Health Advisories
Advisories, Messages and Updates
Click here to view the UMW Healthy Plan.
Below is a running list of communications sent from Montana Western regarding COVID-19 with the latest update at the top and the oldest at the bottom.
- Campus Message – January 14, 2021To the University Community, As a friendly reminder, please continue wearing your face coverings/masks on campus. COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets and masks are a barrier that help to prevent these … Read more
- Campus Message – January 11, 2021Montana Western Students, Welcome back! As we begin the Spring Semester, we would like to remind you all of a few precautions to take to help keep everyone healthy: Wear … Read more
- Campus Message – January 7, 2021To the University Community, For your information, and because some of you have asked about Montana’s COVID-19 vaccine plans, we are providing the recent press release below from the Governor’s … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – January 7, 2021To the University Community, Yesterday, the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education issued guidance (please see the attached memo) to the campuses of the Montana University System to begin … Read more
- Campus Message – January 5, 2021Montana Western Students, We hope you all enjoyed your winter break and we are excited to welcome you back to campus. The spring semester begins on Monday, January 11th, 2021. We … Read more
More communications further down.
COVID-19 Information & Resources
As world health officials response to the novel coronavirus outbreak, the Montana University System is committed to keeping our students, faculty and staff safe and well-informed. As the situation evolves, we want to provide you with the most reliable and up-to-date sources of information for novel coronavirus health and travel updates:
- US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- U.S. Department of State
- U.S. Embassy and Consulates in China
- COVID-19 FAQ from the Montana University System
- Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Please follow prevention measures to keep yourself and your campus healthy:
- Cover your cough or sneeze, ideally into your elbow and not into your hands.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use sanitizing gels.
- Avoid touching your face, especially eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home if you’re sick (seek medical attention if you feel it is becoming serious).
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
- Get your flu shot. It’s not too late!
- Campus Message – December 30, 2020Montana Western Students, As we prepare for your return for the spring semester which begins on January 11, we are taking the necessary steps to … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – December 18, 2020To the University Community, I hope that you are enjoying a restful winter break and staying safe and healthy this holiday season. Yesterday, Commissioner of … Read more
- Campus Message – December 15, 2020Montana Western Students, As a reminder, please continue wearing your masks, practicing social distancing, washing your hands/using hand sanitizers and disinfect surfaces regularly. Thank you … Read more
- Campus Message – December 8, 2020Montana Western Students, We hope you are all enjoying your first week of winter break. If you decide you must travel over the break, we … Read more
- Campus Message – December 4, 2020Dear Montana Western Students, Faculty and Staff, We wanted to remind you that there are counseling services and mental health resources available during the winter … Read more
- Campus Message – December 1, 2020Montana Western Students, As we finish the semester and move into the winter break, we wanted to thank you for all of your efforts and … Read more
- Memo from Commissioner Christian – November 23, 2020Dear All, Please see the attached memo from Commissioner Christian. I echo his gratitude for your hard work and persistence and wish you a restful holiday. … Read more
- Campus Message – November 23, 2020Montana Western Students, This Wednesday, November 25th, is the last day we will be offering FREE Symptomatic Rapid COVID-19 testing for students before the semester ends. If you are … Read more
- Campus Message – November 17, 2020Montana Western Students, The University is still offering FREE Symptomatic Rapid COVID-19 testing for students Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the garage of the … Read more
- Campus Message – November 16, 2020Montana Western Students, In less than two weeks, you will depart for the Thanksgiving holiday and shortly after, the Fall 2020 semester will come to … Read more
- Campus Message – November 13, 2020Dear All, As you may be aware, the number of COVID-19 cases in Montana and Beaverhead County has increased, as has the number of positive … Read more
- Campus Message – November 9, 2020To the University Community, Due to the increase in positive COVID-19 cases across Montana, in our county, and cases associated with our campus, we want … Read more
