The $3.8 million asbestos removal project has scattered the University Health Service over eight locations, making it harder, but not impossible, to continue serving students.

The building was vacated in May for clean-up work expected to begin later this fall. Funding was approved by Gov. James Thompson on Aug. 30, although no contracting bids have yet gone out.

Health Services Director Rosemary Lane and Associate Director Dana Mills, last week formally thanked university employees for their efforts in vacating the health center building for asbestos removal.

Lane said students have not had a problem finding the health center at its new site. The clinic and x-ray lab are located on the second floor of the Holmes Student Center.

The pharmacy, Wellness Resource, and Student Health Advisory Committee office were moved to the the third floor of the student center.

Other services relocated to basements and residence hall rooms in Neptune North, Neptune East, Still Hall, and DuSable Hall temporarily, with the exception of gynecology services which is expected to occupy space at the DeKalb Clinic, 217 Franklin St.

While directors said they are pleased with how smoothly the clean-up project is moving along, they realize the move is only phase one of the project.

However, the clinic will be under construction until Sept. 15, so those services are sharing space at the NIU School of Nursing.

A shuttle service system was set up to transport lab samples across campus from the clinic to the testing lab in the basement of DuSable Hall.