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Enthusiasm for a proposal to address concerns with Johnson Center and the Student Health and Counseling building has faded due to cost concerns. So the task force created six new alternatives to the proposal.
Representatives from the UNM administration, ASUNM and employees from Johnson Center and SHAC make up the 29-person task force that has discussed repairs or possible replacements for those buildings for the past seven years. Almost a decade ago, the University identified areas of concern within both buildings. Among these were outdated classrooms, inadequate office space and lack of amenities in Johnson as well as insufficient patient space in the SHAC building, which led to patient privacy issues.
The task force only examined costs for the option proposed in 2009. It entailed creating a completely new building, the Health and Wellness Center, and no renovations for the Johnson Center or SHAC building. This option would result in a $117 fee increase per student for the fall and spring semesters, and a $25 fee increase per student for the summer session, until the building was fully paid for.
The six alternatives, which were devised in the fall, include plans such as the renovation of the existing buildings and an addition to Johnson. Some skip renovations entirely and propose the construction of a single new building that combines SHAC and Johnson Center, and another proposes rebuilding Johnson Center and SHAC.
According to a PowerPoint on the subject, funding could come from a combination of student fees and capital outlay money, depending on which of the seven options is selected. The alternative options were created to shift the cost from student fees, said ASUNM president Caroline Muraida.
UNM provided opportunities for student input, including an extensive survey in which 3,500 UNM students voiced their opinions on the problems with both buildings, and presentations about the different options.
“We consider the students to be our clients,” said Melissa Vargas, chief of staff and strategic planner for the provost’s office. “We don’t make decisions about amenities. If they say, ‘We need a running track,’ we include a running track. We take our lead from the students.”
Vargas said 11 members of the task force are student representatives from ASUNM and other student organizations. The task force has visited wellness centers in other universities and helped shape the plans for UNM. The remaining 18 members consist of representatives from other interested parties including the Johnson Center and SHAC building administration and the Athletics Department.
“I am really interested in where (the project) is going,” said ASUNM Sen. Rachel Williams. “This could make for a healthier campus and healthier and better student lives.”
Scott O’Connor, who is pursuing his master’s degree in sports administration and teaches seven physical education classes at UNM, said the fitness facility should be a source of pride and inspiration for UNM and its community.
“As of now, we are well behind other Universities of our stature in the level and caliber of our fitness facility,” he said. “We must stay current to attract more students, even out-of-state students.”
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O’Connor said improvements to Johnson are necessary because the amenities and classrooms are outdated, the floor plan is confusing and general safety is an issue.
“With a new recreation facility, I would hope for an indoor running track to be constructed … which would provide a safe environment for the entire UNM community,” O’Connor said. “This is imperative, especially after … this school year with the attacks on women.”
Vargas said new opportunities for student involvement in the project, such as a new survey and additional public meetings about the center, are slated to begin in the fall.
Further debate about the proposals will be at the Board of Regents meeting April 9 in SUB Ballroom C at 9 a.m.
