UW-Madison Shuts Down In-Person Instruction, Quarantines 2 Dorms

MADISON, WI — UW-Madison is canceling all in-person classes for two weeks in favor of online instruction, citing a spike in coronavirus cases on campus. Two dorms have also been put on quarantine, according to a news release authored by UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank.

In a letter late Wednesday, Blank confirmed the spike in cases, though did not specify the number of new cases.

"Unfortunately, our positive test rate among students continues to rise far too rapidly. It has been 20 percent or greater for the past two days," Blank wrote. "As we saw at the end of last week, these numbers reflect a rapid rise in infection among students living off campus, but the latest numbers also show a sharp increase in certain residence halls."

5 Things To Know

1. All in-person undergraduate, graduate and professional school group instruction will be paused from Sep. 10 – 25. These classes will be cancelled Thursday, Sep. 10 – Saturday, Sep. 12 and will resume remotely beginning Monday, Sep. 14 for at least two weeks.
2. Undergraduate research experiences that can be accomplished remotely must be conducted that way starting Sep. 10 and continuing until Sep. 25.
3. Students living in Sellery and Witte Residence Halls have been directed to quarantine in place for the next two weeks.
4. All in-person study spaces, including those at University Libraries, the Wisconsin Union and academic buildings will be closed.
5. In-person gatherings, including all social events and work gatherings of more than 10 people, are cancelled. Employees may meet in groups of 10 or fewer for essential purposes. Whenever possible, work meetings should continue to be conducted remotely via phone or video streaming.