COVID-19 Student Information | Western Technical College

Western Technical College

COVID-19 Student Information

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we make adjustments to the formats of our courses and services in response to this evolving situation.

Although this is not how we would prefer to provide our technical college experience, we are prepared to continue offering the same high-quality education in all course formats. Your certificate, diploma, or associate degree will not be diminished or less than any other year. You will be prepared for your goals, whatever they may be.

View our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

Protect Yourself

Western values the health and safety of our students, and is committed to supporting you in this changing environment. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Find out how to protect yourself from COVID-19.

Updates for Spring Term

In the interest of student and employee safety, we will continue with courses in alternative formats wherever possible through the Spring 2021 term. There are, however, many courses that require face-to-face labs, clinicals, or other training. These courses will be offered in-person with reduced class sizes to allow for social distancing. The use of face coverings will also be required.  

You will see the class format when you register for courses. Once registered, to verify your class formats:

  1. Log in to your MyWestern Student Portal
  2. Under My Links, to the right, click on Self Service
  3. On the red tabs at the top, click on Classes
  4. Click Schedule
  5. Click Student Schedule
  6. Click on the name of each class
  7. Within the course description, you will see the Delivery Method

Enrollment Process

Spring term begins Monday, January 11, 2021.

Our Spring course schedules reflect classes with face-to-face options, as well as the online and alternative formats. You are encouraged to connect with your Admissions Coach or College Advisor, by email or phone, to create a schedule that works best for you. Not sure who your coach or advisor is? Just email admissionscoach@westerntc.edu and we’ll get you connected.

Our admissions process has only minor changes while we are working in this virtual environment. We are waiving the $30 application fee and some testing requirements. Your Admissions Coach will work with you on the details once you have submitted your application.

Registration for Spring term will take place online. Once you’ve completed the admissions process and are accepted to your program, your coach or advisor will walk you through the process one-on-one, or provide you with detailed instructions on how to build your schedule from the comfort of your own home. Check out our Registration Resources for more information on setting up your student accounts, getting your books, and applying for financial aid.

Student Support Services

Our support services are available in alternative formats. From advising to financial aid assistance, tutoring, and counseling, we are using online, email, and video conferencing technology to connect with you for any needs you may have. Most services operate from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., unless appointments are made outside these hours.

Visit the Student Support Services page for more information about the services we offer.

COVID-19 Extenuating Circumstance Withdrawal

During this unprecedented time, Western recognizes that our students are among the many people who are impacted by changes in lifestyle and learning caused by state and federal responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Some students may need to withdraw from spring 2021 classes due to being directly impacted by COVID-19. 

A student directly impacted by COVID = was confirmed positive, designated by Western contract tracer as treat as positive, had a direct contact exposure resulting in quarantine, and/or was the primary care giver to a household member who was confirmed positive or symptomatic with COVID-like symptoms.

If you are a student who needs to withdraw from courses due to COVID, you may be eligible for an extenuating circumstance withdrawal. Western has adjusted the Extenuating Circumstance withdrawal procedure to include a refund based on the date of withdrawal. 

You can request an extenuating circumstance withdrawal related to COVID by contacting your college advisor or the Registrar’s Office at registration@westerntc.edu.

If you withdraw from a course under the COVID-19 extenuating circumstance withdrawal procedure, your courses may be removed from your transcript and it will not impact your GPA. You will need to complete the course if it is required as part of your program or is a prerequisite to other courses. Please discuss your options with your advisor. If you receive financial aid, it should not be negatively impacted.

Instructions for requesting an extenuating circumstance withdrawal due to the COVID-19 pandemic are as follows:

  1. Complete the Extenuating Circumstance Form - Fillable Word | PDF
  2. Email the form to registration@westerntc.edu or mail the form to the Registrar’s Office at
    Registrar
    Western Technical College
    P.O. Box 0908
    La Crosse, WI 54601-0908

Once the extenuating circumstance withdrawal has been processed, a letter will be sent to the student.

Western and Community Resources

Western is committed to staying informed about the spread of coronavirus and to keeping the college community updated.

Find the latest information about COVID-19 through these resources:

Contact Us

Have questions or concerns related to Western’s COVID-19 precautions and preventive measures? Contact Western's COVID-19 Monitoring Team:

COVID-19 Self-Reporting Form