Dear MDC family,
I cannot thank everyone enough for your unwavering resilience and commitment to each other and MDC as we successfully and safely navigated our Phase 2 return to our campuses during the fall term. I have an important update on the remainder of the fall term and the upcoming spring term.
I know that staying safe and healthy is on everyone’s mind and is of extreme importance to every single member of our College family. This fact continues to drive every decision that MDC’s leadership makes on behalf of our students, faculty, and staff. As a result, the College will remain under MDC’s current Phase 2 level of our pandemic recovery plan for the remainder of the Fall 2020 term and until the end of the Spring 2021 term. We did not come to this decision lightly. We must balance minimizing disruptions to our students’ learning process with decisions consistent with our pandemic recovery plan. MDC must also take into consideration the increase of COVID-19 cases nationally in tandem with the rising positivity and hospitalization rates in Miami-Dade County for the past 14 days. It is a complex problem that points to a simple goal – the safety of everyone at MDC. In addition, the College is making final arrangements for onsite testing beginning in January.
I know many of you will have many questions. Please be on the lookout for a follow up from Dr. Rodicio. She will share more details on how we are moving forward. I urge students and faculty to keep an eye on your spring class schedules for any changes.
I also want to remind everyone of our mask requirement while attending classes, visiting, or working at our campuses. It is for your health and safety and that of those around you. On a more personal note, as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I know we are all looking forward to spending time with our families and celebrating together with gratitude. This year may look different around the table, so I encourage everyone to review CDC guidance on how to safely celebrate with your family and loved ones during this most special occasion.
May everyone remain safe, healthy, and hopeful during the holidays.
Dr. Rolando Montoya
Interim President
Miami Dade College