Coronavirus Updates

Response & Impact Update 02/11/2021

Coronavirus Update: February 11, 2021

MCC Community:

The state of Montana has announced that it will remove the statewide mandate regarding face coverings beginning Friday, February 12, 2021. The new mandate does allow local communities and schools to implement their own, more restrictive mandates. Miles Community College has determined to keep the face covering requirement in all MCC facilities for the remainder of the semester and will review the impacts of COVID-19 for additional terms.

While there have been great strides made in combatting COVID-19, including the increase of vaccinations, MCC has made the decision to continue the face covering requirement due to the lack of availability of vaccines for most of our campus population and because of the impacts of COVID-19 on our academic programs, residential students, and athletic teams. We know that masks are effective in the unique environments found on our campus such as residence halls, classrooms, and dining facilities. As a part of the larger Miles City and Custer County communities, we also hold a responsibility to do our part to protect the health of our most vulnerable friends and neighbors.

Many college and universities throughout the state are also maintaining their mask requirements. Additionally, our primary athletic conference also currently requires face coverings and MCC honors this at our CENTRA and other athletic venues when the Pioneers are in play.

We appreciate all that you have done to comply with campus mask requirements, which have allowed us to keep classes on campus and help keep cases low in the community.

Lastly, Governor Gianforte highlights that he will continue wearing masks and encouraged others to do so as well. He acknowledges that Montana is “not out of the woods yet”. It is important that our community stay vigilant in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and that we continue promoting wearing face coverings on and off campus.

We will continue to assess the national, regional, and local situation and work closely with our public health officials in our campus response to this ongoing health situation. We appreciate your patience.

Richard DeShields, Dean Student Engagement and Auxiliary Services
Miles Community College
2715 Dickinson
Miles City, MT 59301
(406) 874-6226

*You may schedule with me through https://calendly.com/deshieldsr. In the box that allows you to share additional information, please list your phone number and either in-person, phone, or zoom so I know the method we will be meeting.

For reliable information on coronavirus visit:




US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization(WHO)

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Response & Impact Update 11/16/2020

Coronavirus Update: November 16, 2020

MCC Community:

Due to rapidly changing impacts of COVID-19 regionally and nationally, we have determined to send out a daily communication with pertinent information. As always, we encourage you to continue to monitor email and the website at www.milescc.edu and click on the link “COVID-19: Response and Impact”.

Updates:

The following are campus updates:

1. Miles Community College will move to remote learning on November 30, 2020 following the Thanksgiving break excluding courses in Automotive, CDL, Heavy Equipment, Medical Lab Tech, Nursing Clinicals, Phlebotomy, and Welding.


2. New mandates in the state of Montana require reducing the sizes of activities and events on campus to no more than 25 where social distancing is not possible. The College will continue working with Custer County Public Health on events held on campus to ensure adequate social distancing. It is urged that individuals should limit their involvement in any private settings where there is an in-person gathering of 15 more people as these events significantly contribute to the spread of the virus. Individuals should be mindful and wear their masks when gathering in any sized group.


3. Dining Services will be required to limit in-person dining to half capacity (40 people) beginning on Monday. Due to many students going home after the Thanksgiving Break, we believe we will be able to accommodate our customer needs.


4. Campus operations will be open for normal operating hours except on identified holidays. While most classes will be remote, students enrolled may use campus resources such as computer labs, the Library, the Learning Center, etc. during this period. We do recognize that work schedules may vary for employees in the different roles on campus and we hope we can provide flexibility to meet the needs of all employees while continuing to serve our students and the community.


5. Students, faculty, and staff are reminded of the importance of wearing masks (to include other identified face coverings) and wearing them appropriately over the mouth and nose, whether they are on campus and off campus. Montana now requires masks in all businesses in the state regardless of COVID case counts in the county. Our campus policy is still in effect and we have been meeting with students who have not followed identified campus policies.


6. If you plan to travel home or visit friends and family during the Thanksgiving or December break, your work to do so without transmitting COVID-19 to loved ones begins today. The MCC Community has done a great job this semester staying safe and keeping those around them healthy. We have a collective responsibility to ensure that every student can travel to celebrate the holidays and enjoy a well-deserved break after a taxing semester. Here are some recommendations:
   1. Limit your interactions outside of going to class, your job, and grocery shopping.
   2. Shrink your social circle before departing Miles City. We know that COVID-19 can be transmittable for up to two weeks, so use this time to limit any needless risk of contracting the virus. This will also be needed prior to returning for the Spring Semester.
   3. Practice the preventive care that we know works. Wear a mask over your mouth and nose, wash your hands regularly and keep social distancing. These simple steps have worked to limit the spread of COVID-19 on campus this semester, and they can keep you COVID-free as you prepare to return home for the winter break.
   
   
7. Anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19 should still quarantine 14 days prior to coming to campus. It is important to report your illness immediately so that we can stop any possible spread. County Health professionals will provide dates necessary and we continue to urge your compliance. For those traveling out of state, you should be aware of other state’s restrictions and requirements. This also applies when returning to campus for the Spring Semester.


8. Registration for Spring and Summer Courses opened on November 18, 2020. If you are planning to return for the Spring Semester, please reach out to your advisor now to finalize your schedules. Do not wait until the end of the term.


9. MCC will continue to be vigilant in promoting personal safety. We will continue our extended cleaning efforts in public areas. Individual supervisors and division leads will work with staff regarding tele-work or staggered scheduling. We will continue to encourage those employees identified as vulnerable populations to work with human resources on individual needs.



We continue to assess the national, regional and local situation and work closely with our public health officials in our campus response to this ongoing health situation. We appreciate your patience.

For reliable information on coronavirus visit:




US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization(WHO)

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Response & Impact Update 10/09/2020

Coronavirus Update: October 09, 2020

MCC Community:

Due to rapidly changing impacts of COVID-19 regionally and nationally, we have determined to send out a daily communication with pertinent information. As always, we encourage you to continue to monitor email and the website at www.milescc.edu and click on the link “COVID-19: Response and Impact”.

Updates:

The following are campus updates:

1. This morning, MCC received word that a student on campus has tested positive for COVID-19. We have been working with Custer County Public Health regarding immediate contacts with the student. Contact tracing is coordinated through the Public Health Nurse and if there has been immediate contact where there has been direct contact or exposure for longer than 15 minutes in a confined space, you will be contacted directly from them. Because we cannot share individual information regarding students due to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), we are unable to provide any other details regarding this positive case.


2. As a reminder, if asked to quarantine or isolate, it is important that you avoid contact with others whenever possible. MCC does provide resources for students in one of these situations including food delivery on campus, assistance with direct communication with all faculty, and with other campus supports including remote learning needs, etc. This information also pertains to anyone at MCC that may be dealing with illness.


3. Wearing face masks or face coverings remains a part of the campus policy. Please assist in making sure you are appropriately wearing these over your nose and mouth to prevent any possible spread of the COVID-19 virus. Additionally, wearing masks when you are unable to socially distance or when you are in public areas away from campus is advised.


4. Areas where the individual may have been present will have additional sanitization following campus protocols.


5. Because we are also approaching flu season, we encourage you to consider getting a flu vaccination sooner than later. There are various locations in the community that can assist you with this.


6. If you are ill or have any health symptoms, we encourage you to stay home and limit visitation by outside guests. By doing so, you help keep others healthy and possibly stop any possible spread of illness. The campus can assist with accommodations but it is not advised to go into public areas (e.g. the café, or gym, to class, or to Student Services to pick up a package).



We continue to assess the national, regional and local situation and work closely with our public health officials in our campus response to this ongoing health situation. We appreciate your patience.

For reliable information on coronavirus visit:




US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization(WHO)

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Over the past week, Custer County has seen an increase of COVID-19 positive cases that included a documented case at Miles Community College. It is not uncommon for testing to identify cases that happen in clusters, rather than just sporadic cases not linked to someone else. However, the Custer County Public Health Office has identified cases based on community spread not associated with direct contact with someone who is positive.

This means more than ever, we must encourage members of our community to be vigilant in wearing face coverings when they are in public. While our community is doing a good job wearing masks on campus, we must encourage the wearing of face coverings when traveling in vehicles with multiple people or when visiting local businesses.

