Construction update
In February, you would have received an email from my office sharing news of construction projects for Schulich Medicine & Dentistry.
Since that time, a significant amount of work has been taking place as we plan and prepare for those projects. I’m pleased to provide you with an update, and in doing so, I would like to remind you that the information being shared may change due to a number of external factors. This is what we know today, and when changes arise you will be informed.
Kem Rogers, PhD, has taken on the role as Chair of the Construction Oversight Committee and he is leading all the discussions and planning for the projects. Kevin Inchley, Associate Director of Facilities is working closely with Kem on all aspects of the projects and will be intimately involved throughout the duration of the work. Kem and Kevin are meeting at least bi-weekly, if not more frequently, to keep Dwayne, myself and the senior leadership team up to date on all aspects of the projects.
The Construction Oversight Committee includes Jane Rylett, PhD, overseeing work related to the vivarium; Marlys Koschinsky, PhD, overseeing work related to Robarts Research Institute; Dr. Robert Hammond representing the Education Programs; Jeff Frisbee, PhD, representing Research; and Dr. Rick Bohay representing Dentistry. An administrative working group will also be pulled together to support the renovations associated with the administrative teams.
During the past few months, Kem has been working closely with the School’s senior leadership team and Western University on a number of aspects of the projects including the financial model and the timeline. Dwayne and I have also been working closely with Susan Gajic-Bruyea, Associate Vice President, Alumni Relations & Development on the potential fundraising campaign to support certain projects.
I can share some details about the projects we will be advancing and provide some information about timing.
Vivarium
This critical infrastructure project will be the first to be advanced. We have worked closely with the University's facilities planning committee and an external consultant to build on the needs survey conducted by Jane Rylett, PhD and Dr. Tyrrel de Langley during the past year. It is anticipated that this project will begin in 2018.
Robarts Research Institute – 5th and 6th Floor
Plans are underway to complete renovations to the fifth floor of Robarts to accommodate new recruitments in the imaging program, enable the CFREF imaging capacity, and expand our research capacity. In addition, we will be moving forward with the renovation of the sixth floor of Robarts Research Institute to create an Innovation Centre. As many of you will recall, both floors were previously occupied by Robarts Clinical Trials Inc., now located in the former Bell building downtown London.
Multi-function Dentistry Clinic
A new multi-function clinic will be developed for Schulich Dentistry. This clinic is integral to supporting a new teaching model being adopted by Dentistry. Further details regarding location and timing are still in discussion.
Renovation of the Western Centre for Public Health and Family Medicine Building
The third floor of the WCPHFM will be renovated to house the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Details regarding timing of this project are in discussion but upon completion of this, the building will house a critical mass of researchers and educators who will greatly enhance our flourishing knowledge translation and evaluation programs, fulfilling a key component of our strategic plan.
Kresge Building, Molecular Biology Laboratory, Health Sciences Addition and the construction of a new building
This will be the most significant phase of the construction projects and we are in the process of developing a needs assessment as well as working closely with Western on a funding model.
Renovation of Clinical Skills Building
The second and third floors of the Don Rix Clinical Skills Building will be renovated and developed into a new simulation facility. Discussions are continuing regarding leadership, timing and funding for this project. This project will be a cornerstone of a new city-wide vision for medical education simulation as it impacts all aspects of our teaching mandate.To define this vision, we are working closely with our education partners across the city, including London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph's Health Care London, as this is not a project that can be developed or sustained in isolation.Moving forward, regular communication and updates about the capital projects and the campaign will be provided to faculty and staff through the School’s eNewsletters and directly through email.
If you have questions about the projects please contact Kem Rogers by email kem.rogers@schulich.uwo.ca.
Dr. Michael J. Strong
Dean, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Distinguished University Professor
Arthur J Hudson Chair in ALS Research
Scientist, Robarts Research Institute
