To the University Community,

I hope that you are enjoying a restful winter break and staying safe and healthy this holiday season.

Yesterday, Commissioner of Higher Education Christian distributed guidance to the state’s campuses as we prepare to return for the 2021 spring semester, beginning January 11.

Following the guidance from the Commissioner of Higher Education the following recommendations for students are now in effect: 

• Students are encouraged to complete a 10-day, precautionary self-quarantine immediately before returning to campus and to monitor their health daily. Students should only return to campus if they are symptom-free throughout that period. If symptoms appear, students should seek COVID-19 testing and delay their return to UMW. Should a student need to delay their return to campus due to COVID-19, our faculty and staff are asked to be prepared to provide remote coursework and online support until those students can safely join us in person.
• Additionally, students are encouraged to obtain a COVID-19 test before returning to campus, regardless of whether they have symptoms (if asymptomatic testing is available in your area). If the test result is positive, students should delay their return, quarantining or isolating as directed by health care professionals.
• UMW and OCHE realize that asymptomatic testing capacity in our state/county is limited and we will keep you updated if our campus is able to offer that option, especially before the start of the semester.
• As previously planned, the majority of our classes at Montana Western this spring will be offered in-person, with blended and online formats also available.
• The precautions put in place for the fall semester will continue in the spring. Face masks will be required on campus; social distancing will be strictly observed. Members of our campus community should practice good hand hygiene and avoid large gatherings — on campus or off campus.
• We will again distribute free Healthy Bulldog Kits and masks to our students.
• UMW will continue to offer free symptomatic testing for students at the Dean of Students Center starting on January 11.
• UMW is already coordinating with county and state public health and OCHE for preparing for vaccine distribution, once additional guidance and supplies become available.

If you have questions or need any assistance with meeting the recommendations above, please contact Dean of Students, Nicole Hazelbaker, by calling 406-683-7900 or email [email protected].

Thank you, Bulldogs, for continuing to do everything you can to keep our community safe and healthy. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Chancellor Weatherby