Additionally, our Public Health Office has identified that, locally, those testing positive are saying that they thought the smoke in the air was causing symptoms or attributed their cough or sore throat and temperature to a cold or allergies.

We cannot stress enough how important it is to stay home if you are sick (even mild symptoms). Also, we encourage students to submit a report regarding their illness on our website at www.milescc.edu by clicking on the safety page at the bottom of the site and then the button entitled “Report A Student of Concern” link. By doing this, it helps us reach out to you about services we provide on campus (i.e. notification of faculty, possible food delivery, possible relocation of housing for a temporary period of time, student support functions, etc.). The link also has contact information for local health providers should you need this helpful information. The report helps to identify trends in student populations or clusters with illness. Faculty and staff should report illness to their supervisor and/or Human Resources.

Currently, testing results are being returned within 48-72 hours. During this time, it is possible to quickly spread the virus to other populations. Therefore, it is important for those with symptoms or those testing to quarantine from the time of testing until they receive a negative test result or until they are cleared from a medical provider. For those in direct contact with an individual who tests positive, they will need to quarantine for 14 days from the last date of exposure to the virus regardless of the test result to ensure you are not contagious to others.

If you are asked to quarantine or isolate, this truly means to remove yourself from contact with others when possible. It should mean that you should not go to public places where you could expose others. This is why it is important for the MCC community to report their illness so we can offer supports for our students and employees. While we know, you want to go about your daily lives as normal, it is important to know that you may be causing another person to quarantine for 14 days. Every time an individual is exposed, it may extend that quarantine or infectious period.

Please keep in mind the messages we have sent earlier:

• Be responsible outside of classes and off campus. Continue to wear a face covering, wash your hands and practice social/physical distancing.
• If you’re experiencing symptoms, seek assistance from medical professionals. We can assist students in getting in contact with local agencies that are also affordable and in some instances at no cost.
• • Do not come to campus if you are sick or symptomatic. Stay home, rest, monitor symptoms and contact your medical provider. If your symptoms worsen, and especially if you are experiencing severe symptoms of COVID-19 (difficulty breathing, pain/pressure in the chest, confusion/disorientation, inability to wake or stay awake, or bluish lips/face), call 911 immediately.

If you haven’t picked up your free Pioneer Pack, please do so as soon as possible. The kit provides you with reusable masks, hand sanitizer, and a digital thermometer. You can pick up this pack at the Student Services desk.

Don’t forget that reusable face coverings need to be cleaned. When washing, use warm to hot water and don’t add any fabric softener or detergent as this may provide irritation and make breathing even more difficult.

Lastly, flu season will be here soon, and the symptoms can be similar to those resulting from COVID-19. Please get a flu-shot this year. Please check with your local medical clinic or pharmacy to see if they have the flu shot available.

Thanks for doing your part to keep our community healthy.

Response & Impact Update 8/20/2020

Coronavirus Update: August 20, 2020

MCC Community:

Due to rapidly changing impacts of COVID-19 regionally and nationally, we have determined to send out a daily communication with pertinent information. As always, we encourage you to continue to monitor email and the website at www.milescc.edu and click on the link “COVID-19: Response and Impact”.

Updates:

The following are campus updates:

1. Miles Community College will resume its hours of operation from 7:00am-10:00pm on August 31, 2020 with multiple door access.


2. As a reminder, and until further notice, MCC will require face coverings to be worn inside the public areas of all College facilities by all parties over the age of five. This requirement remains in place regardless of how many reported cases exist in Custer County.
   
   Face coverings are identified as a fabric, paper, or disposable face covering that covers the nose and mouth and which does not have an exhalation. Face shields are also appropriate.
   
   Faculty and staff who have a medical condition precluding the safe wearing of a face covering should work with Human Resources to identify accommodation needs and requests. Students with accommodation requests should contact the disability services office in the Learning Center at (406)874-6151. The College shall afford accommodations to those who are entitled an accommodation under federal and state disability protection laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Montana Human Rights Act, labor laws, or any other applicable law requiring accommodations. In many instances an accommodation would be remote access; however, this determination will be made with Human Resources or Disability Services.
   
   Masks must also be worn in outside areas where groups exceed 50 people or where social distancing is not possible.
   
   Disposable masks are available throughout different areas of campus including the Business Office, Financial Aid, Student Services, Library, and Learning Center for our faculty, staff, and students. MCC-branded, reusable cloth masks have been ordered for students and employees and are planned to be distributed prior to the first day of class.
   
   The College will respond appropriately to those individuals who do not follow the face covering requirement via human resources or the conduct process for students.


3. Anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19 should still quarantine 14 days prior to coming to campus. Faculty and Staff traveling out of state should be aware of other state’s restrictions and requirements.


4. During the academic period, faculty will communicate social distancing expectations for the classroom. These expectations may include limiting seat capacity during class time and providing alternative opportunities for remote access. Other options could include hybrid learning opportunities where students will alternate face-to-face instruction and remote learning. In other instances, the classroom will accommodate the number of students enrolled and there will be no change. Again, each faculty will communicate this information through their syllabus.


5. We encourage those entering into the buildings to be respectful of others and allow easy walking paths and social distancing in the hallways. Because faculty offices are small, they may ask to schedule face-to-face meetings in other areas of campus or via technology. Our intention is to continue with the quality service that MCC is known for.


6. When accessing certain areas of campus, the College may ask individuals to log or check-in. This will assist our Public Health partners in any need for contact tracing. The Library may place time limits on computers to non-students to ensure adequate support for students enrolled in classes.


7. The College encourages individuals to clean areas before and after use with cleaning wipes that are located throughout the campus. If employees or others observe cleaning wipe canisters empty or near empty between classes, they should contact Facilities.


8. Students will return to campus on Thursday, September 3rd with on campus students moving in at 10:00am. Additionally, a large in person SOAR is expected on Friday, September 4th. We are asking for patience with the move in process and in advising as we will be mindful of social distancing and efforts to prevent any possible community spread.


9. The current decision regarding indoor athletic events on campus will limit access to student athletes and their immediate family members, enrolled students, current faculty/staff and their immediate families. Face Coverings will be required for all spectators and guests, regardless of distance.


10. MCC will continue to be vigilant in promoting personal safety. We will continue our extended cleaning efforts in public areas. Individual supervisors and division leads will work with staff regarding tele-work or staggered scheduling. We will continue to encourage those employees identified as vulnerable populations to work with human resources on individual needs.



We continue to assess the national, regional and local situation and work closely with our public health officials in our campus response to this ongoing health situation. We appreciate your patience.

For reliable information on coronavirus visit:




US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization(WHO)

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Response & Impact Update 7/1/2020

Coronavirus Update: July 1, 2020

MCC Community:

Due to rapidly changing impacts of COVID-19 regionally and nationally, we have determined to send out a daily communication with pertinent information. As always, we encourage you to continue to monitor email and the website at www.milescc.edu and click on the link “COVID-19: Response and Impact”.

Updates:

The following updates begin today, July 1, 2020:

1. MCC will extend its hours of operation to 8:00am-5:00pm (Monday-Friday) for transaction services. Access to the building will continue to be through doors C and D.
• Waiting areas will still be limited to one individual and immediate family and seating in public areas is limited.


2. The CENTRA will return to a 75% occupancy during its hours of operation (Monday-Friday from 5:00am-7:00pm and Saturday-Sunday from 9:00am-4:00pm.)
• Access points will be modified to assist with monitoring numbers in the facility. Individuals will be required to check-in at the first-floor desk prior to using the facilities and upon exit. Unfortunately, once the occupancy is at the identified capacity, we are not permitted to allow additional entry until someone has vacated the building. An approved 21 individuals may use upstairs workout facility at one time.
• Indoor classes at the CENTRA may be scheduled
• Gymnasium use will be limited to no more than four people per basket and the racquetball courts will be limited to two people. We recommend patrons to be mindful of social distancing requirements and the need to sanitize equipment before and after each use.
• Masks will be worn by the CENTRA staff at all times and members are encouraged to wear face coverings when possible in the facility.


3. The Library will be available on a scheduled basis by calling (406)874-6196. This will allow better sanitization between users and/or groups.


