Northern ends mask requirement on campus

Montana State University-Northern announced last week that the university will no longer require masks on campus.

In a campuswide email, Northern Dean of Students Corey Kopp, also the convener of Northern’s COVID Leadership Team, said after Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian issued an update sunsetting Montana University System’s COVID planning guidelines and Northern Chancellor Greg Kegel consulted with the university COVID Leadership and Executive teams, Kegel determined that Northern will no longer require mask use on campus, effective immediately.

While masks are no longer required, people wishing to continue mask use are welcomed and encouraged to do so voluntarily, as they see fit, Copp said. Signage requiring mask use should be removed throughout campus.

For students living on campus, isolation or quarantine housing will be available if students are exposed to COVID-19. The campus will also coordinate with local public health authorities when planning and hosting large events.

“As we are comfortable and able to do in the coming weeks and months, some requirements may be relaxed or removed altogether while others may remain in place through the summer months and into the fall,” Kopp said in the email. “We will share additional updates to campus requirements as decisions are made. Until that time, all other requirements — social distancing, occupancy limits, etc.— remain in place. 

“Please continue to recognize your role in creating safe, healthy, and comfortable spaces on campus and continue to look out for one another,” Kopp added.

May and full summer sessions began at MSU-Northern in Havre May 17. The May session will end June 4 with the first half summer session starting June 7. This session will end July 9 and the second half summer session will start July 12, lasting through Aug. 13.

Northern’s Fall 2021 Welcome Day is scheduled for Aug. 20 through Aug. 22. Fall classes will start Aug. 23.

MUS ends mask requirement, vaccinations encouraged

The memo from Christian said the university system will no longer have a system-level mask requirement.

“Campuses will, on their own or with state and local health care providers, ensure that symptomatic individuals have continued access to COVID-19 testing. Campuses will support local public health authorities if and when contact tracing is necessary,” the memo said.

The university will not require vaccinations, but they are encouraged.

“Campuses will continue to raise awareness about the importance of our COVID-19 vaccination effort and promote access to COVID-19 vaccines, including the use of incentive programs and/or vaccination events when practical,” the memo said.

The memo noted that International travel remains limited, with campuses to rely on travel guidance from federal public health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control.

International travel to CDC ‘Level 4’ countries remains prohibited and travel to CDC ‘Level 3’ countries is strongly discouraged and may only be approved through petition and after approval by a campus travel review committee and cabinet level leadership, the memo said.

People returning to MUS campuses should refer to CDC guidelines concerning testing after international travel and self-monitoring for symptoms, it said.

“As we turn toward the summer season, I would like to once again express my gratitude for your leadership and service, and congratulate you and your entire campus community on the successful completion of an academic year unlike any other in the history of the Montana University System,” Christian said in the memo.