UWL spring break COIVD-19 update from Chancellor Gow
March 13, 2020
As many on our campus depart for spring break, March 14-22, I’d like to provide an update about the university’s continued response to COVID-19 and our efforts to protect the health and safety of our students, employees and community.
In addition to cancelling all in-person classes March 23-27 and shifting classes to online formats March 30-April 10, we have taken a number of steps with the intention of minimizing the spread of the virus:
- We have cancelled all campus events with an anticipated attendance of 50 or more people through Friday, April 10.
- We have suspended all spring study abroad programs and are coordinating with individual students to ensure their safe and swift return to the United States.
- And we are requesting that employees who fly or travel outside a 250-mile radius of La Crosse report to their supervisor before returning to campus.
- In light of the severe risks associated with travel, these employees may be asked to self-quarantine according to the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Employees may also be asked to self-quarantine if they have come in contact with a spouse, family member or any other person who has traveled out of state.
This situation is rapidly evolving, and it’s critical that our students and employees have access to current and accurate information. With this in mind, we have posted an FAQ on the university website, which provides answers to many specific questions about our response to COVID-19. The FAQ will be continually updated as new information becomes available.
Our next priority is to further consider and communicate the ways our response to COVID-19 will affect faculty and staff. Please trust that we are working tirelessly not only to make thoughtful and informed decisions for our campus, but to communicate those decisions in a clear and timely manner.
We realize that this virus and our efforts to slow its spread have upended the lives and plans of many on our campus. I’d like to express my gratitude to those who have gone above and beyond by taking on added responsibilities as we coordinate our campus response. I’d like to thank our entire campus for being patient and engaged as we continue to monitor this situation. Please take care.