- Campus Message – November 5, 2020Thank you to all Montana Western students who submitted an application requesting emergency funding through the federal CARES Act. At this time, Montana Western has … Read more
- Campus Message – November 2, 2020Montana Western Students, We hope you all had an enjoyable and safe Halloween and we thank you for all of your help in stopping the … Read more
- Campus Message – October 23, 2020Montana Western, Due to all your hard work and efforts, the number of COVID-19 cases associated with our campus has decreased. We would like to … Read more
- Campus Message – October 21, 2020Montana Western Students, We wanted to let you know that there are still funds available through the federal CARES Act- students looking for additional emergency … Read more
- Campus Message – October 16, 2020Montana Western Students, The University will be offering Symptomatic Rapid COVID-19 testing starting Tuesday, October 20th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the garage of the Dean … Read more
- Campus Message – October 13, 2020LET’S HELP SLOW THE SPREAD OF COVID IN OUR COMMUNITY: UPDATE ON MITIGATION EFFORTS Through Friday, October 23, Montana Western’s enhanced mitigation efforts will remain … Read more
- Campus Message – October 4, 2020LET’S HELP SLOW THE SPREAD OF COVID IN THIS COMMUNITY: CHANGES IN UNIVERSITY OPERATIONS FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 5. On October 2, Beaverhead County … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – September 29, 2020To the University Community, I would like to take a moment to remind everyone that face coverings, worn over the nose and mouth, continue to be required … Read more
- Campus Message – September 24, 2020Dear Montana Western Students, As a reminder, please continue wearing your masks over your mouth and nose, practicing social distancing, and using hand sanitizers and surface … Read more
- Campus Message – September 17, 2020Dear Montana Western Faculty and Staff, Governor Bullock announced yesterday a new statewide effort to report COVID-19 cases within Montana schools as part of the … Read more
- Campus Message – September 17, 2020To the University Community, We would like to inform you all that as of yesterday afternoon, there are 4 active cases of COVID-19 in Beaverhead … Read more
- Campus Message – September 16, 2020To the University Community, As part of our collaborative COVID-19 mitigation efforts, the Beaverhead County Public Health Department (BCPHD) is now posting Montana Western associated … Read more
- Campus Message – September 14, 2020Winds can bring smoke from wildfires burning in California, Oregon and Washington into Montana. Residents and visitors in Montana are encouraged to check air quality … Read more
- Press Release – September 11, 2020The University of Montana Western is pleased to announce the hiring of two temporary staff positions to assist UMW in its COVID-19 mitigation efforts. These … Read more
- Campus Message – September 9, 2020Montana Western Students, We hope you all had an enjoyable Labor Day holiday weekend. Whether you spent time around others or explored the great outdoors, … Read more
- Campus Message – September 9, 2020Montana Western Students, If you are expecting a refund check, please stop by the Business Services Office if you are in Dillon. If you need … Read more
- Campus Message – September 3, 2020To all Montana Western students expecting a refund for this semester, We wanted to share with you how to see if a refund has been … Read more
- Campus Message from the Dean of Students – September 3, 2020Dear UMW Students, I want to thank you for the responsible behaviors I continue to see across campus: mask wearing, social distancing and use of … Read more
- Campus Message – August 28, 2020Montana Western Students, Thanks for doing your part to keep our campus safe by committing to the Bulldog Way by wearing face coverings, social distancing, and … Read more
- Campus Message – August 27, 2020Montana Western Students, Thanks for doing your part to keep our campus safe by committing to the Bulldog Way by wearing face coverings, social distancing, and … Read more
- Campus Message – August 26, 2020Montana Western Students, Through the federal CARES Act, the University of Montana Western is able to offer financial assistance to students in need. Montana Western … Read more
- Campus Message – August 26, 2020Dear Montana Western Students, If you haven’t yet picked up your free Healthy Bulldog Kit, which includes hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and a cloth mask … Read more
- Campus Message – August 25, 2020To the University Community, In addition to the Bulldog Way defining steps we each need to take to stop the spread of COVID-19, including wearing face … Read more
- Campus Message – August 24, 2020Welcome to the first day of classes for the fall semester! We want everyone to come to campus with the mindset that Montana Western, and … Read more
