FAQs about WVU Relationship

A state law passed in 2008 changed West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s relationship with West Virginia University. The purpose of the legislation was to create a statewide network of independent community colleges, including WVU Parkersburg. The law established the WVU at Parkersburg Board of Governors as the college’s governing board to serve the needs of the local region and community. The legislation allowed WVU Parkersburg to continue an affiliation with WVU.

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:

Will WVU Parkersburg change its name?
At its April 27, 2009 meeting, the WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors decided to seek community and campus input regarding the possibility of changing the college’s name.
Community and campus forums as well as an on-line survey were conducted to collect input. More than 800 completed the on-line survey. The feedback was shared with the Parkersburg Board of Governors.
At its June 10, 2009 meeting, the WVU at Parkersburg Board of Governors took action to retain the WVU Parkersburg name. The WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors unanimously approved a Trademark License Agreement which allows the Parkersburg campus to continue the use of the WVU Parkersburg name, logo and related indicia.

Is WVU Parkersburg still affiliated with WVU?
The boards of governors at each institution have developed cooperative agreements to continue WVU Parkersburg’s relationship with WVU as an “affiliated institution.”
The WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors approved a Memorandum of Understanding agreement with WVU on May 18, 2009. WVU’s Board of Governors had approved the agreement earlier at its April 23rd meeting. The MOU document outlines a formal relationship between the two institutions, designates WVU Parkersburg as an “affiliated institution” of WVU, and establishes WVU Parkersburg as “the exclusive platform for WVU to deliver educational services to the Mid-Ohio Valley.”

At its June 10, 2009 meeting, the WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors unanimously approved Trademark License Agreement and Services Agreement documents which WVU’s Board of Governors had already endorsed.

Will my WVU Parkersburg credits transfer to other colleges/universities, including West Virginia University?
Yes. This law has no impact on the transfer of credits to other institutions.

Will WVU Parkersburg continue to offer bachelor’s degrees?
Yes. Bachelor’s degrees offered at WVU Parkersburg are WVU Parkersburg degrees. The Parkersburg campus is accredited by a regional accrediting agency (The Higher Learning Commission) to offer certificates, associate and bachelor’s degrees. Undergraduate programs, including four-year degrees, are WVU Parkersburg programs.

What impact did these changes have on the quality and availability of WVU Parkersburg programs?
WVU Parkersburg has always provided the college’s academic and student services. You can count on WVU Parkersburg to continue to provide a quality, affordable college education. Plans exist to expand both bachelor and associate degree offerings.

Will WVU graduate degrees continue to be offered on the WVU Parkersburg campus?
Yes. WVU Parkersburg is the “exclusive platform” for delivery of WVU graduate-level programs in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

I have other questions. Is there someone I can contact?
Send any questions you have to ude.puvwnull@ofnipuvw.