During winter break, large storms caused flooding in multiple rooms in the Shima and Budd buildings, leaving computers damaged, more than 12 fallen trees, and classrooms unusable.
According to a February 21st board meeting, there was extensive damage found in the Budd Building by returning staff.
The Robotics and Electronics Technology programs, run by Professor Kamran Sedighi, were both hit by the floods.
The classroom in Budd 221 and office in 222G were flooded during a water leak causing damage to a few computers and the floor in both rooms damaged.
Since the flood, these programs have been moved to Shima 218 for the rest of the Spring semester, with Sedighi’s office located in the Science and Math Building in room 124.
“My old office was conveniently located inside the Robotics lab, however, my new office is in the Science and Math Building, which is great since it’s a new office and I meet many wonderful faculties and staff, but now there is a small commute from the office to class and vice versa,” said Sedighi.
From one building to two buildings, Professor Sedighi occasionally goes back to Budd for paper copies for his class leading to three building trips a day.
“One of the drawbacks, however, is that I am far away from the print shop. So, if I need to make copies for my classes, I have to walk all the way to Budd, which is not fun on a rainy day,” said Sedighi.
Students are also facing difficulties with the new change in buildings with limited space in Shima compared to the space in Budd.
“It’s harder for the students since our space is very limited in Shima so the robotics lab seems crowded,” said Sedighi. “I had to split my class into two sessions to make it work out. So, half of the class comes at the scheduled time and the other half comes later in the evening.”
To ensure the class is similar to Budd, equipment was moved to Shima so students can have the full Robotics experience, though some of the equipment in the lab was moved to offsite storage.
Robotics and Electronics Technology will return back to Budd in either the Summer or Fall semester of 2023.
“I am adjusting very well,” said Sedighi. “The key is to be flexible and work out any challenges that come your way.”