COVID-19 Update – Safer at Home order for Wisconsin
Dear Warhawks,
On Tuesday, Gov. Tony Evers issued a Safer at Home order for Wisconsin until 8 a.m. Friday, April 24. This step was made as part of the critical effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. As I have said before, staying home and practicing social distancing is an act of true compassion, and I applaud Gov. Evers’ efforts to require people to stay at home, to isolate themselves, to limit their contact to five people or less. View full order >>
This order allows for our institution to operate, and we have people on our campus who continue to report to work for the health and safety of our remaining students and to maintain campus operations. I am grateful to these people who are working hard to keep campus moving forward. I know you are thankful for their efforts as well.
Many offices are able to conduct business from employees’ homes. It is critical that we have as many people work remotely as possible. It is our responsibility to follow Gov. Evers’ order and work to stem the tide of this virus for the good of our communities, state, nation and world. This is one of those rare times when your own actions can have a national and global impact.
I continue to come to campus. I’m walking to work each day and staying a safe distance from those I encounter. I believe it is important for me to be on campus to continue to oversee the operations of this university. Let me be clear, this does not mean you have to do the same nor do I want you to follow my lead unless your job requires you to do so. Most members of Cabinet are working from home and we are holding robust check-in meetings each day. I’m meeting with Cabinet members and others individually by Webex. The work of this legacy university continues in earnest and in a safe manner.
This time of change can be stressful. I hope you will take the necessary steps to keep you and your family safe and healthy. Caring for our mental health is critical as well. We are fortunate to have resources such as the Employee Assistance Program and University Health and Counseling Services, which can help you handle the anxiety and stress of these situations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a helpful website related to COVID-19 and stress.
I am humbled by the way our campus has responded to this crisis. I appreciate each of you for continuing your studies, continuing your work, and doing all you can to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
Sincerely,
Dr. Dwight C. Watson
Chancellor