Dear MSU Community,

At your university, Montana State, we are in the final stages of preparing campus for the beginning of classes on Aug. 17. New preventative measures will be implemented: We will distribute our Clean 'Cat Kits; we will wear our face masks; signage and new practices will encourage hygiene, sanitization and social distancing; classrooms, office and labs will be adapted accordingly; and, in order to foster less density in buildings, almost every class schedule will include a remote portion. Importantly, every student support service -- such as health, counseling, advising and many others -- will be available via different modalities, including in person, over the phone and electronically.

I appreciate the hard work of many people in this endeavor. Our individual collaboration will be the best way to show our gratitude for their hard work, and it will largely contribute to the success of these preventative measures.

To help our new and continuing students navigate this adapted campus, MSU will host a webinar for new and continuing students as well as parents on Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. This webinar will be a panel discussion featuring experts from across the university, including:

  • Sam Mitchell, the chief medical officer of University Health Partners
  • Betsy Asserson, director of Counseling and Psychological Services
  • Beth Burroughs, head of the Department of Mathematical Sciences
  • Matt Caires, dean of students
  • Jeff Bondy, director of Residence Life
  • Tracy Ellig, vice president of Communications

Among other topics, the webinar will cover:

  • The rationale behind social distancing and facemasks that can help reduce the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus.
  • Considerations for mental health during a time of crisis and support the university can provide to students.
  • What learning will be like in MSU's classrooms and online.
  • Being a good Bozeman neighbor, a good citizen and how MSU's student conduct policies apply.
  • Changes to the residence and dining halls for fall.

This is an excellent opportunity for you to hear about the many things your university has been doing to reduce the risk to our campus community from COVID-19 this fall semester and to have some of your questions answered.

We expect a big turnout for this event and are taking questions in advance to make the best use of the time with you and the other participants. You can submit a question ahead of time by clicking on this link.

And you can find the live event by clicking here on Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

While we are tailoring this presentation toward students and parents, who we expect will comprise the majority of the attendees, any faculty or staff who wish to join us are welcome.

Also, you can find a wealth of information about the university's response to the COVID-19 pandemic on our website at montana.edu/coronavirus.

Here's wishing you and your families a safe and healthy end of summer, and I look forward to seeing you in just a couple of weeks.

Sincerely,

Waded Cruzado
President, Montana State University