Dear MDC Community,
Miami Dade College (MDC) continues closely monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and is coordinating its efforts with the appropriate local and state authorities.
Although MDC remains open and all regular scheduled classes continue as planned, we have important information that we would like to share:
UPDATES
Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
- The MDC collegewide Emergency Operations Center (EOC) whose function is to convene on the most up-to-date information and activate any necessary responses is meeting daily. The frequency of these meetings will be adjusted as needed. The EOC ensures a coordinated response based on federal, state, and local guidance that focuses on the safety, security, and needs of our students and employees. As part of this process, we will inform all students and employees if additional recommendations or actions are needed.
Courses
- Classes will continue in their original format and as scheduled at this time. The State University System’s directive to universities to immediately convert to online instruction does not include state colleges such as MDC.
- Per the Florida Commissioner of Education, the COVID-19 risk to students and employees at our State Colleges and K-12 institutions remains low. Upon the recommendation of the Florida Department of Education, Miami Dade College and other state colleges remain open. In the event the status of MDC classes and operations changes, we will immediately communicate it to employees and students, and will provide instructions for the continuation of the spring semester through alternative instructional methods, including online.
Events
- As part of our ongoing process to ensure student and employee safety as well as that of the community, effective immediately, all events and gatherings outside of course meetings are cancelled.
- All MOAD/Freedom Tower events have been cancelled and the gallery spaces are closed until further notice.
- Commencement – MDC will continue monitoring the situation and will share a final decision by April 16.
- Athletics – All MDC athletic events are cancelled until further notice.
Travel
- All college-related international travel is canceled until further notice.
- All college-related domestic travel to other states is canceled until further notice.
- In-state, non-air travel can proceed as planned given that Florida remains a low-risk state.
Absences Due To Illness
We continue imploring that those who are experiencing influenza-like symptoms seek medical attention immediately. Anyone experiencing such symptoms should consult their regular health care provider and stay home until cleared to return to campus.
Employees
- Human Resources will share a detailed plan regarding the use of disaster leave later today.
Students
- At this time, students who, upon the advice of a medical professional, are to stay at home due to illness or the need to self-isolate, should contact their faculty for academic adjustments. Medical documentation may be requested to justify extended absences.
Situation at Medical Campus
Out of an abundance of caution, Miami Dade College (MDC) closed its Medical Campus after a visitor who attended a recent, non-MDC event there tested positive for COVID-19. MDC has consulted with the Miami-Dade County Health Department for next steps and is contacting event participants individually to inform them of the situation. Those not present at the event are not at risk for exposure.
We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we adjust and adapt as a College community. In the meantime, we ask everyone to continue following the precautions recently communicated by MDC, as well as important guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Florida Department of Health , and the World Health Organization. For questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, you may call the Florida Department of Health’s dedicated COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121 or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov. The call center is available 24/7.
For the latest information and guidance issued by MDC, as well as access to useful resources and all past messages, please visit www.mdc.edu/coronavirus.