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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
CAMPUS
+
Watkins renovations focus on fixing lobby area
HALLIE WILSON
@halliew20
The recent renovations to Watkins Memorial Health Center, designed to create a more welcoming environment for students, have almost reached completion.
The main floor renovation, which began early last winter, is virtually completed. The redesign is the first of its kind since the mid-1990s.
"The renovations make the lobby look clean and polished," sophomore Caroline Goble said. "I noticed that it was brighter and more inviting, and I think it's going to make a great first impression on new students."
The redesign began when Watkins Associate Director Diane Malott sought out a KU design student to work on the project. Watkins then created a plan for the space and worked with a design firm to make it come to life.
"We really began the project with the goal of making it more customer friendly and up-to-date," Malott said.
To complete the project, Malott worked with the photography department to select some of the art for the space. Photography students submitted their own work and Malott helped to select the ones that best fit the space.
"All of the photographs, which are in color and black and white, are of KU landmarks," Malott said. "One of our murals is going to be this beautiful photo of the Campanile at sunset."
The project was funded out of the Watkins building account, which is part of what students pay as a health fee each semester. Malott said.
"Watkins is all about the students, so I love this project
because students got behind the design and behind the funding," Malott said. "It really is the students' place."
Watkins offers more than just a comfortable and updated facility. The student health center boasts a staff that includes board-certified physicians and nurses, as well as lab facilities and a pharmacy with a full pharmaceutical staff.
"Watkins offers convenient, affordable student health care for basically all services outside of emergency care," Malott said.
Some of these services include vaccinations, x-rays, doctor visits and prescription drug pickup. For more information on specific services at Watkins, visit studenthealth.ku.edu.
Edited by Kate Miller and Jordan Fox
What does Watkins have to offer?
-Allergy shots and
immunizations
-Doctor visits
-Lab work
-Mental health
services
-Pharmacy
-Physical therapy
-Walk-in clinic
-Women's health
-X-rays
The recently renovated lobby of Watkins Memorial Health Center is part of an effort to make the clinic more inviting for students.
ANNA WENNER/KANSAN
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