Dear MDC Community,
We continue to work closely with state and local authorities and our District Board of Trustees to ensure the well-being of our students and employees, as well as the academic continuity that our students need. There are no current reports of known or suspected College employees having COVID-19. Rest assured that we are committed to keeping everyone safe and healthy within the MDC family and our community at large.
Our initial step was to cancel classes in order to have the space across all our campuses to ensure that students can stay home and avoid large groups and faculty and staff can maintain additional, precautionary social distance. As this situation is constantly changing, we feel that the current environment makes it necessary for us to escalate our preventative steps.
As a result, effective Tuesday, March 17, Miami Dade College will cease all on campus services as we transition to a primarily remote work environment. Employees who are deemed critical or essential will receive additional information from their supervisors before the close of business today. In addition, other employees may be requested to report onsite in order to ensure continuity of key support services for remote work and learning. All Faculty are expected to work remotely as they prepare for the potential of remote learning. We ask that they be in contact with their department chair on technology and other resource needs before close of business today. As everyone’s health and safety remains our top priority, employees who are required to be physically present at MDC will coordinate with their immediate supervisors on plans to ensure social distancing. Our goal is for those onsite to limit in-person interactions and add physical distance whenever possible. Social distancing is currently the most important factor we can all practice to help slow down the COVID-19 outbreak.
We remind everyone that all classes remain canceled until March 29 and no assignments can be required during this period. This includes all face-to-face and online classes. During this time, MDC will continue its efforts to prepare for a transition to remote learning which we expect to begin on March 30. Also, all college-related activities, athletics, and events are canceled until further notice.
During these times of uncertainty, it is more important than ever that we work together as a College family. I appreciate everyone’s patience and flexibility during this constantly changing situation. We will continue monitoring developments very closely and will provide updates as needed.
For the latest information and guidance issued by MDC, as well as access to useful resources and past messages, please visit www.mdc.edu/coronavirus.
Dr. Rolando Montoya
Interim President
Miami Dade College