Chancellor's Communications 2021
Dec. 1, 2021
Dear Campus Community:
Our MSUB Foundation & Alumni has hired Krista Montague, to serve as the Interim President and CEO as their Board prepares to recruit for the permanent President/CEO vacancy.
As many of you know, Krista served as MSUB’s Director of Athletics for the past nine years, and has spent 25 years of her career at MSUB in various roles, including as a student-athlete on the women’s basketball team. Her new position is effective immediately.
Krista brings invaluable institutional knowledge and significant fund-raising experience to this position and we look forward to working with her and the Foundation team.
Please join me in welcoming Krista in her new role with the Foundation.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa
Dec. 1, 2021
Dear Campus Community:
Please join me tomorrow, Dec. 2 between 11:30am and 12:30pm for virtual coffee. Join virtually using this Webex link.
I look forward to "seeing" you tomorrow and catching up!
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa
Nov. 10, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
In 1954, when November 11 was officially named Veterans Day, U.S. President Eisenhower called upon all citizens to join and “solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom.” We recognize the commitment, and sacrifices of our military and their families.
As we commemorate Veterans Day tomorrow, please take a moment to thank those who served–and those who serve today. It is because of them, and their families, that we can enjoy the freedoms that we as Americans often take for granted.
As a Military Friendly university, I am proud to offer our veterans the opportunity to continue their education – wherever they serve and wherever they live. It is a designation that we are honored to have. MSUB remains committed to ensuring that our military students receive the support they need to reach their educational, personal, and professional goals.
To our veteran students, staff, and faculty, thank you for your service and for being part of our Yellowjacket Family. Your experience and perspective add tremendous value to our community.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa
Nov. 2, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
I am pleased to inform you that MSUB is going to participate in the 36th Annual Holiday Parade on Friday, November 26 at 5:30pm in downtown Billings this year! We won’t have a float, but our branded MSUB van along with our mascot Buzz will be part of representing MSUB.
I want to invite you—faculty, staff, students, and your families to represent MSUB and walk in this years’ holiday parade. Our institution plays an important role in this community, and it is good for everyone when we are involved in events such as these.
The parade is cartoon-themed, but feel free to wear your MSUB gear too. If you need more MSUB gear, stop by the Campus Store to stock up! Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are unable to pass out giveaways or flyers to parade observers, thus highlighting the importance of a strong MSUB representation at the parade.
RSVP to participate in the holiday parade.
I hope we have a great turnout for the parade and thank you for all you do for MSUB.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa
Oct. 19, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the work of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) mid-cycle report and virtual visit last week. I am pleased to announce that we had a successful mid-cycle review.
I would like to specifically acknowledge those of you who took time to meet with the reviewers. We had representation from both campuses and across faculty and staff. The reviewers mentioned that they were impressed with everyone they met with and enjoyed their conversations with you. They also commended us on the intentional cross-collaboration they observed with a variety of projects and accomplishments at MSUB.
The NWCCU will review the mid-cycle report at its meeting in mid-January and will then notify us of their decision in a formal commission action letter sometime in February.
If you have questions or inquiries about the visit or report, please contact Kathleen Thatcher, director of Assessment and Accreditation at kathleen.thatcher@msubillings.edu.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa
Oct. 5, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
The upcoming mid-cycle visit with our peer review team from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), MSUB’s institutional accrediting agency, is drawing near. The virtual visit, scheduled for October 14 and 15, will play a critical role in our accreditation– an imperative for fulfilling our university mission.
In preparation for the visit, I wanted to share the mid-cycle report with you, which serves as the foundation of information for the review team. The reviewers will use the information in the report to follow up with questions and obtain additional information during the visit. Some of you will be asked to meet with the reviewers during the visit. Thank you in advance for your commitment to this process and for your dedication to MSU Billings.
Conducted in the third year of the seven-year cycle, the mid-cycle evaluation is intended to establish an institution’s readiness to provide evidence of mission fulfillment and sustainability in the year seven review. This formative review is an exciting step in the reaccreditation process. It allows MSUB to gain peer feedback that will guide and inform our strategic direction and priorities. When reviewing the report, it is easy to see the hard work that has been accomplished by so many on campus, especially the work related to strategic planning.
Accreditation holds our university to a high standard of quality. More information, including the mid-cycle report, can be found on the Assessment and Accreditation webpage.
