TALLAHASSEE, FL. — Math classes and professors at Florida A&M University were suddenly moved from Jackson Davis Hall.
Faculty and staff received news just a week ago stating that they needed to pack up all of their things by 5 PM. While classes have been quickly moved to another building on campus, instructors are still waiting on their office assignments and keys.
“We were told, but we weren’t given any rooms yet so we are just waiting,” said a faculty member who chose to remain anonymous.
According to a faculty member interviewed inside the building, the abrupt relocation could stem from health and safety concerns identified during recent facility inspections.
“The building is old, and we know there are a lot of things they want to fix and upgrade. This building has a lot of mold,” said the anonymous faculty member. So, they did test about two months ago. And I think tests came back with positive. So, they may have recommended to vacate this building.”
We reached out to the office of communications for an interview regarding these statements, and we were told that they are not taking interviews on this topic at this time.
While the change is sudden, one faculty member stated that the building probably needs to be fixed immediately.
“Well, this building is old, and I know that there are a lot of problems that they want to repair and upgrade and things like that, said Aspen Lane, a math professor in Jackson Davis Hall. “It is disruptive, but in the long run I think it’ll be better because we’re going to a nicer building, so we won’t have to be in this one, and then it will give them the opportunity to make the repairs that they need to.
Students were notified about the change through emails from professors. However, some were very upset with the short notice.
“I got an email yesterday from a teacher saying that we were being moved to a different building,” said Brittney Keith, junior biology student. “We knew there were renovations going on when we first started, but I didn’t know it that it was affecting our classes here.”
When asked if the university gave enough notice, some students were upset with how quick the turnaround was.
“I feel like they just threw it at us because it was less than 24 hours,” said Keith.
University officials have said repairs are needed in Jackson Davis Hall; however, there is no set time for when it will reopen.
