FOR THE GAZETTE

STEVENS POINT — A new $32.9 million Student Health and Wellness Project at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point was approved as part of the Wisconsin Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance’s 2023-25 capital budget.

“This project promotes a holistic approach to health and wellness for the UW-Stevens Point community,” said Chancellor Thomas Gibson. “I am sincerely grateful for the Joint Finance Committee’s approval, which is crucial in meeting students’ needs for their physical, social and emotional well-being.”

First approved at UW-Stevens Point by student referendum in 2014 and reaffirmed in 2022, the project will be funded with student segregated fees through cash and program revenue bonding.

The Joint Committee on Finance approval is the first step. The project must still be approved by the State Senate and the Assembly before being sent to the governor for final approval.

The Student Health and Wellness Center will be constructed as an addition to Marshfield Clinic Health System Champions Hall at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Isadore Street. It will include space for the Student Health Service and Counseling Center, addressing higher demand for these services. It will also provide additional flexible activity space to meet fitness and recreation needs, using a holistic design to encourage student interaction and healthy lifestyles.

“I’m excited to see this project move forward,” said Gibson. “This comprehensive facility will benefit our students by providing their health and wellness services in one location, as well as offering more patient privacy and additional space to meet the increasing needs of our students. It will allow our health promotion and wellness students to have a central location for their required labs and physicals.”

Additionally, health and wellness staff members will benefit by being able to work in an updated, more spacious facility that allows for collaboration and health care solutions that embrace all seven dimensions of wellness.