Update Coronavirus

May 12, 2022

From the COVID Operational Team

To our University of Wisconsin-Platteville community,

As we wind down the 2021-22 academic year, we thank you for all you did to ensure that we made it through these two semesters in a safe and relatively healthy fashion. Your due diligence in following safety protocols ensured we were able to offer in-person instruction.

We recognize our work is not over. Our counties have seen a slight uptick in the number of COVID cases reported and the number of students who have required isolation.  This cycle of increasing and decreasing cases is becoming familiar as variants make their way to our communities. We offer these reminders of the basics, especially with finals starting next week

·       Testing – Our main campus testing site is available through May 20 in Hugunin Hall Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  We urge you to get tested if you’re experiencing symptoms or are concerned about a possible exposure.

·       Vaccinations, boosters – While we no longer offer these on our campuses, many pharmacies and health care providers offer free vaccination and booster shots.

·       Masking – Face-covering remains optional at UW-Platteville, but masks are welcomed in our buildings, especially with the increase of area cases.

Let’s each take extra care before finals to ensure a strong finish to the academic year together.

Be Safe. Be Strong. Be Pioneers.

March 29, 2022 (Updated May 6)

After serving as a good community partner by offering free COVID-19 testing for more than a year, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is ending its public testing program in April and reducing the testing times offered for students and employees.

The university offered free community testing throughout much of the pandemic, beginning in November 2020. UW-Platteville transitioned the use of the Bo Ryan Court in Williams Fieldhouse for the community testing, then moved the testing sites to Velzy Commons in Ullsvik Hall (January 2021) and Hugunin Hall (June 2021). Thousands of tests were administered over these 16 months. The university has seen the numbers significantly decrease over the previous few weeks, prompting the change.

The decision to end the community testing came after consultation with the UW System and local health providers. April 1 will be the last day for public testing.

UW-Platteville students, faculty and staff may still get a COVID-19 test on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Hugunin Hall through May 20, when the site will close. (Updated 5/6/22).

Community members should check with Grant County Health Department, their local pharmacy or personal healthcare provider for COVID-19 testing needs. 

February 25, 2022

UW-Platteville has lifted most of the faculty and staff travel restrictions that were enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Effective Monday, February 28, the supervisor travel approval form no longer needs to be completed for domestic travel. Faculty and staff can go directly to the Concur travel site to book individual air, hotel or car reservations. 
• If using a UW-Platteville fleet vehicle, please click here for driver authorization and to reserve a vehicle. 
• Because of the ever-changing global landscape, all international trips for university business must still be approved through the International Programs Office. For contact information, visit the IPO website. 
• Student travel policies remain in place until spring break. 

February 17, 2022

To the university community,

Yesterday, University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson issued a press release about the removal of masks mandates across the campuses, including UW-Platteville. (See https://www.wisconsin.edu/news/archive/uw-system-moves-to-remove-mask-requirements/)

Our university mandate for indoor settings has been set to expire March 12 when we begin spring break. We will be suspending our renewal of the mandate at midnight on March 11. Our COVID-19 operational team is working to ensure the smooth transition from the mandate.

A growing number of communities and academic institutions are lifting masking requirements as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations decline and as vaccinations and booster doses continue to guard against serious illness. The research strongly suggests that individuals who are vaccinated, boosted, and wearing a high-quality mask have a high degree of protection. Because of the vaccination/booster rates and infection-induced immunity, we’re at a point where responsible behavior is up to the individual choice to continue wearing a face covering. 

We realize that for some it may feel stressful about removal of face coverings. We encourage those who want to continue to wear masks to do so. The university asks that we all respect everyone’s individual choices about face coverings. Everyone has a different comfort level, so please continue to show respect towards the entire UW-Platteville community. We will monitor COVID-19 and will adjust policies as needed if circumstances change.

UW-Platteville will continue offering testing and vaccination/booster clinics on the main campus. We ask those who have not yet been vaccinated and boosted to consider doing so. On the Platteville campus, we have vaccination clinics every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Royce Hall. We will have another pop-up clinic in the Markee Pioneer Student Center on Friday, March 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The university thanks each and every one of you for doing your part to ensure the health and safety of our campuses. Your efforts have allowed us to Be Safe. Be Strong. Be Pioneers.

February 15, 2022

Grant County Health Department is holding another COVID-19 vaccination and booster pop-up clinic on Friday, March 4, at 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the University Rooms of the Markee Pioneer Student Center. On February 4, 76 students, faculty and staff took advantage of this free service to help keep the university safe and healthy. If you are receiving your second shot or a booster, please remember to bring your vaccination card.