- Campus Message – August 23, 2020Dear Montana Western Students, We are excited to have you back on campus for classes starting tomorrow! We wanted to let all students living off … Read more
- Campus Message from the Dean of Students – August 19, 2020Hello Montana Western Students, In just a few days, you will be back and we are so excited for your return. I would like to … Read more
- Campus Message from Vice Chancellor Reid – August 17, 2020Dear Montana Western Faculty, Staff and Students, Please find attached a brief UMW COVID-19 Safety Training document that we are asking each of you to review on … Read more
- Campus Message from the Dean of Students and Director of Student Success – August 12, 2020Sent on Behalf of the Dean of Students and Director of Student Success: Student Services/Resources at UMW Dear Montana Western Students, We have been preparing … Read more
- Campus Message – August 5, 2020To the University Community, We are preparing for the return of our students to campus and taking the necessary steps to continue keeping our community … Read more
- Campus Message – July 30, 2020To the University Community, We are preparing for the return of our students to campus in August and taking the necessary steps to continue keeping … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – July 27, 2020Dear Montana Western Students, Faculty, and Staff, Recently, there have been questions about our procedures for when we become aware of a COVID-19 positive case … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – July 22, 2020UMW Healthy Fall 2020 Plan and Mask Requirement: A Message from Chancellor Weatherby Dear Faculty, Staff, Students, and the University Community, Our UMW Healthy Fall … Read more
- Campus Message – July 22, 2020The message below was sent to all incoming UMW students from Residence Life/The UMW Orientation Team. Dear Future University of Montana Western Graduate! Thank you … Read more
- Campus Message from Residence Life – July 21, 2020The message below was sent to all returning UMW students from Residence Life who will be living on campus this fall. Dear Returning UMW Student, … Read more
- Campus Message from Dr. Jenny McNulty – July 17, 2020Dear Montana Western Students, Recently you received an email from Chancellor Weatherby with the Montana Western Healthy Fall 2020 Plan. We are a working hard this summer … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – July 14, 2020Good Morning, Faculty, Staff and Students, Fall semester is fast approaching. We have been busy all summer planning for a safe and healthy return to … Read more
- MUS Press Release – July 8, 2020To the University Community, Please find a press release from the Montana University System below: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 8, 2020 CONTACT Karen Ogden Communications … Read more
- Campus Message – July 6, 2020If you have not yet provided feedback on the draft of the Montana Western Healthy Fall 2020 Plan and would like to do so, the … Read more
- Campus Message – July 6, 2020Montana Western Summer Students, Through the federal CARES Act, the University of Montana Western is able to offer financial assistance to students in need. Montana … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – June 29, 2020Dear Faculty and Staff, I would like to thank each of you for everything you are doing to assist in preparing for fall semester and … Read more
- Campus Message – June 12, 2020Montana Western Students, We wanted to notify you that if you applied for emergency CARES Act funds or a Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), the … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – June 9, 2020Dear Students, Last week, the Montana University System’s (MUS) Healthy Fall 2020 Task Force released guidelines for all campuses to follow as we plan for … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – June 2, 2020Sent on Behalf of Chancellor Weatherby: Fall 2020 Academic Calendar Announcement Dear University Community, I want to thank all of those faculty, staff, and students … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – June 2, 2020Sent on Behalf of Chancellor Weatherby: A Message for our Students Hello, Montana Western Students, I am so pleased to tell you that our 20/21 … Read more
- Campus Message from Financial Aid – June 2, 2020Sent on Behalf of the Financial Aid Office: Final Opportunity for CARES Act Funds Application for Spring 2020 Students Montana Western Students, This will be … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – June 1, 2020To the University Community, As you’re aware, the Montana University System Healthy Fall 2020 Task Force has been working over the past six weeks to … Read more
- Campus Message – May 29, 2020Montana Western Students, We wanted to notify you that if you applied for emergency CARES Act funds, the next round of refund checks are available … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – May 22, 2020Montana Youth Challenge Academy Reopening Update Dear Colleagues, I am writing to let you know that the Montana Youth Challenge Academy is preparing to return … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – May 19, 2020Sent on Behalf of Chancellor Weatherby: Montana Youth Challenge Academy Update Dear Faculty and Staff, As I mentioned last week in the announcement regarding the … Read more
