Dear Faculty,
Earlier today you should have received a message from President Montoya indicating that remote learning will begin on March 30 and continue through the end of the spring term per the recommendation of the Governor. The COVID-19 situation is changing rapidly and your health and safety, as well as that of our students, is our priority at this time. As there are likely many questions and concerns on your part as a result of this announcement, I wanted to take a moment to provide you with some updates and other information.
One important activity that is occurring now is the assessment of your technology needs so that you are fully prepared for remote instruction. To ensure we have adequate inventory for all faculty, we ask that those faculty who have access to desktop or laptop computers at home use their personal devices. This will leave the limited technology resources we have on hand at each of the campuses for those faculty who do not have a personal desktop or laptop. If you do not have access to a device, please inform your department chair no later than Thursday, March 19. On Friday, we will determine final arrangements for faculty who need access to a device to deliver remote instruction. The campuses will be prepared to distribute laptops to faculty who are in need on Friday, March 20. Please work with your department chairperson to schedule a pick-up location and time.
We have also added a page to our website for information about scheduled trainings through CIOL. You may access the page at https://www.mdc.edu/coronavirus/academic-continuity/ciol-blackboard-webinars/. This page will be continually updated as new trainings are scheduled.
It is our intention to send an academic continuity update once daily so please continue to monitor your email. As we finalize plans, I will continue to communicate with you. I appreciate the outpouring of support and feedback. If you have questions or concerns, I ask that you contact your Department Chairperson or Dean of Faculty. You may also refer to the Academic Continuity frequently asked questions available at https://www.mdc.edu/coronavirus/faqs/.
We are entering an unprecedented period in our history and many may be feeling stress and anxiety about the future. Your health and safety is most important. I am confident that our collaboration will make our institution even better and more resilient, innovative and nimble in the future.
Sincerely,
Lenore P. Rodicio, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President and Provost
Miami Dade College
300 NE 2nd Ave. | Miami, Florida 33132
T: (305) 237-3803 | F: (305) 237-7176
lenore.rodicio@mdc.edu
www.linkedin.com/in/lenore-rodicio
https://twitter.com/LenoreRodicio