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2020-21 BEAR NECESSITIES
The grizzly bear statue on the University of Montana campus wears a face mask.
Tom Bauer/Missoulian
University of Montana presents ‘Healthy Fall 2020’ Missoulian Staff
Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Avoid mass gatherings. Be socially distant. You’ve heard the advice to help stop the spread of COVID-19, and the mask requirement and other recommendations are part of the University of Montana’s plan for how to allow students, faculty and staff to learn, teach and live on campus this fall. “Face masks or face coverings are required for all students, employees and visitors working on campus when in the presence of others and in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., common work spaces, meeting rooms, classrooms, etc.),” reads the plan. “Appropriate use of face masks or face coverings is critical in minimizing risks to others near you. You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick. “The mask or cloth face covering is not a substitute for social distancing. The University will provide two reusable cloth masks to students and employees and have disposable masks available for visitors.”
The evolving plan covers instruction, food services, athletics, and more, and it’s available online at https:// www.umt.edu/coronavirus/healthy-fall-2020/default.php. “This plan represents thoughtful and collaborative efforts to incorporate the best medical information about COVID-19, the current guidelines for workplace safety, instructional design for a variety of delivery modalities, protocols for campus living, procedures for research and important considerations for facilities, campus safety, transportation, housing, dining, athletics and events.”
Here are some highlights: Instruction
This planning area refers to all classroom-related policy. It is the longest section of UM’s plan, clocking in at 20 pages. Every UM student will receive a kit at the beginning of the year with refillable hand sanitizer, surface disinfectant spray and two reusable cloth face masks. Students will sit 6 feet apart, and the classroom layout will reflect such social-distancing. Classrooms that can be
