UWL will transition to remote instruction after Thanksgiving

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the La Crosse community, UW-La Crosse announced it will no longer continue in-person instruction after the Thanksgiving holiday.

UW-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow said the campus will exclusively offer online and remote instruction, but residents halls will stay open for the remainder of the semester for those who would like to continue living on campus.

“We feel our campus is among the safest places in La Crosse, as evidenced by our daily COVID-19 test results,” Gow said. “In light of alarming numbers of positive cases in the greater La Crosse community, we want to give our students the ability to choose where they will reside.”

Gow joined public health experts in asking students to avoid in-person Thanksgiving celebrations, especially if those plans involve travel.

“That is not to say you shouldn’t celebrate,” Gow said. “I encourage all of you to celebrate virtually with your friends and families, and to take advantage of a number of opportunities on campus.”

A traditional Thanksgiving meal and holiday-themed programming will be offered for students at the Student Union Nov. 27, 28, and 29.

Gow suggested anyone who does decide to visit family or friends for Thanksgiving to start self-quarantining immediately. He said those who travel will be required to get a COVID-19 test before and after the holiday.