Chancellor gives update on Northern

Montana State University-Northern Chancellor Greg Kegel issued an update today on the status of Northern:

Dear Campus Community:

The MSU-Northern COVID-19 leadership team met this morning and reviewed the Governor’s Stay at Home/Shelter in Place directive.  At this time, MSU-Northern does not need to put any additional restrictions in place.  Education is considered an essential service, and our campus has already taken aggressive steps in regarding social distancing and sanitization. I will remind everyone who is still working on campus in an essential capacity to remain vigilant about sanitizing, maintaining a 6-foot distance from other people, and limiting face to face contact to a minimum. I appreciate your efforts.

In regards to students still in the residence halls, we ask that you also be extremely vigilant to minimize exposure. Please adhere to the governor’s Stay at Home/Shelter in Place mandate and do not invite guests into the residence halls for the remainder of the semester. Our residence life and food service appreciate your consideration of their health, as well as your own.

Our various departments have been in constant contact with the other campuses in the MUS system, and I am pleased to report that MSU-Northern is doing a tremendous job of adapting and meeting the various needs as the situation changes.  I want commend everyone for all of the extra work you have been doing to make sure our campus is as safe as we can make it, and our students can finish the semester well.

The provost and deans will be reviewing a proposed pass/fail grading option for the semester.  They are cognizant of the impact this may have on students’ financial aid, athletic eligibility, and GPA course requirements. We hope to have a decision early next week.

The well-being of our campus community is MSU-Northern’s more important priority, followed closely by the academic success of our students; we must be well in order to teach and learn. If you are feeling ill with flu-like symptoms (sore throat, cough, fever, difficulty breathing, etc.), call the flu clinic at 406-262-1570. You will then be directed on how to proceed.

Keep up the good work and stay safe, Northern.

Sincerely,

Greg Kegel, Chancellor

MSU-Northern