Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Do I have to attend Orientation?

Answer: Orientation begins at 8am on Monday, August 4, 2008 and continues through Friday, August 8, 2008. Attendance and participation in all scheduled orientation events is mandatory.

Question: How do I get my WVSOM email account and password?

Anwer: All students who have committed to attending WVSOM and have paid their second deposit have been assigned a WVSOM email account. It is important that you get your email address and password as soon as possible. The administration and faculty will communicate with you only on the WVSOM student email network. In order to get your email information click here, enter your ID# (@xxxxxxxx) and PIN, click Submit Request, scroll to the bottom of page and your username and password will be listed. Follow the link beneath this information to be directed to the student email.

Question: How do I connect to the student network?

Answer: Go to this link and follow the instructions.

Question: How do I go about finding a place to live?

Answer: The Office of Student Affairs maintains a housing directory that lists rental properties located within easy driving distance from the school. Students must use their WVSOM email log-in to access the directory. The directory can be viewed via the LOCAL RENTAL LISTING. The site includes a search feature designed to make it easier for students to find housing that meets their specific needs and interests. The directory is updated weekly.

Question: How do I go about finding a room mate?

Answer:   A list of students interested in finding a room mate is maintained by the Office of Student Affairs. If you are interested in finding someone to share an apartment or a house please do the following:

•  Email your name and a telephone number at which you can be reached and your WVSOM email address to Deborah Hughes at dhughes@wvsom.edu
• Once that information is received your name will be added to the list. You can receive a copy of the list once your name has been added to it.
• The Office of Student Affairs will only correspond with students using the WVSOM email address that you have been assigned. 

Question: When should I move to Lewisburg?

Answer: Most landlords who rent to students set up leases from July 1 through June 30. Students are strongly encouraged to secure housing as soon as possible and not wait until the summer to start this process. Students should be moved in and settled in Lewisburg by August 1st at the latest in order to be ready to begin orientation and classes.

Question: When do classes begin?

Answer: Classes for first year students begin at 8:00am on Monday, August 11, 2008.

Question: When are holidays and breaks?

Answer: Holidays and breaks for the first semester of 2008-2009 Academic Year are: Labor Day (September 1st); Thanksgiving (November 26th - November 30th); Winter Holiday Break (December 20th - January 4th).

Question: Do I need a laptop?

Answer: All first year students are required to arrive on campus with a functional laptop. The WVSOM web site lists the Class of 2012 laptop requirements. Please note that first year students will be required to bring their laptop with them to the first day of Orientation and for the rest of the week.

Question: When will I get my class schedule?

Answer: The class schedules for both the SBL and the PBL curricular tracks will be distributed to students during orientation week.

Question: What does the "typical week" for the fall look like in Systems Based Learning?

Answer: Monday, Wednesday and Friday SBL classes are focused on core basic science courses including: Biochemistry, Developmental Genetics, Histology, and Physiology. Tuesday and Thursday classes are focused on the major laboratory courses including: Clinical Skills I, Gross Anatomy and Osteopathic Principles and Practices (OPP) I. A typical day starts at either 8 or 9 AM and ends either 4 or 5 PM; please note that labs end at 5:30 PM on Thursdays. Most days include a mid day break for lunch of 1 ½ hours.

Question: What is "SOLE"?

Answer: SOLE  (Secure On-Line Learning Environment) is a web based course management system similar to Blackboard and WebCT. All first year students will receive a SOLE password during Orientation week.

Question: What is the Medical Terminology Course and do I have to take the exam?

Answer: Yes, the Medical Terminology exam is required and will be scheduled within the first week(s) of class. You will receive more information regarding the exam during Orientation. Medical Terminology is a self study course. The materials for the course include:

Medical Terminology Syllabus 08-09:

Recommended text:

Additional required terminology:

Recommended resources for the osteopathic terminology:

Please note that you are responsible for ALL the terminology in the recommended text, and the additional osteopathic and research terminology. Also note that you are NOT required to know the Spanish medical terminology or the additional information presented in Appendices II, III, IV and V of the text.

Question: Am I in the Problem Based Learning Curricular Track?

Answer: Dr. Malcolm Modrzakowski  would have instructed you about the application process to the program during your on-campus interview. If you expressed an interest in the PBL track at application time but did not follow-up directly with him, you should contact Dr. Modrzakowski now.

Question: What does the "typical week" in the Problem Based Learning Track look like?

Answer: The typical week in the PBL track conisists of small groups meeting for case-based discussion for two hours on M-W-F. First year students meet from 8:00am-10:00am on these days, Year 2 students meet from 10:00am-12:00 noon. The remainder of these days have large blocks of unscheduled time so students can research and learn about the group derived learning issues. Tuesdays and Thursdays are reserved for shared classes with the SBL students:  Anatomy, Clinical Skills, and OPP courses are delivered on these days.

Question: What is eRefund?

Answer: eRefund is the direct deposit of your financial aid refund. After your financial aid is applied to your enrollment fees, the remainder of your financial aid will be given to you in the form of a refund. We offer direct deposit of this refund and we strongly encourage you to signup as it is a convenience offered to you! It saves you the hassle of waiting in line to pick up a check, as well as the time to drive to the bank and wait for the check to clear (which can take several days).

Question: How do I sign up for eRefund?

Answer:  You should have received an email at your WVSOM email account from webmaster@eci.net with your login information and directions on how to sign up. All you will need is your ABA routing number, your bank account number, and internet access. If you lost that information, or for more information on the program, please click on this eRefund link. You may also contact eRefund@wvsom.edu for any questions you may have regarding this service.