CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) INFORMATION

5/27/2020

Employee Update

Dear Staff and Faculty Colleagues,

Thank you for your continued cooperation and dedication to the University, albeit from afar.

As you may be aware, we anticipate to be transitioning from Phase I to Phase II of Governor Bullock’s Directives, on June 1. While we make this transition, we also realize that the Directives of Phase I are not replaced by those of Phase II, nor do the guidelines within Phase I no longer apply. Given that we are still called to “permit telework as much as possible and where feasible,” the Task Force has recommended we continue to keep campus closed at this time; however, to remind all stakeholders that requesting individual access is still permissible.

Pending any changes to our protocols driven by the state government, individual requests for access to offices or other university spaces should continue to follow the protocols already in place:

1. Requests for individual access should be made via an email to Fr. Oliver specifying the reason for the request of access, the times of access and egress, and the spaces to be visited.
2. By way of approval, he will forward the request to Security and Facilities.
3. Following your egress, Facilities personnel will thoroughly sanitize the spaces you accessed.

Thank you for your continued patience in this trying time. Please rest assured that while these restrictions may seem pointless, they are established based on the Governor’s Directives in the interest of the health and safety of the University of Providence community.

Thank you.

Matt

Matthew A. Redinger
Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of History
The University of Providence

5/8/2020

Employee Update

Dear Staff and Faculty Colleagues,

Thank you for participating in the Request to Temporarily Access Offices survey we sent out to gauge your interest in, and need for, access to offices and other campus spaces within the confines of Governor Bullock’s Phase 1 Directives. We appreciate the time and energy you spend in responding, and we need to make it clear first and foremost, that we hear you and appreciate your perspectives. We are, indeed, sensitive to the disruption this pivot to remote working has been, and sincerely appreciate everything you have done to keep this “ship of state” afloat.

The governor’s announcement yesterday did not greatly expand our ability to change our protocols for staff and faculty access to their offices. Pending any changes to our protocols driven by the state government, individual requests for access to offices or other university spaces should follow the protocols already in place:

1. Requests for individual access should be made via an email to Fr. Oliver specifying the reason for the request of access, the times of access and egress, and the spaces to be visited.
2. By way of approval, he will forward the request to Security and Facilities.
3. Following your egress, Facilities personnel will thoroughly sanitize the spaces you accessed.

Thank you for your patience in this trying time. Please rest assured that while these restrictions may seem pointless, they are established based on the governor’s directives in the interest of the health and safety of the University of Providence community.

Thank you.

Matt
Matthew A. Redinger
Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of History

5/1/2020

Community Update

Dear Friends –

While we cannot be together, physically, to celebrate with our students – please enjoy a presentation and celebration which is posted on the University website. Thank you to each of you who helped make this celebration possible.

Please find a virtual celebration posted on the University of Providence webpage to honor our graduates. Included on this page is the ‘traditional’ commencement content such as: commencement program, commencement address, blessing, ringing of the bell, an athletics year-in-review, and the singing of our Alma Mater.

Thank you for the many efforts shown this academic year; it has made us a better, stronger community.

Sincerely,

Registrar’s Office

4/29/2020

Student Update

Dear Students,

The University of Providence has received Higher Education Emergency Relief Grant funding from the Department of Education as part of the CARES Act. This funding is available to qualifying students for assistance with expenses that have been incurred due to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please review the full details on the provided CARES Act FAQ document. After review and confirmation of eligibility, should you decide to apply, please do so by completing the CARES Act Funding Application. The application deadline, to be considered for financial relief, is May 15, 2020.

Sincerely,
Coronavirus Task Force

4/29/2020

Employee Update

Dear Friends,

As previous communication has indicated, the University Coronavirus Task Force has been assessing the circumstances of re-opening campus given the directives of Governor Bullock.

After discussion and review, it has been determined that the University campus will remain closed at this time. During our campus closure, should an emergent need to access a building on campus arise, continue to follow the current practice of making the request through your direct Vice President.

While we remain closed and business continues remotely, we would like to hear from our campus personnel, as to their specific needs for building access, if any. If you will please take a few minutes to complete a short survey so that we can hear of your individual needs to accessing campus resources, it would be appreciated.

We realize that there is much fluidity to our situation and while campus remains closed at this time, this decision could change. The Task Force will continue to monitor re-opening campus on an on-going basis.

Sincerely,
Coronavirus Task Force

4/23/2020

Employee Update

Dear Friends,

As you may be aware, Governor Bullock announced yesterday, a phased approach to ‘re-opening Montana.’ In this effort, the University too, is considering our approach to re-opening campus. This approach will be done in a very intentional manner, as we must continue in our effort to protect the campus community, and the greater Great Falls community as well.

For the week of April 27, please continue your remote work, as you are currently doing.

We intend to have sub-groups working between now and next week to review the Governor’s directives. We are working to establish institutional directives (from those given by the Governor), and to allow each campus department and all campus employees the opportunity to provide input into our plan for re-opening campus. We can take great pride in our effort to move to remote work, and so too, should we take great care and concern for our return to campus. A full plan for re-opening campus will be provided no later than Friday, May 1, 2020.

Sincerely,
Coronavirus Task Force

4/22/2020

Commencement Update

Dear Graduates,

You should be receiving a package from the University in the coming days. Included in this package, is your diploma cover – be sure to open the diploma cover to read an important message from the university. Included as well are the following, if applicable: honor cords, veteran cords, nursing pin and message of blessing of the hands, master/graduate level hoods, master of science in counseling pin, and baccalaureate mass pins and accompanying message. We are preparing to launch a virtual celebration for the class of 2020. This celebration will include: a virtual commencement program, short videos of traditional commencement speakers, as well as recognition of special award recipients and outstanding students in a major.