4. The Café will maintain its current hours of operations with in-person dining allowed with social distancing required.


5. Signs will be placed throughout the campus indicating “patrons with fever, shortness of breath, a cough, or other COVID-19 symptoms must refrain from using this facility.”


6. The College will still monitor the impact in the community and throughout the state and make individual determinations regarding other requested group gatherings and reservations.


7. Of course, anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19 should still quarantine 14 days prior to coming to campus. Faculty and Staff traveling out of state should be aware of other state’s restrictions and requirements.


8. MCC will continue to be vigilant in promoting personal safety. We will continue our extended cleaning efforts in public areas. Individual supervisors and division leads will work with staff regarding tele-work or staggered scheduling. We will continue to encourage those employees identified as vulnerable populations to work with human resources on individual needs.



We continue to assess the national, regional and local situation and work closely with our public health officials in our campus response to this ongoing health situation. We appreciate your patience.

For reliable information on coronavirus visit:




US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization(WHO)

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Response & Impact Update 6/19/2020

Coronavirus Update: June 19, 2020

MCC Community:

Due to rapidly changing impacts of COVID-19 regionally and nationally, we have determined to send out a daily communication with pertinent information. As always, we encourage you to continue to monitor email and the website at www.milescc.edu and click on the link “COVID-19: Response and Impact”.

Updates:

On June 18, 2020, the Custer County Board of Health and the Health Officer issued a recommendation that all local businesses, athletics, community events, and assemblies return to the restrictions in place under Phase I of the Governor’s Directive for reopening Montana.

The following updates will begin Saturday, June 20, 2020 through Tuesday, June 30, 2020:

1. MCC will maintain its hours of operation from 9:00am-4:00pm (Monday-Friday) for transaction services through the end of June. Access to the building will continue to be through doors C and D.
• Waiting areas will still be limited to one individual and immediate family and seating in public areas is limited.
• For those few in-person classes offered during the summer, faculty teaching will be asked to screen students for symptoms of fever, shortness of breath or a cough through questionnaire. Physical and Social distancing will still be encouraged when working in group settings.


2. The CENTRA will return to a 50% occupancy during its hours of operation (Monday-Friday from 5:00am-7:00pm and Saturday-Sunday from 9:00am-4:00pm.)
• Access points will be modified to assist with monitoring numbers in the facility. Individuals will be required to check-in at the first-floor desk prior to using the facilities and upon exit. Unfortunately, once the occupancy is at the identified capacity, we are not permitted to allow additional entry until someone has vacated the building. An approved 15 individuals may use upstairs workout facility at one time.
• Indoor classes at the CENTRA will temporarily cease; group classes will be limited to outside classes with strict physical distancing in place.
• Gymnasium use will be limited to no more than four people per basket and the racquetball courts will be limited to two people. We recommend patrons to be mindful of social distancing requirements and the need to sanitize equipment before and after each use.
• Masks will be worn by the CENTRA staff at all times and members are encouraged to wear face coverings when possible in the facility


3. Supervisors and Division Leads will work with individual employees on staffing needs and will encourage tele-work whenever possible. For any changes to general operations, please see the COVID-19 Response and Impact link on our website at www.milescc.edu and click on “Operation Resources”.


4. Community Members hoping to attend the MCC Board of Trustee meeting will be recommended to attend the meeting via remote access. If you are interested in attending the meeting virtually, please contact Candy Laney at (406)874-6165.


5. The Library will be available on a scheduled basis by calling (406)874-6196. This will allow better sanitization between users and/or groups.


6. The Café’ will maintain its current hours of operations; however, the dining room will not be open for in person dining. Patrons will be provided to-go containers.


7. Signs will be placed throughout the campus indicating “patrons with fever, shortness of breath, a cough, or other COVID-19 symptoms must refrain from using this facility.”


8. Of course, anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19 should still quarantine 14 days prior to coming to campus. Faculty and Staff traveling out of state should be aware of other state’s restrictions and requirements.


9. MCC will continue to be vigilant in promoting personal safety. We will continue our extended cleaning efforts in public areas. Individual supervisors and division leads will work with staff regarding tele-work or staggered scheduling. We will continue to encourage those employees identified as vulnerable populations to work with human resources on individual needs.



We continue to assess the national, regional and local situation and work closely with our public health officials in our campus response to this ongoing health situation. We appreciate your patience.

For reliable information on coronavirus visit:




US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization(WHO)

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Response & Impact Update 6/12/2020

Coronavirus Update: June 12, 2020

MCC Community:

Due to rapidly changing impacts of COVID-19 regionally and nationally, we have determined to send out a daily communication with pertinent information. As always, we encourage you to continue to monitor email and the website at www.milescc.edu and click on the link “COVID-19: Response and Impact”.

Updates:

The Custer County Health Department has announced its first positive case of COVID-19 in the county. While there is no indication of direct impact on MCC, we want to remind the MCC Community to follow CDC guidance that can be found on our website at www.milescc.edu (http://www.milescc.edu) on the COVID-19 Response and Impact link. We continue to encourage social distancing, wearing masks whenever possible in public settings, and to contact health officials if you have knowingly been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms that include fever, coughing and shortness of breath. Continue to monitor the website for any updates or announcements.

This notice it being sent as an emergency notification.

We continue to assess the national, regional and local situation and work closely with our public health officials in our campus response to this ongoing health situation. We appreciate your patience.

For reliable information on coronavirus visit:




US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization(WHO)

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Response & Impact Update 5/26/2020

Coronavirus Update: May 26, 2020

MCC Community:

Due to rapidly changing impacts of COVID-19 regionally and nationally, we have determined to send out a daily communication with pertinent information. As always, we encourage you to continue to monitor email and the website at www.milescc.edu and click on the link “COVID-19: Response and Impact”.

Updates:

1. On May 19, 2020, Governor Bullock announced Phase II of Montana Reopening beginning June 1st. MCC has made the following decisions regarding this order:
   • The MCC Lucas Hall building will be open from 9:00am-4:00pm (Monday-Friday) for transactional services through the end of June. Access to the building will be through doors C and D. The building may be opened during different hours to accommodate approved meetings/events.
   • MCC will now entertain hosting meetings with up to 50 individuals that readily allow for physical distancing and social distancing.
   • Waiting areas will still be limited to one individual and immediate family and seating in public areas is limited.
   • Faculty teaching in-person classes held in the summer will be asked to screen students for symptoms of fever, shortness of breath or a cough through questionnaire. Physical and Social distancing will still be encouraged when working in group settings.
   • Some offices on campus will remain working remotely and by appointment only. Please see our website for “Operation Resources” on the COVID-19 link for assistance.


2. The CENTRA will increase its services beginning June 1, 2020 as follows:
   • Hours of operation will be Monday-Friday from 5:00am-7:00pm and Saturday-Sunday from 9:00am-4:00pm.
   • Occupancy of the CENTRA cannot exceed 75% capacity. Access points will be modified to assist with monitoring numbers in the facility. Individuals will be required to check-in at the first-floor desk prior to using the facilities and upon exit. Unfortunately, once the occupancy is at the identified capacity, we are not permitted to allow additional entry until someone has vacated the building. An approved 23 individuals may use upstairs workout facility at one time.
   • MCC Staff will continue increased cleaning efforts and help enforce social distancing in all areas of the facility. Equipment will be limited based on location to allow for a six-foot distance between units. Guests using free weights may have a spotter when necessary (limited to two total people). Additionally, sanitization stations, along with disposable wipes, will be located throughout the facility to encourage cleaning after each use by patrons.
   • Indoor classes may resume with a 75% capacity with strict physical distancing. Class sizes will be dependent on the location of the class being taught.
   • Gymnasium use will be limited to no more than four people per basket and the racquetball courts will be limited to two people. We recommend patrons to be mindful of social distancing requirements and the need to sanitize equipment before and after each use.
   • Masks will be worn by the CENTRA staff at all times and members are encouraged to wear face coverings when possible in the facility.


3. The Library will be available on a scheduled basis by calling (406)874-6196. This will allow better sanitization between users and/or groups.


4. The Student Orientation scheduled for May 28, 2020 will remain on line; however, future sessions will be in-person. Individuals desiring a virtual orientation for health purposes after June 1, 2020 should contact Erin Niedge at (406)874-6211.