If you have questions about the accreditation process or the mid-cycle review, contact Kathleen Thatcher, director of Assessment and Accreditation at kathleen.thatcher@msubillings.edu.
We look forward to a successful visit!
Stefani Hicswa
Sept. 23, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
As you know, community spread of COVID-19 remains very high and continues to increase in Yellowstone County. The number of new positive cases per day is up 600 percent since August 1 and is increasing steadily. The current COVID-19 case count is only slightly less than what it was at the peak of the pandemic in November 2020. COVID-19 related deaths are also up in Yellowstone County and new hospital admissions are up 350 percent since August 1. The strain on our local health care system is significant.
Given these conditions, effective Friday, Sept. 24, Montana State University Billings will institute a face mask requirement for all indoor instructional spaces on the university campus and at City College until further notice. The face mask requirement includes every classroom, lecture hall, laboratory, studio, and any other indoor space where faculty and students gather during a course session. We have discussed this decision with local public health and community leaders, and support has been given by the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education.
The current mask recommendation for indoor non-instructional spaces remains unchanged. If an MSUB student needs a special accommodation regarding the face mask requirement, please contact Disability Support Services. If an MSUB employee needs a special accommodation regarding this requirement, please contact Human Resources.
At this time, we are unsure how long the mask requirement for indoor instructional spaces will be in effect, but we will continue to monitor the situation closely and will keep you informed. The safest way for us to move away from these measures is to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Employees and students can enter to win $100 in Town Pump gift cards by completing the Voluntary Vaccination Form. Students who receive their COVID-19 vaccine through Student Health Services (SHS) will get $100 in Town Pump gift cards. They should call SHS at 406-657-2153 to schedule an appointment. Also remember to practice good hand hygiene, physically distance when appropriate, and stay home when you feel sick.
It is more important now than ever to treat everyone with respect. You never know what others are going through in their lives and kindness goes a long way. Additionally, please do not confront anyone who is not wearing a face mask, but instead submit your concerns to covidquestions@msubillings.edu.
I appreciate your cooperation with this mask requirement. Together, we can keep our own Yellowjacket Family healthy and safe, but also help prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in Billings and Yellowstone County.
We are in this together, and we will get through this together, ‘Jackets.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa
Sept. 10, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
Twenty years ago, I was on a city bus headed to the University of Texas in Austin where I was working on my Ph.D. when I heard the news that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. At that moment, we had no idea how much the world was about to change.
The courage of our first responders and members of our Armed Forces still inspires me as I remember the sadness, grief, and pain we felt collectively as we watched the graphic images on television and realized what was happening. Amid tragedy and darkness on that day, brave individuals risked their lives to save others as we united as a country to support one another and to move forward resolutely. We are forever grateful for the service and sacrifice of first responders and members of our Armed Forces deployed since the 9/11 attacks.
I hope you can all attend the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony tomorrow at 8:46 a.m. outside at the City College 9/11 Memorial. September 11 is designated as a National Day of Service and Remembrance Day. It is a chance to help others and to pay tribute to those who lost their lives and to those who sacrificed their lives to save others.
The Remembrance Ceremony underlines the importance of higher education in fostering greater tolerance, respect, and understanding. Our mission is to deliver a transformative education that empowers students from diverse backgrounds to succeed, and our vision is to educate students to impact an evolving global community.
On this day of remembrance, may you approach this academic year with a spirit of service, courage, and gratitude.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa
Sept. 7, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
I cannot believe that tomorrow is the first day of fall semester. I hope you enjoyed your summer and had the opportunity to take time off to rest and recharge. This summer was a whirlwind of hard work and planning for a healthy and safe fall. Our COVID-19 Task Force has been working diligently to ensure that we take appropriate health and safety precautions so we can continue to offer in-person classes, in-person commencement and activities.
To ensure a high success rate of remaining in-person this fall, I strongly recommend and personally implore you—students, faculty, staff, and visitors to wear face coverings indoors in classrooms, laboratories, meetings, at indoor gatherings, etc., while on university and City College campus regardless of vaccination status.
Daily infection rates are climbing rapidly in Yellowstone County, and our local hospitals are approaching their maximum capacity—the majority of hospitalizations being COVID-19 cases. People are once again getting very ill, and many must be hospitalized. We are also seeing the highest rates of COVID-19 related deaths since February.