We are asking that you please share a photo or short video to any of the following media: the University of Providence Facebook page, Instagram feed, or to marketing@uprovidence.edu. We would love to see you in your cap and gown, your decorated graduation cap, or celebrating with friends and family. Nurses and Counseling students, we would be grateful to receive a photo of you being ‘pinned.’ For Facebook and Instagram posts, please use the tag #UPROVGRAD2020 or #UProvidence. We look forward to having something to share with you virtually, by May 2, 2020 – our originally scheduled day of commencement. In order to meet this timeline, please send your photos or short video messages by Tuesday, April 28, 2020.

 

Thank you,
Registrar’s Office

4/22/2020

Faculty / Staff Commencement Update

 

Dear Faculty and Staff –

The class of 2020 has been mailed diploma covers, honor cords, hoods (for graduate students), and pins as well as additional messages as applicable. Included in the diploma cover was a notice to the class of 2020, informing them that a virtual Commencement Celebration will be taking place. Graduates have been asked to share a photo or short video, which will be captured through the use of several platforms. We would like to extend to faculty and staff, the option of submitting photos (messages in your photo if desired) or very short videos (no more than 10 seconds in length) of you voicing your support of the Class of 2020 to be included in the virtual celebration. Please capture your photo (.jpg only, please) or video (.mp4 only, please) and upload it to the UP Employees Team Site.  The hope is to be able to share the Celebration online, by May 2, 2020 – the originally scheduled day of commencement. In order to meet this timeline, we are asking that everyone send their photos or short video messages by Tuesday April 28, 2020.

 

Thank you,
Registrar’s Office

4/3/2020

Employee Update

Dear Friends,

An announcement from our Chief Technology Officer, Jamie Schultz.

As we’ve now had some time to adjust to working remotely, it may have been discovered that there are new or additional technology needs. The ServiceDesk has had multiple requests for items such as webcams and keyboards, discovered only by the trial and error of working remotely.

We would like to offer an opportunity for our campus community to notify us of any newly discovered technology needs, so that we can try to accommodate your new work environment. While we cannot guarantee we will be able to meet the request, we would like to try. Given limited equipment, we would appreciate requests which are crucial to the ability to do your work.

Please email servicedesk@uprovidence.edu no later than Monday, April 6, 2020, by 12:00pm (noon) with any technology request(s). Requests may include (but are not limited to):

• Monitor/screen
• Keyboard
• Webcam
• Headset
• Laptop
• Cable / Adaptor

Once all requests have been submitted, we will then try to gather and itemize requests and will accommodate as we are able.

We anticipate to have a scheduled pick-up date early next week. Full details on days, times, and the process (to abide by the directive of social distancing) in order to keep our campus community members safe, will be shared early next week as well.

Sincerely,
Jamie Schultz, CTO
On behalf of the Information ServiceDesk

Update: 4/2/2020

Employee Information

Dear Friends,

We hope this message finds you healthy, safe, and well. A few updates from the Coronavirus Task Force.

Update from our Chief Technology Officer, Jamie Schultz:
Due to the variability of internet speeds when working from home, I.S. recommends you don’t use your webcam unless necessary during Teams and Skype Meetings. Even with a good connection, trying to stream more than three live cameras can create instability in yours and others internet connections and result in choppy or dropped calls. Please keep in mind, just because you have a strong internet connection doesn’t mean others do. Even though you aren’t experiencing issues you could be causing others to have a poor experience. 

A few helpful tips-

• Only use your camera when speaking, turn off when not speaking
• Mute microphone while not speaking, only unmute to speak
• Should you have a question, start video and raise your hand
• Utilize the chat feature when in larger group meetings

Update from Director of Human Resources, Kila Shepherd:
All managers/supervisors, by Friday, April 3^rd and then as updates occur, please email Kila Shepherd the following information on any employee who is not working remotely or on campus:

• Name
• Start and end date (start date should be no earlier than 04.01.2020)
• Reason from this list:
  1. Unable to work remotely during Governor Bullock’s directive to stay at home
  2. Subject to a government quarantine
  3. Advised by a medical provider to quarantine
  4. Symptomatic and going in for testing
  5. Caring for an individual who is quarantined
  6. To care for a son/daughter who is under 18 and subject to a school or daycare closure
• Any notes/comments

There is no need to report regular sick, vacation, or personal days any differently. If the reason for not working is not listed above, please report hours as normal.

Sincerely,
Coronavirus Task Force

Update: 3/31/2020

Withdrawal Date Extension

Dear Students,

We understand that COVID-19 has presented unique challenges while transitioning to online instruction and learning. In response to this unprecedented crisis, the University of Providence has extended the withdrawal deadline, and has waived the WP/WF period for the spring 2020 semester.

We are here to support students throughout this transition and urge you to connect with faculty and to speak with student support services representatives to discuss your options as you navigate this change.

A summary of policy change impacts:

• Immediately extends the original withdrawal date to April 24th, to allow students time to adjust to an online environment and evaluate options with advisors / success counselors and instructors.
• All withdrawals through April 24th will be noted as a grade of “W” on the academic record (transcript).
• There will be no timeframe for which a withdrawal from the spring 2020 semester will result in a grade of WP or WF.
• The “W” grade will not result in negative effects on academic progress, academic probation, semester or cumulative GPA, or ability to repeat a course(s).
• The “W” grade will have no negative effect on already posted Federal Financial Aid (and correlation to Satisfactory Academic Progress)
• The extension of the withdrawal timeframe has no impact on the previous communication sent regarding the “S/D/F” grade mode option.
• Beginning April 25^th, withdrawals from the spring 2020 semester will not be processed. Should a student have an extenuating circumstance where a special consideration may be necessary, please contact provost@uprovidence.edu. These cases will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

We continue to adapt as challenges arise, and will continue to make efforts necessary to support our faculty, staff, and students.

