Some UW System campuses shift away from in-person classes due to coronavirus

Some University of Wisconsin System campuses are planning to suspend in-person classes in response to the new coronavirus.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank said in a Wednesday update that the campus will suspend face-to-face instruction on March 23, when classes start after spring break. Alternate delivery of classes will last until April 10 at least.

She asked that students take essential belongings with them when they leave for spring break and not return to residence halls during the period.

The halls will remain open to students when necessary, like those who aren’t able to return home during the break and those unable to access online courses at their permanent residence.

“While there are relatively few confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Dane County, the number of cases nationally continues to grow,” Blank wrote. “Our health partners tell us that now is the best time to act in ways that slow the spread.”

UW-Milwaukee extended its spring break and will suspend in-person classes through April 10, according to a Thursday statement. It’ll offer classes through alternate means, like online.

The system’s campuses in Green Bay, La Crosse, Menomonie, Stevens Point and Superior also announced plans to temporarily shift away from person-to-person instruction.

Other campuses in Eau Claire, Kenosha, Platteville, Oshkosh, River Falls and Whitewater are monitoring the situation.