Chancellor's Update: Northern is making gains

Dear Northern,

When I step back and look at all the things we have accomplished this semester, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, I can say with confidence that despite it all, we are making gains. We’ve seen our staff and faculty step up to the plate to provide our students with the quality education they’ve come to expect from us, all while handling the challenges of this unique semester.

Despite those challenges, we’ve been able to keep classes on campus, and I couldn’t be prouder of the effort our campus has made to keep everyone safe.  However, I want to remind everyone that we are in the fourth quarter and we need to tighten our belts so we can finish these last few weeks successfully. Don’t let your guard down. I need everyone’s help to ensure that we stay safe through the end of the semester, through the coming holiday breaks and to the end of the school year. Keep wearing your mask and keeping your distance whenever possible.

Along with safety, we carry another important charge: the privacy of our campus community. To protect the rights to privacy that our community members deserve, I would like to send the reminder that MSU-Northern will not be providing any information or details in regards to any personal, physical, or health related information on any student, faculty or staff.

We continue to work closely with our local and state health officials and health care providers to ensure that our plans meet or exceed all CDC and local public health guidelines. As such, the procedures we have put in place further contribute to the safe environment of our campus.

For example, when a student tests positive or needs to be placed in quarantine, we have planned the following procedures:

• The affected student will receive a phone call from the dean of students who will check in with them, talk them through the quarantine or isolation process, and inform them of available supports;

• The student will be assigned an academic support specialist who will check in regularly with regard to their transition to online learning, as well as ensuring that they have the resources they need to be successful (access to internet, have connected with faculty, etc.);

• If a student needs a laptop, one will be provided to them during their quarantine;

• Students who live in campus housing will be placed on a food delivery list and will receive three meals a day delivered to their residence hall room.

Additionally, faculty members are paying close attention to every student’s progress and providing early alerts to our student support team when necessary. This team then follows up with affected students to ensure they do not fall behind in their academic progress. This and other safeguards we have in place will ensure a successful semester for all of our students.

Everyone at MSU-Northern is working together to keep classes on campus and in-person all year. I am proud of the efforts we have made so far, and I know that we will continue to make gains!

Stay safe Northern,

——

Greg Kegel

Chancellor, Montana State University-Northern