Sincerely,
Coronavirus Task Force

Update: 3/27/2020

Employee Update

Dear Friends,

As you may be aware Governor Bullock has issued a stay-at-home directive to go into effect at 12:01am, Saturday. The Task Force has discussed the impact of this directive, and feels that in order to both comply with the directive, and to protect our campus community, the University will close all buildings and asks all employees to *work remotely for a period of two weeks. Within two weeks, we will reassess the state of the ongoing threat, and will communicate later decisions as they are made.

• Buildings will close at 5:00pm on Friday, March 27
• Limited access to buildings will be permitted between 5:01pm, Friday, March 27 and 5:00pm, Monday, March 30, for the following reason only:
  • • Retrieving items from offices essential to carry out job functions
    • Should you need access to buildings and offices in order to gather essential items, please contact Security 30 minutes in advance, by calling 406-791-5911.

  The University is working with mail carriers to ensure that the University mail is held for the two week period. At the conclusion of the two week closure, the Task Force will reassess our situation and provide additional details regarding the status of our closure and future re-opening. Signage will be posted on each building throughout campus, providing guidance of the building closure and will note contact information during our remote work period.

  Security and Physical Plant staff will continue to provide services to the University during this time of building closure. Thank you to these departments for the sacrifices being made to protect our University. We pray for your health and safety.

  Important Update
  Please click here to review documentation on employee rights under Families First Coronavirus Response Act

  Sincerely,
  Coronavirus Task Force

3/27/2020

Employee Update

An important reminder that timesheets are due no later than 9:30am, Monday, March 30, 2020, and Supervisor’s must approve timesheets no later than 12:30pm, Monday, March 30, 2020.
 
If your work hours have been effected by COVID-19, please see the Time Entry Guidelines regarding leave codes and contact HR with any questions about your eligibility for using them.

Kila Shepherd  406-791-5977  kila.shepherd@uprovidence.edu
Melanie Houge  406-791-5976  melanie.houge@uprovidence.edu

Please be aware of all responsibilities associated with time sheet entry, both as a supervisor and as an employee. It is critical that time sheet entry be both timely, and accurate. These are a few things we need you to pay attention to in order to make sure that payroll processing goes smoothly:

• Non-Exempt 40 hours of Regular Pay per week. (Regular Pay includes vacation and sick time hours.)  If you are taking leave during the week, you cannot have over 40 hours in any combination – and overtime pay cannot be paid when leave is taken during the week
• Non-Exempt Any overtime hours MUST be approved by your supervisor prior to working them.
• Exempt Only report leave time in 8-hour increments.
• EVERYONE:  Please add an Outlook calendar reminder to prompt timely submission of time sheets.
• EVERYONE:  New Leave codes have been setup in ArgoExpress for Paid Administrative Leave, Emergency Sick Leave, and EFMLEA 67% (Families First Coronavirus Response Act). Please see the Time Entry Guidelines for additional details on use of these specific leave codes.

Sincerely,
Jillian Ehnot |  Controller
UNIVERSITY OF PROVIDENCE

3/27/2020

Faculty Memo

Dear Faculty Colleagues,

The President’s COVID-19 Taskforce decided today that in the interest of the health and safety of the entire university community, the campus will be closed to faculty by 5:00 PM on Monday, March 30. Within two weeks, we will reassess the state of the ongoing threat, and I will communicate later decisions as they are made. All faculty need to retrieve from their campus offices all of the materials they will need to continue to conduct their classes fully online. Please note that University personnel are currently working with mail carriers to ensure that the University mail is held during this two week period.

We did not come to this decision lightly, and I understand the difficulties this may cause. But due to the ongoing threat to community health, we appreciate your compliance with this decision. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me—I will be working fully from home by the end of the day on Monday.

Thank you.

Matt

Matthew A. Redinger
Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of History

Update: 3/26/2020

Dear Students,

We want to support you during these trying times by introducing you to a free resource that is now available to all University of Providence students. TutorMe allows you to connect with a live tutor in under 30 seconds for over 300 subjects. Additionally, you can submit a paper on TutorMe’s Writing Lab and receive detailed feedback in less than 12 hours.
 
You can access the TutorMe resource from the front page of your Moodle dashboard. Please click here for additional details on this resource.

We know that it can seem daunting to keep up with your coursework when learning remotely, and we wanted to provide a valuable resource that can be accessed right from your home. If you have any questions, please contact Twila Croft at twila.croft@uprovidence.edu or Greg Stivers at gregory.stivers@uprovidence.edu.

Twila Croft, CPRW,CPCC                                                                Greg Stivers
twila.croft@uprovidence.edu                                                       gregory.stivers@uprovidence.edu
406-791-5988                                                                             406-791-5224
Senior Director, Student Academic Supports                               TRiO Student Support Services Director
Director of the Academic Success Center

Update: 3/25/2020

Dear Campus Community,

The University of Providence Argo Entrepreneur class has been operating the Providence Pantry and would like to send a reminder about this option. The Providence Pantry has non-perishable food items to offer our employees and local students, if needed. Contact Katrina Stark at 406-791-5332, katrina.stark@uprovidence.edu or Rachel Wild at 406-791-5335, rachel.wild@uprovidence.edu to set up time for access.

Thank you,
Coronavirus Task Force

Update: 3/24/2020

Memo to UP Staff

Dear Friends,

The University has been working hard to ensure we have the policies, guidelines, and processes in place to support our work during this time of uncertainty. To help us navigate this new territory, remote work policy will apply to the University as a whole, to help ease the way of all employees and ensure we have the mechanisms in place to support each other. In the event that either you are required to work from home as a result of your illness, your travel or contact with someone with or suspected of having COVID-19, or if governmental decisions require the closing of the campus, the following policy is intended to help assure your success in working remotely, as well as undergirding the university’s requirements for stewardship and accountability.

Linked here are the HR Policies on remote work which applies to all staff of the university, directors and supervisees alike. All employees can expect that Vice Presidents and Directors will be held to the same standards and accountabilities as their supervisees as outlined in this policy statement.