For these reasons, I urge all of you to do the following:
- Get the COVID-19 vaccine if you have not already. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this is the best way to protect yourself from the virus and, ultimately, to control the transmission of COVID-19.
- Set an example for others by wearing a face mask inside all campus buildings.
- Remember that your face mask is for the protection of others and the face mask worn by others is for the protection of all individuals sharing a space on campus.
- Keep in mind that wearing masks is a commitment we make to one another to keep our campus community safe by minimizing the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus.
- Commit to one another to protect the most vulnerable in our community. Some students, faculty and staff may be in a vulnerable category or may live with high-risk family members or loved ones. If you wish, feel free to share your own personal reason(s) for wearing a face mask with others.
- Remember that the mask recommendation is based on guidance provided by our local public health department as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and that it is driven by the significant community transmission risk in Yellowstone County.
- Keep in mind that everyone’s collective partnership and collaboration is needed to keep our case numbers low so that we can continue to engage in high-quality, in-person teaching and learning. If the number of cases continue to increase, the campus may be forced to limit in-person learning and other important activities (e.g., in-person commencement).
- Respect and inclusion are two important core values at MSU Billings. As an inclusive campus, where all campus members are valued, it is important to respect all members of the campus community regardless of their views and actions related to face masks.
We have a special Yellowjacket Community, consisting of such wonderfully diverse people. Please let us look out for each other and ensure that we are doing our part to keep our Yellowjacket Family healthy and safe. Our common goal is to continue with in-person engagement, activities, and in-person commencement.
As I mentioned in the State of the University Address, student success is our priority. We are here to ensure that our students succeed in college and graduate. We heard last year from the majority of our students that they do better when they attend in-person classes, programs, events, etc. Please let us gently encourage one another to wear face coverings indoors. If we start experiencing a high rate of COVID-19 infections on campus, we will have to revisit our current health and safety recommendations, including considering moving our classes, commencement, and events virtually.
Please do your part to keep MSUB one of the safest places in Yellowstone County for another year. Also, remember to practice good hand hygiene, physically distance appropriately, and stay home when you feel unwell or are sick. As noted above, I also encourage everyone to get the COVID-19 vaccine, as it is another layer of protection.
We are in this together, ‘Jackets, and we will get through this together. We remain committed to one another to keep our campus community safe, and our students engaged in a high-quality learning environment.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa
Aug. 25, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
I hope to see you all tomorrow at the State of the University Address at 9am, in Petro Theatre. It will also be livestreamed for those of you who cannot make it in person.
Immediately following the Address, a campus information fair will take place on the SUB/McMullen lawn showcasing our student service departments. This fair will help us become more versed in what we offer our students so we can all be better equipped to support them.
Later that afternoon starting at 4pm, I will host an All-Campus Open House at the Chancellor’s residence. Please stop by and bring your families—I cannot wait to meet them and to get to know you better in a more informal setting.
Schedule of events for Thursday, August 26
State of the University Address, 9am in Petro Theatre or watch livestream
Campus Information Fair, immediately following the State of the University
SUB/McMullen Lawn
Refreshments provided
All-Campus Open House at Chancellor Hicswa’s Residence, 4pm-6pm.
Bring your families
432 Silver Lane, Billings, MT
Refreshments provided
I look forward to seeing you there.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa
Aug. 20, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
I am excited for the upcoming fall semester and to welcome everyone back to campus. As we look to the new academic year, our top goals continue to be maintaining a safe campus community for all, and to ensure that our students safely engage in high-quality and in-person learning environments.
On August 6, we sent out a campus communication recommending wearing face masks indoors on university and City College campuses regardless of vaccination status. I want to reiterate that this recommendation remains in place and explain why we have made this recommendation.
Wearing face masks indoors comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, which encourages wearing face masks indoors (regardless of vaccination status) in areas with “high” transmission rates such as Yellowstone County. Until the community transmission levels are reduced, we will hold firm with our recommendation.
I am making a commitment to wear my face mask indoors and ask for your partnership. Will you please join me?
Our goal is to remain open with in-person engagement and in-person commencement. Remaining open and in-person is what is best for our students’ overall educational experience and wellbeing. We want to remain on campus and in-person so let us do everything we can to keep it that way.
