By Shereen Siewert

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will extend spring break by a week and will then shift in-person classes to “alternative delivery methods” when classes resume March 30, according to Chancellor Bernie Patterson.

The move impacts all three UWSP campuses: Stevens Point Wausau and Marshfield.

The announcement was made on the UWSP Emergency Management page.

Patterson’s announcement reads:

With increased uncertainties around the spread of the coronavirus, UW-Stevens Point is extending spring break by one week. Classes will resume March 30, at which point we will suspend in-person classes and shift to alternative delivery methods. This applies to all three UW-Stevens Point campuses and field stations.

Our top priority continues to be protecting the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff. This includes taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to our campuses. The goal of the two-week break is to give faculty additional time to develop alternative delivery methods for their classes, which may be needed for the remainder of the spring semester.

 Please note the following:

  • Students should take all instructional materials for their classes as well as essential personal items and prescription medications with them when they leave for spring break.
  • Spring break will take place from March 14-29, 2020.
  • Classes will resume March 30 with alternative delivery methods. No face-to-face classes will be held on campus after this date until further notice.
  • More information about alternative delivery methods of class will be communicated to students via email by March 29.
  • Students are strongly encouraged to return to their permanent residence after spring break until further notice. This will assist with social distancing in halls where students live close together and share facilities. Those who have no other housing options or no access to technology needed for coursework may return to residence halls.
  • Residence halls remain open to students. Limited dining options will resume for dinner March 22. Additional information will be communicated in the next week to students who live in residence halls.
  • All university sponsored travel is canceled for students, faculty and staff, except for NCAA Athletics until April 15. Additional guidance will be provided as it becomes available.
  • Events with more than 50 people in attendance at any campus facility are canceled from March 15 through April 15. This includes events at all three UW-Stevens Point campuses, Treehaven, Central Wisconsin Environmental Station and Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility. Information about ticket refunds will be provided soon.

The decision was made to protect the health and safety of students, faculty and staff, Patterson said.