment of Minimum Hours and Grade-Point-Average for Student-Athletes

A student-athlete shall meet the “satisfactory completion” provision of this requirement by maintaining a grade-point average that places the individual student-athlete in good academic standing, as established by the institution for all studentsathletes who are at an equivalent stage of progress toward degree. To fulfill the “satisfactory completion” provision of this requirement, a student-athlete who first enters a Division II institution after 1988-89 academic year must achieve the following cumulative grade-point average (based on a maximum of 4.0) at the beginning of the fall term or at the beginning of any regular term of that academic year, based on the student-athletes earning:

1. 24-semester or 36-quarter hours: 1.8;
2. 48-semester or 72 quarter hours: 1.9;
3. 72-semester or 108 quarters hours: 2.0; and
4. 96-semester or 144 quarters hours: 2.0.

A student-athlete must meet the minimum cumulative grade-point average at the certifying institution based on the method of calculation used by the institution for calculation cumulative grade-point averages for all students, and the calculations shall include only course work normally counted by the institution in calculating the cumulative grade-point for graduation.

Intercollegiate Sports

Fairmont State is a member of NCAA Division II, the Mountain East Conference and sponsors an intercollegiate athletic program of 17 sports: 8 sports for men: football, basketball, baseball, cross-country, golf, tennis, swimming and wrestling; and 9 sports for women: tennis, golf, basketball, volleyball, swimming, softball, cross-country, soccer and acrobatics and tumbling. Fairmont State provides fine indoor and outdoor facilities and equipment for physical education and recreation. All students have an opportunity to participate in intercollegiate sports, intramural sports and in all recreational activities. However, those students choosing to participate in intercollegiate athletes must meet specific academic and physical requirements in order to participate.