To continue to keep MSUB the healthiest and safest place in Yellowstone County, I need your help. I ask that you set a good example for our students and your fellow colleagues by following our face mask recommendation. Many of our Yellowjacket family members are in the high-risk population or live with someone who is. Let us look out for them and protect each other. Also, remember to practice good hand hygiene, physically distance appropriately, and stay home when you feel unwell. We became experts at this last year, and we can do it again!
We will revisit this recommendation on October 1. Until that time, the face mask recommendation remains. If you have not received your COVID-19 vaccination, I encourage you to get it. This is yet another layer of protection we have against COVID-19.
Lastly, mark your calendars for the next COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall on Thursday, Sept. 2 at 3pm and watch for the email invite.
We are in this together, ‘Jackets, and we will get through this together. We remain committed to one another to keep our campus community safe, and our students engaged in a high-quality learning environment.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa
Aug. 19, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
Fall semester is almost upon us and I am excited to welcome students back to campus soon. It has been a busy summer with much preparation and planning. Those who think colleges and universities are closed during summers have no idea that summers are typically the busiest for many, giving us time to work on projects that were pushed to the back burner during the spring and fall semesters, but are equally important to complete.
I am looking forward to highlighting our accomplishments over the past academic year and discussing the future direction of our wonderful institution during the State of the University Address on Thursday, August 26 at 9am, which you are all invited to.
Immediately following the Address, a campus information fair will take place on the SUB/McMullen lawn showcasing our student service departments. This fair will help us become more versed in what we offer our students so we can all be better equipped to support them. Later that afternoon starting at 4pm, I will host an All-Campus Open House at the Chancellor’s residence. Please stop by and bring your families—I cannot wait to meet them and to get to know you better in a more informal setting.
Schedule of events for Thursday, August 26:
State of the University Address, 9am in Petro Theatre or watch livestream
Campus Information Fair, immediately following the State of the University
SUB/McMullen Lawn
Refreshments provided
All-Campus Open House at Chancellor Hicswa’s Residence, 4pm-6pm.
Bring your families
432 Silver Lane, Billings, MT
Refreshments provided
I look forward to seeing you there. Let us make this fall semester the best one yet!
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa
July 16, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
As a reminder, all employees are required to take a Title IX Mandatory Reporter Training on a biennial basis. Everyone must complete this training by this August so please plan accordingly. The last two training dates available are July 28 and August 13.
The MSU Bozeman Office of Institutional Equity executes this training via WebEx and tracks the attendance of MSU Billings employees.
Please talk to your supervisor and sign up for the 1-hour training using the registration steps below. Supervisors, please ensure that your employees register for this training.
The training: All Montana State University Billings employees are required to report Discrimination based on sex and Sexual Harassment, including Sexual Assault, Domestic/Dating Violence, and Stalking involving students. This training will provide you with knowledge of the university’s policies regarding discrimination, harassment, and retaliation as it relates to students, faculty, staff, and guests on campus; clear direction on your mandatory reporting duties; the consensual relationships policy; and tools to have the difficult conversations about discrimination and harassment.
Steps to Register for the Mandatory Reporter Training via WebEx:
Visit Equity and Mandatory Reporter Trainings and click the Registration Link for the Webex date you want to attend
Click on the RSVP link
Click the Register button
Fill out/submit the form on this page using the following info:
- Your Net ID number is the number/letter combination that you use to log into your computer, MyInfo, etc.
- Select: Yes you are a mandatory reporter if you are an MSUB employee (the only exceptions include: counselors, nurses, doctors, clergy, lawyers, or similar confidential positions.)
- Even if your MSUB role meets the exceptions (listed above) you should still take the training to understand the topic and its applications to campus.
- You must report sexual assault, sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and stalking.
- Your Title IX Coordinator is Jody Stahl, Director of Human Resources
Contact Jody Stahl at jody.stahl@msubillings.edu with questions.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa
June 18, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
I was pleased to see that national legislation was signed yesterday establishing Juneteenth (June 19) as Juneteenth National Independence Day, which will now be considered a national federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. This is not considered a state holiday and therefore does not affect our current holiday calendar.
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. However, until last year, many people, and I am embarrassed to say myself included, were unaware of the historical significance of this date. The Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1,1863 officially ended slavery by declaring that more than three million slaves living in the Confederate states were now free. It was not until two and a half years later, that this news, of the enslaved being declared free and the Civil War officially ending, was delivered to the people of Texas by Union soldiers on June 19, 1865.
