Some far away

The Tuesday announcement understandably panicked some students and parents, particularly those from out of state. Some living in Illinois and California are under orders restricting travel, leaving families with no way to collect the items they left behind when students moved out last week and over the weekend.

“Please don’t worry,” Novak told anxious students and parents listening to the live video. “Belongings can stay in there until you can pick them up or make other arrangements.”

For example, a faraway resident can email University Housing officials with the name and copy of the identification card of a roommate or friend who may be in a position to collect items on their behalf. Housing staff can also help students, he said.

Contingency plans

About 1,100 students remained in the dorms Wednesday because of extenuating circumstances, Novak said. Officials may look to consolidate those students into fewer dorms and designate empty ones for emergency needs.

Some UW-Madison halls have already been identified as “first emergency placement,” though Novak said the university will not use buildings with many residents’ belongings still left behind.