Masks Now Required in Indoor Instructional Spaces at UMW
This message was sent to all UMW faculty, staff, and students.
As the fall semester progresses at Montana Western, we have been able to learn, work, attend events, and enjoy being able to be together on campus. While the pandemic continues, I want to thank you for your continuing efforts in keeping the Bulldog Community healthy and safe.
Unfortunately, we have seen another significant uptick in COVID-19 cases in Beaverhead County over the past week, resulting in a higher number of cases in the county than we have seen since starting the academic year. Additionally, we are seeing a significant growth in the county’s seven-day moving average case rate.
In light of these developments, and at the recommendation of the Beaverhead County Public Health Department, we now 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.
This requirement will go into effect starting tomorrow, September 9th.
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 18 months, the pandemic will continue to ebb and flow in Beaverhead County, and we will revisit this guidance on Friday, September 17th, at the end of the block.
At this time, we must come together as the UMW community, treating each other with compassion, kindness, and respect. 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