For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: April 28, 2020
Select Southwest Tech students to return to campus
Fennimore -
A portion of the Southwest Wisconsin Technical College student body will have the opportunity to finish the spring semester on campus.
The state’s Safer at Home order gives Wisconsin colleges, including Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, the authority to determine “essential operations” and that includes making a determination of “essential programs.” This means that Southwest Tech officials are now able to bring select students in certain programs back onto campus, with the understanding that the college will continue to offer instruction and other services remotely, as much as possible. In those cases when it is necessary to bring students onto campus to complete lab work, use equipment, or perform assessments, the college must follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recommended group size, social distancing and hygiene protocols. During this time, the college will provide personal protect gear (PPE) for faculty, staff, and students.
“We are taking these precautions very seriously,” said Dr. Jason Wood, president of Southwest Tech. “Our care and the safety of our students, staff and faculty is our top priority and we will follow all necessary guidelines that have been established in order for our students to finish this academic year successfully.”
The Wisconsin Technical College System, including Southwest Tech, has previously been given the authority to allow students in first responder (EMT, Fire, Public Safety) and health occupations programs back onto campus, following CDC and DHS recommended group size, social distancing and hygiene protocols. Additional program areas now include:
- Transportation/Truck Driving
- Utility Technicians/Central Service Technicians
- Human Resources/AODA counseling
- Agriculture/Food Safety
- Manufacturing (PPE, medical device demand)
- Construction (emergency hospitals, clinics etc)
- Apprenticeships in the Trades
- Aviation
- Early childhood education
Additionally, Southwest Tech officials now have the authority to determine the “essential programs” in its region, including, but not limited to, all of these program areas. Efforts are being made to make sure students who need lab time and are required to pass certifications, as well as other essential educational needs, will be met.
“We are working collaboratively to determine which programs require which lab equipment and space on campus and are dedicated to making that happen,” said Wood. “We know the last couple of months have been difficult for our students, their families, our faculty, staff and the Southwest Tech community. I am extremely proud of how everyone responded in the midst of these challenges. There is still much work to be done, however, progress is being made on a daily basis.”
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare student for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |