UW-Madison Suspends In-Person Classes Over Coronavirus Concerns

MADISON, WI — Citing coronavirus concerns, the University of Wisconsin has suspended face-to-face instruction starting on March 23, the university confirmed Wednesday morning. They're the first university in Wisconsin to move classes from in-person to a virtual setting over coronavirus concerns.

In a news alert posted on the UW-Madison website Wednesday morning, university officials wrote: "To lessen the risk to our community as much as possible, UW-Madison will suspend Spring Semester face-to-face instruction effective Monday, March 23, the date that classes would typically resume after next week’s Spring Break."

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University officials said an "alternate delivery of classes" will begin on March 23, and continue at least through Friday, April 10.

According to the university, a decision on when and whether in-person instruction will resume will be shared in early April.

Students will receive additional information about this transition in the next few days, officials said.

Student Life Concerns

On Wednesday, UW-Madison officials said they had concerns over the health and safety of students who live in the school's dorms and residence halls as it relates to students who would ordinarily return to campus following spring break.

Spring break at UW-Madison is scheduled for March 14-22.

"Residents are being asked to take essential belongings, academic materials, laptops and medications with them for Spring Break and not return to residence halls following Spring Break through at least April 10," the university said in a statement Wednesday morning. "Students who stay in residence halls should be prepared for a reduced campus experience with limited opportunities for interaction and reduced campus services."

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