University of Wyoming drafts reopening plan for 2020-21 year

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) - University of Wyoming officials have drafted a plan to resume classes on campus with a modified schedule next school year, provided the state helps with funding.

Under the proposal, classes would begin Aug. 24 and end Dec. 4. But students wouldn't return to campus after Thanksgiving. Courses would shift entirely online after Nov. 23. Final exams would be given remotely.

The spring semester would start Jan. 25, a week later than planned, and spring break would be eliminated, the Laramie Boomerang reports.

"The idea with these schedule changes is to reduce the risk inherent with students leaving campus during the semester, then returning from other locations where the coronavirus may be prevalent," acting President Neil Theobald said in a statement.

Students and employees would need to be tested for the coronavirus and get results within 14 days of returning to campus in Laramie or Casper. A phone app would monitor employee and student body temperature and health symptoms daily.

Face coverings and social distancing would be required in public spaces.

University officials are taking public comment before sending the proposal to the Board of Trustees June 10.

"This will be a heavy lift for everyone, and we will continue to work on many details, but we are on track to be ready for a successful fall semester," Theobald said. "There's no way to guarantee the health and safety of everyone, but this plan puts us on a path to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the UW community while delivering a quality educational experience."

Theobald's temporary term ends July 1, when Edward Seidel takes over. Seidel most recently has been vice president for economic development and innovation for the system of universities in Springfield, Chicago and Urbana-Champaign, Illinois.

School hasn't been held on campus since spring break in March. Resuming classes in person safely next school year will cost almost $79 million, according to a university estimate.

The request for funding out of federal dollars to help address the pandemic sits with Gov. Mark Gordon. Allocations will be subject to review to ensure federal compliance, Gordon spokesman Michael Pearlman said.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.