COVID-19 Coronavirus

Campus Communications

Important COVID-19 Update from Chancellor Les P. Cook, 3/12/2020

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

I wanted to touch base and provide you the latest update on the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation. The health of our campus and community is our most important priority. With spring break upon us, it is important the following is shared in a timely manner.

This morning we received direction from the Board of Regents and the Commissioner of Higher Education to move forward with the following as soon as possible:

1. Effective March 23 all campuses, in every instance possible are to transition all in-class instruction online or other teaching modalities that do not require in-class presence. Montana Tech will move towards this where we are able to do so but there are some classes/labs due to the nature of instruction and delivery can only be facilitated in person. Please stay tuned, additional information about classes after spring break will be forthcoming.
2. Campus will remain open and operational during this time for students. This includes the residence halls, computer labs, library, etc. All employees will continue to report to work as normal unless instructed otherwise.
3. We will continue to be vigilant in our efforts to prevent the spread of this virus by following guidelines for social distancing and will likely postpone any large events for the near future. We will keep you posted as we receive additional information providing clarification on these events.

We have a coronavirus planning team continuing to monitor this situation and I assure you that we will do all we can to continue operations as smoothly as we can with as little disruption as possible. While the uncertainty behind all of this is certainly cause for concern, I’m hopeful we can remain calm and respectful as we consider the safety and health of our entire community.

All members of our community are reminded if you have any symptoms, please do not come to work or class if you are ill. If you have symptoms like fever, cough, difficulty breathing or simply do not feel well, please contact your health care provider or our campus health center at (406) 496-4243. The clinic is open from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm daily Monday-Friday.

As everyone is aware, this is a continually evolving situation. Your patience, support and understanding is genuinely appreciated as we deal with these challenges in the weeks ahead. It is important that we take care of ourselves but also each other as we navigate the path forward. We will continue to keep you updated via email as well as the websiteas we receive additional information and adapt our plans.

Thank you and please watch your email for additional updates.

Sincerely,

Les 

Les P. Cook, Ed.D.

Chancellor

Montana Technological University

COVID-19 Update from Clayton T. Christian, Commissioner of Higher Education, 3/12/2020

To: Montana Board of Regents; Montana University System Chief Executive Officers; Montana Community College Presidents; Governor Steve Bullock

From: Clayton T. Christian, Commissioner of Higher Education
Date: March 12, 2020

Subject: COVID-19 UPDATE

In partnership with the Board of Regents and as Commissioner of Higher Education for the Montana University System, the health and safety of our campus communities remains our top priority. With that in mind, and in light of the rapidly evolving challenge presented by the COVID-19 outbreak, I am directing all MUS campuses to implement the following decisions as soon as possible:

1. As of March 23rd, all MUS campuses will, in every instance possible, transition all in-class instruction to online or other remote teaching modalities that do not require in-class presence. Individual departments, colleges, and universities should provide all material assistance and accommodation possible to faculty and students throughout this transition.
2. MUS campuses will remain open and operational for students. This includes residence halls, dining services, computer labs, and most other campus services. Employees will continue to report to work unless instructed otherwise or work-from-home accommodations are developed in individual cases.
3. To protect public health, MUS campuses will implement appropriate social distancing measures in line with CDC guidelines and recommendations. This should include restrictions on large lectures, theater performances, academic conferences, and other large gatherings.
4. All MUS students and employees need to monitor their official email address for more communications and planning details between now and March 23rd.

These decisions are in effect until further notice. Our COVID-19 challenge remains fluid, however, and as our campus communities prepare for Spring Break, it is our responsibility to establish the current course of action while also preparing for new circumstances as they emerge. If and when we consider a return to face-to-face instruction we will provide as much advance notice as possible and clear instructions for an orderly return to normal operations. Throughout, my office will continue to consult with Governor Steve Bullock, the Montana University System Board of Regents, health authorities, and other statewide partners as we assess our current policies. I ask that every campus leader be ready to answer questions and provide relevant information in a timely manner to students, faculty, and staff.

I do not take these decisions lightly. I am committed to supporting the educational progress of our students and minimizing disruption to campus life whenever possible. I believe that the course of action outlined above is the best way to balance our commitment to protect the public health and safety of our students, employees, and communities.

Clayton T. Christian Commissioner of Higher Education

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