Students may soon be able to get a check-up and enjoy leisure time in the same building, if plans to build a new University Health Services building are completed.
Associated Students of Madison is helping UHS plan a new site that would serve as both a student clinic and a multi-purpose meeting center. The building, which has been named top priority by the Campus Planning Committee, would be located at the Northwest corner of University Avenue and Lake Street.
Supporters say the new health center would be more accessible than the current UHS, located at the far west end of campus at 1552 University Ave. The new building would also act as a meeting area for student organizations and the general student body.
ASM Chair Jessica Miller said she thinks the building is much needed.
“We’re working on this because there is a lack of dedicated space for student organizations campus,” she said. “The [Memorial] Union is always packed. There are too many requests, and there are a lot of complaints about that.”
Miller said ASM has been working on the project since 1995. In 1999 they proposed the building to students as a referendum, at which time students agreed to pay for two-thirds of the cost.
Although the idea was proposed to students several years ago, Miller said interest is still strong.
“Students have shown a continual interest and support in this building,” she said. “We have the approval from campus, so now we need to go into the details.”
According to the plan, the space will be a “dynamic, fluid space where students will feel comfortable working, studying and socializing. The boundaries and transition zones between UHS space and SAC space will be integrated to the extent possible and practicable.”
The estimated cost of the project is $22.8 million. Fifty percent will compose space for UHS, 32 percent will be for student activities, and 18 percent will be reserved for storage.
Although the plan has been approved by the CPC, it has yet to be passed by UW Systems. UW Chancellor John Wiley said he supports the plan as an alternative to drinking.
UW junior Angie Olson said she thinks the building is a smart idea.
“I hate having to go to UHS because it is so far away,” she said. “Having a building right on campus will be much more accessible for students.”