Sincerely,
Coronavirus Task Force

Update 3/24/2020

Memo to UP Faculty

Dear Faculty,

Now that we as a university are making every effort to work fully online, it is more important than ever that all calls for support be directed to the Service Desk. This includes Moodle and Collaborate related questions. Please do not reach out directly to any individual for support. I know this tends to result in a much quicker response when we are on campus, but with all faculty and students moving fully online it will cause a lot more work for the individual you are reaching out to. Information Services has been working closely with Jim Gretch and Chris Nelson to ensure we have the tools necessary to provide support for Moodle and Collaborate. In the case that the Service Desk lacks the expertise to assist with an issue, we will have access to escalate the problem to Jim and/or Chris for extra support.

As of March 19 the Service Desk extended support hours and will be available by phone from 7am – 9pm Monday through Friday, 9am – 1pm Saturday, and 12pm – 4pm on Sunday. Our on-campus hours will remain 8am – 5pm Monday through Friday while the campus is open. This will help us provide better support in response to the changing needs of our students and colleagues. Please submit all inquiries to the Service Desk at servicedesk@uprovidence.edu or by calling 406-791-5326.

It’s also important to inform you of an important announcement from LinkedIn. To help with the transition from traditional, in-person education to an online experience, identified resources are freely available to anyone, and cover everything from leading practices for teaching online to EdTech tools like Canvas to collaboration software like Microsoft Teams.

Sincerely,
Jamie Schultz
Chief Technology Officer

Update: 3/20/2020

Memo to UP Employees

The University of Providence has released new guidelines for working remotely, and institutional HR policies around response to the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Please see the links below for details.

HR Policies – Remote Work (Included on 3/24/2020)
Guidelines – Working from Home
FAQs – Remote Work
HR Policies in Response to Coronavirus

Thank you,
Coronavirus Task Force

Update: 3/20/2020

Announcement on Grading Options

Dear University of Providence students,

The university understand that the pivot to online has been stressful for everyone involved. One way that we can reduce some of the stress on students is to adopt an optional grading policy that we hope will blunt some of the impact of the online transition: the S/D/F Grading Option for the spring 2020 semester. This is an option for all University of Providence students.

Expanded access to the S/D/F grade mode aims to reduce student stress during this already-stressful time, while still providing a pathway to fulfill program and degree requirements. While students may decide to continue to pursue a standard letter grade (A-F) in their spring 2020 classes, the S/D/F grade mode may be a sensible and healthy option, depending on individual circumstances. Students are encouraged to attend information sessions on the S/D/F grade mode topic, being held next week (details below). Representatives from the Registrar’s Office and eligibility certifying officials will discuss the pros and cons of these options, why this may be a beneficial option, and future impact of the choices during these informational sessions.

Effective immediately, students may elect to switch some or all of their spring 2020 courses to S/D/F. The deadline to switch spring 2020 courses to S/D/F is Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. MDT. Instructions for requesting a switch to S/D/F are below.

Spring 2020 S/D/F Policy

The following considerations should be recognized in students’ deliberations about moving to this grading option:

1. This is not a policy to facilitate withdrawal from a course; this option is for end-of-course grades only and students must complete their courses.
2. There is no limit on the numbers of spring 2020 courses/credits allowed to be taken S/D/F.
3. Courses graded S/D/F may satisfy major and concentration requirements, including minimum credit requirements.
4. Independent Study/Directed Study courses as well as program internships may be graded S/D/F.
5. A course used as a replacement for a previously taken course, may be taken S/D/F – with knowledge that the student loses the benefit of improving their GPA.
6. Students on Academic Probation may elect to take their courses S/D/F.

Instructions for Switching Courses to S/D/F

Below, in red, is a link to an online form. You may need to use your UP network login and password to access the form. Submit this form indicating which course(s) you would like to switch to S/D/F. That is all you need to do; however, if you do not submit this form by 5:00 p.m. MDT, on Tuesday, March 31, your courses will remain in standard letter grade (A-F) mode.

S/D/F Grading Opt In Form

Important Considerations for S/D/F:

• The decision to switch to S/D/F is irreversible.
• Students earning the equivalent of a “C” or better will be awarded a grade of “S” (satisfactory). The “S” carries no grade points and is NOT computed into a student’s semester or cumulative grade point averages (GPAs.)
• A grade of “D” (passing) or “F” (failing) is recorded normally and computed into a student’s GPAs.
• The Provost’s Office has approved the addition of a semester-level comment to the official University of Providence academic transcript stating, e.g. “spring 2020 courses were completed during a crisis situation.”
• For students who elect to switch to S/D/F a course that is replacing (or repeating) any course in which they previously earned a “D” or “F,” the “S” grade will not be calculated into the GPA, though the credits will count toward major and degree requirements. Please consult the Registrar’s Office if you have questions.

There are no expected immigration-related impacts on international students who elect to switch their courses to S/D/F.

Athletic Eligibility: According to the NAIA, student-athletes would need to consider the following: These grades are given the value that the school assigns them in terms of GPA calculation. NAIA relies on the GPA that is on the official transcript. For transfers, the school the student would be transferring to would have to confirm the value of these grades when calculating the GPA. For students continuing at the same school, they will rely on the cumulative GPA on the official transcript. For Juniors and Seniors, the NAIA will rely on the institutional policy for these grades. Student-athletes will need to consult closely with their faculty member, coaches, and eligibility officials as they contemplate this decision.

Information Sessions:
To join by Skype meeting, click on the date link below. All times listed below are MDT. To join by phone, for any meeting, call 406-791-5255 and enter Conference ID: 311238

Join Skype Meeting, Monday, March 23                 11:30am – 12:30pm
Join Skype Meeting, Tuesday, March 24                 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Join Skype Meeting, Wednesday, March 25          4:30pm – 5:30pm
Join Skype Meeting, Thursday, March 26                7:30am – 8:30am
Join Skype Meeting, Friday, March 27                      12:30pm – 1:30pm

Sincerely,

Matthew A. Redinger
Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of History
The University of Providence

Update: 3/19/2020

Message to Our Students

Good afternoon –

In an effort to ensure that our students get essential communication at a time of such rapid change, we are sending the following notification to make you aware of new information available to you. Given the content and the importance, please click each category below, to see full details on the subject.