5. The travel quarantine will expire on June 1, 2020 and we welcome our students from out-of-state; however, be advised that the National Guard is authorized to conduct screenings for any traveler arriving in Montana from another state or country. Of course, anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19 should still quarantine 14 days prior to coming to campus. Faculty and Staff traveling out of state should be aware of other state’s restrictions and requirements.


6. Signs will be placed throughout the campus indicating “patrons with fever, shortness of breath, a cough, or other COVID-19 symptoms must refrain from using this facility.”


7. MCC will continue to be vigilant in promoting personal safety. We will continue our extended cleaning efforts in public areas. Individual supervisors and division leads will work with staff regarding tele-work or staggered scheduling. We will continue to encourage those employees identified as vulnerable populations to work with human resources on individual needs.

We continue to assess the national, regional and local situation and work closely with our public health officials in our campus response to this ongoing health situation. We appreciate your patience.

For reliable information on coronavirus visit:




US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization(WHO)

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Response & Impact Update 5/14/2020

Coronavirus Update: May 14, 2020

MCC Community:

Due to rapidly changing impacts of COVID-19 regionally and nationally, we have determined to send out a daily communication with pertinent information. As always, we encourage you to continue to monitor email and the website at www.milescc.edu and click on the link “COVID-19: Response and Impact”.

Updates:

1. Per the Governor’s Order on May 7, 2020, gyms in Montana can open with modified operations. The CENTRA will open to registered members only beginning on May 18, 2020 (Monday-Friday 6:00am-7:00pm and Saturday-Sunday from 9:00am-4:00pm). Day passes or walk-in passes will not be offered. Membership includes those paid members, faculty/staff, and MCC registered students. For membership questions, contact the CENTRA at (406)874-6286.
   • Occupancy of the CENTRA cannot exceed 50% capacity. Access points will be modified to assist with monitoring numbers in the facility. Individuals will be required to check-in at the first-floor desk prior to using the facilities and upon exit. Unfortunately, once the occupancy is at the identified capacity, we are not permitted to allow additional entry until someone has vacated the building.
   • MCC Staff will increase cleaning efforts and help enforce social distancing in all areas of the facility. Equipment will be limited based on location to allow for a six foot distance between units. Guests using free weights may have a spotter when necessary (limited to two total people). Additionally, sanitization stations, along with disposable wipes, will be located throughout the facility to encourage cleaning after each use by patrons.
   • While indoor classes will not be permitted at this time, the CENTRA staff will investigate outdoor group class opportunities that meet governmental requirements (based on the Phase issued by the Governor). Currently, these group sessions cannot exceed ten people.
   • Gymnasium use will be limited to no more than four people per basket. We recommend patrons to be mindful of social distancing requirements and the need to sanitize equipment before and after each use.
   • Masks will be worn by the CENTRA staff at all times and members are encouraged to wear face coverings when possible in the facility.
   • Patrons with fever, shortness of breath, a cough, or other COVID-19 symptoms should refrain from using the facility.


2. Miles City public health office has announced a confirmed cased of COVID-19 in Custer County of an out-of-state resident. We continue encouraging individuals to help reduce risks of spread through maintaining social distance, disinfecting “high-touch” surfaces, avoiding group settings, wearing coverings when in public settings, and to wash hands thoroughly and often.


3. The MCC Lucas Hall building remains open for transactional purposes only (Monday-Friday) from 10:00am-3:00pm for transactional services but will be closed on May 15th, May 22nd, and May 25th for College Holidays. Student Services and the Business Office will be open to assist individuals with specific needs. Most other offices will be closed and working remotely and by appointment only. Please see our website for “Operation Resources” for assistance.


4. The Library will remain closed but individuals needing assistance can call the library during business hours for assistance at (406)874-6196.


5. Students who are planning to return for Summer or Fall 2020 classes should have already had conversations with their advisors regarding registration needs. As a reminder, not all faculty advisors are on campus during the summer months. For assistance, contact Student Services at (406)874-6101. Current students should make this a priority if they have not already done so. New students to MCC will begin registering for classes through MCC Orientations held during the summer months.


6. MCC will still limit non-essential travel and encourage any individual traveling from out of state to self-quarantine for 14 days, per the Governor’s directive. Please follow CDC guidance regarding quarantine as opposed to the simple “shelter in place”.


7. MCC will continue to be vigilant in promoting personal safety. We will continue our extended cleaning efforts in public areas. Individual supervisors and division leads will work with staff regarding tele-work or staggered scheduling. We will continue to encourage those employees identified as vulnerable populations to work with human resources on individual needs.

We continue to assess the national, regional and local situation and work closely with our public health officials in our campus response to this ongoing health situation. We appreciate your patience.

For reliable information on coronavirus visit:




US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization(WHO)

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Response & Impact Update 4/30/2020

Coronavirus Update: April 30, 2020

MCC Community:

Due to rapidly changing impacts of COVID-19 regionally and nationally, we have determined to send out a daily communication with pertinent information. As always, we encourage you to continue to monitor email and the website at www.milescc.edu and click on the link “COVID-19: Response and Impact”.

Updates:

1. The MCC Lucas Hall building will open on Monday, May 4th, through Thursday, May 14, 2020 (Monday-Friday) from 10:00am-3:00pm for transactional services. Student Services and the Business Office will be open to assist individuals with specific needs. Most other offices will be closed and working remotely and by appointment only. Please see our website for “Operation Resources” for assistance. As a reminder, the campus is closed on Friday, May 15, 2020 for Western Heritage Day.


2. We encourage anyone with a cough, fever, or ongoing illness to call for assistance rather than entering into the building. Additionally, we will encourage social distancing measures and no group gatherings of over 10 people.


3. While the main building will be open, classrooms will be locked and we do not encourage individuals to enter the building without some transactional need (business function or student support function of the College).


4. The CENTRA will remain closed per the Governor’s order. We will review operations and will make determinations as the state announces the second and third phases of opening. The CENTRA staff will be reaching out to gym members providing opportunities for individuals who need to retrieve items from the lockers by appointment only.


5. The Library will remain closed but individuals needing assistance can call the library during business hours for assistance at (406)874-6196.


6. We will continue with our previous determinations regarding graduation celebration ceremonies being delayed until May 23, 2020. Caps and gowns are being mailed to students with instructions on specific needs of our graduates in order to be fully recognized in the celebration. Individual emails have been mailed to our graduates with instructions. Additionally, for those students who filed intent to graduate, they should have received an email from a company called “MarchingOrder” asking students to set up an account and walk you through the process of setting up your graduation slide, including photo submission. We encourage submitting photos in your cap and gown if possible. Photo submission, slide customization will close in MarchingOrder on May 10th.


7. Residence Halls will close on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at 12:00noon. Students living on campus should have already arranged check-out plans with Jessica Lofland. Students are reminded that they must check-out with staff and not just leave keys in their rooms.


8. Students who are planning to return for Fall 2020 classes should have already had conversations with their advisors regarding registration needs. As a reminder, not all faculty advisors are on campus during the summer months. Current students should make this a priority if they have not already done so. New students to MCC will begin registering for classes through MCC Orientations held during the summer months.


9. MCC will still limit non-essential travel and encourage any individual traveling from out of state to self-quarantine for 14 days, per the Governor’s directive. Please follow CDC guidance regarding quarantine as opposed to the simple “shelter in place”.


10. MCC will continue to be vigilant in promoting personal safety. We will continue our extended cleaning efforts in public areas. Individual supervisors and division leads will work with staff regarding tele-work or staggered scheduling. We will continue to encourage those employees identified as vulnerable populations to work with human resources on individual needs.

We continue to assess the national, regional and local situation and work closely with our public health officials in our campus response to this ongoing health situation. We appreciate your patience.

For reliable information on coronavirus visit:




US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization(WHO)

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Response & Impact Update 4/23/2020

Coronavirus Update: April 23, 2020

MCC Community:

Due to rapidly changing impacts of COVID-19 regionally and nationally, we have determined to send out a daily communication with pertinent information. As always, we encourage you to continue to monitor email and the website at www.milescc.edu and click on the link “COVID-19: Response and Impact”.

