The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh joins other UW System universities in preparing for the return of
precollege and youth programs this summer with safety protocols in place and in
consultation with local and state health authorities.

After widespread cancellations of such programs in summer 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
Wisconsin’s public universities are re-introducing the programs this year as a result of renewed
demand, more advanced knowledge of how to contain virus spread and increasing vaccinations
across the state.

“UW System is taking steps to safely bring youth back to our campuses for these learning
opportunities so they can continue their personal growth and experience what our universities have
to offer,” said UW System President Tommy Thompson. “Our health and safety protection efforts for
youth programs is a promise not only to the public that entrusts us with their resources, but to the
families who entrust us with their students.”

ESTEEM students learn about water quality and testing at UWO’s ERIC lab.

A variety of summer sports camps and PreCollege Programs, which provide academic development to help middle and high school students prepare for college, will be among the offerings returning to UWO.

“Precollege Programs will offer both virtual and in-person programs this summer,” said Elisabeth Arguello, precollege coordinator. “We are excited to have our precollege participants back on campus!  We have heard from so many school counselors/personnel, parents and students who are overjoyed we are having our programs in person. Our students have been resilient throughout the entire pandemic.”

The return of precollege and youth programs is consistent with UW System’s plans for the fall 2021
semester, for which Thompson set a goal of at least 75 percent of classes offered in person.

“The pandemic is not over, but we can safely begin to return to pre-pandemic operations, including
summer programs for youth and a strong majority of in-person classes this fall,” Thompson said. “We are creating a culture of responsibility on our campuses.”

The UW System is supporting system campuses in implementing COVID-19 mitigation strategies for
precollege and youth programs by assisting in the development of mitigation protocols and
planning guidance.

UW System’s goal is to make sure each UW System campus provides a safe environment for minors
who participate in youth camps, activities, and programs on campus by mitigating the spread of
COVID-19.

UW System’s Office of Compliance and Integrity works with precollege liaisons on each campus who
advocate and implement youth protection policies and best practices.

The UW System has created COVID-19 guidance for all youth programming in accordance with
guidance from Public Health Madison and Dane County; the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture,
Trade and Consumer Protection; the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; the American
Camp Association; and other federal, state, and county agencies.

• Some of the steps the UW System is taking to help campuses safely restart precollege and youth
  programs include:
• Training and implementation around pre-arrival testing, symptom screening, face coverings,
  physical distancing, hygiene measures, and cleaning and disinfecting protocols.
• Developing a systemwide youth testing program.
• Supporting campus precollege liaisons in building customized reopening plans for minors on
  campus.
• Providing guidance to campus youth program staff and administrators on how to establish
  and enforce specific processes for programs to meet youth protection standards.
• Offering monthly professional development opportunities for all youth-serving staff and
  precollege liaisons.
• Providing standardized templates for informing parents and participants of possible spread of COVID-19 and how to mitigate the spread.

Top photo: Precollege students enjoy lunch on campus in July 2019.