Montana State University-Northern continues to work through coronavirus pandemic

Montana State University-Northern said in a release Tuesday that many students have made alternate living arrangements and are not returning to the university’s dormitories while it moves to online education during the novel coronavirus 2019 pandemic.

About 40 students have opted to remain in the residence halls, and the university is providing single rooms as requested and supporting them with essential services, the release said, adding that the university thanks students who have made the decision to make alternate living arrangements, as this minimizes the potential exposure to the virus for everyone. 

The Montana University System is currently working through the details and the processes for students to apply for a pro-rated refund for their room and board.

The release said Northern will remain online-only for the duration of the spring semester, and is looking ahead to the summer term.

“We remain cognizant of the very fluid global situation, and we will make decisions about how to conduct courses that safeguard the well-being of our students, faculty and staff,” the release said. “Students are encouraged to stay in contact with their academic advisors as they begin the process of registering for summer and fall classes.”

The university’s Office of Teaching and Learning Excellence has been working to help the faculty design their lectures and labs in a format that can be delivered online. 

“Our faculty worked diligently over spring break to ensure that their new online formats would meet their learning objectives and provide the student with a high quality educational experience,” the release said.