The University Health Services are spread out around campus while asbestos is removed from their current home, however they do not have the $3.3 million needed to start the project.

An amendment for the funds added to an Illinois House of Representatives’ bill was dropped by the Senate on May 16. However, “projects basically are not final until the final gavel at the end of the session around the first of July,” said Cindy Huebner, Springfield press coordinator for the Senate president’s office.

But if the money does not come through from the state, Eddie Williams, NIU vice-president of finance and planning, promised during a spring staff meeting that the project still would be completed, said Beverly Beetham, health service assistant director for nursing.

The 12-month project began when an independent lab contracted by the Office of Finance and Planning found a high level of asbestos in the air at the service, Beetham said.

The asbestos was found in the airflow duct systems and must be removed because of the possible danger posed, she said.

For most medical treatment, NIU students can go to the Holmes Student Center on the second floor while asbestos is removed from the health service building.

Clinical services, the injury clinic, gynecology and the medical clinics also moved to the student center’s second floor for the summer, Beetham said.

The pharmacy moved to the third floor of the Holmes Student Center, Room 306, she said. X-ray and the laboratory where specimens are collected moved to the student center’s second floor, Beetham said.

In the fall, gynecology might move to the DeKalb Clinic, 217 Franklin St., if there is room after construction at the clinic is completed, she said. NIU might run a shuttle bus to the DeKalb Clinic if needed, Beetham said.

Handicapped Services moved to Neptune East Rooms 123 through 133, she said. NIU Health Enhancement Services also moved to Neptune East and Student Insurance moved to Neptune West.