GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay has released detailed plans for bringing students and employees back to campus amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The university says the fall semester will run from Sept. 2-Dec. 21. Classes will be offered in formats including in-person, hybrid or blended and online-only. The delivery method for each class is expected to be finalized in mid-July.
“We want to make sure we’re being abundantly cautious here but still make sure the University is functioning in a full way,” said Chancellor Michael Alexander.
Classroom occupancy will be reduced to allow for social distancing, and masks will be required.
“So we’re going to do that in a safe way. In person classes we’re going to have safe distance, cleaning materials. We’re going to make sure students feel safe in that physical environment because if they don’t feel that’s not going to work,” said assistant vice chancellor for Enrollment Services Jennifer Jones.
The university is confident that all students who have contracts for housing will be able to be accommodated. The university is working with local health officials to develop community standards and safety measures. Move-in dates will be staggered to allow for physical distancing.
Meanwhile, the university’s four campuses are set to reopen July 1. hours will be 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Employees will be required to follow public health practices, which will be detailed in a plan distributed later this week. The university says it will maintain an online update of its operations.
The university is also working out how to accommodate events outside of the classroom.
“That’s our goal, to help students feel connected to the campus because that’s a crucial part of getting a higher education degree,” said Jones.
UWGB Senior Kylie Wartgow appreciates that effort.
“I don’t know how they’ll go about it but i do think it’s a good idea to get it done lots of people rely on their social life with these events,” said Wartgow.
Shorewood Golf Course, the Cofrin Memorial Arboretum, Communiversity Park with access to the bay, and the disc golf course are also scheduled to reopen to the public July 1. Those using these facilities will need to follow CDC-recommended best practices and guidelines.
UWGB’s announcement comes one day after the UW System released guidelines for reopening campuses in the fall.
“Each school has you know the population comes from different places so we feel given our population that primarily resides in Green Bay it will be safe at the moment to stay with our normal calendar,” said Alexander.
Other area colleges, including UW-Oshkosh, St. Norbert College and Ripon College, have also released their fall semester plans.
