Masks Continue to be Required in Indoor Instructional Spaces


This message was sent to all Montana Western faculty, staff, and students by Chancellor Reid.


In my message at the end of Block Two regarding the mask requirement in indoor instructional spaces at UMW, I informed you that we would revisit this guidance today, at the end of Block Three.

While we are continuing to see positive news in declining case counts across the country and Beaverhead County, unfortunately, they have not yet decreased enough to warrant a change in our current mask protocols. Additionally, the CDC still has Beaverhead County listed as a High Transmission level county.

In light of the continuing situation, and at the recommendation of the Beaverhead County Public Health Department, we will continue to require individuals on our campus – vaccinated or not – to wear masks indoors in all classrooms, labs, and other indoor instructional spaces or settings where social distancing is not possible. Masks continue to be strongly recommended when in any indoor publicly occupied spaces.

Students who need a mask can pick one up for free at the Bulldog Life Office in the basement of the SUB, or at offices in the Short Administration Building, including Business Services and the Registrar.

UMW continues to work closely with state and local public health officials as we continue to adjust our operations to protect the health and safety of the Bulldog Community and keep our classes and events face-to-face. As directed by the Commissioner of Higher Education, we will continue to work with the Beaverhead County Public Health Department (BCPHD) in adapting our campus guidelines to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including the more contagious Delta variant.

As we’ve seen over the past several months, the pandemic will continue to ebb and flow in Beaverhead County, and we will send out additional communication prior to the start of Block 5.

While the pandemic continues, I want to thank you for your continuing efforts in keeping the Bulldog Community healthy and safe. If we work together to take steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we will be able to keep our classes and events on campus and protect each other and our community.

Sincerely,

Michael L. Reid
Chancellor