As published to the UW-Whitewater announcements page here, Chancellor Dwight Watson released the following letter to the campus community:

Message from Chancellor Watson regarding Phase 1 of return to work

Dear Colleagues,

At UW-Whitewater, our primary concern remains the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff and the public who may visit our campuses. Last week, the state’s Department of Administration announced that as of June 1, the state is in Phase 1 of the State Government Badger Bounce Back Plan.

Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan explained, “Phase 1 means that state office buildings partially reopen, but only for employees who do not have the ability to work from home and/or are providing services that agency heads determine have limited alternatives in service delivery for the general public. Social distancing requirements are strictly enforced within the workplace, including in individual and shared workspaces. Remote work is highly encouraged. Gatherings of only 10 people or less are allowed.”

At UW-Whitewater, Phase I will not change the way we are currently operating. We ask that those who are working remotely continue to do so. If you have extenuating circumstances that warrant your return to campus, please work with your supervisor. Those employees who have continued to report to the campuses should also continue to do so. Divisions are working on plans to bring employees safely back to campus. If you have questions, please contact your supervisor.

Thank you for all that you do for our students and our university.

Stay safe and be well.

Sincerely,
Dr. Dwight C. Watson
Chancellor