UW-Parkside's Fall Plans: Ranger Restart & What to Expect

_{By: UW-Parkside Marketing & Communications}

Teams of faculty, staff and administrators have been working hard to prepare for a successful fall 2020 semester. We are sure that you have a lot of questions about what to expect when classes start, and we want to provide you with the most up to date information available. We continue to implement the “Ranger Restart” plan as we resume campus operations and are updating our website regularly.

Many of you are probably wondering:  What provisions will be in place to flatten the curve of COVID-19? What’s going to be different this semester and what am I expected to do? How will my classes be delivered?  How will I participate in campus life?  

In short, we will be “open,” but things will look and work differently. We have not made decisions lightly and we will continue to monitor and respond to the situation as it develops. Please see below for additional information.

Health & Safety of the Campus Community 
 
Here are some important updates related to campus operations:  

• Face coverings are required in public spaces, including classrooms  
• The Student Health Center will offer COVID-19 testing for symptomatic students 
• We will be limiting visitors and guests on campus, including in the residence halls    
• We will increase the cleaning and sanitization of classrooms and public areas  
• We will not be hosting community events or performances during the Fall term in order to repurpose the Student Center Ballroom, Cinema, and Rita spaces for academic instruction 
• Furniture across campus will be arranged to accommodate appropriate social distancing and we ask for your cooperation in not moving it 

Testing & Monitoring  

Everyone is encouraged to self-monitor each day before coming to campus using the State of Wisconsin Health Connect screening tool. It is imperative that during this pandemic, you do not ignore warning signs. If you are experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever, cough, or other symptoms, even if they are mild, stay home. As a member of the campus community, we ask that you do your part and remember the 3 Ws:

• Wear a mask or face covering
• Watch your distance
• Wash your hands often

Instruction 

The semester begins on September 2 and the deans have worked closely with faculty to develop a revised fall course schedule with approximately 35% of courses being delivered on campus and 65% being delivered virtually in synchronous or asynchronous methods. More information for students can be found on this page.

There are two types of online courses before offered: asynchronous or traditional online classes and synchronous or scheduled online classes. Traditional online classes are not self-paced. There are regular due dates and assignments, even though there are no scheduled class meeting times. In scheduled online classes, students are expected to meet virtually with their instructors and classmates at set times.

Housing & Student Life 

Campus housing will be available this fall for those students who choose to live on campus. Face coverings will be required in all public areas and occupancy limits will be enforced in common spaces. Only assigned residents and staff will be allowed in the residence halls and university apartments. No guests will be allowed. The university has also established an isolation area for students who may need to be quarantined as a result of contracting COVID-19.

Who to Contact

We encourage you all to keep checking the Ranger Restart page for further information. You can also engage with us on social media. And as always, don’t hesitate to contact us. Here are some people/offices that you can contact directly if you have questions or concerns: 

• If you have questions about housing or dining plans, email Housing@uwp.edu.
• If you have questions about student life, email DeanofStudents@uwp.edu.
• If you have questions about student health or counseling services, call 262-595-2366 or email shcc@uwp.edu.
• If you have questions about disability services, call 262-595-2372 or email dss@uwp.edu.
• If you have questions about COVID-19 testing/monitoring, email Dr. Renee Kirby, Director of Student Health, Counseling & Disability Services. 
• If you have questions about international student services, email Karin Basken or Laine Philippa in the International Student Services/Study Abroad Office. 
• If you have questions about Admissions, email Admissions@uwp.edu.  
• If you have questions about Financial Aid, email Finaid@uwp.edu.

Messaging and Town Halls

We will be hosting a series of “Virtual Town Hall” meetings in August for students, faculty and staff, parents, and community members, to help address concerns that people might have.

A special Town Hall for the community will be held on Tuesday, August 25, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. You can register for the event already here. We will also be posting New Student Parent Q&A/Orientation Meetings, which can be registered for here.

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Please do not forget that we are here to serve our community.  We’ll be updating you with information as soon as it develops. This is a difficult time for everyone, but the university is committed to its academic mission and we look forward to serving you this fall. However, your safety is our top priority, and we will continue to support you now more than ever.  

As always, stay safe, and Go Rangers!