ANN ARBOR—The University of Michigan Board of Regents today approved the construction of a new School of Nursing building of approximately 75,000 gross square feet to accommodate instructional spaces, a clinical learning center with simulation and skill labs and simulated patient suites in an environment that will foster collaboration and community.

The new building will also include space for some faculty offices and limited administrative functions. The proposed building site is located near the existing School of Nursing building. And while the new building is expected to fulfill greatly needed expansion space that supports the school’s contemporary educational needs, the existing building will continue to be used for individual offices, small classrooms and research space. With the growth in academic and research programs and increases in student enrollment, the school anticipates adding approximately 40 faculty and staff members over the coming years.

The estimated cost of the new building project is $50 million. The architectural firm of RDG Planning and Design will design the project, with the design phase scheduled to begin immediately.

“This new learning center will be state-of-the art, reflective of our top-ranked, world-class standing as a School of Nursing,” said Kathleen Potempa, School of Nursing dean. “This facility will provide state-of-the-science-and-art learning technologies and methods, including a wide range of fidelity simulation experiences, as well as individual interactive platforms to enhance student engagement in the curriculum, in our research activity, and in practice environments.”

The School of Nursing is a top-ranked, world-recognized program committed to improving the health and well-being of patients and communities through education, research and service. The school is currently housed in the School of Nursing Building, 400 N. Ingalls Street, which was constructed in 1913 for use as a hospital and purchased by the university in 1977.

About the University of Michigan School of Nursing
The U-M School of Nursing is consistently ranked as one of the leading nursing schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report and is also one of the leading schools for research funding from NIH. Offering innovative and rigorous academic programs taught by distinguished faculty, the school gives students the opportunity to become part of an institution dedicated to making a global impact through cutting edge research, education, clinical practice and professional service. The School of Nursing currently enrolls about 1,000 students in the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs and has approximately 120 faculty members. To learn more about the school, visit www.nursing.umich.edu.