We must never forget the struggles that fellow African and African Americans have faced. Juneteenth is an opportunity to recognize progress made and celebrate and appreciate the contributions made by African Americans to our society. Please take some time to reflect, learn, and support each other. Slavery ended a long time ago, but racism did not.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa
June 17, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
After bringing three finalists for the athletics director position to campus over the last few weeks, it became apparent that one stood out from the rest. Therefore, it is with pleasure that I announce our new Athletics Director, Michael Bazemore. He was selected among a field of 63 applicants and was 1 of 3 finalists for the position along with Michael Feuling and Peyton Deterding. Michael starts his new role on July 26.
He spent five years on staff with the Yellowjackets in various positions from 2012-2016 and most recently served as the assistant director of academic and membership affairs for the NCAA national office in Indianapolis, where he has been since October of 2018. He is responsible for providing NCAA bylaw interpretations for member institutions, processing legislative relief waivers, and is the primary contact for the Division II institutional performance program. Michael also spent time at NCAA Division II Truman State University and Metropolitan State University of Denver upon departing MSUB and prior to beginning his role at the NCAA office.
Michael earned his master's degree in sport, recreation, and fitness management from MSUB in May of 2014. He also completed undergraduate degrees in sociology and interdisciplinary studies in social science from Michigan State University, where he was a four-year letterwinner on the Spartans' football team.
Mike’s experience in his previous roles at the NCAA national office and in higher education athletics is a tremendous benefit to our university and our athletic department. He truly cares about the success of our student-athletes on and off the field and has a great vision for the future direction of Yellowjacket athletics. We are excited to welcome him aboard.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa
June 1, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
Now that it’s been a month since our commencement ceremonies and we’ve been able to take a breath, I’d like to take a moment to recognize and celebrate our successful spring semester. I appreciate all that you do for our students. Your passion for student success is evident across campus.
A special thanks to our Incident Command team who has managed COVID-19 issues efficiently this entire time. Thanks to them and all of you, we managed to keep our cases low. I know it has been challenging, but your continued dedication to keeping everyone healthy and safe paid off.
Commencement ceremonies went really well. A big thank you to all who were involved in the planning, execution, and volunteering.
I know our graduates and their loved ones were thrilled to have in-person commencement.
Additionally, I want to include some of our spring semester highlights. I am pleased
with what we accomplished together:
- Student James Unzaga was named a Goldwater Scholar. He is our third Goldwater Scholar.
- Our new provost, Sep Eskandari was hired. He is coming from California Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA. He starts July 1.
- We formed business articulation agreements with Miles Community College, Northwest College, Western Wyoming Community College, and Central Wyoming College.
- Our congressman and both Montana Senators visited the university campus and toured our new COVID-19 testing lab.
- We held an ROTC Commissioning Ceremony where Cadet Robin Cunningham was commissioned to a second lieutenant.
- Over 800 of our students made the Spring 2021 Dean’s list! It is clear that we attract and support aspirational students with strong abilities.
- Ed Garding was hired as the interim College of Business dean. He starts July 1.
- Tami Haaland was hired as the interim College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences dean.
- The Yellowstone Science & Health building construction is progressing nicely. Stay tuned for more information about the ribbon cutting ceremony and opening date.
- Yellowstone Public Radio’s Spring Fund Drive was a tremendous success (and fun to listen to).
- City College’s paramedic program was reaccredited. This is a big deal.
- City College’s Radiologic Tech program received the high-level JRCERT accreditation. We have the only Radiologic Tech program in Montana with this accreditation.
- We held on-campus vaccination clinics and plan to do more this summer.
- HyFlex courses were offered this spring semester and we continue to be the leader in Montana for online learning.
- Weekly COVID Town Halls were held to keep everyone informed and included.
- Virtual Coffees with the Chancellor were held. These will continue.
I have mentioned my priorities during our virtual coffee sessions but want to reiterate them. It’s important that we focus our energy and efforts to increase student retention and graduation. I am seeing many good initiatives on campus. There is no question in my mind that we can move the needle on student success.
Our current mission and vision remain relevant:
Mission: Delivering a transformative education that empowers students from diverse backgrounds to succeed.
Vision: Educating students to impact an evolving global community.
As you already know, it is everyone’s job to support our students and empower them to succeed by encouraging them to utilize our support services on campus and by being available should they need our help.
