Emergency Situation at UW Platteville: Wilgus Hall Incident Prompts Campus Lockdown
On May 19, 2025, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville experienced a significant emergency situation centered around Wilgus Hall, a student residence. The incident led to a temporary shelter-in-place order, causing concern among students, faculty, and the broader community. Authorities have since confirmed that the situation was isolated, with no ongoing threat to campus safety.
Immediate Response and Shelter-in-Place Order
At approximately 3:45 p.m. on Monday, campus police received reports of an emergency at Wilgus Hall. In response, a shelter-in-place order was issued, urging students and staff to remain indoors and avoid the area. Emergency responders, including local law enforcement and campus security, swiftly arrived on the scene to assess and manage the situation.
The shelter-in-place directive remained in effect until about 5:12 p.m., when officials lifted the order after determining there was no active threat to the campus community. Despite the lifting of the order, authorities continued to advise individuals to steer clear of Wilgus Hall as investigations proceeded.
Details of the Incident
While specific details remain under investigation, eyewitness accounts provide some insight into the events. Sophomore Eric Sperduto recounted arriving at Wilgus Hall to find students evacuating and law enforcement entering the building. He mentioned hearing reports of gunshots and observed officers attending to an individual inside the residence hall.
University officials have labeled the event as an “isolated incident,” emphasizing that there is no ongoing threat to the campus. The exact nature of the emergency has not been disclosed, and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Impact on Campus Activities
The timing of the incident coincided with the start of final exams, adding to the stress experienced by students and faculty. In light of the situation, the university announced the cancellation of all remaining final exams and assessments through the end of the week. This decision aims to prioritize the well-being of the campus community during this challenging time.
Additionally, the Pioneer Activity Center was closed for the remainder of the day, and students residing in Wilgus Hall were temporarily relocated to ensure their safety and comfort.
Support and Resources for Students
Recognizing the emotional toll of the incident, UW-Platteville has mobilized support services to assist students. Mantra’s Care Hub is available around the clock, offering counseling and mental health resources. Furthermore, triage counseling services are being provided from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, to address immediate concerns and facilitate recovery.
Students with questions regarding academic matters are encouraged to contact their faculty members or college deans for guidance and support.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Communication
The Platteville Police Department is leading the investigation into the incident, with assistance from state and local agencies. Officials have committed to transparency and will provide updates as more information becomes available. A press conference was scheduled for 7 p.m. on the day of the incident to address community concerns and share preliminary findings.
Governor Tony Evers acknowledged the situation in a social media post, expressing his thoughts for the UW-Platteville community and emphasizing the importance of campus safety.
Conclusion
The emergency situation at UW-Platteville’s Wilgus Hall has been a sobering reminder of the importance of campus safety and preparedness. While the incident was isolated and posed no ongoing threat, its impact on the university community is profound. As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting those affected and ensuring the well-being of all students and staff.
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