Central Wisconsin News

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will open a new Health and Wellness Center on August 18, after more than a decade of planning. The facility is an addition to Marshfield Clinic Champions Hall at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Isadore Street. It aims to address physical, social, and emotional wellness for students, faculty, staff, and the community.

The center includes the Dawg Fitness area with exercise equipment and Group Ex rooms, as well as spaces for Student Health Service (SHS) and the Counseling Center. The project was initially approved by student referendum in 2014, reaffirmed in 2022, and included in the 2023-25 state capital budget. Funding comes entirely from segregated student fees.

Greg Marsicek, director of Facilities Planning, said, “The genesis of this project was to bring the important aspects of physical, social and emotional wellbeing together in one facility to meet the needs of our students. It’s located at a focal point of campus where students can find it easily.”

Relocating services has made resources more accessible. Stacey Gerken, director of the Counseling Center, explained that moving from Delzell Hall provides better access and improved space: “When students have a comfortable, welcoming environment, it makes an impact. It will help students feel more able to relax, share and connect with their therapist.” The new center offers eight offices for therapists and a group meeting room.

The reception area serves both SHS and the Counseling Center. Dr. Helen Luce, medical director for SHS, noted expanded facilities: “We’re excited to move to a more central location, with a more professional clinic atmosphere. We look forward to being able to provide services for more students.” Exam rooms will double from five to ten; there are also procedure rooms, lab space, pharmacy services, staff offices and shared amenities.

Fitness programming is consolidated under one roof within Marshfield Clinic Champions Hall. Amy Fitschen, fitness program manager said: “Everything for fitness is now under one roof... Our students will be able to move between these spaces easily and be more aware of what’s available.” The Dawg Fitness space grows from 6,000 square feet in Allen Center to 13,000 square feet; most equipment is new or updated.

Michele Miller, associate director of UC programs added: “We are a student center, but we are also accessible for faculty, staff, community members and alumni. We are looking to add an array of memberships for a variety of audiences in the future.”

Fitschen also stated: “The new space is centrally located and addresses all seven dimensions of wellness in one place... We are seeing more universities putting health, fitness and counselling spaces together as we see the ties between physical and mental health.”

The relocation process will continue through August; SHS will close during the week of August 11 while specialized equipment is moved.

Marsicek said that completing construction five months ahead of schedule allowed summer occupancy instead of waiting until late December: “Pointers are excited to explore the new opportunities the Health and Wellness Center will bring to campus,” he said.