It is critical that the University of Wisconsin—Madison prioritizes the physical and mental health, along with safety needs, of its students during this uncertain time, particularly those who will be negatively impacted by these circumstances. Below is a compilation of resources relating to the most common themes emerging from submitted questions. Other information is available on the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Bias: If you or someone you know is harassed or discriminated against, please submit a bias report here. The Dean of Students Office is working especially hard this month to help folks who are experiencing discrimination related to COVID-19, xenophobia and racism in our campus community.Academics: Your professors and teaching assistants are receiving support in transitioning classes to alternative formats. They should be accommodating to your needs; reach out to your instructors to ask for assistance and additional information.
University Housing: While students are encouraged to return home if possible, exceptions will be made. If you feel you are unable to return home or would be returning to an unsafe environment, submit an accommodation request.
Voting: The Madison City Clerk’s Office will be open for voter registration and in-person absentee voting today, March 12 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and tomorrow, March 13 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Students have until March 18 to register by mail or online. On campus in-person absentee voting is from March 29 to April 3. To ensure you are able to vote, make sure you have a valid Voter ID. Absentee ballots can be requested online until April 2. Students can vote in person on April 7, which is election day.
Census 2020: You can complete the census online and should fill it out using the information for the residence where you spend the majority of the academic year. This is most likely your Madison address.
University Health Services: UHS will remain open and encourages all students who are experiencing symptoms to call 608-265-5600 prior to going into UHS. Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) continues coverage off campus. Call the number on your insurance card for more information about resources available to you outside Madison.
Mental Health Services: The 24-Hour Crisis Line is available at 608-265-5600. Option 9
SilverCloud remains available for all students, faculty and staff. Mental Health appointments will be offered by phone and in person if students are symptom free. Students with scheduled appointments will be contacted by their providers to make individual plans for ongoing care even if they are off campus. Let’s Talk, Thrive Workshops and all Group Counseling sessions scheduled from March 16 to April 10 will be cancelled.
Student Activity Center: The Student Activity Center (SAC) will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday until April 10. Following university guidelines, all room reservations will be cancelled for Registered Student Organization (RSO) meetings and events. The SAC will remain open for studying and general student use.
Open Seat Food Pantry: The Open Seat food pantry will be open during regularly scheduled hours or by request. The ASM website and Open Seat Facebook page will have current information posted. Reach out to openseat@asm.wisc.edu or send a message via Facebook with any questions or concerns.
Segregated Fee-funded Events and Travel: ASM funded events follow university guidelines and are cancelled through at least April 10. RSOs that have received grants from ASM or are in the queue to be heard by the Grant Allocation Committee should reach out to grants@asm.wisc.edu and mdkasprzak@wisc.edu with specific concerns. GSSF groups should reach out to ssfc@asm.wisc.edu.
Additional Resources:
Public Health Madison Dane County, Coronavirus hotline: 608-243-0587
Wisconsin Department of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Please reach out to ASM Chair Laura Downer at chair@asm.wisc.edu with questions or concerns about this statement.
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-- Associated Students of Madison: Matthew Mitnick