Originally, it was thought that over winter break Health Services and the Counseling Center would return to their permanent location on the first floor of Jonsson Tower. “As the fall semester progressed, however, it became apparent that [goal] was overly optimistic and a more realistic mid-spring completion date was set,” said Andrew Demaree, Director of the Counseling Center.
The renovation got behind schedule because of delays related to the HVAC system. It took longer to build and deliver it to the site. The whole HVAC system for the Counseling Center and Health Services will be completely new.
Though the renovation is likely to be completed by mid-March, it is likely that Health Services and the Counseling Center will not move back in until after graduation, May 21. Demaree said this was because “of concern about disrupting services mid-semester.” Julia Routbort, Associate Dean of Student Affairs for Health and Wellness, echoed this statement saying, “We collectively decided that trying to move mid-semester would be too disruptive to student services.” Routbort shared that part of the reason for this was that the move would mean closing down for a few days during which, students would have to look elsewhere for service.
The renovation seems to be in the final stages, said Demaree, but there are still many things left to be completed. Final projects include more visual aspects of the renovation including completing the ceiling tiling, painting, installing doors, and getting the furniture delivered. The main construction of the space has been completed.
“The space looks fabulous and will greatly add to our ability to serve students, so we continue to be really excited about that,” said Routbort. “We’re all looking forward to moving back to our permanent home,” said Demaree.