UWGB announces additional furloughs; campus to reopen in July

GREEN BAY (WLUK) -- The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is extending employee furloughs through the end of the year, but will also reopen its campus this summer.

UWGB leaders say unpaid time off from employees will save $826,830 between June and December.

Chancellor Michael Alexander told the campus community that the university waited to announce additional furloughs until the effects of the coronavirus pandemic became clearer.

"Unfortunately, it has become apparent that we must take some preventative measures to be able to better ensure the long-term health of our institution," he said in a statement. "These are painful decisions, particularly because of the immense work that everyone on this campus has done to put us on solid financial footing before COVID-19."

UWGB says it has lost money through housing refunds, the cancellation of on-campus programs, events and spring sports. The result is a $1.4 million budget shortfall that needs to be returned to the state by June 30.

Meanwhile, the campuses in Green Bay, Marinette, Manitowoc and Sheboygan are set to open on July 1.

"As a result of our work leading up to the virus, furloughs in May and June, promising signs on the enrollment front, and the work of our task force groups, we intend to reopen our campuses on July 1 to continue preparing for the fall semester," Alexander said. "We will still encourage telecommuting where possible and will have protocols in place for those employees working on site, but will lift general restrictions on faculty and staff being on campus."

The Cofrin Memorial Arboretum is also set to open to the public on July 1.