February 1, 2022

January 27, 2022

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will hold two spring commencement ceremonies in Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium on the main campus on Saturday, May 14. The special events will accommodate this year's candidates as well as the graduates of Spring 2020, Summer 2020, Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 who had their ceremonies postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The 10 a.m. ceremony is for candidates for graduation from the College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture as well as master's degree programs. The 2 p.m. ceremony is for the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science and the College of Liberal Arts and Education. Graduates of 2020 and 2021 (including those who missed December 2021 because of COVID) are invited to participate with the college from which they earned their degrees. 

More information will be forthcoming on these ceremonies for students of all three campuses. 

The stadium ceremonies will be the first outdoor commencements since 2003. 

January 26, 2022

January 24, 2022

January 21, 2022

COVID testing hours extended for next week

For the health and safety of the students, faculty and staff, UW-Platteville will offer extended COVID-19 testing on the main campus during the first week of classes. Free COVID-19 testing is available Monday through Friday, January 24-28, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Hugunin Hall. (The site is also open today, January 21, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

All those with a uwplatt.edu account should register for tests using https://uwplatt.vivi.healthcare.

Students at UW-Platteville Richland may find testing information at https://covid.co.richland.wi.us/free-community-testing/ while those at UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County can use https://www.co.sauk.wi.us/publichealth/free-covid-testing-information.

Testing is limited in all areas over the weekend. For Platteville residents, spots may be open at various Walgreens and HyVee locations in Dubuque, Iowa as well at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. Please do not go to Southwest Health for a COVID test, as the medical center is facing high capacities currently.  If you need non-emergency care, please call 608-348-4330 before coming to the hospital. The staff can give instructions for testing or treating minor symptoms of COVID-19 over the phone without a doctor’s visit.

Quarantine and isolation policies updated

The quarantine and isolation policies for all three campuses were updated yesterday to reflect changing CDC and county health guidelines. Visit the resources section at listed above. Please continue to check the site periodically through the spring semester as university policies may change in response to the fluid nature of the pandemic.

January 13, 2022

As the University of Wisconsin-Platteville prepares to welcome you back for the start of the second semester, please be aware that there are changes to the CDC guidelines regarding quarantine and isolation. Changes have occurred if you contracted COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. The university policies regarding these changes have been put on a flyer for easy reference. Please see the documents listed in the resource section above.

In addition, the Frequently Asked Questions have been updated for the spring semester and in the resource section at the top.

Due to the fluid nature of the pandemic, university policies may change frequently in response to the situation. Continue to check your university email account or this COVID update page for the latest information. 

Be Safe. Be Strong. Be Pioneers. 

December 27, 2021

December 20, 2021

Please see the following video message from Dr. Tammy Evetovich, Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs.

https://youtu.be/VrDjNOCvIPQ

Be Safe. Be Strong. Be Pioneers.

December 8, 2021

December 7, 2021

The Grant County Health Department is offering COVID-19 booster shots at its weekly vaccination clinic at UW-Platteville for faculty, staff and now students, too. The free COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are offered Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Royce Hall.  All faculty, staff, students and the public who are 18 and older are now eligible. No appointments are necessary. (Please note these clinics have concluded. Posted 3/11/22)

Pfizer, Moderna and J&J shots are available in Royce Hall. If you are receiving your second shot or a booster, please remember to bring your vaccination card.

If you originally had Moderna or Pfizer, the booster needs to be at least six months after your last dose.  If you had J&J, it needs to be two months since the original vaccination shot.

For more information on booster shots, see https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html?s_cid=11706:covid%20vaccine%20booster:sem.ga:p:RG:GM:gen:PTN:FY22

November 23, 2021

Chancellor's Updated Order on Face Coverings to minimize the spread of COVID-19

Date of Order: November 23, 2021

Effective: November 29, 2021

The State of Wisconsin is continuing to see a significant number of new COVID-19 cases. On November 22, 2021 7622 new cases were reported, which is an increase from September 29, 2021, when 3321 new cases were reported.  On November 22, 2021 the daily 7-day average was reported as 3584 new cases, which is also an increase from September.  The use of face coverings is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), local health departments and healthcare professionals as an effective way to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the face covering coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice.

This order is intended to place health and safety at the forefront of campus operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Risk reduction strategies will continue to be important as our state and county strive to vaccinate people as quickly as possible and as the threat of widespread virus variants looms.