Updates:

1. Governor Bullock has announced a phased reopening of the state of Montana. MCC will continue working remotely through the remainder of the semester. Beginning on May 4, 2020, we will have some additional staff added to offices on campus to assist in daily operations. During these times, we will continue encouraging social distancing and will recommend individuals to wear face coverings in areas where social distancing may not be possible. Supervisors and Division leads will work with individuals to identify work plans. To see the specific language of the Governor’s Phase I plan, go to "Reopening the Big Sky".


2. We will continue with our previous determinations regarding graduation celebration ceremonies being delayed until May 23, 2020. Additional information will be provided in future notifications.


3. The CENTRA will remain closed per the Governor’s order. We will review operations and will make determinations as the state announces the second and third phases of opening.


4. MCC will still limit non-essential travel and encourage any individual traveling from out of state to self-quarantine for 14 days. Please follow CDC guidance regarding quarantine as opposed to the simple “shelter in place”.


5. The MCC Bookstore will open on Tuesday, April 28th but will allow no more than 6 people in the store at any one time (with social distance markers). We will be able to accommodate book buy-back at this time.


6. The MCC Café will operate under current practices and will end academic year services on Friday, May 1st at 6:30pm. As we move to summer hours, we will identify the maximum number of patrons allowed in the cafeteria after May 4th and follow the guidance given to not allow more than 6 people to sit together in one sitting.


7. The summer orientation scheduled for May 28, 2020 will be an on-line program. Student Services will work with faculty, staff, students and their parents regarding individual needs and expectations. Additionally, the office will identify next steps for our remaining student orientation programs over the next few weeks based on announcement of additional phases by the Governor.


8. MCC will continue to be vigilant in promoting personal safety. We will continue our extended cleaning efforts in public areas. Individual supervisors and division leads will work with staff regarding tele-work or staggered scheduling. We will continue to encourage those employees identified as vulnerable populations to work with human resources on individual needs.

We continue to assess the national, regional and local situation and work closely with our public health officials in our campus response to this ongoing health situation. We appreciate your patience.

For reliable information on coronavirus visit:




US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization(WHO)

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Response & Impact Update 4/20/2020

Coronavirus Update: April 20, 2020

MCC Community:

Due to rapidly changing impacts of COVID-19 regionally and nationally, we have determined to send out a daily communication with pertinent information. As always, we encourage you to continue to monitor email and the website at www.milescc.edu and click on the link “COVID-19: Response and Impact”.

Updates:

1. While our 2020 graduates will officially graduate on Saturday, May 2, 2020, MCC will premiere our virtual celebration for our graduates on Saturday, May 23rd. Due to the diversity of our graduating class, we will broadcast this graduation celebration multiple times to meet the needs of students in different parts of the state, country, and world.
   
   Caps and gowns will be mailed to our students with a graduation packet. Additionally, we will ask all students graduating to submit a photo in their cap and gown so we can include that in our ceremony. Information regarding this process will be sent out next week.
   
   Faculty and staff will have an opportunity to contribute to our celebration and we will reach out to all employees in the upcoming week with specific needs and details for the celebration.


2. The Mercantile Bookstore will be open beginning Tuesday, April 28, 2020 through May 7, 2020 from 9:00am-12:00noon and 1:00pm-3:00pm for book buyback. Students who can return their books are encouraged to do so on these dates. Additionally, to accommodate those students who cannot return during this period but will return in the Fall, we will hold a buy back in the Fall starting August 30th-September 8th. For students not wanting to sell their books back to the bookstore, we will provide information on our website at www.milescc.edu/CampusServices/Bookstore/ with information regarding a private company that can assist you with purchasing your textbooks and how to ship your books to this company (MCC does not determine which books they will purchase and their purchase price). We do know that MCC will typically offer more refund than the private companies and recommend students selling back to the bookstore if they can. A list of those books we will purchase back will also be located on the website. This information can be found starting April 28, 2020.


3. We are highly encouraging students planning to return in the Fall semester and who have not registered for classes to contact their advisor by Thursday, April 23rd to get advised for registration. MCC will soon begin the orientation process of our new and transfer students and we would like to ensure we are best able to accommodate our returning students class needs. For those who still need to make payment on their account to remove financial holds, they can contact the business office at (406)874-6159 for more information.


4. Students planning to return to the residence halls for the Fall Semester do need to complete an application and pay the deposit/cleaning fees. Returning students who already have a deposit on file will only need to pay the $50 cleaning fee. To find the application, go to our website at https://www.milescc.edu/CampusServices/ResidenceHall/ResidenceHall.htm and click on the Online Housing Application on the right hand of the screen.


5. The residence halls will close on Saturday, May 2nd at noon. Students should pre-arrange a check-out time with Jessica Lofland by the end of next week. She can be reached by calling (406)874-6480. The dining contract will end on Friday, May 1st at 6:30pm.


6. As we have done for the past four weeks, we highly recommend that students check both their email and canvas for communications regarding academic responsibilities and other important information for each specific student.

We continue to assess the national, regional and local situation and work closely with our public health officials in our campus response to this ongoing health situation. We appreciate your patience.

For reliable information on coronavirus visit:




US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization(WHO)

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Response & Impact Update 4/08/2020

Coronavirus Update: April 8, 2020

MCC Community:

Due to rapidly changing impacts of COVID-19 regionally and nationally, we have determined to send out a daily communication with pertinent information. As always, we encourage you to continue to monitor email and the website at www.milescc.edu and click on the link “COVID-19: Response and Impact”.

Updates:

1. Montana Governor, Steve Bullock, has extended the state-wide “stay at home” order issued on March 26, 2020 to continue through April 24, 2020. MCC buildings will remain closed with the exception of those employees identified to complete essential duties at the College. Those not identified completing these tasks previously should contact their immediate supervisor or division lead to request assistance to access the campus.


2. Based on this order, MCC has determined that we will continue operating remotely through the remainder of the Spring semester. Individuals needing support should utilize the website and COVID-19 response link to “Operation Resources” for contact information for assistance. Faculty and staff may be contacted by their supervisor or division lead regarding remote work agreements.


3. The College continues to assess those courses that were not converted to on-line modalities to determine how these classes will move forward. Individual faculty will reach out to those few students impacted.


4. Students are encouraged to stay active through CANVAS and email communications. With just over three weeks left in the semester, it is important for students to stay proactive in their academic success. Additionally, for those few students who have not spoken to their advisor regarding courses for the Fall 2020 semester, it is important to reach out to register for courses now.


5. The academic withdrawal period has been extended to April 22, 2020 for students needing to drop classes or withdraw completely without academic penalty - classes dropped through this date will result in a grade of "W". Students should consult their advisor and the Financial Aid Office to determine any impacts to overall academic needs, federal aid, and any additional eligibility requirements. Students needing to drop must scan or email a picture of a signed and dated request to the Registrar, who will then initiate processes on their behalf.


6. A committee on campus is currently finalizing plans regarding a virtual graduation and will communicate plans in the upcoming week.

We continue to assess the national, regional and local situation and work closely with our public health officials in our campus response to this ongoing health situation. We appreciate your patience.

For reliable information on coronavirus visit:




US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization(WHO)

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Response & Impact Update 3/27/2020

Coronavirus Update: March 27, 2020

MCC Community:

Due to rapidly changing impacts of COVID-19 regionally and nationally, we have determined to send out a daily communication with pertinent information. As always, we encourage you to continue to monitor email and the website at www.milescc.edu and click on the link “COVID-19: Response and Impact”.

Updates:

1. Governor Bullock has issued a state-wide “stay at home” order beginning at 12:01am on Saturday, March 28th through April 10th (but may be extended). This means that all non-essential businesses must close. Further, the order requires all individuals to stay home unless absolutely necessary. Areas identified as necessary include reasons of health and safety, outings for necessary supplies, taking care of others, and for certain identified areas of work. Outside activities are not restricted as long as individuals maintain adequate social distancing.



What does this mean to MCC:

1. MCC facilities will be closed but individuals will be working remotely to provide limited services. For information on remote services, see the COVID-19 Response link and click on the red button entitled “operation resources”. Additionally, the College will notify those employees who would be considered essential to critical operations through human resources and division leads. Most of these individuals will work in shifts where social distancing will be a priority.


