New WMU student center opening delayed beyond start of spring semester

KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The opening of the new Western Michigan University student center is delayed again.

University leaders say the opening will be delayed beyond the start of the spring semester and that WMU had hoped for it to happen in January 2023.

This marks the second announced delay for the opening which was first planned for this fall.  WMU officials said in June that the original fall opening was pushed to the right due to supply chain issues and a tight labor market.

In a letter to the campus community, dated Thursday, September 8, WMU administrators cited “uncertainty sourcing materials and competition for a limited pool of workers” as factors in an expected delay beyond the last-stated estimated completion date.

The letter also said, “This is disappointing news to all of us, as the student center will be an important focal point for student and general campus community life. As the project moves forward, we will update you on the progress toward completion.”