As of November 23, 2021, Grant County continued to have very high case activity and is in the “high” risk category. Richland County, home of the UW-Platteville Richland County, and Sauk County, home to UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County, are also in the "high" risk category, according to the CDC COVID-19 Data Tracker, https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_dailycases.  The CDC recommendation for this risk category is that “everyone…should wear a mask in public, indoor settings.”

Based upon the foregoing, I, Dennis J. Shields, Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, by the authority vested in me by the Laws of the State of Wisconsin, including, but not limited to, Wis. Stat. sec. 36, and Wis. Admin. Code secs. UWS 17-18¹, order the following as necessary to prevent, suppress, and control the spread of COVID-19 on our campus:

1. Face Coverings. Face covering means a piece of cloth or other material that is worn to cover the nose and mouth completely. A face covering must be secured to the head with ties, ear loops, or elastic bands that go behind the head and must fit snuggly but comfortably against the side of the face. Cloth face coverings must be made with two or more layers of breathable fabric that is tightly woven (i.e., fabrics that do not let light pass through when held up to a light source). A face covering does not include bandanas, single layer neck gaiters, face shields, goggles, scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, shirt or sweater collars pulled up over the mouth and nose, or masks with slits, exhalation valves, or punctures because public health experts have determined that these types of coverings are ineffective at preventing respiratory droplets from entering the air.

• A. Face Covering Required. Every individual who enters campus lands shall wear a face covering
•  
  • In all indoor university buildings, including classrooms, public spaces, residence halls and recreation/athletic area indoor spaces, except students in their assigned residence hall rooms and employees when alone in a private, unshared office or lab; and
  • While riding a campus bus or when two or more people are present in a university vehicle.
• B. Exceptions. If an individual has a medical condition or religious belief that would prohibit them from complying with this requirement, the person should immediately contact the Dean of Students (for students) or Office of Human Resources (for employees), or UW-Platteville Police Department (for members of the public). All requests for an exception to this requirement shall be evaluated on an individualized basis utilizing the interactive reasonable accommodations process.  

2. Enforcement. The UW-Platteville Police Department is authorized to enforce this order. Violations may result in removal from campus and/or citation and fine under UWS Chapter18.

3. Severability. If any provision of this order or its application to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid, then the remainder of the order, including the application of such part or provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected and shall continue in full force and effect. To this end, the provisions of this order are severable.

4. Duration. This Order shall become effective Monday, November 29, 2021, at 12:01 a.m. This Order shall remain in effect until December 31, 2021. This duration maybe shortened at any time pending ongoing evaluation of the current pandemic status in consultation with UW System, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), local health departments and recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control.

Thank you for your continued use of face coverings and support in keeping our campuses and our communities a safe place to live, work and learn.

Dennis J. Shields, Chancellor

¹ In addition to the generalize authority cited above, this order is being issued pursuant to the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Wisconsin and applicable policies in the University of Wisconsin System, including but not limited to: Wis. Stats. ss. 36.11(1)(a) and (c), 36.09(1)(a), (f) and (L), 36.35(2) and 101.11; Wis. Admin. Code ss. UWS 18.11(6)(a) and (7)(e), UWS 18.08(9)(b), UWS 18.13,  UWS 17.09(1), (14) and (15); and Regent Policy 23-2.

November 4, 2021

Dear Pioneers,

Today, I must remind everyone that wearing masks and following the guidelines set forth by the CDC remains relevant, as the COVID-19 pandemic has not yet concluded.

During recent events it was observed that members of our campus community were not adhering to these guidelines. While it is acceptable to remove masks while eating or drinking, it is advised that they be worn at all other times while indoors.
I was present during some of these events. I am aware of how easy it is to forget to wear the face covering once the meal has ended or the speeches begin.

As a reminder for all of us, these mask-wearing policies are still in place today and are still one of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of a deadly virus.

It is easy to become apathetic or fatigued with this recurring message, but our continued observation of this policy in all university settings will help us sustain our academic community and allow for our institution to continue to offer in-person classes, events, and keep our community safe.

We must remain vigilant, especially with the holidays and other events on the horizon.

Be safe. Be strong. Be Pioneers.

Sincerely,

Dennis J. Shields

Chancellor, UW-Platteville

November 3, 2021

October 1, 2021

COVID-19 testing site

Please note the UW-Platteville main campus testing site has a new login site. Use https://uwplatt.vivi.healthcare to register for a COVID-19 test. UW-Platteville offers this free service Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Hugunin Hall through April 1, 2022.  Note: The test site is closed Friday, Oct. 1 to transition to a different testing company.