We exist to serve our students. Our north star is student success. How cool is that? We get to come to work every day and do this important work.
I hope you take time off this summer to rest and recharge, so we can be at our best and present for our students this fall.
Thanks again for all your work this past semester.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa
May 5, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Sep Eskandari, has been selected as our new Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. He will assume his new role on July 1.
Dr. Eskandari is currently the Associate Provost for Academic Planning and Faculty Excellence at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in Pomona, California.
Dr. Eskandari has a doctorate in Physiology from the University of California, Los Angeles and a master’s degree in Biology from California Polytechnic University, Pomona. His previous academic administration positions include Associate Vice President for Faculty Affairs, Academic Senate Chair and Vice Chair, and Chair of the Biological Sciences Department. As a faculty member, he led an active, externally-funded research program resulting in numerous peer-reviewed publications with student co-authors. His research focused on the molecular physiology and pharmacology of brain neurotransmitter transporters.
In his current position, he works closely with the Provost in all matters related to the day-to-day operations of academics as well as long-term planning for the Division of Academic Affairs. He is an active contributor to key divisional and cross-divisional initiatives, including student and faculty success; multi-year plans related to enrollment, budget, and faculty and staff hiring; university strategic plan; academic master plan; campus master plan; assurance of learning and accreditation; and academic policies, to name a few.
I am excited for Dr. Eskandari to join our team. He brings a wealth of knowledge with him that will benefit our institution and assist in taking MSUB to the next level. I would also like to thank Dr. Sue Balter-Reitz for serving as our Interim Provost this semester and for all the work she has done during this time.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa
April 22, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
I hope to see as many of you as possible tomorrow via Webex between 11:30am-12:30pm for "Virtual Coffee." I look forward to having great conversations with you. Use this link to join.
As a reminder, there is no COVID-19 Town Hall today, but tune into COVID-19 Town Hall next Thursday!
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa
April 19, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
As you know, Governor Gianforte signed into law HB 102, which allows concealed carry and open carry in public places, including Montana University System (MUS) property. For MUS campuses, the law has an effective date of June 1, 2021.
Currently, the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education (OCHE) is beginning work on a system-wide policy to implement the provisions outlined in HB 102. This work is just getting underway, with current emphasis on a review of similar laws in other states and any corresponding campus policies. By early May a draft policy proposal will be developed, and a final policy proposal will be presented to the Board of Regents for approval at their May meeting (scheduled for May 26-27).
As a reminder, both OCHE and the Board of Regents would like to hear from you. Below are two main ways to provide them with your valuable insight and feedback:
- In writing, by emailing oche@montana.edu from either your MSUB email address or personal email. All emails to this address are saved and read by those working on the draft policy, and will be made available to the Regents.
- During a virtual listening session with the members of the Board of Regents Academic, Research, and Student Affairs (ARSA) Committee on Wednesday, May 12 from 3-5 p.m. via Zoom. The public is invited to this session to listen, and/or to offer commentary and feedback. Details on how to access and participate in the May 12 session will be made available at a later date.
Both methods of feedback are valuable to those who are working on an implementation policy, and to the Regents as they consider adoption of that policy.
Thank you for considering further engagement on this incredibly important matter. We can also chat more about this at the upcoming Virtual Coffee this Friday at 11:30am. Use this Webex link to join.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa
April 1, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
As a reminder, all employees are required to take a Title IX Mandatory Reporter Training on a biennial basis. Everyone must complete this training by this August so please plan accordingly.
The MSU Bozeman Office of Institutional Equity has created multiple opportunities for you to take this training via WebEx and has provided a tracking mechanism for the attendance of MSU Billings employees.
Please talk to your supervisor and sign up for the 1-hour training using the registration steps below. Supervisors, please ensure that your employees register for this training.
The training: All Montana State University Billings employees are required to report Discrimination based on sex and Sexual Harassment, including Sexual Assault, Domestic/Dating Violence, and Stalking involving students. This training will provide you with knowledge of the university’s policies regarding discrimination, harassment, and retaliation as it relates to students, faculty, staff, and guests on campus; clear direction on your mandatory reporting duties; the consensual relationships policy; and tools to have the difficult conversations about discrimination and harassment.