• Free eBooks being offered through Akademos
  • If your textbook was left in your residence hall, and you haven’t yet received it, please see this article for details on access eBooks in the meantime.
• Academic Success Center Support
  • Your success counselor is still able to support you virtually, in every capacity would it have been done here on campus. Please see details on how you can continue to get support from a distance.
• Remote Tutoring Services
  • The University now has tutoring services available to you, remotely. Please see this information if you are interested in getting tutoring support.
• TRiO Support and Accommodations
  • If you had been working with a TRiO representative, please continue to do so. Support will continue as we adjust to online instruction.
  • Please contact a TRiO representative at: kathleen.seilstad@uprovidence.edu  |   jerry.clark@uprovidence.edu   |   kathryn.nymanwendt@uprovidence.edu   |   gregory.stivers@uprovidence.edu
• Housing and Meal Plan Reimbursement Update
  • The University will be reaching out to you starting tomorrow, and through early next week, so that you can elect how you want to receive your reimbursement. It is critical that we hear from you on this, and that we have an accurate mailing address. Please see this article for further details on housing and meal plan reimbursements.
• Technical Support
  • Information services has extended their hours of availability to support your transition. servicedesk@uprovidence.edu 406.791.5326.

Monday – Friday 7:00am – 9pm MDT
Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm MDT
Sunday 12:00pm – 4:00pm MDT

• Stay Informed
  • Continued Updates will be posted at www.uprovidence.edu/coronavirus/

• Additional Resources
  • Staying Positive

Thank you,
Coronavirus Task Force

Update: 3/18/2020

Memo to UP Employees

The University of Providence has released new guidelines for working remotely, and is releasing institutional HR policies around response to the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Recent changes within legislation have an impact on the proposed policies. In light of recent legislative changes, we hope to have the final policy released by the end of the week. Please see the links below for details.

Guidelines – Working from Home
FAQs – Remote Work

Blood Drive Update

Spring Blood Drive – The blood drive will no longer be held on campus, but please still consider signing up for an appointment. The blood drive will be held at the American Red Cross Blood Donation Center on Thursday, April 2, 2020 from 9:00am – 3:00pm. People can sign up with Kelsey Anderson, Student Activities Coordinator, or through the Red Cross website. kelsey.anderson@uprovidence.edu or 406-791-5215

Update: 3/18/2020

Memo to UP Employees and Students

The University of Providence Service Desk is offering extended hours to support the transition to online learning. If you are in need of assistance with Moodle, Collaborate, ArgoExpress, ArgoMail, Wireless, Microsoft Outlook, Skype for Business, or even a password reset please contact the service desk at: servicedesk@uprovidence.edu or 406.791.5326.

Monday – Friday:           7:00am – 9:00pm
Saturday:                        9:00am – 1:00pm
Sunday:                          12:00pm – 4:00pm

Update: 3/17/2020

Message to the Faculty

Dear UP faculty,

It is an understatement to say that this has been a trying, stressful time for the university community. None have been spared. In SHP we are working to find solutions to clinical placement closures, lab closures, course rotation changes to push clinicals further out, students (such as those in Infection Prevention and Epidemiology) who have had to quit their academic programs to do the work of epidemiology in their hospitals, and pre-nursing students called away from their studies to serve as CNAs in hospitals that are being overrun with cases. In SLAS, we’ve faced a hard pivot from the familiar tried-and-true teaching to new online education modalities, closure of internship placements and student teaching placements, quick substitutions for lab experiences and practica for which an online transition is possible but very difficult, and dealing with students traumatized by being “thrown into the deep end” of online education and having to learn how to swim.

And that’s why I appreciate you so much.  This has been traumatic for everyone. I sincerely hope you know that we are not oblivious to the difficulties you face and the challenges with which you are being forced to adjust. And, on top of all this, we are having difficult budget discussions that undergird everything we do. This is not easy for any of us.

I hope we can all dig deep and find reservoirs of patience and indulgence when we are dealing with each other. And, particularly for faculty of students who had been living in the residence halls, I hope you are able to tap into those same resources of patience with your students who are facing online education—perhaps for the first time. Residence halls students were not allowed back to their rooms (except for special circumstances). Most students who went away for Spring Break did not take their books or notes with them, and some left their computers behind as well. For faculty who are just launching online versions of their classes, please be aware that Housing staff are going into students rooms (upon the students’ request) and packing up academic materials (books, notes, lab materials, computers, etc.) and shipping them back to the students. Therefore, many of your students may not have the books they need to do some of the assignments you may be making of them. I understand—believe me I do—that moving this quickly to online classes is not easy for you, but at least you have the relative luxury of working from your offices (for now, unless you are in self-isolation because of a trip out-of-state). Students did not have that option. So I would greatly appreciate an appropriate portion of patience in dealing with them. They’ve been exiled from their rooms and possessions, and may be facing a tough time in the adjustment. As I said, this has not been easy for any of us.

So thank you all for the dedication to your craft, to our students, and to the university that you demonstrate every day. We will get through this, and we will thrive. But we can only do it together.

God bless you all, and keep you safe and healthy. For those of us who have contracted this disease, our prayers are with you for a full and speedy recovery.

Matt

Matthew A. Redinger
Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of History

Update: 3/16/2020

Faculty and Staff Notification

Dear Friends,

As we continue to navigate the circumstances we are facing, it is important to inform you of cancelled events and to share a few additional notes of importance. Please see these details below.

