The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has canceled all spring semester study abroad programs and is working with the 63 students affected on their return to the United States.

The university took the action Thursday after the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention dramatically expanded the number of countries with Level 3 travel warnings. UWM also canceled faculty-led study abroad programs planned for the summer of 2020 to France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain. The university is evaluating its remaining faculty-led summer study abroad programs to other countries.

Also on Thursday:

• The university was informed that the UWM Foundation employee who was tested earlier in the week for COVID-19 is not infected with the virus.
• The university advised students who are returning home or to an off-campus residence during the extended spring break from March 15 to 29 and the period of alternate instruction from March 30 to April 10 to take essential items such as laptops, medications and items related to coursework. While UWM residence halls will remain open, the university is discouraging trips back and forth to retrieve items in order to slow the spread of disease.
• The university announced that key facilities, including the Golda Meir Library, Klotsche Center, UWM Children’s Center and the UWM Student Union will remain open during spring break and the period of alternate instruction.
• The university confirmed that it still plans to hold its two commencement ceremonies on May 17. Any changes will be announced well in advance of graduation.

Chancellor Mark Mone sent an email to campus covering these issues and more, which can be found on UWM’s coronavirus website.