2. Students living on campus should remain in the residential facilities (Pioneer Hall or Commons areas). For those students who already identified plans to check out, we encourage you to make plans to leave before the March 28th deadline. For those that cannot checkout by the date and time in the Governor’s order, you will not be able to check-out until after April 10th and are not permitted to come and go from the residential facilities.


3. We do have professional staff who live on site to assist residential students. The students may contact the on-call staff through the phone number provided in the residence hall entryway.


4. Dining Services will continue to operate and are identified as an essential service by the Custer County Public Health Office. We may amend hours of service and send out additional information regarding dining plans. Food will be provided to go and individuals should remember to practice social distancing in the café when ordering food.


5. MCC will continue its remote and online courses.


6. Face to Face courses will temporarily stop and information pertaining to next steps will be sent directly from the individual faculty member. The only courses provided will be those with remote access. Students living on campus in face to face courses may stay in their residence hall or may go home and return after the “stay home” order has been lifted.


7. This order is a mandate and not a recommendation. We know most people will exercise this order but it is important to note, by law, it is enforceable through local and state authority. The community always takes compassionate and commonsense approaches to these situations when possible.


8. The MCC Community is encouraged to check their email periodically each day for updates.


2. The deadline to drop or withdraw from classes with no academic penalty, originally scheduled for March 30, has been extended to Wednesday, April 22, and combined with the last date to drop or withdraw. Students who drop or withdraw prior to April 22 will be given a grade of ‘W’ for dropped courses. After April 22, students will not be able to drop classes or withdraw and will be issued the letter grade earned in the course.


3. The current situation will continue to evolve, and as we navigate what we know will be challenging days and weeks ahead, please know that the health and safety of our MCC family—and the broader Miles City community—remains our top priority.

We continue to assess the national, regional and local situation and work closely with our public health officials in our campus response to this ongoing health situation. We appreciate your patience.

For reliable information on coronavirus visit:




US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization(WHO)

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Response & Impact Update 3/24/2020

Coronavirus Update: March 24, 2020

MCC Community:

Due to rapidly changing impacts of COVID-19 regionally and nationally, we have determined to send out a daily communication with pertinent information. As always, we encourage you to continue to monitor email and the website at www.milescc.edu and click on the link “COVID-19: Response and Impact”.

Updates:

1. It has been determined that college commencement and nursing pinning ceremonies for 2020 will be held virtually. Details for these important events are still being planned and will be communicated to our graduates and community.


2. As we move more of our staff to remote access, we will include contact information on the COVID-19 website link by clicking on the red button entitled “Operation Resources”. These Offices definitely want to meet our students’ needs. The College is simply trying to limit any possible spread of COVID-19. Please utilize these services by reaching out to them—most services are available remotely. The following are some offices currently identified (as information changes, we will update on the website).
   
   

   Bookstore—The Mercantile will be closed starting Monday, March 30th until further notice. Individuals who need bookstore items may schedule an appointment by sending an email to BookstoreL@milescc.edu . Please allow a minimum of 24 hours for a response (Monday-Friday).

   
   

   Business Office--The business office will remain open with limited staffing. To leave a message or request assistance, email BusinessOffice@milescc.edu.

   
   

   Financial Aid—The financial aid staff will be working remotely and will be in the office once a week to process office needs. To leave a message or request assistance, email finaid@milescc.edu.

   
   

   Library Services—The library is closed until further notice. Individuals who need library assistance may schedule an appointment by contacting the library at library@milescc.edu. Please allow a minimum of 24 hours for a response (Monday-Friday).

   
   

   Learning Center—The Learning Center is closed until further notice. Individuals who need Learning Center support may schedule an appointment by sending an email to LC@milescc.edu. Please allow a minimum of 24 hours for a response (Monday-Friday). The Learning Center will continue to utilize Zoom as it has prior to the current pandemic.

   
   

   Student Services—The Student Services office will remain open and serve as the campus operator service by calling (406)874-6101 Monday-Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm with limited office closures. Mail services will still function on its normal schedule. Questions regarding admissions can directly be addressed at this number.

   
   

   Transcript Services—Expedited transcripts are not possible at this time and transcripts will be processed weekly.

   
   

   Human Resources—The human resources office will be working remotely. Individuals who need assistance may email the HR department at humanresources@milescc.edu . Please allow a minimum of 24 hours for a response (Monday-Friday).



3. Housing and Dining Services are still operating on normal schedules. Individuals needing to speak with the café’ staff should stop into the dining services during regularly scheduled hours. For those needing to speak with housing, you can reach them by emailing Housing@milescc.edu or the duty phone number is posted directly inside Pioneer Hall.


4. The Mercantile is still finalizing plans regarding book buy back for the end of the term. Once these plans are finalized, information will be provided.

We continue to assess the national, regional and local situation and work closely with our public health officials in our campus response to this ongoing health situation. We appreciate your patience.

For reliable information on coronavirus visit:




US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization(WHO)

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Response & Impact Update 3/23/2020

Coronavirus Update: March 23, 2020

MCC Community:

Due to rapidly changing impacts of COVID-19 regionally and nationally, we have determined to send out a daily communication with pertinent information. As always, we encourage you to continue to monitor email and the website at www.milescc.edu and click on the link “COVID-19: Response and Impact”.

Updates:

1. Beginning on March 24th and until further notice, the College will be reducing its hours of operation to 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday, except for those courses that still meet face to face. Exterior entrances will be locked outside of these times. Cafeteria services and residence hall services for those students still on campus will be open during normal scheduled hours and access will be through the Café’ Doors.


2. Whenever possible, employees will be encouraged to work from home except in those instances where services identified by division leads are still needed for on-campus response. Employees should consult their direct supervisor regarding their office staffing plan and how this decision will pertain to individual positions. For those working from home, supervisors will coordinate a communication plan so faculty/staff/students can access necessary support. Information about how to contact these resources will be located on the website on the COVID-19 link and will be shared with high-inquiry volume offices, such as Student Services. .


3. The library will be closed except by appointment beginning on March 24th. Instructions on how to schedule an appointment will be found on the COVID-19 link and in CANVAS for students. Please allow for a minimum of 24 hours to schedule an appointment (Monday-Friday).


4. The Learning Center will also close beginning March 24th, with in-person appointments (including TABE and placement testing) with staff available by appointment. Other services provided by the Center, including advising, tutoring, and disability support services, can be provided remotely or by appointment only. Instructions on how to schedule an appointment will be found on the COVID-19 link and in CANVAS for students. The Adult Education/HiSET program will also suspend in-person instruction; this includes HiSET testing.


5. Residence Hall students who check out by March 31, 2020 will receive a prorated refund. Individual notices to students who have already checked out will be sent via email over the upcoming week. Students must complete the form that will be attached in order to receive the approved refund. For students who still owe money on their accounts, any refund will pay amounts due first.


6. As part of our care for students, staff will be reaching out to students over the next weeks to follow up on how you are doing and any specific needs you might have. We are encouraging students who have moved to on-line classes from the face-to-face modalities to stay active on CANVAS and in the methods communicated by your faculty. It is important to not fall behind in your coursework, especially during these transitions. Additionally, do not hesitate contacting your faculty and/or staff as you have issues. You do not have to wait until you are contacted by College staff.


7. The Nursing Program has extended applications for admission to July 1, 2020. Should you have specific questions regarding the Nursing program, please contact Kim Helmts or Pauline Flotkoetter at (406)874-6189. Also, tutoring will continue remotely for students impacted by any of the closures to campus.


8. The HiSET graduation scheduled for April 16, 2020 has been postponed until a later date.


9. The NIRA has cancelled the Rodeo season. Student athletes who are part of the rodeo team will have their eligibility returned to their Fall status. No decision regarding the College National Finals Rodeo has been made at this time.


10. The College continues to make decisions regarding end of the year events, procedural impacts due to the COVID-19 response, and other upcoming items and will communicate as these decisions are made.

We continue to assess the national, regional and local situation and work closely with our public health officials in our campus response to this ongoing health situation. We appreciate your patience.

