As some UW System campuses are dealing with a surge in COVID-19 cases, which as resulted in them taking steps to restrict student movement, that is not the case at UW-Milwaukee.
According to their dashboard, there have been 34 cases of the virus with students, faculty and staff at their Milwaukee, Waukesha and Washington County campuses.
Even with this, the university says they are prepared to take the necessary steps to respond to parties and large gathering both on and off campus.
So far the approach has been proactive. This has included the Panther Protect Panthers campaign to encourage mask wearing, hand washing and physical distancing. Students were also asked to sign a pledge to follow the university’s health and safety plan.
There was also a video sent to all students by Student Association President Emma Mae Weber to encourage students to think twice about going to off-campus parties that may become large in size.
The efforts will also include law enforcement. The university says UWM Police have increased patrol to make sure large gatherings are not taking place. Milwaukee Police may also assist if necessary.
If large gatherings take place, university officials say they will first determine where they are occurring, then decide when it may be appropriate to intervene. Students could face educational meetings to remind them about the health and safety guidelines, or they may face disciplinary actions that would be left on their student records.