Sent on Behalf of Chancellor Weatherby: Montana Youth Challenge Academy Update

Dear Faculty and Staff,

As I mentioned last week in the announcement regarding the return of the Pima Vet Tech students to their classes in the Poindexter Street building, the Montana Youth Challenge Academy is also working with public health officials and Montana Western to explore the resumption of Class 42, which was cut short in March when the stay at home orders were issued.

The cadets and staff would arrive on May 31. The class would graduate one month after arrival. As you will see, the safety protocols and precautions are extensive. All have been reviewed and approved by Beaverhead County Public Health. Each participant would be tested upon arrival and the activities of the cadets would be carefully restricted to three locations on campus, with physical distancing and hygiene practices that align with the guidance of Public Health and the State of Montana. I have also attached (click here to download) our new Dining Services Plan for Reopening, as the cadets would be served their meals in the dining hall. These, too, are extensive and rigorous and have been created in conjunction with our county sanitarian.

Please review the attached press release, protocols and practices and send any input you may wish to share to Dean of Students Hazelbaker, Provost Hedeen, Vice Chancellor Reid, or me before the end of the day on Thursday. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Beth Weatherby, Chancellor