UW-Oshkosh Suspends Classes, Cancels Events Until Further Notice
UW-Oshkosh announced today (March 12) that it is suspending classes at all three of its campuses the week of March 16, the week before spring break begins March 22.
These actions are being taken in response to concerns about COVID-19. The health and safety of the UW-Oshkosh community is the primary concern.
The University will begin delivery of courses through alternative delivery methods on Monday, March 30.
While the residence halls will remain open, University officials are asking students to return to their permanent residences if possible and participate in classes from their homes rather than returning to campus.
UW-Oshkosh is also suspending all University-sponsored domestic and international travel effective immediately, including the Titans' representation at the NCAA Division III Men's Swimming & Diving Championship on March 18-21 in Greensboro, N.C., and the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association Championship on March 27 in Ithaca, N.Y.
Four UW-Oshkosh programs were scheduled to compete at this weekend's (March 13-14) Division III Men's & Women's Indoor Track & Field Championships in Greensboro, N.C., Division III Wrestling Championship in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the Division III Women's Basketball Sectional in Holland, Mich., but those events have since been canceled.
University-sponsored events and events held on campus will be canceled as well.
The University will remain open.
More information on COVID-19 related to UW-Oshkosh can be found at https://uwosh.edu/coronavirus/.
WIAC Official Statement • March 16
Following a very deliberative process to allow for the full consideration of the most up-to-date information pertaining to the spread of COVID-19, the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced Monday (March 16) a set of measures that will be implemented conference-wide effective immediately.
In so doing, the conference was able to consider input provided by the medical community, the decisions rendered recently by the NCAA pertaining to national championships and student-athlete eligibility, as well as steps taken by other NCAA conferences and amateur and professional sports organizations.
Most importantly, the conference endeavored to make responsible decisions that took into account what is in the best short term and long term interest of our campuses and student-athletes while prioritizing the health and safety of the general public.
The following measures will take effect immediately:
1. The spring sports season (i.e., baseball, softball, women’s lacrosse, outdoor track & field, golf and tennis) has been cancelled to include any and all competition.
2. Any and all athletically-related activities (e.g., practice) are suspended indefinitely.
3. All in-person athletic recruiting activities (on- or off-campus) are suspended indefinitely.
4. All in-person conference meetings are to be transitioned to telephone conference calls until further notice.
5. The American Family Insurance/WIAC Student-Athlete Leadership Institute scheduled for April 16-17 is postponed with the possibility of rescheduling the Institute in the fall.
For further information or questions, please contact WIAC Commissioner Gary Karner at gkarner@uwsa.edu or (608) 263-4402.
The WIAC includes UW-Eau Claire, UW-La Crosse, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Platteville, UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Stout and UW-Whitewater. It also includes affiliate members for men's ice hockey (UW-Superior & Northland College), women's gymnastics (Hamline University, Gustavus Adolphus College & Winona State University) and women's ice hockey (UW-Superior & Northland College).
NCAA Official Statement • March 12
Today (March 12), National Collegiate Athletic Association President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors canceled the Division I men’s and women’s 2020 basketball tournaments, as well as all remaining winter and spring NCAA championships. This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities.
Video Message From UW-Oshkosh Chancellor Andrew Leavitt