UW-Platteville prepares to welcome students back to campus, operate at full face-to-face capacity

Welcome Weekend, 2019
Welcome Weekend, 2019

Chancellor Dennis J. Shields announced that the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is welcoming students, faculty and staff back in full face-to-face capacities, on all three campuses, for the 2021-22 academic year.

“I am excited for this upcoming academic year and the traditional college experience that our students will be returning to or experiencing for the first time,” said Chancellor Shields. “It is because of the willingness of our students, faculty and staff – on all three campuses – to adapt to changes last year and respect their peers and greater communities that we are now in a position to re-open fully face-to-face.” 

Classes will overwhelmingly return to a traditional university format, with more than 90% scheduled to operate in-person – a larger percentage than pre-pandemic. University facilities staff is preparing UW-Platteville’s three campuses for the return of students by removing physical barriers, returning furniture to classrooms and restoring recreation and dining spaces to their full capacity.

Pioneer athletics will welcome back fans, at full capacity, to home events this fall. Homecoming 2021 is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 23, and Pioneers, alumni and community members can expect to see the traditional face-to-face events, such as the parade and fireworks at the M, which were cancelled last year. 

Chancellor Shields urges the university community to remain vigilant throughout the year.

“I am asking all students to take the Pioneer Promise 2021 and do their part, as a member of our communities, to stay healthy and respect their peers,” he said.

UW-Platteville will continue to offer free vaccination opportunities on the main campus. The University of Wisconsin System recently announced its 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.

UW-Platteville is beginning its 156th academic year. Classes begin on Thursday, Sept. 2 on its campuses in Platteville, Baraboo and Richland Center.