The following message was sent by Chancellor Jim Schmidt on Sept. 4 to all UW-Eau Claire students at the university's campuses in Eau Claire, Rice Lake and Marshfield:
Dear Blugold Students,
We’re back, classes have begun and I want to tell you how encouraged I am about our return to our campuses. Thanks to all of you who have been diligent in fulfilling your pledge to wear masks, observe our distance rules, and to complete the app daily. I know there have been a few glitches, but overall, Blugolds, we are flying strong together. Way to go!
Let’s keep it up! I know that we have a long weekend ahead, so I’m reminding everyone to stay in Eau Claire, Rice Lake or Marshfield if you can and to avoid large gatherings and parties—especially this holiday weekend. I know you will continue to look out for each other and make good choices.
Just a few reminders:
- Download the Blugold Protocol app. Literally thousands of you have already done so. It will help you know when you need to get medical attention, so download now and start using it!
- Pick up your Landing Gear. If you missed picking up your Blugold Landing Gear this week, Eau Claire students can pick it up in the Visitor Center in Davies and Barron students at the Bookstore.
- Thanks for patience at the Bookstore. We know that there have been backlogs getting books on the Eau Claire campus. We’ve provided Barnes & Noble with extra employees to help out and they will be working over the long weekend. We’re also working with faculty to find ways to make materials available for the first days of class.
- Stay active. Looks like it will be a great weekend, so continue to use the playing fields and natural spaces on campus. Thanks to everyone wearing masks while playing volleyball or basketball. You’re keeping us all safer!
- Check your email regularly. Faculty are emailing students with information about your classes. You’ll learn when you can be physically in class, if your instructor has changes to your schedule, and what you need to know about how to get the most from your classes. Only about 25% of our classes are totally online. That means most students will have a mix of online and in-person instruction this semester.
Blugolds, this week we have had only six students who need to be in isolation in Putnam Hall because of illness or quarantining there because of contact or awaiting results. While that may change in the coming days, your care for each other will continue to keep those numbers low and Putnam Hall empty.
It is so good to be able to walk our campus and have it filled with our students, faculty and staff. Enjoy the holiday weekend, stay safe, and fly together, Blugolds!
James C. Schmidt
Chancellor, UW-Eau Claire
