WCTC campuses in Pewaukee and Waukesha to fully reopen in August

WAUKESHA COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) announced Tuesday, March 30, plans to fully reopen its main Pewaukee and Waukesha campuses. 

WCTS says campuses will reopen on Aug. 2, with the fall semester beginning Aug. 16. 

According to a news release, as part of the fall reset, WCTC is looking forward to welcoming back students with in-person classes and labs at pre-COVID-19 levels, business hours returning to normal and support services being available in person. 

WCTC President Rich Barnhouse, Ph.D., said the College and the country is at a very different place than it was 12 months ago, and that has helped shape the return-to-campus plan.

“What we do know is this is not March 2020 … when we had no control over the virus. We are not at the same level of concern as a year ago. Very soon, in Waukesha County, most people who want a vaccine will be able to receive a vaccine,” Barnhouse said. “We’re building a plan for return based on today and moving forward toward August.”

Both Barnhouse, and WCTC’s Vice President of Learning Brad Piazza, Ph.D., praised College employees for their commitment, flexibility and dedication to WCTC and working creatively throughout the pandemic to provide positive experiences for students.

“If we think back to where we were a year ago and where we are now … that’s a testament of the work of everybody from one end of this campus to the other,” Piazza said.

Barnhouse added that he is looking forward to the energy that will return to campus with students, staff and faculty back in classrooms, labs and offices.

“We are going to be a vibrant campus, because presence matters,” he said.

WCTC has followed and continues to follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local health agencies.