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Offices move to accommodate new hospital by Heather Woolwine  Public Relations New buildings and classrooms mark MUSC’s foot forward into the 21st century, but unless those on campus pay attention, they may find their feet in the wrong place at class or appointment time. As the result of plans for the new hospital, demolition of two wings of the Alumni House is set for the beginning of April. While there is no need for mass hysteria, many of MUSC’s student services departments and offices began moving to new locations this month, with more scheduled to move in March. And as long as students and faculty remain abreast of those moves, displacement isn't a bad thing. “We are excited about the new hospital and the opportunities it will provide for improved clinical education,” said Valerie West, Ed.D., associate provost for education and student life. “The project has enabled us to make long-term renovations that will improve our services, and we’ve been working for more than a year on these departmental moves, with considerable planning to make sure that everything goes well.” Indeed, West and those appointed with the arduous task of finding new homes for many offices spent numerous hours working on details, meeting with representatives from each displaced area, and meeting with student representatives from each of the six colleges. Citing excellent collaboration on behalf of all those involved, West described the incredible end result—a new hospital and in September 2005, a renovated student/academic center located in the current Library/Administration Building.  “It will be a totally academic building, housing classrooms, a student lounge, meeting rooms, the Clinical Evaluation Unit, the Center for Academic Excellence, and The Writing Center,” West said. “These services will be in proximity to the library for added convenience for our students, and upgrades such as wireless technology will greatly enhance the functionality of the building.” She also stressed that despite the displacement of services located in the wings of the Alumni House, no functions of the student wellness center would be lost, and some offices will remain where they’ve always been. “We are not tearing down the wellness center,” she said. And while logistics may be complicated at times, West reiterated the goal of expansion and better services behind every move. “I appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding throughout this entire process,” she said. The following is a timeline for relocations scheduled through March. (More relocations to follow in June; look for updates inThe Catalyst and maps and schedules online at http://www.musc.edu/newhome.) February International Programs: Relocate to area in Harper Student Center formally occupied by Student Programs. MUSC Gives Back: Relocate to area formally occupied by Student Programs. Student Programs: Relocate to area in Harper Student Center formally occupied by the Student Lounge. Weight Room: Relocated to first floor of the remaining wing, behind the lower level weight room. March Matthews Bookstore: Relocate to Bank Building. Center for Academic Excellence and Writing Center: Relocate from Alumni House to second floor of McClennan-Banks Building mid-month, until September 2005. Clinical Evaluation Unit: Relocate from Alumni House to second floor of the McClennan-Banks Building mid-month, until September 2005. Classrooms from 4th floor: Relocate from Alumni House to second floor of CMH mid-month, until September 2005. Student Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services: Relocate from Alumni House to first floor of 30 Bee Street late in the month. Studios: Relocate to Crow’s Nest in Wellness Center mid-month. Pilates Studio: Relocate to temporary location in Wellness Center late in month. Harper Student Center Administration: Relocate to fourth floor of the Alumni House. Areas not moving Office of Diversity: Remains on fourth floor of Alumni House. Student Accounting/Financial Aid: Remains on third floor of the Alumni House.       Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.