CEILING CAVES IN ON STUDENTS
January 31, 2007

Ceiling panels and other material including aluminum rails collapsed on 10 students waiting for their class in room M514 on the afternoon of January 31.

An MATC instructor who witnessed the events reported, “My class was at the time meeting nearby when we heard this terrible noise and student screams in the hallway. Fortunately, no student was seriously hurt this time. Security was called to report the incident.”

Another faculty member emailed us that:” When I arrived on 2-2-07 at 8:55 am there was plastic hanging from the roof over my classroom door.... Students and faculty should not be exposed to such dangerous and hazardous conditions. Most important, considering the age of this building, there has to be asbestos in the building considering that the internal structure is exposed. I called Public Safety and they took pictures of these unsafe conditions. Faculty and students deserve better!”

Faculty had previously complained to Operations Chief Richard Dries about construction on 5th floor South (Old Main) at the same time classes meet. The noise and racket caused by construction machines disrupts M514, M516 and M518. Some faculty have even been forced to move entire classes to alternative sites when the noise made it unbearable to hold sessions.

COLE’S DOUBLE STANDARD

Dr. Cole talks about teaching and learning. But the way he runs the college demonstrates a total disregard for the actual educational process as well as students and educators.

Cole’s double standard is obvious: marketing himself is much more important than educating students.

His office was remodeled for his personal convenience during semester break when he was out of town. However, remodeling in educational areas occurs first shift, during the semester when the classrooms have heaviest usage.

In addition, classrooms lack the most basic supplies. When was the last time you were in a classroom in the Old Main with a pencil sharpener that worked? The accident on the 5th floor is simply the latest example!

Another faculty member who teaches in the area wrote, “Now I have a serious concern for my students' safety. I feel this issue has not been handled appropriately by MATC. This is a construction area. Construction should not be taking place at the same time classes meet and students fill that hallway between classes. Since classroom space is at a premium, why can't the construction work take place on a third shift schedule when school is not in session? Please don't wait until something more serious happens.”

If you see similar potentially dangerous circumstances please contact 212’s Health and Safety representative Susan Ruggles immediately.