BILLINGS — MSU Billings is asking on-campus residents who have alternative living arrangements to leave the residence halls.
According to an email sent out earlier Friday from the university's Housing and Residential Life, MSUB students residing in the residence halls are to vacate the premises by March 24.
"Students who do not have an alternative living arrangement or have extenuating circumstances, could be relocated to other areas of the residence halls in order to comply with social distancing guidelines," said the organization.
Students began vacating the residence halls last week, after the Montana University System suspended all in-person classes to avoid large groups and curb the spread of the coronavirus. As of Friday, five people in Billings have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, and 20 have tested positive in Montana.
Students who choose to live on campus are required to purchase a meal plan from Sodexo Dining Services. However, dining services have opted to close the main dining hall.
Effective Saturday, all meals will move to take-out only through Stingers Bistro, a smaller dining option.
It remains unclear how long MSU Billings will be offering meals to residents.
The residence halls also provide internet for many students that may not have the accessibility from their homes.
Therefore, alternative options are being offered for MSU Billings students to continue their online courses.
MSU Billings has encouraged students to check out providers offering free internet for students in some areas.
Students at MSU Billings should contact Housing & Residential Life if they have questions.
The Montana University System sent out a memo late Friday night authorizing campuses to give out prorated refunds to students who have been asked to leave the residence halls.
This applies to all ten schools in the Montana University System.
According to the memo, refunds will be issued for the period from March 23 through the end of Spring term.
To be eligible for a refund, students must complete a cancellation form.
The Montana University System asks students to allow until April 15 for reimbursement payment.
