May 15, 2020

Dear UM family,

Yesterday, Montana Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian provided guidance for a healthy return to learn for fall 2020. To help reduce the risk of infection by the COVID-19 virus, all MUS campuses are encouraged to plan an academic calendar that allows for the completion of the fall semester by Wednesday, Nov. 25 — the start of our traditional Thanksgiving break.

In ending the semester earlier than usual, we will need to start the semester early as well. We have a group of academic, student success and University leaders working diligently to design the instructional calendar and all accompanying events to ensure we meet the needs of our students, faculty and staff. Rest assured the group is wide-ranging, broad of scope and narrow in focus. They will work to protect the health and safety of our campus community while still ensuring we are able to provide a tomorrow-proof education for our students.

This group will work over the next few days to design our fall calendar, and we will have an announcement soon.

Again, thank you for all you are doing to adapt to serving our students and their families. We all deeply appreciate your efforts. 

Stay well,
Seth