Chancellor's Updated Order on Face Coverings to minimize the spread of COVID-19

Date of Order: October 1, 2021

Effective: October 4, 2021

The State of Wisconsin is continuing to see a significant number of new COVID-19 cases. On September 29, 2021, 3321 new cases were reported and the daily 7-day average was reported as 2919 new cases.  The use of face coverings is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), local health departments and healthcare professionals as an effective way to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the face covering coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice.

This order is intended to place health and safety at the forefront of campus operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Risk reduction strategies will continue to be important as our state and county strive to vaccinate people as quickly as possible and as the threat of widespread virus variants looms.

As of September 30, 2021, Grant County continued to have very high case activity and is in the “high” risk category. Richland County, home of the UW-Platteville Richland County, and Sauk County, home to UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County, are also in the "high" risk category, according to the CDC COVID-19 Data Tracker, https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view.  The CDC recommendation for this risk catergory is that “everyone…should wear a mask in public, indoor settings.”

Based upon the foregoing, I, Dennis J. Shields, Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, by the authority vested in me by the Laws of the State of Wisconsin, including, but not limited to, Wis. Stat. sec. 36, and Wis. Admin. Code secs. UWS 17-18¹, order the following as necessary to prevent, suppress, and control the spread of COVID-19 on our campus:

1. Face Coverings. Face covering means a piece of cloth or other material that is worn to cover the nose and mouth completely. A face covering must be secured to the head with ties, ear loops, or elastic bands that go behind the head and must fit snuggly but comfortably against the side of the face. Cloth face coverings must be made with two or more layers of breathable fabric that is tightly woven (i.e., fabrics that do not let light pass through when held up to a light source). A face covering does not include bandanas, single layer neck gaiters, face shields, goggles, scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, shirt or sweater collars pulled up over the mouth and nose, or masks with slits, exhalation valves, or punctures because public health experts have determined that these types of coverings are ineffective at preventing respiratory droplets from entering the air.

• A. Face Covering Required. Every individual who enters campus lands shall wear a face covering 
  • In all indoor university buildings, including classrooms, public spaces, residence halls and recreation/athletic area indoor spaces, except students in their assigned residence hall rooms and employees when alone in a private, unshared office or lab; and
  • While riding a campus bus or when two or more people are present in a university vehicle.
• B. Exceptions. If an individual has a medical condition or religious belief that would prohibit them from complying with this requirement, the person should immediately contact the Dean of Students (for students) or Office of Human Resources (for employees), or UW-Platteville Police Department (for members of the public). All requests for an exception to this requirement shall be evaluated on an individualized basis utilizing the interactive reasonable accommodations process.

2. Enforcement. The UW-Platteville Police Department is authorized to enforce this order. Violations may result in removal from campus and/or citation and fine under UWS Chapter18.

3. Severability. If any provision of this order or its application to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid, then the remainder of the order, including the application of such part or provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected and shall continue in full force and effect. To this end, the provisions of this order are severable.

4. Duration. This Order shall become effective Monday, October 4, 2021, at 12:01 a.m. This Order shall remain in effect until November 28, 2021. This duration maybe shortened at any time pending ongoing evaluation of the current pandemic status in consultation with UW System, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), local health departments and recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control.

Thank you for your continued use of face coverings and support in keeping our campuses and our communities a safe place to live, work and learn.

Dennis J. Shields, Chancellor

¹ In addition to the generalize authority cited above, this order is being issued pursuant to the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Wisconsin and applicable policies in the University of Wisconsin System, including but not limited to: Wis. Stats. ss. 36.11(1)(a) and (c), 36.09(1)(a), (f) and (L), 36.35(2) and 101.11; Wis. Admin. Code ss. UWS 18.11(6)(a) and (7)(e), UWS 18.08(9)(b), UWS 18.13,  UWS 17.09(1), (14) and (15); and Regent Policy 23-2.

September 29, 2021

70-FOR-70 DEADLINE EXTENDED

The University of Wisconsin System announces an extension of the 70-for-70 deadline to October 31. This additional time will give students an opportunity to obtain a first dose of Pfizer or Moderna, receive a second dose by the end of October and enter for a $7,000 award.

To be eligible for the drawing to win one of 70 scholarships, universities must reach 70 percent vaccination rate. Students must receive their full vaccination series by October 31 and notify their university. Winners of the $7,000 will be selected after October 31 and informed by their UW System campus if they have won.

The Dean of Students Office has been surveying students every two weeks to find out vaccination status. Thank you for those who have taken the survey.

