UWM announces plans for fall classes, campus operations: 'Face masks will be required'

MILWAUKEE --  The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Wednesday, June 17 announced their plans for falls classes and campus operations. UWM will be open this fall with both in-person and online classes.

Face masks will be required, and university buildings are being modified to encourage social distancing and install plexiglass barriers in high-traffic areas.

“We have given very careful consideration to what is best for our students educationally and to address the health needs of our students, faculty and staff, and our community,” Chancellor Mark Mone said. “We know students and families have been waiting for this announcement, but it was important for us to take the time to get it right. We knew from surveys that our students wanted to be back on campus, but we needed to make sure that we could bring them back in as safe a manner as possible.”

It's music to the ears of some at UWM.

"I'm so excited that we're come back," said student Kaitlyn Linskens.

University residence halls will be open, and student services and activities will be provided online and in person. Their final report is available here.


"We're really moving from a planning phase into an implementation phase," Kelly Haag, chief student affairs officer, said. "All kinds of traffic management, plexiglass ordering, stickers on the floor."

Planning for the fall started in the middle of the pandemic. 14 teams made up of 140 faculty, staff and students came up with a blueprint that makes changes from extracurriculars to classes.

"We have to look at which course will be offered in a face-to-face format or be offered online, which classrooms we'll go into," said Scott Gronert, dean of the College of Letters & Science.

Class sizes may be smaller or more spread out. Contactless dining will be offered.

Students are looking forward to campus life returning to what it was -- hitting the books and following a new set of rules.

"Let's just try to be safe, adhere to the guidelines and we'll be able to get back to normal I hope," Bret, a UWM student, said.

UWM will follow its original academic calendar, with classes beginning Sept. 2.


UWM release the following information in a press releases: