In addition to wrapping up the spring term and preparing for summer school, (which begins June 6) administrators at Berea College are dealing with the impact caused by the collapse on Friday of a central interior section of the College's Administration building, Lincoln Hall.

Because employees' safety is the primary concern, Lincoln Hall has been closed until further notice. Assessments of the damage to the administration building are continuing. Until it is determined that the building can be entered safely, the departments normally housed in the administration building will be moved to other sites on campus. The relocation plans will directly affect 34 employees who have been displaced by the building's closure. It is anticipated that all displaced staff will be relocated by the end of the week.

Currently, the staffs of the Berea College Computer Center, Phone Center and Facilities Management are making necessary connections to allow displaced staff to be contacted by e-mail and telephones in their new temporary locations. Related information about how staff can be contacted will be released as soon as locations and phone numbers are operational.

Work is continuing to stabilize the remaining sections of the building. Until
the damage assessment process is complete, it is not known how long the building will be closed. An estimate of cost for repairs is not yet available.