Please note that UW System is asking for what percent of our total student body is vaccinated, not the number of people who responded to the survey. The university needs everyone’s response! UW-Platteville is asking the 30 percent of the students who have not responded to the short survey to please do so to get an accurate count of where we are and help improve our percentage in the 70-for-70 contest. Students who have not responded to previous emails received another email Tuesday. Should UW-Platteville reach 70 percent vaccination rate, vaccinated students will automatically be entered in the drawings for $7,000 students (and must prove their vaccination if selected).

TESTING SITE CLOSED FRIDAY 

UW-Platteville is transitioning to a different company to provide COVID-19 testing next week. As a result, the testing center in Hugunin Hall will be closed Friday, Oct. 1, to make the switch. 

If you seek testing on Friday, here are some alternative sites. 

• Grant County Health Department, Lancaster (old Shopko building), 9 a.m. to Noon - Antigen test (results up to 72 hours) 
• Hartig Drug, Platteville, 8 to 10 a.m. – PCR testing 
• Southwest Health, Platteville, Must call clinic to schedule (348-2331) – 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Molecular test with same-day results
• Walgreens, Platteville, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., PCR testing

September 28, 2021

Attention Fall 2021 graduates  

Countdown to Commencement will be held Wednesday, October 13 from 2:30-6 p.m. in Velzy Commons located in Ullsvik Hall. Stop by anytime during these hours at your convenience in-person to provide one stop shopping for all your commencement and graduation needs. 

For questions or more information, please visit https://www.uwplatt.edu/countdown,   

contact the alumni office at 608-342-1181 or email alumni@uwplatt.edu  

Commencement ceremonies for the Fall 2021 class will be held in-person on Saturday, Dec. 11.  

(Note: commencement ceremonies for the classes of 2020 and spring 2021 will be held during the spring 2022 semester. Watch for further announcements.)  

Pioneer Activity Center face covering reminder  

Face coverings are required in all university buildings, including the Pioneer Activity Center. Masks must be worn properly completely covering nose and mouth. Anything else will be considered not masking. Buffs are not allowed.  

Anyone not obeying the rules and regulations of the Pioneer Activity Center will be asked to leave the facility and may receive a suspension. (This includes any classes or practices that may take place in the facility). A warning followed by a first offense is a two-day suspension.  

Repeated offenses may result in a permanent ban from the facility or a longer suspension of facility privileges. 

August 23, 2021

COVID-19 TESTING SITE MOVED

Starting today, the free COVID-19 testing site is in Hugunin Hall on the main campus. The site is open Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You may register for a time in advance at https://doineedacovid19test.com/

2 COVID-19 VACCINATION SITE

Grant County Health Department is offering free COVID-19 vaccinations to students, faculty, staff and the general public Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Royce Hall on the main campus.

Both Pfizer and Moderna shots are available. If you are receiving your second shot, please remember to bring your vaccination card. For questions, call the county health department at 608.723.6416.

(Please note these clinics have concluded. Posted 3/11/22)

August 19, 2021

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is excited to welcome back faculty, staff and students for our 156th year of education.

At this time capacity limits are remaining the same, events will still take place, and classes will remain as currently scheduled (including location and delivery method) as we return to a traditional university experience.

The health and safety of our university community is at the forefront of all that we do. During 2021-22, we will continue to work closely with local county health officials and adjust as needed, in accordance with CDC recommendations.

The university's Focus on Fall team, developed to ensure we are ready to welcome students to all three campuses this fall, continues to consult with our local health officials, closely monitor local case rates and changes in CDC guidelines. We will update our campus communities if any situation develops.

UW-Platteville students, employees and community members can take advantage of free antigen testing right on the main campus. We are encouraging vaccinations for everyone and will have periodic clinics on campus. On the main campus, Grant County Health Department is holding vaccination clinics at Royce Hall on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

UW-Platteville students, employees and community members can take advantage of free antigen testing right on the main campus. We are encouraging vaccinations for everyone and will have periodic clinics on campus too. On the main campus, Grant County Health Department is holding vaccination clinics at Royce Hall on Thursdays fr

The following measures have been enacted for the fall semester to help ensure the health and safety of the university community.

See the updated Fall 2021 policies.

August 13, 2021

Chancellor's Order on Face Coverings to minimize the spread of COVID-19

Date of Order: August 13, 2021

Effective: August 17, 2021

The State of Wisconsin is currently seeing an increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases. The use of face coverings is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), local health departments and healthcare professionals as an effective way to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the face covering coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice.

This order is intended to place health and safety at the forefront of campus operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Risk reduction strategies will continue to be important as our state and county strive to vaccinate people as quickly as possible and as the threat of widespread virus variants looms.

