Freezing Our Butts Off

Having moved into a new building for the 2021-2022 school year, an unexpected issue has become one of the most prevalent thus far; many students are concerned about the extremely cold conditions inside the building, specifically on the second and third floor classrooms. Many changes have been established throughout the course of the school year, yet as we continue to settle into our new school, few could have predicted that classrooms would be as cold as they are.

Years prior, students and staff occupied FIU’s BBC Academic 1 building. While the issue of cold classroom temperatures existed, it did not affect students and staff in the same way. With a more open layout integrating natural airflow and temperature regulation, the unique design of that building allowed for warmer/moderate temperatures and conditions in the classrooms in AC-1. Additionally, students rotating between classes weren’t confined to an “icebox” as they are now in the new building. Students and teachers had the freedom to move around BBC campus, allowing for a more extensive range of workspaces, including warmer spots outside and classrooms in other spots on campus with a more comfortable temperature.

Although this might not seem like quite a pressing problem, several members of the school community have vocalized their discomfort with the cold conditions. In a statement from Ms. Bermudez, a MAST@FIU science teacher on the third floor, she describes the building as “entirely too cold.” Bermudez explains that she has to layer up on clothing with several long sleeves underneath her MAST shirt in her classroom.

Compared to students, teachers on the second and third floors are stationary for longer periods of time as they teach in the same classroom, thus subject to the freezing temperatures for longer than students. Teachers such as Mrs. Daniel, Mrs. Carro, Mrs. Garcia, and Ms. Bermudez have all expressed their distaste for the extremely cold conditions of office administration. However, there has yet to be any noticeable change enacted. Aside from sending out google form polls (questions asked about the temperature in their rooms) to teachers, little has been done to amend the freezing conditions.

Thankfully, winter in Miami has recently come to a close; the cold winds and harsh rains only further exacerbated the situation. Student Yael Litwalk, a senior who has several classes on the MAST campus, has said, “Most classrooms are too cold, it’s hard to concentrate. I had to bring another sweatshirt and hope it wouldn’t be taken away. I wore two sweatshirts today (11/9/21), and it’s brutal considering it’s getting colder.” Emily Slukova Palma, another MAST@FIU senior, stated, “I think the temperature in the school is freezing, specifically in Carro’s classroom. For me, it’s hard to work when I’m shivering. I know I’m not the only one who feels so. I have to wear two long sleeves under my crewneck.” In her statement, Emily brought up her experience in the old building. Emily says, “Sophomore year on the FIU campus, I didn’t even wear a school shirt underneath my crewneck.”

Will there be a change made in regards to the temperature of the building?