During this unprecedented period in the history of Miami Dade College (MDC), it is extremely important that we reaffirm our commitment to the health and safety of our College community. The diligent work and resolve from our entire College workforce have been momentous. We remain focused to deliver a robust remote learning experience for our students as we move forward.
Based on recommendations made today by the Governor, remote learning will begin March 30 and will remain in place through the end of the spring term. MDC’s remote working environment will also remain in place for employees until the end of the spring term.
As a reminder, all classes, regardless of delivery method, including online classes, are suspended through March 29 to finalize preparations for the transition to remote learning. MDC has canceled all events college-wide until further notice.
Students
The 2020 Commencement scheduled for May 2 is postponed until a date to be determined.
Please rest assured that students’ hard work and focus will not go unrewarded as this change will not affect in any way graduates receiving their diplomas and certificates.
Comcast is also offering students 60 days of free internet access. For students requiring assistance, please visit https://www.internetessentials.com/Apply.
The MDC Call Center is also available to students at 305-237-8888 during regular business hours (Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.).
Additional information will be provided as we transition to remote learning. We ask that you please check your emails on a daily basis.
Employees
The College has decided to remain in a remote work environment until the end of the spring term. Some critical and essential College employees, as well as other employees required to maintain operational continuity, are required to report to campus during this period from 8 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Certain public safety and custodial personnel will have differing schedules to ensure the safety and security of our campuses.
A useful checklist for employees working remotely can be found at: https://www.mdc.edu/coronavirus/college-action-plan/technology-checklist-for-employees/
Health/Benefits – Pharmacy
Beginning immediately, CVS Pharmacy will waive charges for home delivery of prescription medications. Aetna will now offer 90-day maintenance medication prescriptions. Aetna will waive early refill limits on 30-day prescription maintenance medications for all members with pharmacy benefits administered through CVS Caremark.
Faculty
Remote learning will begin March 30 and be in place through the end of the spring term. It is critical that faculty continue their efforts between now and March 29, while classes are suspended, to be prepared for this transition. It is important that everyone reassess their individual needs in relation to an extended remote working environment and ensure that they have the materials and resources they need to perform their duties over a longer time period than originally anticipated. Please communicate any resource needs to your chairperson by Thursday, March 19, 2020.
Working remotely resources: https://www.mdc.edu/coronavirus/academic-continuity/working-remotely/.
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.
Lastly, we have developed a faculty FAQ that can be accessed at this link: https://www.mdc.edu/coronavirus/faqs/.
Resources
Additional resources to assist you during this pandemic can be found at the following sites:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
- Florida Department of Health,
- World Health Organization.
If you, or someone you care about, is feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others call
Call 911.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. (TTY 1-800-846-8517)
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.
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. Please also call the MDC Hotline at 305-237-7500 or the MDC Employee Hotline at 305-237-7505.
Thank you.
Yakir Fernandez, MA
Director, Office of Emergency Management