MADISON — UW System President Katharine Lyall today announced that all classes at all campuses will be canceled Friday afternoon, September 14, starting at noon, in observance of the “National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001,” proclaimed earlier today by President George W. Bush.
The decision was made by Lyall after consultation with UW System chancellors during a teleconference this afternoon. All of the institutions agreed with her decision.
“It is important that we as a university — both students and staff — pause to reflect on what has happened in our country this week. As the President’s proclamation requests, we will honor the memory of the victims and comfort those who lost loved ones,” said Lyall. While all faculty and staff are expected to report to work as usual, they will bepermitted to attend noon-hour memorial services or other ceremonies if they so choose.
UW System institutions will remain open throughout the day, including residence halls, food services, counseling centers and support offices, said Lyall. Institutions will use their discretion in deciding whether to hold concerts, public lectures, athletic events or other activities previously scheduled for Friday night. While classes will not meet tomorrow afternoon, it is expected that class work will be made up at a later time.
In light of the disruption caused by the week’s events, Lyall also announced that all UW System students will be given an additional week in which to add courses or receive a full tuition refund. The Sept. 14 deadline is extended to Sept. 21.