The University of Wyoming has decided to return to on-campus learning and activities this fall semester. 

UW was originally slated to make a final decision in June, but given the speed of the vaccination campaign and the significant decrease in positive cases of COVID-19, the board of trustees adopted a resolution to fully reopen the university for the fall semester in a way that is “consistent with the health policy guidelines and directives of the state and federal government.” 

“The vaccine rollout is much faster than we thought,” said UW Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications Chad Baldwin. “Case numbers are almost down to nothing.” 

He added that the acceptance of the vaccines on campus and the growing availability in the community is encouraging.

According to a newsletter released by the university, the percentage of samples testing positive in the UW testing program has decreased from 0.34% in the spring to 0.06% last week. As of Thursday, only eight active cases were announced on the COVID-19 campus dashboard: four employees and four students — none living on campus. 

Additionally, Chairman Jeffrey Marsh of the UW Board of Trustees said he and several other trustee members received community support from constituents who expected a return to normalcy for the upcoming semester. 

“As long as it’s safe,” Marsh said.

He said the spirit of the resolution embeds itself in the safety of the students and faculty. 

Until the fall semester begins Aug. 23, students and faculty are required to abide by all restrictions still in place at the university. Masks, social distancing and COVID-19 testing will continue throughout the spring semester, including in-person commencement ceremonies in May. 

For more information about UW’s pandemic response, visit www.uwy.edu/campus-return.