The University has made the decision to cancel the following scheduled events:

• • • • • Visioning Sessions (March 19)
        • Faculty and Staff Awards Banquet sponsored in part, by our Board of Trustees (April 30)
        • Baccalaureate Mass (May 1)
        • RN-BSN Pinning Ceremony (May 1)
        • May 2020 Commencement Ceremony (May 2)

We understand the significance that these decisions have on our students and their families, as well as on our campus stakeholders. The cancellation of commencement will not prevent degrees from being posted upon program completion. The University is currently working on a plan to ensure that these events and celebrations take place at a later time. As details develop, we will continue to update our official webpage at www.uprovidence.edu/coronavirus/.

Information as Support to Students:

• • • • • For student support services, please contact Argo Central at registrar@uprovidence.edu or 406-791-5202.
        • Pastoral support please contact Nicolas Estrada at nicolas.estrada@uprovidence.edu or 791-5261.
        • Additional health and wellness support is being offered through RENEW Mental Health Services.”
        • For those who are enrolled in courses originally being offered as online courses (through Moodle) – those courses will continue as usual on Monday, March 16.
        • For those who are enrolled in campus courses, which are now being moved to an online course (through Moodle) – students should watch their Moodle accounts UP email accounts, as communications will be sent concerning courses. Faculty have been urged to make the transition to the online modality as early as Monday, March 16, however, some faculty members will need more time to make that switch, and those courses may not resume until Monday, March 23. Students should be attentive to emails, as faculty will be in communication concerning the resumption day of particular courses.

The University is currently developing communication related to Human Resource policies as it pertains to our K-12 school closures throughout the state and its impact on University personnel, as well as the impact and options pertaining to working remotely. As these details are finalized, official communication will be sent and posted to the University webpage www.uprovidence.edu/coronavirus/. We anticipate to send formal notification of policies and procedures by close of business, tomorrow. For employees in need of health and wellness support, please see the following link “Choose Well Behavioral Health Concierge.”

Sincerely,
Coronavirus Task Force

Update: 3/16/2020

Residence Hall Update

Students, Staff and Faculty,

Here is an update on the situation in our residence halls to date:

Residence hall buildings are set to be closed at the end of the business day, this Friday, March 20th.

No guests are allowed in the buildings at this time. The only 20^th street residents allowed in buildings are those with spring break permissions, all others have had their card access turned off. The fob system for Emilie Hall has been turned off and keys have been issued to only those students with spring break permissions.

Visitors that are arriving to pick up students may not enter the buildings.

Students who can demonstrate that they have not left Montana in the last few weeks and who declare that fact via email to Aaron Stucker at aaron.stucker@uprovidence.edu , may enter buildings to collect their belongings and checkout by appointment.

Friends, family, and moving companies: will be allowed to collect the belongings of students in their absence if they can also demonstrate that they have not traveled outside of the state and the student has indicated their permission and release of liability for lost or damaged items via email to Aaron Stucker. These “proxy movers” must have ID that matches the names sent to Aaron via email.

Students will be informed of the process to refund housing and meal plan charges after March 23rd.

Thank you everyone for your patience during this unprecedented time of national emergency. We are doing our best to serve your needs as well as those of our community.

God bless,

 Jake Clark, MS |  Dean of Students
UNIVERSITY OF PROVIDENCE

Update: 3/15/2020

BSN Student Update

Dear BSN Students,

The most prudent way for us to proceed at this time is for us to suspend all face-to-face clinical labs and clinical care situations starting immediately this week. This means that we are suspending your work in the clinical/simulation labs as well as any clinical experiences in healthcare facilities. The best thing that we all can do now is social distancing and we need everyone to take this very seriously as we will be helping all of our communities if we abide by this principal.

Please know that your faculty met today and that we have a plan for how your courses will continue virtually to meet course objectives. Be patient with us as we do this but for now, we need to learn only via online activities which I know we can do effectively.

Please feel free to send me any questions or call me: 406-465-1352 and on Monday at 10 am (MDT) I will be on the Collaborative Link for NRS 372 to discuss what this means for all of you.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience with this situation and please be assured that we as your faculty have your best interests involved in this decision for your safety and the safety of your communities and patients.

Respectfully,

Dr. Cynthia Gustafson, Nursing Division Chair

Update: 3/13/2020

Student Updates

Dear Students,

As we continue to navigate the circumstances we are facing, it is important to inform you of your resources for support. University personnel are here to support you with any questions or concerns you may have. For student support services, please contact Argo Central at registrar@uprovidence.edu or 406-791-5202. For any pastoral support please contact Nicolas Estrada at nicolas.estrada@uprovidence.edu or 791-5261. Information about additional health and wellness support being offered through RENEW Mental Health Services can be found by clicking this link.

It is also important to notify you of the University’s decision to cancel the May 2020 Commencement Ceremony. We understand the significance that this decision has on those who have worked so hard throughout their educational journeys and the impact that this has on families who want to celebrate their loved ones. This decision will not prevent degrees from being posted upon program completion. The University is currently working on a plan to ensure that this celebration takes place at a later time. As details develop, we will continue to update our official webpage at www.uprovidence.edu/coronavirus/.

As a reminder:

• • • • • For those who are enrolled in courses originally being offered as online courses (through Moodle) – those courses will continue as usual on Monday, March 16.
        • For those who are enrolled in campus courses, which are now being moved to an online course (through Moodle) – please watch your Moodle account and your student email, as communications will be sent concerning these courses. Faculty have been urged to make the transition to the online modality as early as Monday, March 16, however, some faculty members will need more time to make that switch, and those courses may not resume until Monday, March 23. Please be attentive to your emails, as your faculty will be in communication concerning the resumption day of your particular course.

