Montana State University Billings announced Wednesday they're transitioning students from in-class, to an all online platform for the rest of the spring 2020 semester.
MSU-Billings Chancellor Dr. Dan Edelman said that the transition has been smooth, and he is happy to see that the faculty and staff have embraced the change.
“We’ve been an online leader in the state for a number of years, so we have a lot of experience at this,” says Edelman.
MSUB first announced it was moving to all-virtual classes on Monday.
With the continued spread of the coronavirus, Edelman took action and quarantined himself recently after a Board of Regents meeting, where two participants tested positive for COVID-19. One was Dr. Clayton Christian, Montana Commissioner of Higher Education.
“I self-quarantined myself, as I should. I have zero symptoms. I feel fine, except I have a case of cabin fever,” Dr. Edelman says.
The MSU-Billings softball team was released from quarantine Wednesday after receiving negative results for COVID-19.
In Montana, there are 12 confirmed cases of the virus as of Wednesday.
MSUB has set up a COVID-19 information page on its website.
Darla Tyler-McSherry, director of MSUB student health services, said the university is encouraging social distancing and making sure that meetings are conducted via skype and conference call.
Both Edelman and Tyler-Mcsherry commended the faculty and students for their efforts to embrace the switch to an online platform.
“These are definitely trying times, I could not be prouder of the leadership that we have on campus,” said Edelman.
University officials said they have not decided whether to hold a commencement ceremony, which is scheduled for May 2.
