MIAMI DADE COLLEGE’S WEST CAMPUS REMAINS CLOSED, CLASSES TO RESUME MONDAY AT OTHER LOCATIONS
Miami, October 12, 2012 - Miami Dade College’s (MDC) West Campus is currently closed and is expected to remain closed for a period of time. While much is still unknown regarding when the college will reopen the campus, the following is an update regarding classes.
Credit Classes for West Campus Students
Daytime classes, that take place Monday through Friday, will be shifted, beginning on Monday, October 15, to the North Campus. MDC is stretching every possible space at North, making use of labs, library, courtyards, exercise space, auditoriums and additional areas to accommodate the daytime West Campus classes. For those needing transportation to North Campus from the Doral area, the college has established a pick-up/drop-off point at the International Mall.
Evening classesand weekend classes will take place at Ronald Reagan Senior High School in Doral, beginning on Monday, October 15. Students attending the Reagan location must also park at International Mall where transportation to and from the high school will be provided. There is no parking at the high school.
Special thanks are due to the leadership of Miami-Dade County Public Schools for their invaluable support in making this happen.
“The College, our community and many families have suffered a terrible tragedy with the collapse of the garage under construction at the West Campus,” said MDC President Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón. “We send our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the workers who lost their lives, and our wishes for speedy recovery to those who have been injured. We have been reaching out to the families to offer our support.”
He added, “I want to thank all the people who have offered their support, beginning with the countless calls and emails from people across our community and the nation. City of Doral Mayor Bermudez and Mayor Gimenez of Miami-Dade County both visited the site and offered any help that was needed. I received a call from Governor Scott offering assistance, and last, but hardly least, President Obama spoke with me and offered his support. We are truly grateful to all.”
Inspections
At the current time, the public authorities are conducting their investigations of the site. When those inspections are complete, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) will conduct an inspection to ensure complete environmental safety. These investigations will be very thorough, including determining if any structural damage has occurred in any other buildings.
Communications are being sent to all West Campus students, faculty and staff advising them of the preparations for the coming days and weeks. A website will be in place to provide thorough information.
Media-only contacts:
Juan Mendieta, 305-237-7611, jmendiet@mdc.edu, MDC communications director
Tere Estorino, 305-237-3949, testorin@mdc.edu, MDC media relations director
Sue Arrowsmith, 305-237-3710, sue.arrowsmith@mdc.edu, media specialist
Alejandro Rios, 305-237-7482, arios1@mdc.edu