The $26.7 million project is set to debut within three years, increasing the capabilities of on campus health assistance for the growing university population. Something commonly overlooked during periods of expansion is the surrounding infrastructure to support such growth. So after years of record freshman class sizes we’re glad to see the university planning to improve the health support systems for future students.
The existing center, built in 1972, has long since exceeded its stay, and while there’s nothing notably wrong with the current Thomson Student Health Center, a new one will certainly help propel the university to the top of the SEC conglomerate. The increased size of the new health center will compensate for the increased class sizes, while also allowing the various divisions of health, such as the mental health center, to be combined into a single building rather than scattered across campus.
These common sense moves are certainly welcome, and we’re glad the university recognizes this need and is moving forward to provide the necessary additions. A portion of the building will be funded by the student health fee, which has been steadily increasing in recent years. And while we may balk at first — any significant use of student funds raises an eyebrow or two — we realize that a health center is something we can all appreciate and benefit from, unlike some building projects (we’re looking at you, Darla).
As we move forward we hope the new center will continue to bring a healthier community to Carolina, one that keeps our coughs suppressed and the annual flu at bay.