October 2025: Adventure WV
Staff Council Hidden Gems is featuring the fun and exciting Adventure WV programs available to faculty and staff.
Zipline Canopy Tour and Outdoor Education Center
Faculty, staff, and their families and friends are invited to explore the Zipline Canopy Tour at the University Research Forest near Coopers Rock. The tour evolved from ecological exploration of the forest and has become a popular adventure activity in the region.
Find more information and sign up for a tour.
The Outdoor Education Center also offers unique experiential learning opportunities for classes and organizations.
Find more information and interest form.
Morgantown Adventure Outfitters
Adventure WV operates Morgantown Adventure Outfitters in partnership with the City of Morgantown. The rental center, located on the Rail-Trail at Hazel Ruby McQuain park, provides bikes and bike trailers for adults and children, kayaks and stand up paddle boards. These offerings expand access to the 100-plus miles of Rail-Trail, the Monongahela River and Deckers Creek via the accessible boat launch at Walnut Street Landing. The MAO also provides shuttle service to Masontown where riders can jump on the Deckers Creek Rail-Trail and ride the gentle downhill grade 13 miles back to the rental center.
Outdoor Rec Center
Located in the Student Rec Center, the Outdoor Rec Center provides outdoor equipment rentals available to faculty, staff and their families. Rental options include camping equipment, backpacking equipment, mountain bikes, Rail-Trail bikes, canoes, kayaks and stand-up up paddle boards. Winter sport rentals include downhill skis, snowboards, cross country skis and snowshoes. Additionally, employees and their families can participate in programs such as shuttle service to Wisp Ski Resort.
Faculty and staff can also take advantage of trip planning resources such as the online Outdoors DIY and occasional skills workshop.
September 2025: WVU Hospitality Group Meal Plans
Flexible, affordable faculty and staff meal plans offered by WVU Hospitality Group Available to full-time, benefits-eligible employees, these flexible dining plans make it easy to enjoy fresh, on-campus meals between meetings and/or other work duties. Meal swipes can be used at Hatfields, Café Evansdale and Summit Café and Dining Dollars can be used at all WVU Hospitality dining locations. Find the meal plan that's right for you.
Find more information on dining plan options and request a plan.
August 2025: WVU's Passport Acceptance Facility
Staff Council Hidden Gems is featuring convenient passport application processing and photo services available to faculty, staff, students at the Global Affairs WVU Passport Acceptance Facility in Purinton House, Room 102, on the Downtown area of campus. The facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and appointments can be scheduled online or by calling 304-293-7290. Passport photos are free for faculty, staff and students. Find more information on the WVU Passport Acceptance Facility. Note that all faculty, staff and students are required to register their University-related international travel. Registration will allow travelers to enroll in the WVU international insurance plan, which provides unique medical and security assistance while traveling abroad. For questions, contact Tara George-Jones at tara.gerorge-jones@mail.wvu.edu. Global Affairs has already served thousands of travelers and continues to support the global engagement mission of the University by offering accessible, affordable and campus-friendly passport services.
June 2025: Download Free Software
WVU ITS provides free access/download to the full Microsoft 365 suite, which can be installed on up to five personal computers and devices. This includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook—saving you the cost of a personal subscription (which is always good 🙂). You can also download for free the Sophos anti-virus software on up to three devices. Read more about it here: https://wvu.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/5/article/299303302
May 2025: LOD Course Catalog
April 2025: Libraries
WVU Libraries: More Than Just Books
Let’s be honest—when most people think about a university library, they picture shelves upon shelves of books, the occasional study nook, and maybe a few people whispering about their research. But WVU Libraries offers so much more than just a quiet place to cram for finals. Whether you're chasing down your family history, looking for your next great read, or even checking out a laptop for a project, there’s something here for you.
Dig Into Your Roots with Genealogy Resources
Ever wondered where your great-great-grandfather came from? WVU Libraries offers access to Ancestry.com (Library Edition), a treasure trove for anyone looking to trace their family tree. While you won’t be able to save your searches directly to your personal account due to database restrictions, you can still dig through census records, military files, and more. And if you want to go even deeper, the West Virginia & Regional History Center (WVHRC) is packed with materials like unpublished family histories, public records, photographs, and even manuscript collections. If your ancestors had any ties to the region, chances are, you’ll find something interesting.
Need a Break? Grab a Book for Fun
Not everything has to be about research and academics. WVU Libraries also has a solid leisure reading collection. And the best part? You can check out books for an entire semester. That’s right, no need to rush through your reading list. Whether you’re into bestsellers, sci-fi, or historical fiction, there’s something to keep you entertained between classes. WVU Libraries also have access to the Libby App, which allows users to listen to audiobooks—perfect for when you're on the go or just want to relax without turning pages.
If We Don’t Have It, We’ll Find It
So, let’s say you’re on the hunt for a specific book or article, and it’s nowhere to be found in WVU’s collection. No problem! Interlibrary Loan (ILLiad) lets you borrow from libraries all over the country. Just request what you need, and WVU Libraries will track it down for you.
Tech for Checkout: More Than Just Books
Need a camera for a project or a backup laptop? WVU Libraries has you covered with electronic checkout options. From video cameras to laptops, you can borrow what you need to get your work done without breaking the bank.
More Than a Library, A Place for Art, History, and Ideas
Libraries aren’t just about books—they’re about experiences. WVU’s Art in the Libraries program brings fresh ways to engage with collections, services, and new ideas. Then there’s the William A. Neal Museum, where history meets healthcare innovation, helping West Virginians connect the past with the future. Exhibits range from historical medical instruments to displays on the evolution of healthcare practices, offering a fascinating look at how medicine has shaped—and been shaped by—the region. And, of course, the WVHRC remains one of the most comprehensive collections of West Virginia-related books and periodicals in existence.
Not Sure Where to Start? Just Ask!
With so many resources, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed. Not sure what you’re looking for or who to ask? No worries—WVU Libraries offer chat support, where librarians are ready to point you in the right direction. Whether it’s a research question or just help finding the right book, they’ve got your back. Just Ask A Librarian!
So next time you think of the library, think beyond the books. Visit the WVU Libraries website, check out a book, or stop by and explore the resources available—you might be surprised by what you find. There’s a whole world of resources waiting for you at WVU Libraries—why not take advantage of them? Get started at library.wvu.edu.
