UW-Madison expects to lose $100 million due to coronavirus pandemic

MADISON, Wis. -- The University of Wisconsin-Madison expects to lose $100 million because of the coronavirus pandemic, that's if social distancing is over by June.

The loss includes reimbursing the majority of students for room and board after the campus closed because of COVID-19.

Chancellor Rebecca Blank told the University Committee Monday additional expenses include hiring professional cleaners and buying software licenses and programs to move thousands of courses online.

The State Journal reports the loss is about 3.2% of UW-Madison’s $3 billion budget.

System spokesman Mark Pitsch said he doesn't have an estimate for the financial losses at its 26 campuses.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. Older adults and people with existing health problems are among those particularly susceptible to more severe illness, including pneumonia.