OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – UW Oshkosh is already beginning to plan for the fall semester– and that plan calls for a full return to campus.
From passing classmates on campus again, to fans in the stands cheering on the Titans. From mostly virtual learning, to back to in-person. That’s what UW Oshkosh is planning for in Fall 2021.
“We definitely have to plan, we believe we’ve done our homework and we had successful semesters in the fall, we’re off to a good start in the Spring,” said UWO Provost John Koker.
In an email sent to current and incoming UWO students, Chancellor Andy Leavitt is preparing for a full bounce back.
“It’s really that full college experience that helps a student become the whole person,” said Koker, “not only educated in their chosen field and major but also to live with others and work others.”
And that full college experience is what many current freshmen tells FOX 11 they’ve been waiting for.
“I haven’t been in a classroom since last year mostly virtual this fall and spring,” said freshman Jack Porter, “I do better in person, online isn’t really for me so it would be pretty exciting to go back to school.”
However some precautions we see on campus will remain.
“We will still be wearing masks and we will still be um following proper safety protocols,” said Koker.
But, they hope social distancing will loosen under one condition.
“If we can get to the right vaccination levels we may not need social distancing in the classrooms because that will be important if we want a fully in person in fall.”
Fox 11 asked, “there may be some people maybe not comfortable with this approach and people who disagree with what you’re doing, what’s your response to that?”
Koker said, “we stay in regular contact with all of our current students, future students and their families so we listen to their concerns and address their concerns.”
UW Oshkosh will be celebrating its 150th anniversary this Fall. School officials hope to begin planning for their in-person celebrations next year.
