Facilities
Sim Man
Sim Baby
LEED certified
Wellness Lab
Host your event here
If your organization is planning an event, and you're looking for a place to hold it, consider the College of Health and Human Services building.
In 2005, Western Michigan University's College of Health and Human Services programs came together under one roof for the first time in a striking new facility which represents the best of science, technology and humanitarianism, while facilitating progressive methods of teaching, learning and research.
Technology in our classrooms
Our classrooms allow faculty and students to connect in new ways with the latest technology. From CVIT to video conferencing to webcasting, our facility offers many possibilities. Like much of campus, wireless technology is prominent in our building. We also have several computer labs open to faculty and students.
Environmentally conscious
A shining example of WMU's commitment to sustainability, the building's 2009 gold-level certification Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB) distinguished it as the most highly rated higher education building in the United States.
Wellness spaces
- Reflection Room
The CHHS Reflection Room (Room 4097) is designated for relaxation, meditation, spiritual reflection and overall wellness. The room is available for structured or unstructured reflection of faculty, staff and students during operating hours. - Lactation Room
WMU and CHHS is committed to supporting students, staff and faculty who are new mothers needing privacy for lactation. CHHS has multiple private, secure areas equipped to accommodate lactation needs. Contact the dean's office to locate available and accessible lactation space.
High-tech spaces
Our teaching labs include current technology to prepare our students for today's health care careers. We utilize instructional technology to prepare students in the classroom for real-life situations they'll face during their internships and beyond.
- Activities of Daily Living lab
This lab provides students with opportunities to use specialized equipment, devices, and training protocols to enable persons with varying disabilities to once again engage and participate in daily living activities like eating, bathing, dressing, meal planning, preparation, and clean-up as well completion of basic household management tasks in a wheelchair-adapted environment. - Anatomage table
In the fall of 2017, the college acquired an Anatomage table to further support and enhance anatomy education as it is currently offered in our cadaver lab. This great new piece of technology is a 3D imaging system which offers real human anatomy, pathology cases and thousands of scans that can bring your coursework to life.
- Cadaver lab
The spacious and well-equipped laboratory suite provides anatomical instruction for students in several CHHS programs including physician assistant, occupational therapy, and speech pathology and audiology. - Communications labs
These labs, primarily used by social work students, allow for simulated interviews and work in small group settings. - Simulation and Skills Labs
These labs accommodate various learning areas and stations according to the needs of the students. Three simulation rooms feature 20 technologically advanced mannequins complete with identification bands and dressed in hospital gowns.
- Orthotics and Fabrication lab
This lab provides students with the opportunity to learn about and complete hands-on design and fabrication of orthotic devices, including upper extremity splints and various adaptive devices. - SimBaby
SimBaby can simulate spontaneous breathing patterns with variations in depth and rate. The blood pressure can be adjusted and measured manually, and can be defibrillated. SimBaby has lifelike traits such as a fontanel that can be adjusted and torso motion to simulate seizure. - SimMan 3G
SimMan 3G is an adult patient simulator designed to deliver the most realistic training possible. Like real patients, SimMan breathes, has a pulse and is full of fluids. This computer-controlled mannequin allows an instructor to drive simulations that are incredibly lifelike. - Wellness lab
Lighting, color and quiet come together to set this space apart from all others in the building. Primarily used by the Integrative Holistic Health and Wellness program, it is used for yoga, meditation and practicing mindfulness.
Open spaces
- Motion Analysis Lab
CHHS room 4010, the Motion Analysis Laboratory, is one of the more interesting rooms on WMU's campus. Hardwood floor and high ceiling resembles a gymnasium with a massive wall of windows and beautiful views of WMU's main campus. Can be set with tables or with rows of chairs.
- CHHS Atrium
The atrium is one of the most beautiful spaces in the CHHS building. Floor-to-ceiling windows facing the east lawn, stone walls and a fountain make it a picturesque setting. Students, faculty and staff regularly utilize the space to meet, study and eat. It's also occasionally used during evenings for special events.
Ernest Wilbur Building
Adjacent to the CHHS building, the Ernest Wilbur Building was renovated in 2018 to house the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Along with DPT courses, the space is also available to other programs within the college. The renovated second floor contains 13,000 square feet of classrooms, labs, office space and student lounge areas. Updated restrooms even include a shower for students and faculty who work out mid-day.
