Will students return when campuses re-open?

The University of Wisconsin System now has a plan for reopening its campuses. That is a welcome sign. Each of the 13 schools are making plans to allow students to return to campus in the fall. While distance learning is likely to still be a part of the equation, UW La Crosse and others plan to provide in-person teaching, and students will live in the dorms. But will they? If the pandemic is ongoing, will students want to physically go to college? For many, college is much more than the classes they take. It is the friends they meet, having fun, and doing interesting things. That can be more difficult in an era of social distancing while wearing a mask.  Will they want timed bathroom use, and regular temperature checks. It is certainly important that our campuses get it right, and make it a welcoming and unintimidating experience. Because we need our college campuses. UWL is one of the city’s larger employers. Along with our other two colleges, it keeps the city young and vital, and helps define the city’s character. Of course, it is most critical that health and safety be the first priority. Let’s hope that is enough to keep UWL a vital institution for a long time to come.