Per this article in The Daily Cardinal, UW System President Ray Cross announced on Friday, May 15 that he anticipates the reopening of UW campuses for the upcoming fall semester. “We fully expect to remain open in the fall,” Cross said. “How we deliver education for students depends on a number of factors.”

Previously it was announced that a final decision regarding the reopening of campuses would not be made until July 10. It appears, therefore, that Dr. Cross’s statement on May 15 is more aspirational than indicative of a final decision.

By the way, Ray Cross, age 71, announced in October, 2019 his intention to retire, capping off his 42-year career in higher education. His retirement date is still on hold pending the naming of a successor as system president.

Meanwhile, USA Today printed a sobering article on May 16 titled, “No students. No graduation. ‘Total devastation’ in college towns during coronavirus pandemic.” Although the piece focuses primarily on towns that host larger universities than UW-W, the economic impact being felt in Whitewater is certainly similar to what is described.