This week, Grant County increased COVID-19 transmission risk to "substantial" risk for community transmission and the Grant County Health Department is recommending "that everyone, including fully vaccinated people, wear a mask when in indoor public spaces regardless of vaccination status."

Richland County, home of the UW-Platteville Richland County, and Sauk County, home to UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County, are in the "high" risk category, according to the CDC COVID-19 Data Tracker, https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view.

Based upon the foregoing, I, Dennis J. Shields, Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, by the authority vested in me by the Laws of the State of Wisconsin, including, but not limited to, Wis. Stat. sec. 36, and Wis. Admin. Code secs. UWS 17-18¹, order the following as necessary to prevent, suppress, and control the spread of COVID-19 on our campus:

1. Face Coverings. Face covering means a piece of cloth or other material that is worn to cover the nose and mouth completely. A face covering must be secured to the head with ties, ear loops, or elastic bands that go behind the head and must fit snuggly but comfortably against the side of the face. Cloth face coverings must be made with two or more layers of breathable fabric that is tightly woven (i.e., fabrics that do not let light pass through when held up to a light source). A face covering does not include bandanas, single layer neck gaiters, face shields, goggles, scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, shirt or sweater collars pulled up over the mouth and nose, or masks with slits, exhalation valves, or punctures because public health experts have determined that these types of coverings are ineffective at preventing respiratory droplets from entering the air.

• A. Face Covering Required. Every individual who enters campus lands shall wear a face covering
  • In all indoor university buildings, including classrooms, public spaces, residence halls and recreation/athletic area indoor spaces, except students in their assigned residence hall rooms and employees when alone in a private, unshared office or lab; and
  • While riding a campus bus or when two or more people are present in a university vehicle.
• B. Exceptions. If an individual has a medical condition or religious belief that would prohibit them from complying with this requirement, the person should immediately contact the Dean of Students (for students) or Office of Human Resources (for employees), or UW-Platteville Police Department (for members of the public). All requests for an exception to this requirement shall be evaluated on an individualized basis utilizing the interactive reasonable accommodations process.

2. Enforcement. The UW-Platteville Police Department is authorized to enforce this order. Violations may result in removal from campus and/or citation and fine under UWS Chapter18.

3. Severability. If any provision of this order or its application to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid, then the remainder of the order, including the application of such part or provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected and shall continue in full force and effect. To this end, the provisions of this order are severable.

4. Duration. This Order shall become effective Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at 12:01 a.m. This Order shall remain in effect until January 1, 2022, at 12:01 a.m. This duration maybe shortened at any time pending ongoing evaluation of the current pandemic status in consultation with UW System, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), local health departments and recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control.

Thank you for your continued use of face coverings and support in keeping our campuses and our communities a safe place to live, work and learn.

Dennis J. Shields, Chancellor

¹ In addition to the generalize authority cited above, this order is being issued pursuant to the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Wisconsin and applicable policies in the University of Wisconsin System, including, but not limited to the following: Wis. Stat. s. 36.11(1)a., Wis. Admin. Code ss. UWS 17.09(1), UWS 17.09(8), UWS 17.09 (14), UWS17.09 (15), UWS 18.08(9)(b), UWS 18.11(7)(e), UWS 18.11(6)(a), Regent Policy23-2.

July 28, 2021

A message to students from UW System President Tommy Thompson

Students,

I am excited to welcome you back to our campuses in a few weeks. In order to make your Fall semester as memorable as possible, I am encouraging all of you to get your COVID-19 vaccine. This vaccine has proven to be safe and effective at combating COVID, and I hope all of you are as safe as possible. That is why I am launching the "70 for 70" initiative, to further promote vaccinations.

If your campus reaches a 70 percent vaccination rate, then all in person vaccinated students will be eligible to receive one of 70 scholarships, valued at $7,000 each. To receive a scholarship, I encourage you to get vaccinated, tell your University you've been vaccinated, and then encourage your friends to do the same.

Together, we will vax up and smash COVID.

Tommy G. Thompson
President
1720 Van Hise Hall, 1220 Linden Dr
Madison, WI 53706
wisconsin.edu Twitter: @TommyThompsonWI

July 26, 2021

University of Wisconsin System students, including those from all three UW-Platteville campuses, may be eligible for a $7,000 scholarship under a new 70-for-70 program. Any campus that achieves a 70% student vaccination rate will qualify for the program, through which vaccinated students will be entered into a raffle to win a $7,000 scholarship. Seventy scholarships will be awarded system-wide.

More information will be coming from UW System. For immediate questions, contact deanofstudents@uwplatt.edu.

