COVID-19 – Academics

The following ideals and principles impacted the decisions of faculty of the office of the Provost, in consideration of conducting face-to-face course offerings this academic year:

• Our top priority in every class is cultivating a true learning community in which each member has every opportunity to participate fully in a robust and honest quest for truth.
• The impact of learning environments and resources is top priority when considering how to deliver course content.
• The university community will embrace a culture of “my brother’s keeper” (a culture of caring for one another)—with appropriate signage throughout the campus. It is essential that we emphasize that this new culture is one of the best ways to keep the campus face-to-face classes viable.

Faculty members’ planning for classes includes consideration for those students who may need to be absent of the classroom due to mitigation efforts. A student will not be negatively penalized in the chance of being gone due to directed quarantine or isolation, with course availability being offered through any of the below modalities:

• Live traditional class – some students meet with faculty in classroom during class time
• Synchronous online – some students meet with faculty and classroom students via Skype or other technology
• Asynchronous online – Lectures/live sessions are captured for viewing asynchronously when needed
• Other: Agreed upon method uniquely designed between faculty and student

While the default is for face-to-face (F2F) education with appropriate health-related protocols, faculty and staff will accommodate alternative modes of instruction for the foreseeable future.

Faculty will adopt attendance and excuse policies that acknowledge and support students who become ill without creating barriers.

Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

General Policies

The following policies and procedures will be in effect:

• Throughout the Library offices, university IDs will be required to log into printers/copiers.
• High touch surfaces (door handles, bathroom faucets, computers, keyboards, tables, chairs, bookshelves, welcome/reception desk, personal desks, public computers, equipment, and furniture, etc.) will be disinfected (as needed) or routinely throughout the day.
• Study rooms will be on a reserve basis only. To reserve a room, visit the Providence Library
• The University Library, including the offices and centers housed therein, will enforce occupancy limits as determined by the State of Montana’s Phased COVID-19 response plan.