Campus Students:

• • • • • As a residential student, it is important to notify you of the University’s decision to close residential living spaces, effective Friday, March 20^th at 5:00pm. If you are currently on campus, you will need to check-out of your living space no later than Friday, March 20^th by 5:00pm. Please contact Aaron Stucker for formal check-out procedures: aaron.stucker@uprovidence.edu or 406-791-5225.
        • If you are not on campus currently, as previously indicated, please do not return to campus at this time, as residential halls will be closed through May 3, 2020. Should a decision be made which will allow residential halls to be opened sooner than May 3^rd, the University will send out formal communications to students. Until further notice, any belongings left behind, will be securely stored.
        • Food services will continue to be available through Friday, March 20^th through the dinner service.
        • The University is in the final process of working through details on pro-rated reimbursement of housing and meal plan charges. We anticipate to send communication on this information within the next two days.
        • Housing staff will be available throughout the weekend, and throughout next week to assist you with your questions and concerns related to the closure. Additional University personnel are here to support you with any questions or concerns you may have. For student support services, please contact Argo Central at registrar@uprovidence.edu or 406-791-5202. For any pastoral support please contact Nicolas Estrada at nicolas.estrada@uprovidence.edu or 791-5261. Additional health and wellness support is being offered through Renew Wellness Center; information is attached.

International Students:

• • • • • As an international student, it is important to notify you of the University’s decision to close residential living spaces and to inform you of your options.
        • Effective Friday, March 20^th at 5:00pm, students must vacate residential living spaces. If you are currently on campus, you will need to check-out of your living space no later than Friday, March 20^th by 5:00pm. Please contact Aaron Stucker for formal check-out procedures: aaron.stucker@uprovidence.edu or 406-791-5225.
        • The University is able to offer you an off-campus hotel room for the remainder of the semester, with an end date of May 3, 2020. Final details for this option, will be available on Monday, March 16^th. Please reply to brittany.budeski@uprovidence.edu if you are interested in this option, and we will work with you individually on the remaining details. If you have already left campus and have not already notified me, please do so now. We need to report on the location of all students, whether they are here on campus, in a hotel room, or have traveled elsewhere to complete the semester.
        • If you are not on campus currently, as previously indicated, please do not return to campus at this time, as residential halls will be closed through May 3, 2020. Should a decision be made which will allow residential halls to be opened sooner than May 3^rd, the University will send out formal communications to students. Until further notice, any belongings left behind, will be securely stored.
        • Food services will continue to be available through Friday, March 20^th through the dinner service.
        • The University is in the final process of working through details on pro-rated reimbursement of housing and meal plan charges. We anticipate to send communication on this information within the next two days.

Sincerely,
UP Coronavirus Task Force

Update: 3/13/2020

Retrieval of academic materials

Dear Faculty, Staff, and UP Students,

At the Coronavirus Taskforce meeting today, a decision was made to address the ongoing concern of students facing a move to online-only classes but whose computers, books, and notes were left in their residence halls rooms. Students, the Housing staff is ready to receive requests through email to have your academic materials only packed and shipped to your home addresses at the university’s expense. If you have materials essential to your success in online classes that are not readily apparent (a lab notebook, kit, or calculator, etc.) or that are not with your other materials, or if your academic materials are in a specific spot in your room, please include this information in your email request. Please forward all requests for Housing staff to retrieve and ship your academic materials only to Aaron Stucker, Director of Residential Life: aaron.stucker@uprovidence.edu .

At this time, students are not allowed to return to campus to retrieve these materials, and personal items are not currently available for shipping. Until the university administration, in collaboration with local health and safety officials and the Providence St. Joseph Health system, has determined that it is safe for students to return to campus to retrieve their personal belongings, this policy will remain in effect.

We absolutely understand the hardships this policy may cause, but we want to assure you that the health and safety of the university community as well as the greater Great Falls community are our highest priorities. We apologize for this inconvenience, and greatly appreciate your continued patience as we navigate these difficult waters.

Thank you.

Matthew A. Redinger
Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of History
The University of Providence

Update: 3/12/2020

Urgent Message from Student Engagement

Conscious of our commitment to keep students, faculty and staff healthy, we have decided to deliver via online all campus courses/programs for the remainder of the semester.

Students presently on Spring Break should not return to campus this weekend.

We will be expecting classes to resume fully online by Monday, March 23 and remain online for the remainder of the semester.

If you need assistance with this transition, for example

• • • • • Logging onto Moodle: https://www.uprovidence.edu/explore-programs/online-programs/moodle/
        • Tutoring: Twila.Croft@uprovidence.edu Tel: 406-791-5988
        • Library: Susan.Lee@uprovidence.edu Tel: 406-791-5318
        • IS Service Desk: servicedesk@uprovidence.edu Tel: 406-791-5326
        • Spiritual Guidance:  Nicolas.Estrada@uprovidence.edu Tel: 406-791-5261
        • Housing: Aaron.Stucker@uprovidence.edu Tel: 406-791-5225
        • Food Service: jake.clark@uprovidence.edu Tel: 406-791-5230
        • Financial Aid : Kelli.Engelhardt@uprovidence.edu Tel: 406-791-5237
        • International Students: Brittany.Budeski@uprovidence.edu Tel: 406-791-5207
        • Registrar: Brittany.Budeski@uprovidence.edu Tel: 406-791-5207

The Registrar’s office will be supporting a UP Coronavirus website where late-breaking information will be available. Once that website is launched, we will send you the URL.

Dave Gantt
Vice President of Student Engagement

Update: 3/12/2020 

Urgent Message from the Office of the Provost:

At today’s Coronavirus Taskforce meeting, we decided that we would not allow students to return to campus from Spring Break. Having students return from their travels, and then face the likelihood that we would then be forced to send them away again, is untenable.

