WAUKESHA, Wis.— Schools and colleges across Wisconsin have varying rules when it comes to COVID-19 this academic year. Some require masks, but not vaccinations. Some require both. Others require weekly testing for those who are not vaccinated. The list goes on.

Carroll University leadership chose to require masks for all students and staff, as well as weekly COVID-19 testing for anyone who is unvaccinated. 

“I think it’s going to help everything run smoother and get back to normal faster and it’s for everyone’s safety,” said freshman Olivia Isely.

As students settle into their dorms, one sophomore has chosen a different path. Track athlete McKenna Selode is not returning to Carroll University this year. 

“She’s known she wanted to go there since she was a kid,” said McKenna’s mom, Lisa.  “There were lots of tears and lots of research and we were able to find a different school that was much more lenient.”

Lisa is one of about 30 parents who challenged the administration over its COVID-19 protocols heading into the fall semester. Frustration surrounded the college’s masking policy, weekly testing requirement for unvaccinated students and staff, and the possibility of footing the bill for a place to quarantine.

“We live in Waukesha, but for students who don’t live close enough to quarantine at home, you can imagine that would be difficult and costly,” Lisa said.

Carroll University sent Spectrum News the below statement:


    “We are aware that some parents are upset about the recent policies and procedures Carroll University has put in place… We have also received very positive feedback and strong support from students, parents and our trustees about the policies and procedures we are putting in place for the fall 2021 school year.”

Lisa also pointed to incentives the college is giving to students who get vaccinated. It’s something other higher ed institutions in the state, including UW System, are doing as well.

“They were being offered gift cards if they were vaccinated by a certain date; they didn’t have to wear masks, or test, or do anything different,” Lisa said.

You can read Carroll’s full COVID-19 policies and guidelines here

President Cindy Gnadinger said these guidelines come directly from the CDC and could change at any time. She added that the college has a committee dedicated to assessing COVID-19 data nationally and locally. The committee meets weekly for assessments.

“We made the decision to strongly encourage our students, faculty and staff be vaccinated and we’ve had a great response with that,” Gnadinger said.  “More than 80% of our employees are vaccinated and over 70% of our student body has already been vaccinated that we’re aware of.”

McKenna Selode has since transferred to a technical college in the Waukesha area. 

“The main reason was how they were handling COVID and their COVID protocols,” the 19-year-old said. “I feel like they made unvaccinated kids feel like it wasn’t the right decision.”

McKenna and her mom, Lisa, both said they support the freedom to choose.

“Everyone should have the right to freedom and I feel like everyone isn’t getting that choice,” McKenna said.  “There are so many places pushing for people to get the vaccine, but if we don’t, it seems that we’re getting judged.”

“Just give me the choice,” Lisa said. “I have no problem with anyone else doing what they want to do, but don’t force me and my children.”

Carroll University required unvaccinated students and staff to submit a negative COVID-19 test three days prior to move-in day, which was August 27. For those who test positive during the school year and need hotel accommodations to quarantine, the college will not pay for that. 

Click here to watch a taped version of a town hall held by President Gnadinger and administration leaders in June.