COVID-19 FAQs

UM transitions to remote instruction March 23 for the rest of the spring semester

With the health and safety of our campus communities as the top priority, and in light of the rapidly evolving challenge presented by the COVID-19 outbreak, the Montana Commissioner of Higher Education directed all MUS campuses to implement the following decisions as soon as possible:

  1. As of March 23, 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. All MUS students and employees need to monitor their official email address for more communications and planning details between now and March 23.

 

These decisions are in effect until the end of the spring semester, May 8, 2020.

 

The residence halls, Lewis and Clark Village and University Villages are open and serving students. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions. Please understand this situation continues to evolve and this page will be updated as necessary. Also, please note the all existing policies outlined in the housing contract, the 2019-2020 Student Handbook, as well as the Student Conduct Code continue to apply.

FAQs

The RAs and Area Coordinators will still be around and the Area Desks will be open. What programming looks like going forward will change a little, but the RAs will continue to support their communities while striking a balance with social distancing. They will still be available if you have questions or need guidance.

You are more than welcome to stay in your room while you complete your online or remote classes. Campus remains open and operational including: the residence halls, dining services, computer labs, the library, campus recreation, and most other campus services. You do not need to move out of your residence hall room.

At this time, this is unknown. The rest of the spring semester will be conducted remotely. Students should monitor their official email address for any updates going forward.

At this time, campus is open and operational, including the residence halls. UM Housing is following general operating procedures so if students choose to go home and not return to their residence hall during the semester refunds will not be given.

Students will continue to be held to the terms of their housing contract unless they are granted a release through the regular process. Students may request a UM Housing Contract Release Request Form and submit it to the UM Housing Office. This request must include:

  • the completed form
  • a letter from the student explaining why they should be released from the requirement
  • any additional documentation supporting the student's request

There is no need to move your things out now. Your room is yours until the end of the semester.

At this time, the University intends for the residence halls to maintain normal operations for the remainder of the semester. If guidance from state or federal officials necessitates an operational change, updates will be shared with all residents and UM Housing will work with students as needed to address individual situations. It is important to monitor your official email address to get updated communications concerning UM’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

If you checkout of the residence halls, you need to update your mailing address in Cyberbear so we can forward your mail. Any mail or packages remaining in the hall after semester closing will be forwarded to the mailing address in Cyberbear or returned to sender following standard procedures.

At this time the fee for unauthorized or improper checkouts will not be assessed. However, to avoid additional charges, be sure to turn in your mailbox key and access card if you decide to checkout and will not be returning to the residence halls. Residents will still be responsible for excess cleaning or room damage charges.

This is a personal decision that students must make on their own. If a student should decide to return home and not take their belongings, they will need to return to campus and retrieve their belongings and clean out their room by no later than noon, Saturday, May 9.

University Villages are open and serving students. Because operations are not changing at this time, students will be required to submit a 30-day vacate notice by completing the form online.

Lewis and Clark Villages are open and serving students. Because operations are not changing at this time, students will be required to submit a 60-day vacate notice by completing the form online.