OCCC has resumed normal operations following a week-long closure caused by an F1 tornado that damaged the campus earlier this month.
The college reopened Monday, April 13, after sustaining damage from severe storms that prompted a temporary shift to remote operations. In an email sent to the campus community during the recovery effort, officials said multiple departments worked to assess conditions, complete repairs and prevent further damage.
“While progress has been made, additional time is required to ensure that our campuses are fully safe and ready to welcome students and employees back on site,” the email stated.
Daniel Piazza, vice president for public safety and facilities management, said his officers were among the first to respond following the tornado.
“After the F1 tornado moved through the area, they secured the campus, conducted initial safety checks and coordinated with local emergency management,” Piazza explained during the extended shutdown. “They continue to monitor conditions, limit access to impacted areas and support crews working on recovery.”
The response involved coordination across several departments as the college worked to restore operations.
“This is a coordinated effort across several areas,” Piazza said. “Facilities is leading assessment and repair work. Campus Police are focused on safety and access. Finance, Risk Management and Legal are supporting insurance and compliance matters. IT (Information Technology) is maintaining systems for remote work and learning, and Communications is keeping the campus community informed.”
The storm caused both structural and interior damage across campus.
“The campus experienced damage from the F1 with impacts to roofs and exterior components, as well as interior damage,” Piazza said. “We are continuing to assess the full extent of the damage as crews move through each space, and repairs are ongoing. Our priority is ensuring all facilities are safe before reopening.”
Campus leadership based reopening decisions on ongoing safety evaluations and input from multiple sources.
“Safety is the primary consideration,” Piazza said. “Leadership reviews input from Campus Police, Facilities and Operations, along with guidance from external partners. This includes building conditions, utilities, access and the ability to fully support students and employees on campus. Ongoing assessments inform the timeline, and reopening will occur only when conditions are safe and stable.”
During the closure, all classes and services operated remotely, and on-campus activities were canceled for the week. The college also asked students and employees to avoid coming to campus while recovery efforts were underway.
“We ask that you continue to refrain from coming to campus or making requests of those directly engaged in recovery efforts,” the post-storm email to the campus-wide community stated. “Your cooperation allows our teams to remain focused on our top priorities: safety and restoration.”
Piazza noted that the college has repeatedly adjusted to major emergencies by keeping student support at the center of its response.
“The college has experienced similar disruptions in the past, including the May 2013 tornado in Moore, as well as severe winter weather and the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Piazza said. “In each case, the focus has been the same: prioritize people, adapt operations and continue supporting students.”