- Campus Message – May 19, 2020Governor Steve Bullock today announced the state will move to Phase Two of the Reopening the Big Sky plan and will lift the 14-day out-of-state … Read more
- Campus Message from Business Services – May 19, 2020Sent on Behalf of Business Services: CARES Act Funds for Students Now Available for Pick Up Montana Western Students, We wanted to notify you that … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – May 15, 2020Messages for May 15, 2020, regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19): Dear Faculty and Staff, As you will see in the attached memo from Commissioner Christian, all MUS campuses … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – May 14, 2020To the University Community, We wanted to make you aware that the reopening of the Pima Medical Institute will take place starting this Monday, May … Read more
- Campus Message – May 14, 2020Pima Medical Institute’s Dillon Campus to Reopen May 18, 2020 The School, Which Provides the State’s Only Accredited Veterinary Technician Program Will Strictly Adhere to … Read more
- Campus Message from Financial Aid – May 13, 2020Sent on Behalf of the Financial Aid Office: CARES Act Student Assistance Reminder Montana Western Students, There are still funds available through the federal CARES … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – May 6, 2020Sent on Behalf of Chancellor Weatherby: Fall 2020 Planning Update To the Campus Community, A number of task forces are working on plans for fall … Read more
- Campus Message from Financial Aid – May 2, 2020Sent on Behalf of the Financial Aid Office: CARES Act Relief for UMW Students Update To the Campus Community, The email below was sent earlier … Read more
- Campus Message – May 2, 2020Montana Western Students, Through the federal CARES Act, the University of Montana Western is able to offer financial assistance to students in need. Montana Western … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – May 1, 2020Messages for May 1, 2020, regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19): Sent on Behalf of Chancellor Weatherby: Conclusion of Spring Semester and Virtual Commencement To the University … Read more
- Campus Message from Commissioner Clayton Christian – April 29, 2020Montana Western Students, Please find attached a special message for you from Commissioner of Higher Education Christian recognizing the accomplishments of our graduates and plans for ensuring … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – April 29, 2020Sent on Behalf of Chancellor Weatherby: Fall 2020 Planning and Budget Update Good Afternoon, As I mentioned last week, a number of groups and departments … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – April 24, 2020Sent on Behalf of Chancellor Weatherby: Your Work Arrangements Good afternoon, As we head into the weekend, I want to let you know that we … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – April 23, 2020Sent on Behalf of Chancellor Weatherby: Planning Update from Montana Western Good afternoon, I wanted to let you know that in response to yesterday’s announcements … Read more
- Campus Message from Vice Chancellor Reid – April 20, 2020Sent on Behalf of Vice Chancellor Reid: Announcement of Dining Services Temporary Furlough To the Campus Community, The University of Montana Western notified 15 employees … Read more
- Campus Message – April 16, 2020Regents make standardized tests scores optional, temporarily, for MUS admittance To the Campus Community, Please click here for a press release sent out today by the Montana … Read more
- Campus Message – April 9, 2020Reminder: Upcoming Important Dates for Block Break and Block 8 To the Campus Community, As a reminder, please find the upcoming important dates below for … Read more
- Campus Message – April 8, 2020Commencement Update At the request of our graduates, the University of Montana Western will host a fall commencement ceremony in addition to a spring virtual … Read more
- Campus Message – April 6, 2020On Friday, April 3, 2020, Beaverhead County Public Health received notice that a Beaverhead County resident has tested positive for novel coronavirus in Beaverhead County. … Read more
- Campus Message – April 3, 2020Beaverhead County has first positive COVID-19 case. Female / 20s / with direct contact. Remember to practice social distancing by staying at least six feet … Read more
- Commencement Spring 2020 Update – April 3, 2020To the Campus Community, I am writing to inform you that in the best interest of the health and safety of our students and their … Read more
- Campus Message – April 2, 2020Governor Steve Bullock in a letter today called on U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross to extend the deadline for the decennial census from August … Read more
