University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. MWC file photo.
STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — Officials at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point have announced their intentions to bring all students back on campus for in-person learning, events, and athletics for the upcoming fall semester.
New Chancellor Thomas Gibson says the decision is being announced following discussions with local health officials, school leaders, and students. He feels confident that the new academic year will more closely resemble what students desire.
“I’ve assessed our positivity rate for COVID-19 on campus as relatively low,” said Gibson. “I also assess our students as well as our employee’s compliance with face-covering use, and I also assessed the availability of vaccines in our area.”
He said all of those metrics put a safe return to the classroom “within reach” for everyone.
When asked what the year would look like on a scale of one to 10, with 10 being a completely normal year, Gibson said “the plan is for a 10. But, certainly, we will pivot should conditions change.
“I’m looking forward to having events. That out-of-classroom experience that students and families expect; organizations, programming, athletics, and in-person classes,” he added.
He says the smaller details of things like homecoming events and other on-campus activities won’t be known until closer to the start of the year and says that the school does reserve the right to change plans or “pivot” if another surge in COVID-19 cases hits the region.
“We will pay close attention to what is happening in our respective communities and will make those pivoting decisions as appropriate,” he said.
Gibson adds that since taking over as Chancellor in mid-January has had the chance to talk to students in small groups. Many say while they have found ways to have success with the online learning model, they do have a desire to return to the traditional college setting. “They’ve said that the remote learning environment does not replace the in-person experience, but they have found ways to navigate and make the best out of an unexpected situation.”
Other things that are in line to return are musical and theater performances and a “restored sense of community in residence halls.”
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