Northern updates re-opening plans

Montana State University-Northern announced Friday it has adjusted its residence halls and some buildings rules and added in some safety systems due to COVID-19 in is plans for re-opening this fall.

“We cannot anticipate every circumstance, but we are ready to face whatever comes next,” Chancellor Greg Kegel said in his online newsletter update Friday.

The fall semester begins Monday, Aug. 31, and runs through Tuesday, Dec. 8.

Most students in the residence halls will be living in single rooms.

Morgan Hall will be limited to no more than 20 students per floor and Mackenzie Hall is limited to no more than 15 per floor, plus a resident assistant on each floor.

No visitors will be allowed during the fall semester in the residence halls.

Common areas will be cleaned daily and sanitizing stations will be available.

Daily deep cleanings of common areas will be conducted and sanitizing stations will be available.

The main kitchen will still be available, but the lounges are closed, as well as the lower level of the Student Union Ballroom and the weight room will be closed to the public.

The dining room will be open for to-go meals only and no self-serve stations will be available.

Facemasks are required when on campus indoors or in some gatherings outdoors.

Kegel’s update said:

“Face coverings are required indoors at all times, except:

“• When a student is required to wear alternate or additional personal protective equipment that covers the nose and mouth, as designated by area-specific safety protocols — lab or shop settings, etc,

“ • When alone or with their assigned roommate in designated residence hall room or within own apartment in student family housing;

“• When eating or drinking in a situation where social distancing is practiced;

“• Or when approved for accommodation through MSU-N Accessibility Services”

Facemasks are only required outside if social distancing of 6 feet or more cannot take place or in any gatherings of 50 more people.

“I am very proud of our MSU-N community’s commitment to making this year a safe and healthy one, so that we can continue to meet our mission and give our students an excellent academic experience,” Kegel said in the update. “We understand that while change is never easy, we value one another and will protect one another’s health.

“Safety First Northern.”

For more information visit MSU-N’s website at https://www.msun.edu .