Mike Caputo,Michael Oliverio

As your State Senators for the 13th Senatorial District, the home of West Virginia University, we take our responsibility of representing the University very seriously, and we understand that many of our constituents are employees and students of the University. Politically, we don’t agree on everything, but both of us—just like you—have gold and blue running through our veins.

First, we would like to acknowledge how difficult the Academic Transformation is for so many. Morgantown and the surrounding area are inextricably intertwined with WVU. We have family and friends who are alumni, faculty, staff, and students of the University. We must remember that the University’s decision-making process is not merely a numbers game for profitability; this situation impacts real people and their families. It affects the very fibers of our community.

We have appreciated hearing from many constituents about their thoughts on this matter, and we will continue to listen to the perspectives shared with us by all of you.

We will also continue to closely monitor the developments as the Academic Transformation process continues to unfold. We know some of the decisions the University administration is making are not popular and have real costs associated with them. However, we also understand that the University needs to make some serious changes in order to remain the community stalwart it has been in the past.

We are mindful that through our seats in the Senate, we have been given a unique opportunity by the state constitution, tasked with approving the Governor’s appointments to all boards and commissions. We vow to continue to thoroughly vet every new appointment to the WVU Board of Governors through the Senate’s confirmations process and are comforted that one of us (Senator Caputo) serves on the Confirmations Committee. We take this responsibility very seriously.

This year alone, with our support and encouragement, the Legislature has appropriated the following to support the University:

• $116 million dollars for WVU
• $55 million for WVU Medicine
• $50 million for WVU Cancer Institute
• $210 million for deferred maintenance for higher education buildings (funded for the first time since 2009), of which WVU will no doubt receive the lion’s share, based on enrollment

We will continue to convey the perspectives and concerns shared with us to our colleagues in the Legislature and to those in senior leadership positions at West Virginia University.

West Virginia University is the flagship institution of our state. The University is an incredible partner for the State of West Virginia in seeking to help improve our state’s economy, image, and quality of life. We will continue to be strong supporters of both West Virginia University and our constituents who help make the 13^th District such a special place to live, work, and raise a family.