The University of Wyoming announced March 12 afternoon would be cancelling classes the week of March 23 due to the coronavirus.
This move comes as many colleges around the country are taking similar precautions to combat the spread of the virus, which has killed 39 and infected over 1,000 people in the US.
“The extended break is designed to provide time for faculty to better prepare for online-only teaching should it become necessary,” wrote Acting President Neil Theobald in an email sent to the entire campus. “We will continually monitor the situation and make a decision about moving more fully to on-line classes.”
The email recommended students take any equipment they would need to participate in online classes with them. As of press time, it is unclear if the campus administration plans to move to online instruction after spring break, though they did state the extra week of closure will be used to train faculty for the eventuality. There are currently no plans to extend the semester into the summer to compensate for the missed instruction time.
Students who need to return to campus early will be allowed use of the residence halls and the university’s food services. The residence halls and campus apartments will not be closing at any time during the closure. Theobald’s email does not explain whether students that do not live in the halls normally will be allowed to reside there.
The email is unclear about what actions exchange students, especially those who cannot return home due to the travel ban announced on Wednesday, can take. While there is guidance for UW students who are currently studying in foriegn countries, there is no information on what exchange students living in Wyoming should do.
“There’s been a lack of information,” said Carolanne Walls, a UW student currently studying in Ireland. “The only way I know what’s going on is from my friends at home.”
The Branding Iron reached out to the campus administration for comment, but have received no response at press time.
While there will be no students on campus during the closure, staff will still be expected to show up to work. There is no guidance on what this means exactly for student workers or faculty. The Branding Iron reached out to the campus administration for a comment on this issue as well, but have received no response at press time.
The Mountain West Conference has cancelled all spring sports. Teams will still be allowed to practice, though student athletes are still encouraged to stay away from campus for the full closure.
7220 Entertainment could not be reached for comment on if they would be cancelling their planned events due to the closure. Currently, the annual Cowboy Con is scheduled for the weekend of the 27th.
The campus administration urged all those who have flu-like symptoms or are immunocompromised to stay away from campus, regardless of other issues.
Student reactions about the closure are mixed. While some welcome the closure, happy that they have a longer spring break, others are skeptical about the online instruction.
“I was so excited,” said junior Jenna Pettit. “The first thing I did was go online and check the prices for a round trip to California.”
Mackenzie Kelly, a sophomore, was skeptical about the move to online learning.
“I personally don’t learn as well online,” she said. “It may be hard for some students.”
Further details on this issue will be added as information becomes available.
