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Eberly College of Arts & Sciences Department of Physics and Astronomy
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Department Climate

The WVU Division of Campus Engagement and Compliance is responsible for providing University-wide education, support, and leadership on issues relating to Titles VI, VII and IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and youth protection.

Their efforts, in compliance with state and federal guidelines, help WVU create the welcoming community we all deserve. On this page, find information and convenient links for how to address a range of problems. To contact the department about any questions or concerns related to the department culture or climate, please email the P&A Climate Committee at physicsclimate@mail.wvu.edu.

WVU Division of Campus Engagement and Compliance 

Addressing Concerns & Issues

The WVU Division of Campus Engagement and Compliance provides answers to questions regarding how Title IX, ADA, BOG Rule 1.6, and other policies apply to you. To learn more, visit the webpages below:

Most importantly, help is available to you. If you would like to talk to someone about your concern or issue, note that faculty, staff, and WVU-employed students are considered  responsible employees , sometimes called mandatory reporters. This means that when a Title IX related or other forms of discrimination and harassment incident are disclosed to them, they must report it to the University to ensure the safety of the individual and the campus community. You are not required to pursue an investigation just because a report is filed.

You can also speak with anonymous and confidential resources.  If you wish to speak to someone anonymously, please call the 24/7 Anonymous Hotline at 304-906-9930.  Confidential resources are individuals who have been identified by the Title IX Office as individuals or entities that DO NOT have to report incidences of misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator. A few examples are provided below:

Academic Accommodations

Academic accommodations are available to students through the Office of Student Accommodations (OSA), located on the fifth floor of Hodges Hall. Services they can provide include a separate room for exams, extra time for exams or assignments, periodic breaks during exams, or earlier exam times.

To obtain an accommodation, you must have proper documentation for a disability from a professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor, et cetera). To apply for accommodations, visit the OSA website and complete the online application, submit the proper documentation, and meet with OSA to discuss your accommodations.

Physics and Astronomy Climate Committee

The WVU Department of Physics and Astronomy hosts a faculty-led climate committee. Membership on the committee is established annually on a volunteer basis, with members representing each of the various groups in the Department (undergraduates, graduates, postdoctoral researchers, staff, and faculty).

The committee collaborates with WVU and community partners to offer trainings, send monthly newsletters, and host events to inspire community in the department. Additionally, the committee carries out climate surveys to obtain actionable, longitudinal data to assess and improve the department's working climate. 

You may contact the P&A Climate Committee at any time by emailing physicsclimate@mail.wvu.edu. The current committee chair is Professor Emmanuel Fonseca.

Helpful Contacts

Related WVU Programs