Montana Western students,

As you are most likely already aware, Montana Western has extended spring break for students until March 23, 2020 in response to COVID-19 and will be remotely delivering all courses for blocks 7 and 8.

The University is still open, as are all student services, but we are implementing social distancing in our effort to minimize potential spreading of COVID-19 and keep our students, faculty, and staff safe. 

If you choose to continue living in the residence halls, we welcome you back- but don’t forget you need to check in at the Residence Hall office front desk when you arrive so we can make sure you have everything you need. For more information, please visit our Health Advisories page below or call 406-683-7900 (during regular business hours) or 406-925-9782 (after regular business hours or weekends).

https://www.umwestern.edu/section/health-advisories/

We wanted to let you know of a few items as you return from Spring Break.

First, we want to clarify the new course schedule for Blocks 7 and 8.

Block 7 Dates:

• Start: March 23
• End: April 10

Block Break:

• April 11-14

Block 8 Dates:

• Start: April 15
• End: May 6

Stringer online courses will resume next week. If you have a stringer face-to-face course (will transition to a remote course) that meets once a week, the course will resume the week of March 23.

Please check your university email every day for updates and communication with your instructor.

Next, we want to give you instructions should you feel ill upon your return from spring break. 

Upon your return from spring break, if you become ill and are in the Dillon area:

• If you have visited an area with a travel advisory that had a Travel Advisory Level 4 at any point during your travels, please immediately notify UMW Dean of Students, Nicole Hazelbaker, by calling 406-683-7900 during regular business hours or after hours by calling 406-925-9782 for further instruction.

• If you visited an area affected by COVID-19 and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, within 14 days after you left, please call your health clinic or other provider immediately to discuss your illness and plan for how you will be seen. Do not go directly to your clinic or other healthcare provider without calling first.

If you become ill wherever you are:

• If you visited an area affected by COVID-19 and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, within 14 days after you left, please call your health clinic or other provider immediately to discuss your illness and plan for how you will be seen. Do not go directly to your clinic or other healthcare provider without calling first.
• Avoid contact with others.
• Do not return to class or work.
• Do not travel on public transportation.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to avoid spreading the virus to others.
• Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
• If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol.
• Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

We also want to let you know how to pick up your text books for blocks 7 and 8.

Step 1: Pre order your books

• Online https://bookstore.umwestern.edu/ (if text is available for rent please call or email)
• Call 406-683-7283 or 406-683-7282 (if leaving message please leave first and last name and phone number)
• Email [email protected].

Step 2: Pay for books

• Card
• Bookstore authorization (putting money on Bulldog Card)
• Third party
• Residence Life will also take card payment for students living in dorms

Step 3: Bookstore packages books

Step 4: Get your text books

• Pick up at Bookstore
• Delivered to Residence Life if living in dorms
• Mailed to your residence (added cost for shipping and handling)

The Bookstore will be open during our regular hours next week March 16–March 20 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday – Friday). If you have any questions, please call 406-683-7283.

Commencement:

We haven’t made a decision yet if we will be holding commencement ceremonies this spring. We will keep you posted on our decision very soon.

For more information:

Online:

Please visit our health advisories webpage for the latest updates, COVID-19 FAQ and more: https://www.umwestern.edu/section/health-advisories/

Phone:

For questions from students or their families call: 406-683-7900
For questions from employees call: 406-683-7031
For questions from faculty call: 406-683-7115

Thank you for your flexibility, understanding, and patience as we work together to manage the challenges of COVID-19. Remember the best defense against any virus is good hand-washing and respiratory hygiene. Please help us keep our campus safe: Cover your Cough, Stay Home if you’re sick and Wash Your Hands. As the CDC notes, everyone has a role to play in getting ready and staying healthy.