Dear colleagues,

The Office of the Provost is working with the COVID Response Team, Instructional Planning Group, and others to share information about preparations for fall instruction. Below you’ll find the weekly update on planning for fall 2021.

Update of August 9, 2021: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Forthcoming

The guidance released by the Centers for Disease Control two weeks ago has prompted many questions and concerns about the return to in-person instruction this fall. The COVID Response Team and others are working hard to develop a FAQ document to provide comprehensive guidance to the campus community. Expect this FAQ to be shared by the COVID Response Team via campus communication later this week.

Please be advised that the guidance provided in these updates may change or appear to be contradictory from week to week; we’ll always base the information we provide on the most current guidance from the Missoula City-County Health Department (MCCHD) and CDC. In addition to these email updates, please visit the UM Coronavirus website for updated information. For the official guidance on instruction, please visit the Deliver Quality Instruction portion of the COVID Operations Plan for 2021.

UM is committed to offering face-to-face instruction this fall. Students are expecting in-person learning. Thank you in advance for not making last-minute changes to your instructional methods for fall. The following risk mitigation measures are in place to support instruction:

• Mask-wearing recommended: The recommendation that UM employees, students, and visitors voluntarily wear masks indoors – regardless of vaccination status.
• Testing available: COVID testing is available for UM students at Curry Health Center, and for UM employees at the Missoula County testing center or through your personal care provider.
• Vaccines available: The Health Service Pharmacy, located in UM’s Curry Health Center, offers free vaccinations for anyone, on a walk-in basis, during regular business hours. You can also schedule a vaccine appointment via the Missoula City/County Joint Information Center: Get Vaccinated.

We acknowledge that there are still many variables at play in the health trends and recommended practices in our state, region and country. We will continue to work closely with public health officials to monitor the situation and adjust as needed.

Sincerely,

Reed Humphrey, Acting Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs 

This message was sent by the Office of the Provost to all UM staff, faculty, and administrators.