(PRESS RELEASE) To reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus (COVID-19), the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has widened its scope of event cancellations. The university does not have any suspected cases of the virus on campus but is taking precautions to ensure the safety of its students, faculty and staff members and community.
All campus-sponsored events, regardless of number of attendees, are canceled through Sunday, May 24, the end of the academic year. The cancellations follow CDC guidance to restrict events for eight weeks.
Any change in spring commencement ceremonies at UW campuses will be decided with University of Wisconsin System.
While UW-Stevens Point’s three campuses remains open, the public should not use campus facilities or services for the next few months. Visitors with official business will be allowed. UW-Stevens Point’s Dreyfus University Center remains open for business – see the website for service hours of operation.
The restrictions aim to protect the community from this pandemic, especially those who are older than age 60 or who have an underlying health condition.
Schmeeckle Reserve walking trails remain open, but the Visitors Center is closed until further notice. The Friday, May 1, Spring Candlelight Hike Festival has been canceled. The Allen Fitness Center and Champions Hall Fitness Center are open to paid members who use social distancing, with groups no larger than 10.
The Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic will be closed effective today, March 18, for all in-person appointments until further notice. Clients can continue to drop off hearing aids for repair at the clinic office during regular business hours. Clinic staff will contact current clients and their families to discuss treatment options, which may include receiving services via telepractice. Call the clinic office at 715-346-3667 with questions.
The Helen Godfrey University Child Learning and Care Center is closed through March 27 for spring break. A decision about reopening is coming soon. The Gesell Institute is closed.
Placement tests for incoming students at UW-Stevens Point set for March 21, April 4, April 25 and May 9 have been canceled. An email notification will be sent to registered students, who are asked to retain the original appointment confirmation email and follow instructions provided to reschedule. When normal operations resume, UW institutions will be introducing additional test dates to help compensate for those that were canceled. For updates, visit the placement website.
UW-Stevens Point continues to work on the process of issuing refunds for those who purchased tickets for events scheduled through the end of the semester. Information will be shared on the COVID-19 website or by email as it becomes available.
All three of UW-Stevens Point campuses will shift to online and alternate delivery of classes through the end of the spring semester, beginning Monday, March 30, following the extended two-week spring break. Students are highly encouraged to return or remain at their permanent residence after spring break. Those who have no other housing options, no access to technology needed for coursework or special family health circumstances may return to residence halls. Additional details will be provided for those choosing to move out of the residence halls.
For the most current information or to ask questions regarding COVID-19 precautions at UW-Stevens Point, go to www.uwsp.edu/covid19.
