UW-River Falls announces that all classes move online after Thanksgiving break
November 13, 2020
UW-River Falls chancellor Constance Foster announced that all classes will move to remote instruction following Thanksgiving break. This decision was made due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in both Pierce and St.Croix counties.
The announcement also included that many hospitals in the surrounding areas of the River Falls campus are nearing or are already at capacity in regard to COVID-19 cases. The upward trend of cases in the Wisconsin region is not expected to decline before it continues to increase. This spike in numbers is apparent throughout the rest of the United States as well.
According to the announcement sent to students, staff and faculty today from the chancellor, 80% of classes are already using remote and online modes of instruction, so the transition should not be as difficult as the first transition to online classes earlier in March 2020.
The options for on campus living will remain open after Thanksgiving break and campus buildings will remain open to the extent of essential use. Students do have the option to move out of the residence halls after Thanksgiving break if they choose to do so. Additionally, students living on campus will be required to get tested twice when returning from travels after Thanksgiving break.
Students are also encouraged to get tested prior to any travel taken during Thanksgiving break and this includes students who live both on campus and off campus. Students should continue to use the testing site located in Hagestad Hall, rather than the new drive thru testing site at David Smith Stadium. That testing site is available for staff and faculty at UW-River Falls as well as members of the River Falls community.
The usual precautions are being encouraged from the university. Making sure to stay home as often as possible, staying away from large gatherings and getting tested regularly are all steps that UWRF advises students, faculty and staff to continue taking. With any questions about COVID-19 updates on the UW-River Falls campus contact covid-19@uwrf.edu