UWM will move most of its classes online when students return from Thanksgiving break, following another week of more coronavirus infections across Wisconsin.
The moves comes as the university has seen some of the highest number of positive tests since September, but UWM has been a relatively safe university and the switch to more online classes is an effort to maintain that safety, according to a university press release announcing the move. Gov. Tony Evers also issued an executive order urging Wisconsinites to stay inside and avoid traveling, Nov. 10.
Students enrolled in the few classes still taking place in person will be notified some time in the beginning of the week of Nov. 16, according to the release.
Students who who travel for Thanksgiving break must receive at least two negative COVID-19 tests before returning to in person instruction.
Details about how certain final exams, clinicals and in-service activities are still being worked out, but all UWM campuses will remain open through the rest of the semester and residence halls and dining will reopen after Thanksgiving break.
Students who who travel for Thanksgiving break must receive at least two negative COVID-19 tests before returning to in person instruction, according to the release.
UWM reported 108 new positive coronavirus tests among students through both its 217 PCR and 1,160 antigen tests between Nov. 9 and Nov. 15, yielding 46% and 6% positivity rates respectfully, according to the university’s coronavirus dashboard. There were seven self reported positive cases during the same time.
UWM still plans to return to a mix of in person, hybrid and online classes for spring semester, but winterim classes will be primarily online, according to the release.