Returning to campus for autumn quarter

This has been a difficult couple of years for everyone. I have valued your flexibility, patience, and dedication to our students and the University. I am proud of how well we have all worked together under these circumstances to continue to fulfill our vital mission to educate students and uplift our community.

After more than two years of operating in this “crisis mode,” it is time for us to begin a new normal of campus operations. Several state and national reports – backed up by our own student surveys – show that students perform better and feel better with an in-person learning environment where they can connect with their peers and be supported by their community.

For autumn quarter, 70% of UWT classes will be taught either in-person or hybrid. Only 10% will be taught fully online. To accommodate the anticipated increase of students on campus, I am asking that all campus offices be open normal office hours and staffed in person, Monday - Friday, starting Monday, Sept. 26. We are also standardizing the expectation that most employees work in person at least 4 days per week.

Individuals who require more flexibility in teleworking will be handled on a case-by-case basis with supervisors and unit leadership. Pre-pandemic many UWT employees had telework agreements. Those will continue to be an option with the understanding that many units may not have sufficient staffing to keep their offices open if they allow too much remote work. Determinations should be made in a consistent, fair and transparent way that prioritizes equity and employee engagement. Library staff will operate per UW Libraries agreements.

We know the COVID-19 pandemic is not over, but thanks to our very high vaccination rates and better treatment options, we believe the worst of it has passed. We continue to diligently monitor the situation and offer rapid testing and masks as needed on campus.

I look forward to welcoming everyone – students, staff, faculty and alumni – back to campus for autumn quarter for a fresh start to the year.