Coronavirus Information

IMPORTANT:  Please read the guidance below on your return from spring break before returning to campus

Dear Campus Community,

We hope you find time to refresh and rest over spring break, despite the shadow of COVID-19.

With the transition to online course delivery throughout the MUS, we expect many of you will choose to stay home and finish the semester remotely. However, there are a limited number of courses that require students to be present.

If you do plan to return, please make time to carefully review your emails and familiarize yourself with the precautions below before returning to campus:

  • If you believe you were in contact with someone who has confirmed COVID-19 or who is being tested for COVID-19, please contact your local city-county health department to learn about possible precautions before returning to campus.
  • If you are returning from a country with a Center for Disease Control Travel Health Notice Level 3 (this currently includes China, South Korea, Iran, and all of Europe), please contact your city-county health department to learn about possible precautions before returning to campus.
  • Anyone who visited an area affected by COVID-19 and who feels sick with fever, cough or difficulty breathing within 14 days of their return is asked to call their campus health clinic immediately.
    • Please call the clinic first to make arrangements to be seen without exposing others.
    • Avoid contact with others and stay home from work or class.
  • Please note that if you are required to self-quarantine, you will not be able to do so on campus. Contact your campus’ housing services office for assistance with coordinating off-campus housing.
  • Please check your university email frequently for updates and review our Montana University System FAQ.

We ask all students, faculty and staff to stay home if you’re sick. Faculty have been asked to work with you to help make up lost class time and coursework.

Remember that you are our best defense against COVID-19. We must all make it our personal responsibility to curb COVID-19 by following these prevention practices:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol.

As the COVID-19 situation ramps up, we encourage you to focus on your work and studies while staying informed and following prevention guidelines.

And remember to take care of yourself: Get enough sleep, exercise, eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water.

We are taking unprecedented measures in unprecedented times, and we appreciate your flexibility as we work to maintain our commitment to academic excellence while curbing the spread of COVID-19.

Thank you for helping us protect your campus and our Montana communities.

Five things to know about the Montana University System response to COVID-19

  • Spring semester 2020 is continuing. The change is that the vast majority of our coursework across the system will be delivered remotely.
  • Many students will choose to complete their coursework remotely from home and will not return immediately to campus after spring break. Your faculty and campus administration will reach out to you on arrangements for your classes as soon as possible. Your faculty and campus administration will reach out to you on arrangements for your classes as soon as possible.
  • Campus services such as residence halls, dining services and computer labs will remain open and operational.
  • Students, faculty and staff should check their official university email account frequently for communications from their instructors and campus administrations.

 

For additional coronavirus updates please visit:

US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
World Health Organization
Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)
US State Department Travel Advisories

 

Printable version of Spring Break Travel Guidelines