Therefore, we are implementing the following phased-in move to online classes:

• • • • • Next week, March 16-20, any faculty who are ready to offer their spring semester classes in a fully-online modality will be expected to do so.
        • All faculty should be sure that your Moodle syllabus is updated with correct contact information your students will need.
        • Those faculty who are not prepared to take their classes fully online will have a week to get ready to do so. Questions or requests for help in about moving classes online can be directed to:
          • Jim Gretch (406.791.5320; james.gretch@uprovidence.edu) or
          • Chris Nelson (406.791.5326; christopher.nelson@uprovidence.edu).
          • Another resource that can help with this transition:
            • Indiana University’s “Keep Teaching” website: https://keepteaching.iu.edu/ . The “Step 2: Strategies” page on that site is particularly helpful, with specific strategies for moving labs and other types of courses online.
        • For all faculty, we will be expecting classes to resume fully online by Monday, March 23 and remain online for the remainder of the semester.
        • Campus will remain open for faculty and staff only until further notice, to allow access to offices and any supplementary teaching materials available on campus. We should prepare to offer our courses fully online.

In preparation for the eventuality of having to close campus altogether, we need to know immediately if you do not have a laptop at home from which you can run your classes, or any other anticipated barriers such as a lack of access to high-speed internet at home. Please contact Jamie Schultz (x5330, Jamie.schultz@uprovidence.edu) to provide this information.

Again, this is a rapidly evolving situation, and we need you to remain attentive to cascading information from the administration about our response to the latest developments. The Registrar’s office will be supporting a UP Coronavirus website where late-breaking information will be available. This website will develop along with our response to the emerging crisis: www.uprovidence.edu/coronavirus/ .

Thank you for your attention to these important matters.

Matt

Matthew A. Redinger
Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of History
The University of Providence

Update: 3/12/2020 

Urgent Message From Fr. Oliver Doyle:

Dear Friends,

Like so many across the nation and beyond, we at the University of Providence have been monitoring the spread of the coronavirus.

Conscious of our special relationship with the Great Falls community and beyond, coupled with our resolute commitment to keep students, faculty, staff, and the members of the wider community healthy, we have decided to deliver via online all campus courses/programs for the remainder of the semester.

Students presently on Spring Break will be told not to return to campus this weekend.

Given our excellent IS capabilities we expect that all courses for the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences will be available online within days. Dr. Redinger, our Provost, will be rolling out the next steps in the transition to online delivery.

The University of Providence, will however, remain open for business.

As a Christian institution, we invite all to take a moment to consider those who are presently experiencing the hardships and losses associated with the coronavirus and offer a prayer of comfort for the bereaved, and continued health for all.

Fr. Oliver
Interim President,
University of Providence

UPDATE: 3/12/2020

Nursing Pinning Service May 1st, 2020

We are sorry to announce that we will be cancelling the Nursing Pinning Service that was to be held on the Great Falls campus on Friday May 1. We know this will be a disappointment to those of you who were planning on attending this event. Your completion of the RN to BSN program is a very significant milestone for each of you.

We will commemorate that milestone for each of you by mailing you your nursing pin and a special greeting. Look forward to receiving that package by the first part of May.

 Decision on commencement will be sent out soon.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Respectfully,
Cynthia Gustafson

Cynthia Gustafson, PhD, RN |  Division Chair, Nursing Programs
UNIVERSITY OF PROVIDENCE

Dear University Community,

I am writing this to advise you about measures we are implementing at the University of Providence in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19.)

At this time, there are no reported cases of any of our students, faculty, or staff having been exposed to the virus.

Each morning, our Coronavirus Task Force meet to assess and review developments and to consider what we still need to accomplish so that we are ready in the event of reported cases on campus or in the wider community.

Please read carefully the CTF Bulletin included below. If you have questions or concerns, please advise the members of the Task Force or my office.

What we’re doing:

• • • • • Created a Coronavirus Task Force (CTF)
          • Every morning the COVID-19 task force will meet to review the current situation and make any necessary changes to the plan.
        • All school sponsored domestic (inter-state) and international travel for students, faculty and staff is being cancelled through April 2020.
          • Any variance from this policy will be athletics travel only and will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
        • Campus sponsored visitors will be limited or cancelled.
        • See attached FAQs for more information.

What you need to do:

• • • • • What to do for Staff and Faculty:
          • Cancel any university related travel and notify your manager and VP.
          • Notify your manager or VP of any university-sponsored visitors to campus.
          • Take care of yourself and your family.
            • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
            • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
          • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
          • Stay home when you are sick.
          • Disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, using a cleaning spray or wipe.
        • What to do for Faculty:
          • Make sure your Moodle shells for your classes are up-to-date and include information your students will need to maintain progress in your classes.
            • Wherever possible, please upload readings and assignments for students to be able to continue on with your classes in case widespread social distancing is required.
            • If you need help or have questions, you can contact Jim (x5320; james.gretch@uprovidence.edu) or Chris Nelson (x5326; christopher.nelson@uprovidence.edu).
          • We will not penalize students for absenteeism following the break if it is due to COVID-19-related reasons. Please make sure you are aware for your classes.
        • What to do for Students:
          • If you are traveling abroad and you are not an international student, you need to report your travel destination to Jake Clark, Dean of Students by phone (406-791-5230) or email (jake.clark@uprovidence.edu)
          • If you are an international student traveling abroad, you need to report your travel destination to Brittany Budeski, Registrar by phone (406-791-5207) or email (Brittany.budeski@uprovidence.edu)
          • Take care of yourself
            • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
            • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
            • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
            • Stay home when you are sick.

Reporting Suspected Exposure:

• • • • • In an event of suspected exposure or symptoms in your household, we ask that you stay at home.
          • Notify your manager and VP if you are sick and stay home while experiencing symptoms.
          • Notify your manager and VP if you believe you were exposed to COVID-19 and work with them to follow CDC’s guidelines.

Resources:

For best ways to prevent the spread of disease, please practice the CDC’s recommendation of everyday preventive actions: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html

The highest risk is for people who have traveled to an infected area recently, a list of affected areas can be found: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

Stigma Related to COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/related-stigma.html

For up-to-date accurate information on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), please check the reliable sources listed below:

Cascade County City-County Health Department: https://www.cchdmt.org/2020/02/coronavirus-covid-19-facts/
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services: https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/cdepi/diseases/coronavirusmt
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, National)  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Blessings,

Fr. Oliver