For reliable information on coronavirus visit:




US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization(WHO)

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Response & Impact Update 3/20/2020

Coronavirus Update: March 20, 2020

MCC Community:

Due to rapidly changing impacts of COVID-19 regionally and nationally, we have determined to send out a daily communication with pertinent information. As always, we encourage you to continue to monitor email and the website at www.milescc.edu and click on the link “COVID-19: Response and Impact”.

Updates:

1. Based on Governor Bullock’s announcement regarding curtailing the spread of COVID-19, MCC has determined it will close operations of the CENTRA and Ag Advancement Center until further notice beginning at 5:00pm on Friday, March 20th. For those students who need additional support with their already stalled horses, please contact Rollie Ewalt at ewaltr@milescc.edu.


2. Dining services will be open for faculty, staff, and students on a take-out basis only during normally scheduled hours. We continue to encourage social distancing. .


3. The College is committed to supporting those employees impacted by any closures. We will send out updates later today to faculty and staff regarding these specific decisions and announcements.


4. For those students living on campus, we continue to encourage communication with the residence hall staff regarding your intentions or change of plans so that we can be better able to communicate direct needs in a timely manner. While the Montana University System has encouraged students not to return to campus residential facilities, we remain open; however, for those students who do not need to remain on campus, we encourage you to consider your options to return to your homes when possible. Information pertaining to any possible refunds will be sent next week.

We continue to assess the national, regional and local situation and work closely with our public health officials in our campus response to this ongoing health situation. We appreciate your patience.

For reliable information on coronavirus visit:




US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization(WHO)

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Response & Impact Update 3/18/2020

Coronavirus Update: March 18, 2020

MCC Community:

Our faculty and staff having been working diligently through the day-to-day transitions presented through COVID-19. Additionally, our students have been very resilient with the changes we all face. Classes have resumed following spring break and we have been able to move most classes to an on-line format; however, there are still some classes that must be taught face to face in classes with less than 10 students.

Updates:

1. Because of the cancellation of advising day events, we encourage students and advisors to work together to determine the most appropriate way to meet virtually for pre-registration advising for Fall 2020. Advisors will find student PIN numbers for both summer and Fall 2020 populated in Banner. For students planning to enroll for Summer or Fall classes, we encourage you to work with your advisor prior to the end of April. The fall schedule can be viewed on the MCC website at https://www.milescc.edu/courseSchedule/ . Registration is now open in Banner as of 12:00pm today.


2. For those students who were planning to transfer next year, we encourage you to contact Anne Anderson, Director of Student Success and Retention at (406)874-6151 or andersona@milescc.edu. She can assist with general transfer advising or transfer search opportunities . Virtual meetings can be arranged.


3. For students needing academic support through the changes to on-line courses, we encourage them to work with their individual professors. Additionally, the learning center is available to assist with student success. Please contact the Learning Center at (406)874-6152 or lc@milescc.edu .


4. Students should remember to update information in Banner. This would include forwarding mail addresses and updated phone numbers.


5. The College continues to review end of year plans pertaining to graduation, nurses pinning, etc., as well as refund procedures and decisions. We will continue our updates of the community through email and the website in coming days and weeks.


6. College Housing staff are attempting to reach out to all on campus residence hall students with their plans for the remainder of the semester. If you have not made contact, please notify Jessica Lofland, Coordinator of Student Life and College Housing at loflandj@milescc.edu and indicate your intent to stay or schedule a time to check-out. All students checking out must officially check out with a housing staff member.

We appreciate everyone’s flexibility during these difficult times. The College may not need to send out a daily update; therefore, we encourage members of our community to check their email and CANVAS accounts daily and the website at www.milescc.edu and click on the link “COVID-19: Response and Impact”.

For reliable information on coronavirus visit:




US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization(WHO)

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Response & Impact Update 3/17/2020

Coronavirus Update: March 17, 2020

MCC Community:

This is our daily update to the changing impacts of COVID-19. We continue to encourage you to monitor email and the website at www.milescc.edu and click on the line “COVID-19: Response and Impact”.

1. Based on federal recommendations to support social distancing, MCC has determined to revise our restrictions regarding group and meeting sizes to no more than 10 individuals. This will include our not-for-credit community programs. We have reviewed our face to face classes that cannot transition to online access and there should be no impact based on this restriction. Any exception would need campus approval.


2. In consultation with our Board of Trustees, MCC has determined to extend our on-line courses through the remainder of the semester. Decisions regarding end of year campus events such as graduation and nurses pinning have not been finalized but are being reviewed.


3. College Housing is currently reaching out to on campus students regarding their intentions for housing so the College has an accounting for residency. Any student changing their plans and returning home should work with housing staff prior to leaving. If these students have already left, they can contact the Coordinator of Student Life and College Housing.


4. For students who were enrolled in face to face classes, you should receive an email by 5:00pm today regarding the method your course will be taught. Please refer to your email and/or CANVAS. Should you not receive a message by that time, we encourage you to contact your faculty. As the faculty are quite busy with this transition, please check your email and CANVAS prior to reaching out.


5. The scheduled website outage originally planned for the afternoon of March 18th has been postponed. We will update the community when we have more information.


6. For our concurrent enrollment students who have their classes at their high school, we are currently reaching out to your instructors and will communicate course needs and expectations at a later time.

As always, we appreciate your flexibility during these difficult times. We have had some wonderful support from our community and the questions posed have helped in our coordination.

For reliable information on coronavirus visit:




US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization(WHO)

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Response & Impact Update 3/16/2020

Coronavirus Update: March 16, 2020

MCC Community:

Due to rapidly changing impacts of COVID-19 regionally and nationally, we have determined to send out a daily communication with pertinent information. We anticipate sending this message after 1:00pm daily. As always, we encourage you to continue to monitor email and the website at www.milescc.edu and click on the link “COVID-19: Response and Impact”.

Here are a couple of the most recent updates:

1. Communications to students regarding academic delivery methods and other academic items will be delivered via CANVAS. If your course has not utilized CANVAS in the past, you should check your email (always double check your spam folders in the event that an email goes there). Individual faculty will send this notice out before 5:00pm on Tuesday, March 17th.


2. There is a scheduled website outage on Wednesday, March 18th beginning at 4:00pm through the morning of March 19th. This will affect Banner access and incoming internet traffic to the website and outside campus email incoming and outgoing. On campus email, CANVAS, and other internet services will not be impacted. We will utilize social media or our emergency alert system should something need to go out during this time following our daily posting. Due to the website outage, we encourage you to know and bookmark the direct links to the following pages:
   1. CANVAS
      https://milescc.instructure.com
   2. STUDENT CONCERN REPORT:
      https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?MilesCC&layout_id=4


3. Students can download a CANVAS application for their phone/tablet. Find instructions and follow the tutorial at:
   https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-4048


4. With the temporary closure of Montana high schools, students who are enrolled in concurrent High School courses will be sent additional information about their course enrollment once MCC personnel can confer with high school officials. For those students who are Pioneer Express students attending courses either on campus or online with an MCC instructor, you will follow the directions sent from your faculty member.


5. MCC Athletics have cancelled our spring athletic programs based on decisions from our athletic conferences. Due to the cancellation of the athletic season, student athlete practices will also be cancelled.


6. We encourage our community to continue practicing social distancing. Once students know the method courses can be taught in and it is possible for you to travel home, we would encourage you to continue monitoring the website should courses resume face-to-face delivery methods. Our services are still open for those students who cannot travel home.

We continue to assess the national, regional and local situation and work closely with our public health officials in our campus response to this ongoing health situation. We appreciate your patience.

For reliable information on coronavirus visit:




US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization(WHO)

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Response & Impact Update 3/15/2020

Coronavirus Update: March 15, 2020

MCC Community:

As we continue to respond to issues surrounding COVID-19, we encourage you to stay in contact through your email or through the MCC webpage at www.milescc.edu where you can click on the link “COVID-19: Response and Impact”.

Here are a couple of the most recent updates:

1. Currently, no faculty, staff, or students have identified testing positive to COVID-19. We continue to stay in contact with the Custer County Health Department and would respond appropriately under their direction.


2. Due to exposure to an individual testing positive with COVID-19 while at the Montana University System Board of Regents Meeting, Vice President Rita Kratky and I are self-quarantining ourselves through March 20, 2020 and following recommendations of medical professionals.