July 19, 2021

July 12, 2021

The Grant County Health Department is expanding its public COVID-19 vaccinations on the UW-Platteville main campus the week of July 19-23, when New Student Experience begins.

The clinics will be Monday through Friday next week, 1:30-4 p.m. in the Nohr Gallery of Ullsvik Hall. There will be both single- and double-dose shots available. No appointments are necessary. Those receiving second shots should bring their vaccination cards with them.

Grant County Health is also offering public vaccinations every Thursday at Royce Hall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The clinics are open to all those eligible for the vaccine, including new and returning students, faculty, staff and the general public.

The UW System does not require COVID-19 vaccination but strongly encourages its students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated for the health and safety of its campuses.

July 1, 2021

Updated event guidance notice for faculty and staff

UW-Platteville is committed to ensuring the health and safety of its students and staff while recognizing the importance of connecting with our local communities and alumni. Community transmission of the COVID-19 virus in the areas surrounding our campuses continues to be low and public health officials, such as the CDC, have updated their recommendations.

Effective immediately, community members are allowed to attend on-campus, indoor events, and on-campus events may be hosted by external community partners under the following criteria:

•  
  1. Must be sponsored by the university or a community partner
     1. University-sponsored events must align with mission or strategic plan
     2. "Community partner" will be defined as an entity who relates to the mission of "community partnership and support" and meets the following standard:
        1. The university will open our facilities to our community partners, to develop mutually beneficial relationships that will enhance connections, and help fulfill our strategic plan goal of expanding connections with corporations and other stakeholders to invest in our future.
     3. All university-sponsored events must be pre-approved by the appropriate college dean, director, or divisional vice chancellor prior to being booked.

1. Must follow current UW-Platteville health and safety policies/protocols
2. Event host is responsible for enforcing current UW-Platteville health and safety policies/protocols
3. It is recommended that hosts provide "subject to change" verbiage in all event communication, as well as sharing current health and safety protocols and "attend at own risk" statement.
4. No limitation on external guest/community member attendance

In addition, the guidance for outdoor and off-campus events has been updated to align with current face coverings policies.

On-Campus Outdoor Events:

• There are currently no outdoor capacity guidelines.
• Face coverings are not required for outdoor events.
• Campus sponsors are responsible for enforcing health and safety protocols for their event.
• Community members are allowed at on-campus, outdoor events
• For all events, planners are highly encouraged to include the following verbiage in their communications and invitations: "Plans are subject to change, based on health and safety measures that may be in place at the time of the event."

Off-Campus Events:

• Community members are allowed at off-campus events.
• Events may be held indoors or outdoors, but events are strongly encouraged to be held outside. Tenting is acceptable, and the use of open-sided tents are encouraged to aid in ventilation
• Face coverings are required indoors for unvaccinated individuals.
• Youth programs are required to follow the regular approval process, which may have additional limitations for off-campus events.
• These guidelines are the minimum level of restriction; sponsors and attendees must follow any additional local guidelines if more restrictive.
• For all events, planners are highly encouraged to include the following verbiage in their communications and invitations: "Plans are subject to change, based on health and safety measures that may be in place at the time of the event."

University faculty and staff were also presented with specific guidelines for golf outings, banquets and run/walks. (Please see July 1 email for full information.)

June 15, 2021

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is pleased to announce the start of a free COVID-19 testing clinic on the main campus that is open to university community members and the general public. The testing clinic is located on first floor of Royce Hall and will be open each week as follows: Mondays 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pre-registration is preferred at doineedacovid19test.com. However, walk-ins will be accepted as well. Test results will be emailed to recipients approximately 20 minutes after the test at the email provided on the registration form. For those without access to a web browser or email, please call eTrueNorth at 1-800-635-8611 for test results.

June 7, 2021

A message to faculty and staff

On May 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its recommendations pertaining to the usage of face coverings by individuals who have become fully vaccinated.

In compliance with the recommendations from the CDC and effective immediately, vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear face coverings while indoors or outdoors on the UW-Platteville campuses but may do so if preferred. Unvaccinated individuals must continue to wear face coverings while indoors on UW-Platteville campuses and outdoors where 6 feet of distancing is not possible.

To qualify for exemption from wearing face coverings or exemption from bi-weekly testing, employees must complete the UW-Platteville Vaccination Attestation Form.

A listing of employees who have completed their Vaccination Attestation Form will be provided to their supervisors. Daily, or routine, verification of vaccination status (i.e. showing a vaccination card) will not be required for employees to go without a face covering. However, verification of an employee's vaccine status will be required if there is credible evidence that an employee is misrepresenting their vaccination status solely to avoid face covering requirements.