- Campus Message – April 1, 2020Governor Steve Bullock today issued a Directive providing additional guidance on childcare facilities to ensure that Montana’s essential workers can receive access to childcare during … Read more
- Campus Message – March 30, 2020Governor Steve Bullock today directed that travelers arriving from another state or country to Montana for non-work-related purposes undergo a 14-day self-quarantine. The Directive follows … Read more
- Campus Message – March 27, 2020As you will see, below, in a message from MYCA Director Trent Gibson, the Montana Youth Challenge Academy is suspending its current class until at … Read more
- Campus Message – March 26, 2020To the Montana Western community: you may have heard that Governor Bullock has issued a stay at home order for Montana to begin at 12:01 … Read more
- Campus Message – March 23, 2020In this morning’s edition of MUSings, the Montana University System shares some very helpful resources and provides a summary of the MUS COVID-19 response to … Read more
- A Message About COVID-19 from Commissioner Clayton Christian – March 20, 2020Dear students, Please find below a memo from Higher Education Commissioner Christian regarding prorated refunds for room and board and/or meal plans due to COVID-19. We … Read more
- Press Release from MT National Guard – March 20, 2020Press Release from MT National Guard Office: Montana Youth Challenge Academy to Remain Open (click link to read full press release)
- Campus Message Regarding COVID-19 Leave – March 20, 2020Information about MUS & Federally Mandated COVID-19 Leave To the Campus Community, During these times, it is understandable that many are concerned about how they … Read more
- Campus Message – March 20, 2020In accordance with the direction from Commissioner Christian, the Montana Western Lucy Carson Library will close the library building to in-person visits as of Friday, March … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – March 19, 2020The following message was sent on March 19, 2020, to faculty, staff and students regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19). To the University Community: At the University … Read more
- Spring 2020 Commencement Ceremony Update – March 18, 2020UMW Events Update, March 18: Montana Western is doing its part to help minimize the potential spread of COVID-19 and the health and safety of … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – March 18, 2020The following message was sent on March 18, 2020, to faculty, staff and students regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Dear Students, Families, and Friends: As you … Read more
- Campus Message – March 16, 2020The following message was sent on March 16, 2020, to faculty, staff and students regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19). COVID-19 Updates from Montana Western, March 16, … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – March 15, 2020The following message was sent on March 15, 2020, to faculty, staff and students regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19). MUST READ: COVID-19 Afternoon Update Sent on … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – March 15, 2020The following message was sent on March 15, 2020, to faculty and staff regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19). To the University Community, As you may have … Read more
- Campus Message – March 13, 2020The following message was sent on March 13, 2020, to students regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Montana Western students, As you are most likely already aware, … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – March 12, 2020The following message was sent on March 12, 2020, to students, faculty and staff regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19). To the University Community, The administration, staff … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – March 11, 2020The following message was sent on March 11, 2020, to students, faculty and staff regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19). To the campus community, As you may … Read more
- A Message About COVID-19 from Commissioner Clayton ChristianThe following message was sent on March 10, 2020, to students, faculty and staff regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19). A Message About COVID-19 from Commissioner Clayton … Read more
- Campus Message from Chancellor Weatherby – March 3, 2020The following message was sent on March 4, 2020, to students, faculty and staff regarding novel coronavirus. Important Spring Break Travel Guidelines: Sent on Behalf … Read more
- Coronavirus and Travel to China MUS Update: January 31, 2020The following message was sent on Jan. 31, 2020, to students, faculty and staff regarding novel coronavirus on behalf of the members of the Montana … Read more
- Campus Message from the Dean of Students – Jan 30, 2020A message from the Dean of Students The following message was sent on Jan. 30, 2020, to students, faculty and staff regarding novel coronavirus on … Read more