3. Faculty and Staff will meet on Monday, March 16, 2020 to discuss academic and student service delivery methods and will update our community in future communications. Emails were sent to faculty/staff from appropriate campus division leads.


4. Classes will resume on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 in the format communicated to students from their individual professors. We anticipate these notices should be sent by Tuesday, March 17, 2020 by 5:00pm.


5. Richard DeShields, Dean of Student Engagement, will serve as the campus coordinator for our responses, and Erin Niedge, Dean of Enrollment and Educational Support Services will serve as the campus public information officer responsible for communications. These individuals will have the most current information should you have immediate questions. Please be patient as they will be responding to issues as they arise in consultation with the President and the rest of the executive team and President’s Cabinet.


6. Campus services will resume on Monday, March 16, 2020 during scheduled business hours (café, library, student support offices, CENTRA, etc.) Of course, we encourage all community members arriving to campus to practice social distancing (attempting to be at least 6 feet apart, not gathering in large groups, etc.).


7. Our facilities team have increased cleaning to public areas.


8. Dining Services will be open during normal hours, but recommend patrons to get their meals to go to help keep smaller crowds in the café.Our facilities team have increased cleaning to public areas.


9. Students who are experiencing illness and planning to be on the MCC campus (including residence halls, ag advancement center, workforce readiness center, auto tech building) should complete a “Report a Disruptive or Concerning Student Behavior” at https://www.milescc.edu/AboutUs/CampusSafety/ . This information will be shared with limited personnel but is intended to assist MCC staff in providing a timely response to individual student needs.

We appreciate your patience during these difficult times. Our entire campus and staff value the safety our all of our constituents. Again, please refer to your email and/or campus website for additional updates.

For reliable information on coronavirus visit:




US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization(WHO)

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Response & Impact Update 3/13/2020

Coronavirus Update: March 13, 2020

MCC Community:

As you know, for the past several weeks, we have been preparing plans for a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In consultation with our Board of Trustees and other key stakeholder groups across the campus, MCC has made the following decisions:

1. The MCC Spring Break period will be extended for an additional two days for students. During this time, our faculty will be, in every instance possible, transitioning all in-class instruction to online or other remote teaching modalities that do not require in-class presence. Course content for the days missed will be incorporated into the on-line content within the academic calendar.


2. Individual instructors will send updates regarding the method each class will be transitioned to. In some instances, there will be face to face instruction as this method is the only identifiable method to teach certain content material or clinical hours.


3. Classes will resume on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 in the method communicated by each course faculty. Students already in online courses can still continue working on coursework as assigned in the current syllabus.


4. The Miles Community College campus will remain open and operational for all students. This includes residence halls, dining services, computer labs, library and most other campus services. Employees will continue to report to work unless instructed otherwise or work-from-home accommodations are developed in individual cases. For students without computer or internet access, the labs will be open.


5. To protect public health, the MCC campus will implement appropriate social distancing measures in line with the CDC guidelines and recommendations. This will include restrictions in gatherings larger than 40 people. Athletic events will be suspended until further notice.

Please know that the health and safety of our MCC community is our highest priority. All students and employees need to monitor their email address for more communications and planning details.

For reliable information on coronavirus visit:




US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization(WHO)

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Response & Impact Update 3/12/2020

Coronavirus Update: March 12, 2020

MCC Community:

The following directive was sent to the Montana University System schools today from the Commissioner of Higher Education. MCC President Slinger is currently consulting with our Board of Trustees and our administrative teams are reaching out to various leadership areas on campus to finalize any plans Miles Community College will make.

MUS Office of Commissioner of Higher Education March 12, 2020 COVID-19 Update

We acknowledge the date identified in the directive was based on spring breaks at the MUS schools. Because of our current spring break, we will be making decisions appropriate to MCC that could have some changes as early as Monday, March 16, 2020. While this is not finalized, we want to be transparent with the conversations we are having and will share updates as soon as they are made.

Updates will be in a couple of formats (email, website, Canvas, and if needed through our emergency notification system). Thank you for your patience as we identify plans for the upcoming weeks.

For reliable information on coronavirus visit:




US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization(WHO)

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Response & Impact Update 3/11/2020

Coronavirus Update: March 11, 2020

MCC Community:

As you have undoubtedly been aware of the national and global issue surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Miles Community College continues to stay active in our efforts to monitor the situation through our intercampus preparedness team that includes the Montana University System faculty, staff, and administration, as well as community college leaders throughout the state.

Based on events in the U.S. over the past week, we must anticipate and prepare for the possibility of coronavirus here on campus. We have already been promoting the CDC guidance around handwashing and other measures to reduce the risk of contracting coronavirus or spreading it to others. We have also initiated contingency planning for all aspects of campus operations in the event of a coronavirus case on the campus or in our community.

There are currently zero reported cases of COVID-19 in Montana. However, there has been one Montana resident visiting Maryland who has tested presumptive positive. The individual is currently hospitalized in Maryland. Maryland public health officials are investigating possible sources of illness. At this time, the investigation appears to rule out Montana as a location of exposure, nor have any close contacts been identified in Montana. More information will be distributed as it becomes available. Our Campus Preparedness and Response Group is working through planning scenarios around significant disruption to campus operations, including the possibility of a temporary campus closure, a move to online/remote delivery of courses or other measures to reduce the health risks to our students, faculty and staff.

As we return from Spring Break, please remember at this point, the most effective defense against coronavirus includes the following:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• 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.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
• Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol located throughout the entire campus.

Please know that the health and safety of our MCC community is our highest priority. We will share more information and updates as they are available.

For reliable information on coronavirus visit:




US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization(WHO)

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Update 01/31/2020

Coronavirus Update: January 31, 2020

MCC Community:

Please be aware that the State Department has raised its Travel Advisory for China to Level 4: Do Not Travel.

For the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff, the administration of Miles Community College and the Montana University System (MUS) has prohibited all sponsored or affiliated travel to China until further notice. Please be aware that any travel expenses incurred en route to and from China or in China while the travel ban is in effect will not be covered or reimbursed.

The travel ban is for China only and does not apply to trips to other countries.

Miles Community College is committed to protecting students, faculty and staff across our campus community and is closely monitoring the situation in cooperation with state and county health officials. There are no known cases of 2019-nCoV infection in Montana, and the CDC states that the current risk to the American public of becoming infected is low.

We will provide updates as new information becomes available.

For reliable information on coronavirus visit:




US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization(WHO)

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Original update

January 30, 2020




Dear MCC Community:

As you're aware, world health officials are working to contain the novel coronavirus outbreak that began in Wuhan, China.

There are no known cases of 2019-nCoV infection in Montana, and the CDC states that the current risk to the American public of becoming infected is low.

An intercampus preparedness team of Montana University System (MUS) faculty, administration and staff is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that appropriate response plans are in place to protect our campus communities. The team is working closely with state and local health officials.

The CDC currently has no restrictions on travelers returning from China, although these travelers may undergo screening at an airport or receive information on what to do if they experience symptoms.

The CDC recommends avoiding nonessential travel to China and the US State Department has issued a recommendation to reconsider travel to China and to not travel to Hubei Province. Travel advice is being updated nearly daily, so check these sites frequently if you are planning travel.

Unless you have recently traveled to Wuhan, China or have been in close contact with someone who has, there is no reason to be concerned that you have been exposed to coronavirus. Passing through an international airport is not considered by the CDC to be a risk factor.

If you develop fever; cough and/or difficulty breathing; and in the past 14 days you have visited Wuhan or been in close contact with a confirmed or suspected case of novel coronavirus, please call your regular healthcare provider immediately.

For reliable information and updates on novel coronavirus, please follow these links to the US Centers for
Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization(WHO) and the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)

Please keep in mind that the biggest health risk right now is the regular flu season, which sickens thousands of Montanans each year. As always, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Get rest, eat well and be vigilant about the following practices, which are the best defense against flu:

• Cover your cough or sneeze, ideally into your elbow and not into your hands.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use sanitizing gels.
• Avoid touching your face, especially eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home if you're sick (seek medical attention if you feel it is becoming serious).
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
• Get your flu shot. It's not too late!



Sincerely,

Richard DeShields,

Dean of Student Engagement