UWSP announces some plans for fall semester
By Patrick Lynn
While many details are still being hammered out, UW-Stevens Point plans to reopen its three campuses to students this fall.
Currently, UWSP campuses in Stevens Point, Marshfield, and Wausau remain closed to the general public, with no events for outside groups larger than 10.
Comprehensive plans are being developed to allow for the safe return of students, faculty, and staff to the three campuses utilizing local, state, and federal health guidelines, according to Chancellor Bernie Patterson.
Among the plans are “increased precautions, including physical distancing, personal protections, and additional cleaning and sanitizing,” to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Patterson said.
Employees and students will be expected to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19, and everyone on all three campuses must wear cloth face coverings.
Classes will be taught in a mixture of in-person, hybrid, and online formats, with classes of more than 50 students delivered online. Students may choose to take most classes online if they are not comfortable attending in person.
Student housing in residence halls will continue to be available, but those details haven’t yet been released. First- and second-year students who prefer to live off-campus or at home may request a waiver from on-campus residency requirements this year.
Retail businesses in the Dreyfus University Center, including University Store, U.S. Bank, and Haircraft will be open with appropriate safeguards in place.
“The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff members has been our top priority and will continue to be as the new academic year begins,” Patterson said. “Standing strong in tough times is part of our history and culture at UW-Stevens Point. Since opening in 1894, we’ve helped each other through wars, natural disasters, economic hardships, and more. This fall will be no different.”
Classes resume Sept. 2. Spring commencement has been tentatively rescheduled for the second week in December.