UW-Madison, UW-Green Bay moving to remote classes.
MADISON - University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank announced Tuesday that the campus will stay online for the rest of the spring semester, including finals.
Classes will move online beginning March 23, after the end of spring break.
In an email to campus, Blank requested students who decided to get away from Madison for break “carefully consider whether they need to return to Madison or can continue the semester from their permanent residence.”
“Despite the steps we have taken as a campus, there continues to be growing concern about what COVID-19 means to each of us academically, professionally and personally,” Blank wrote.
Students who don’t have access to internet or cannot return home can stay on campus. Limited dining options will be available. University housing is working to create a move-out schedule for students to retrieve their belongings.
Meanwhile, employees who are able to work remotely were asked to start doing that as of March 16. By Thursday, more steps will begin to ensure that the only employees working on campus are people who are delivering essential services that can’t be done remotely.
A decision on spring commencement ceremonies are forthcoming.
UW-Madison made the initial decision Wednesday to move classes online through at least April 10. On Friday, an employee who works in the School of Veterinary Medicine building was diagnosed with COVID-19 after traveling to a country with widespread transmission of the disease, and the university and health department began following up with that person’s close contacts.
“I share the disappointment of students and employees who were anticipating Terrace chairs, sunny days on Bascom and all of the events that make spring special at UW-Madison. This is not the semester that any of us wanted,” Blank said.
“I especially acknowledge the disappointment of those completing their studies, whose final semester at UW has been impacted by this unprecedented situation.”
People who have questions that are not specifically addressed on the FAQ at covid19.wisc.edu, or by a follow-up message, can email chancellor@wisc.edu or call (608) 263-2400.
UW-Green Bay follows suit
Minutes after UW-Madison’s announcement, UW-Green Bay also announced it would remain online for the rest of the semester. Michael Alexander, the university’s provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, encouraged students to keep up with their studies.
“Students are encouraged to continue their academic path and stay on course this semester. We can’t stress this enough,” Alexander said. “During trying times, people take comfort in routine and in learning. Even though education will look different, it is continuing, and that’s a good thing.”
UW-Green Bay also has not made a decision about its graduation ceremony.
Both campuses said university housing will send information about moving out in a separate email soon.
Both decisions reflect the rapidly changing landscape of day-to-day life in Wisconsin as the coronavirus spreads. Campuses have been scrambling to answer a flurry of questions from students and employees in a situation that changes hour by hour.
Less than a week ago, UW-Green Bay told students and staff it would monitor the situation and update its decision to keep classes remote every Wednesday. UW-Madison originally told students to expect a decision for the rest of the semester in early April. Now that’s moot.
A quick response is key, UWGB Interim Chancellor Sheryl Van Gruensven said in her email to the campus Tuesday.
“We must do our part to contain the spread of the coronavirus, including community spread. We do not want to look back in months or years and see that we could have done more to protect our people and our communities. This is essential and in the best interest of the UW-Green Bay family,” Van Gruensven said.