Transition to Remote Delivery of Courses
To: Montana Board of Regents; Montana University System Chief Executive Officers; Montana
Community College Presidents; Governor Steve Bullock
From: Clayton T. Christian, Commissioner of Higher Education
Date: March 12, 2020
Subject: COVID-19 UPDATE
In partnership with the Board of Regents and as Commissioner of Higher Education for
the Montana University System, the health and safety of our campus communities remains
our top priority. With that in mind, and in light of the rapidly evolving challenge
presented by the COVID-19 outbreak, I am directing all MUS campuses to implement the
following decisions as soon as possible:
- As of March 23rd, all MUS campuses will, in every instance possible, transition all
in-class instruction to online or other remote teaching modalities that do not require
in-class presence. Individual departments, colleges, and universities should provide all material assistance
and accommodation possible to faculty and students throughout this transition.
- MUS campuses will remain open and operational for students. This includes residence halls, dining services, computer labs, and most other campus
services. Employees will continue to report to work unless instructed otherwise or
work-from-home accommodations are developed in individual cases.
- To protect public health, MUS campuses will implement appropriate social distancing measures in line with CDC
guidelines and recommendations. This should include restrictions on large lectures, theater performances, academic
conferences, and other large gatherings.
- All MUS students and employees need to monitor their official email address for more communications and planning details between now and March 23rd.
These decisions are in effect until further notice. Our COVID-19 challenge remains
fluid, however, and as our campus communities prepare for Spring Break, it is our
responsibility to establish the current course of action while also preparing for
new circumstances as they emerge. If and when we consider a return to face- to-face
instruction we will provide as much advance notice as possible and clear instructions
for an orderly return to normal operations. Throughout, my office will continue to
consult with Governor Steve Bullock, the Montana University System Board of Regents,
health authorities, and other statewide partners as we assess our current policies.
I ask that every campus leader be ready to answer questions and provide relevant information
in a timely manner to students, faculty, and staff.
I do not take these decisions lightly. I am committed to supporting the educational progress of our students and minimizing disruption to campus life whenever possible. I believe that the course of action outlined above is the best way to balance our commitment to protect the public health and safety of our students, employees, and communities.
Clayton T. Christian
Commissioner of Higher Education