March 12, 2020
Dear L&S Colleagues,
As you are aware, UW-Madison continues to monitor the spread of COVID-19 (formerly novel coronavirus) and is addressing the epidemic in a coordinated campus-wide manner with local, state and federal agency partners. As you heard from Chancellor Rebecca Blank yesterday, this response affects many aspects of campus operations and includes the decision to conduct all instruction online, rather than face-to-face, beginning March 23 (after Spring Break) through at least April 10. Campus leadership will assess the situation by April 3 and provide guidance for the rest of the semester. This was a difficult decision, but it’s necessary to protect our community.
I want to assure you that the College’s leadership team is working hard, in collaboration with the University leadership and our campus partners, to ensure that we have the best possible outcomes for this semester and beyond for our students, faculty and staff. Our top priority is the health and well-being of our entire community. That must be considered in all decision-making.
The University has created a special COVID-19 website, www.covid19.wisc.edu; I encourage you to check that site frequently for the latest updates, messages, FAQs, and much more as campus leaders address developing issues. This website includes guidance on health and safety, instruction, HR issues, research, and more. I cannot emphasize enough the need for patience and understanding; this is a fast-changing environment so guidance from campus and community leaders can evolve quickly.
I have some important resources and reminders to share with you:
- Illness: If you develop symptoms, stay home – you should not come to campus if you are ill. Your health and that of our entire community is priority #1. If you have symptoms such as fever, cough or difficulty breathing, you should contact your health care provider for advice and also alert your supervisor or HR representative following normal procedures.
- Continuity of Instruction: A key priority is ensuring continuity of instruction. We are providing support to our faculty and instructional staff in order to ensure this occurs. The College is working closely with our campus partners in this area and resources, such as a website with resources for remote instruction (https://instructionalcontinuity.wisc.edu), have been developed.
- Continuity of Operations: Campus will remain open and all faculty and staff should continue their regular work schedules unless advised otherwise by their dean, director or supervisor. The University will continue daily operations, with some exceptions around travel and events, noted below. If you have particular issues or concerns, please consult your supervisor or L&S HR representative to discuss accommodations.
- Events, Meetings and Gatherings: All in-person events, meetings and gatherings of more than 50 people are canceled beginning Friday, March 13 at 5 p.m. This policy will remain in place through at least April 10. Further, any event, meeting and gathering involving fewer than 50 people should be conducted virtually or through a call-in format if possible. Any exceptions to this policy will be made only for essential events, meetings and gatherings and must be granted by the Dean in advance.
- Travel: All University-sponsored travel is canceled through at least April 10, with limited exceptions that may be granted by deans or vice chancellors. “University-sponsored travel” means paid for by any University entity, including that for which the traveler would be reimbursed. This applies to all employees and campus guests, including those who would normally visit campus for job interviews.
Additional operational guidance regarding the College’s implementation of current campus policy will be provided to department chairs, directors and administrators in subsequent communications.
I am grateful for your work, especially at this time of uncertainty. The next few weeks will undoubtedly be stressful both professionally and personally. By planning as best we can, and with mutual care and respect, we will get through these challenging times.
Thank you for all you do for the College, and On, Wisconsin!
Eric M. Wilcots
Interim Dean, College of Letters & Science
Mary C. Jacoby Professor of Astronomy