MATC Matters

During Convocation, we tried to answer as many of your questions as possible on issues affecting MATC. Our executive team was able to update you on such things as the future of the Mitby Theater, possible job cuts, and the new Westside campus. Unfortunately, we ran out of time and could not answer all of your questions. We’re hoping to answer those remaining questions on MATC Matters. Here are answers to two more of your questions. 

Why is the art department movement to downtown squashed?

The idea of converting the downtown campus to focus on arts based education and training is alive and well in the facilities master plan. Ideally the facility can be transformed to serve all our applied and fine art offerings as well as our culinary programs. The rationale behind this idea is to integrate the programming in the downtown campus with the art activities already taking place downtown. We hope our programs can contribute to the synergy created by Overture and other downtown art sites. We also intend to promote the advancement of the arts as a significant economic development strategy for our District. In summary, the proposed plan does not squash anything, in fact, it provides the facilities to allow our outstanding art related offerings to grow and develop.

Has the college decided what programs will go into the West campus? Is the Westside facility just a surge facility or will it be a functioning Westside campus?

The facility the college leased on the west side in the former Famous Footwear building is intended as surge space only. The college has entered into a seven year lease for a limited portion of that building. At this time our Criminal Justice program, our law enforcement academies, specialized training in law enforcement, and our Emergency Medical Services offerings will all use the surge space. Those programs are displaced because of our need to remodel Commercial Avenue to better accommodate our apprenticeship offerings.  Building “B” at the Commercial Avenue site will be scheduled for demolition sometime in the near future. We will also offer general education and developmental education at the West campus as we do at all of our sites. Campus services will be provided at the West campus site. Details are being worked out now and may include the use of small TelePresence stations to provide advising and related student services. Longer term plans include the establishment of a larger campus in the southwest service area of the MATC District.

Terry Webb
Vice President for Learner Success
(608) 246-6270