Steps to Register for the Mandatory Reporter Training via WebEx:
Visit Equity and Mandatory Reporter Trainings and click the Registration Link for the Webex date you want to attend
Click on the RSVP link
Click the Register button
Fill out/submit the form on this page using the following info:
- Your Net ID number is the number/letter combination that you use to log into your computer, MyInfo, etc.
- Select: Yes you are a mandatory reporter if you are an MSUB employee (the only exceptions include: counselors, nurses, doctors, clergy, lawyers, or similar confidential positions.)
- Even if your MSUB role meets the exceptions (listed above) you should still take the training to understand the topic and its applications to campus.
- You must report sexual assault, sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and stalking.
- Your Title IX Coordinator is Jody Stahl, Director of Human Resources
Contact Jody Stahl at jody.stahl@msubillings.edu with questions.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa
March 31, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
I am happy to announce that Ed Garding has been named interim dean of the College of Business for this upcoming academic year starting July 1, 2021.
Ed previously served in this role in 2018. He is currently the Corporate and Government Relations officer with First Interstate BancSystem and previously served as their president and CEO from 2012 to 2015. Garding started his career with First Interstate in 1971 and has held several management positions including branch president, regional president, and chief risk officer. He has held various board positions with the Montana Bankers Association, Wyoming Bankers Association, and Pacific Coast Banking School (Seattle, WA).
Our current Interim Dean Richard Beer is unable to stay on for another year due to prior commitments. I want to thank him for the great work he has done this past year and wish him well. We are delighted Ed has agreed to serve in this role once again and look forward to having him on board.
A search for a permanent College of Business dean will commence next spring.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa
March 30, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
After nine years as MSUB’s athletic director and 25 years overall at MSUB, Krista Montague is announcing her resignation effective June 30, 2021.
I have only known Krista for a short time, but she is one of the best athletic directors I have worked with. MSUB has been lucky to have her, and she will be greatly missed.
We will share plans for the new Athletic Director search in the next few weeks.
Please feel free to reach out to her to wish her well.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa
March 25, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
I wanted to reach out to you personally and apologize regarding the payroll direct deposit delay that occurred yesterday. Vice Chancellor Simmers, the payroll staff and I worked hard to determine the cause of error and will do everything in our power to ensure this does not happen again. You are all valued and appreciated and this error in no way reflects the way I feel about our Yellowjacket family.
If you incurred overdraft charges due to this error, please email Jennifer.briggs2@msubillings.edu for information on how to get reimbursed for those charges.
Again, my sincerest apologies. I am so proud to be a part of MSU Billings and to have such dedicated and loyal Yellowjacket family members.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa
March 5, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
I am happy to announce that we plan to hold in-person spring commencement on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at MetraPark. To maintain COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, two separate in-person ceremonies will be held on May 1.
The first ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. and will include graduates from City College and from the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences. The second ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. and will include graduates from the Colleges of Business, Education, and Health Professions and Science.
Face coverings are required for all graduates and attendees to help reduce the virus spread.
To assist with social distancing, tickets are required for all guests and must be secured in advance. Tickets are free and there is no limit to the number of guests who can attend, however families and other groups will be seated in “pods” with distance from other groups. Guests can secure commencement tickets on the MetraPark website starting tomorrow, March 5 at 10 a.m.
I know it was difficult for our graduates from 2019 and 2020 and their loved ones to not have an in-person commencement, and I invite those graduates to participate in our May in-person commencement ceremony. These graduates must email registrar@msubillings.edu or call 657-2158 to RSVP.
Both commencement ceremonies will be streamed live for those who are unable to attend in-person. Please refer to MSUB’s commencement webpage for FAQ’s and email registrar@msubillings.edu for more information.
I am excited to celebrate our students’ success this May and to give them the recognition they deserve!
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa
Jan. 11, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a nice and restful holiday break and are getting back into the swing of things again. I am happy to officially be on board as your new Chancellor and look forward to a healthy, safe, and successful spring semester.
Even though we are just coming into the second week of January, much has happened in our country and I want to ensure you that I will emphasize unity and compassion within our Yellowjacket family and in the Billings community.
I am committed to serve MSU Billings for the long term and promise to work hard to position us for continued success.
I look forward to “seeing” you virtually this Friday, January 15 for Virtual Coffee between 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Stop by for a few minutes or stay the entire time. Access this Webex link for the Virtual Coffee visit.
Sincerely,
Stefani Hicswa