Good afternoon Orediggers,
Tomorrow begins the start of a new academic year at Montana Technological University. The energy on campus has been tremendous over the past few weeks and will be amplified having you here. On the 11th of September we celebrate the university’s founding and our 120th year. Montana Tech has come a long way during this time, and we look forward to continuing this success.
As we face a global pandemic, this year will undoubtedly feel different. However, with everyone’s commitment to our Oredigger Pledge, to protect yourself, protect others, and our community by following the guidelines that have been provided, I remain confident we can mitigate the impact and spread of COVID-19. Knowing that you and your fellow Orediggers strongly desire an in person fall, we have worked to construct an environment that focuses on the health and safety of our campus community while protecting the most vulnerable. We want to be here as much as you do, but this will only work if we are all on board. If you haven’t done so, please take the pledge by logging onto your MyMTech account and complete the pledge. Doing so not only affirms your commitment but provides you the opportunity for some new Tech gear.
The COVID-19 pandemic is not only a challenge and inconvenience, but can contradict our opportunity to build community on campus. As a result, many large events, lectures, and traditions we hold dear will be put on hold this fall. That said, we look forward to taking this opportunity to try some new things and build a robust calendar of programming and activities. We intend to provide smaller group events and activities throughout the semester, many of which will be outdoors. We will provide more detail in the weeks ahead.
As you return to campus, it is imperative that you physically distance, which means keeping a safe space between yourself and other people who are not from your household. To practice proper physical distancing, stay at least 6 feet (about two arms’ lengths away) from other people who are not from your household in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
We want to see you masking up. The evidence has become increasingly clear that of all that can be done to stop the spread of the virus, masks are the most effective. Just a reminder, face coverings are required in all indoor spaces when with others, both on campus and in our community. Let’s own and embrace this and, show others how Orediggers are doing their part to #MaskUp! Snap a photo as you explore campus and the surrounding areas and tag Montana Tech.
We’re also recommending traffic flow patterns while walking on campus. You’ll notice directional stickers in many areas on the sidewalks. It’s pretty simple, we’re asking you to always walk on the right side of the path – similar to being in an airport!
This is also a time where more than ever we need you to take care of yourself. Pay attention to your health and surroundings and watch out for your classmates. If you feel ill, have questions or concerns, we want to hear from you, please reach out at orediggerrx@mtech.edu. It is vital during this time that we all take care of each other.
It is also critically important that we take care of our Butte community. You can do your part by neither hosting or attending large group gatherings, wearing your mask in public, keeping your distance and being respectful of others. I’d be lying if I didn’t share the community is watching and our behavior this fall will determine our ability to remain in person. If there was ever a time to be a responsible citizen, the time is now.
To help keep you healthy, we will distribute wellness kits in the courtyard on the north campus on Monday, August 17th from 8am-noon and Tuesday, August 18thfrom 8am-noon. We will be at Highlands on Monday, August 17th from noon-2pm. Your wellness kit includes two cloth masks, hand sanitizer, breath mints and a thermometer. We have also placed digital temperature scanners in all residence halls and a variety of other buildings.
Recently, the Frontier Conference decided to postpone our fall football and volleyball seasons until spring. This is disappointing for all of us as we know there is nothing quite like game day at Montana Tech. After exhausting all avenues and options to ensure the health and safety of our athletes, campus and our community there wasn’t another choice. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the understanding and support of our players and coaches. They embrace this decision and realize that our first priority will always be getting an education.
While we won’t have football or volleyball, I do hope you’ll get out and enjoy our surroundings. There are so many great outdoor activities close to campus for you to explore. Hike or play disc golf around the Big Butte Open Space, walk or bike along the BA&P Hill Trail, explore Uptown Butte’s various restaurants and shops, and check out the Farmer’s Market every Saturday from 9-1. If you say there is nothing to do in Butte it’s because you aren’t looking very hard. There are lots of adventures to be had in and around Butte, I hope you’ll get out and find them! Visit the following websites:
This is a time for us to embrace Butte pride, our Montana Tech Family and our community. As I shared in July, we want you to remain close to campus and in the community for the duration of the semester. Skeptics have said that reopening colleges is unrealistic and that students won’t pay attention to recommendations, lets prove them wrong. We are Orediggers, we’re doers, and we want to be here, together we can do this. The Butte community and Orediggers across the nation believe in all of you. Now let’s step up and show everyone how a university can have in-person education this fall.
We’re all incredibly glad to be back. There’s nothing better than fall on a college campus. This year will be different, I’m confident we can reinvent what better looks like.
With gratitude, optimism, and all the best wishes,
Les