Employees should review the Face Covering Exemption due to Vaccination FAQs for more information.

UW-Platteville strongly encourages students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated as the university plans for a return to in-person learning in the fall semester.

Vaccination Opportunities:

Grant County Health Department provides vaccination opportunities on the main campus in Platteville every Thursday through August 12, from 10 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., on first floor Royce Hall. No registration is required, as the clinics are first-come, first-served basis. To find a vaccination provider near you, visit https://www.vaccines.gov/.

For more information on COVID vaccines, contact Grant County Health Department at 608.723.6416.

For other questions regarding COVID-19 protocols at UW-Platteville, please contact: covidquestions@uwplatt.edu.

May 27, 2021

The Grant County Health Department will hold free COVID-19 public vaccination clinics at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville main campus every Thursday, from 10 a.m. until noon, on first floor Royce Hall (1065 West Pine St.). The clinics begin June 3 and run through Aug. 12 and are open to anyone (students, faculty, staff, community members) eligible to receive the vaccine.

Grant County Health Department will have the one-dose Johnson & Johnson and the two-dose Moderna and Pfizer vaccines available. Those seeking their second doses should bring their vaccination cards with them to the clinic.

No registration is required, as the clinics are first-come, first-served. Parking is available in the lots around Royce Hall. Please use the front (center) doors to enter. Reminder: face coverings are required in all university buildings.

UW-Platteville strongly encourages students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated as the university plans for a return to in-person learning in the fall semester. Fully vaccinated individuals are exempted from the UW System COVID-19 testing requirements. Fully vaccinated individuals also are exempt from quarantine if exposed to a positive case if they are asymptomatic too.

For more information, contact Grant County Health Department at 608.723.6416.

May 20, 2021

Academic Year Wrap-up by the Numbers

COVID-19 Testing

• UW System requirements enacted for second semester:
  • On-campus students: tested weekly
  • Off-campus students: tested every other week
  • Faculty and staff: tested every other week
• Two weeks after students, faculty and staff get fully vaccinated, they are exempt from testing
• UW-Platteville tested nearly 50,000 students, faculty and staff on-campus during the academic year.
  • In the fall, 478 of the 11,891 tests were positive, for a positivity rate of 4.02%
  • In the spring, 130 of the 38,008 tests were positive, for a positivity rate of 0.34%
  • Overall, 49,899 tests were administered and only 608 were positive (1.22%)

COVID-19 Vaccinations

• 1,138 students, faculty and staff were vaccinated at on-campus clinics this spring

Isolation Unit

• 265 students were admitted to, and subsequently released from, the isolation site for their 10-day stay throughout the academic year

Supplies

• UW-Platteville employees went through 12,200 rubber gloves during the academic year
• The university distributed 722 small bottles of hand sanitizer

Student Health Services

• Student Health Services had 6,852 visits, a 47 percent increase from the previous year
• SHS answered 2,213 phone calls from students with COVID-19 questions

Communications

• 164 all-university emails were sent regarding COVID-19 through the update@uwplatt.edu account since the pandemic began
• 28 chancellor videos were sent to the university community

Looking Ahead

Camps

• UW-Platteville will open the campus for several different high school camps, beginning July 1
• COVID-19 mitigation practices will be in place for youth programs, which will include testing requirements for multi-day programs

Academic Schedule

• Thursday, Sept. 2, first day of Fall 2021 classes
• At least 75 percent of classes are scheduled to be in-person

May 18, 2021

May 17, 2021

Face Covering Guidelines

On Thursday, May 13, the CDC released new face covering guidelines for vaccinated individuals. UW-Platteville is reviewing the new guidelines, as well as additional input from UW System, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and local county health officials. At this time, current COVID health and safety protocols for the UW-Platteville campuses remain unchanged. Additional updates will be provided in the near future.

May 5, 2021

The 2021 commencement website is now available at www.uwplatt.edu/commencement to mark the May virtual celebrations. Beginning Friday, May 14 at 9 a.m., the video for the three different colleges will be available for viewing and then archived at that same site. All the May associate, undergraduate and graduate degree students will have their individual names read by the deans of the colleges, and congratulatory messages from several speakers will be presented. The university plans to honor the classes of 2020 and spring 2021 with in-person ceremonies when it is safe to do so. These events will most likely happen in spring 2022.

May 3, 2021

Johnson Updated Face Sheet for Recipients.pdf

 

Moderna Updated Fact Sheet for Recipients.pdf

April 30, 2021

April 29, 2021

April 28, 2021

A message from UW System President Tommy Thompson to students