The Campus Safety and Wellness (CSW) building opened on Mon., March 3. The Wellness Center moved from the first level of the Student Union, and the Campus Safety Department moved from the Administration building. The move provided expansions and efficiencies for both departments. The Wellness Center can be accessed through the east door of the building facing the Concordia East neighborhood, and Campus Safety can be accessed through the west entrance, across the Lower Quad.

CSW building previously housed the Lutheran Church-Missouri Pacific Southwest District Office (PSWD). The PSWD has relocated to Concordia’s Spectrum Campus.

For the Wellness Center, the move allowed the expansion of their medical clinics from two to four as they anticipate the arrival of students from Concordia’s new Nurse Practitioner program that requires internship placements.

“Additionally, we now have fourteen therapy rooms to support the growing mental health needs of our students and the increasing demand for internship opportunities among counseling students in the Townsend program. In the previous academic year, the Wellness Center recorded over 5,300 student visits,” said Michelle Laabs, Associate Dean of Student Wellness. They are also expanding their services to provide a Wellness Room and an atrium. The Wellness Room will feature two massage chairs, which will be accessible through a self-scheduling calendar. The atrium will host therapy dogs regularly.

The Campus Safety Department also had a smooth process of transitioning into the new CSW building over three days. “Equipment and offices were moved in phases over three days, with the front-facing office that served as the University switchboard being moved during non-business hours. This ensured that the Campus Safety Office and the University's business lines were available. Campus Safety Dispatch and Patrol Operations continued without interruption as well,” said Raul Morales, Director of Campus Safety. 

“The remodel of the CSW puts all Campus Safety Department functions and offices in a hub that will enhance efficiency and service. The location of the CSW and the interior offices promotes a welcoming and relatively private environment for those who need Campus Safety Services,” added Morales. 

The location of the CSW building has also provided additional benefits for both Campus Safety and the Wellness Center. “Our offices are more visible as we are located at the corner of Concordia West and Dorm Road. Signage that is soon to come will enhance that visibility from the road,” said Morales. The parking lot outside of the CSW building is also designated for those who come for service at the CSW.  

In addition to the Wellness Center and the Campus Safety Department, the CSW building will provide new services, including the Career Closet and an expansion of the Helping Hands program.

The Career Closet is expected to launch in fall 2025. “This initiative aims to enhance student career readiness by offering access to professional attire for interviews, presentations and formal meetings. Additionally, we are exploring other clothing needs, such as winter jackets for camping and outdoor activities,” said Laabs.

Helping Hands is an existing resource at Concordia University. They provide assistance with different resources and connections, including food, shelter, clothing and academic resources. The Wellness Center wants to ensure students can thrive throughout their academic journey by supporting their basic needs. 

“Our plan is to launch a food pantry in fall 2025. Currently, Helping Hands operates entirely through the generous donations of faculty and staff, but we are expanding our outreach to local churches, grocery stores, and the larger Concordia community,” said Laabs. “Additionally, we are collaborating with the Department of Nursing and College Corp to staff the center. More info to come on donation and operation details.” For anyone in need of resources or looking for more information on the Helping Hands program, visit cui.edu/studentlife/wellness-center/helping-hands.

“Dr. Thomas’s decision to move the Campus Safety and the Wellness Center to the new CSW brings focus to the importance of Student Services at Concordia. The location, and remodeling of the CSW welcomes the campus community to take advantage of our services,” said Morales. 

Students who want to visit the new CSW building are encouraged to join the grand opening hosted by ASCUI and Student Senate on March 20 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

 

Tags: Wellness Week, Campus Safety , Wellness Center, Student Services

---

About Kiara Azuma

More articles by Kiara Azuma