SMHS Dean’s Office announces Grand Forks Space Optimization Project

As we celebrate 10 years in the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences (SMHS) building in Grand Forks, we recognize that our space needs and workplace practices have evolved significantly.

Using departmental space utilization data gathered during FY26, School leaders identified opportunities to better align our facilities with our School’s current and future operational needs.

The moves described below will help all of us use underutilized space more effectively while supporting student services, accommodating program growth, and enhancing the overall SMHS experience for faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

As our organization continues to evolve and spaces are repurposed, we will evaluate space needs as appropriate. Additional modifications may be necessary to ensure our facilities continue to support and align with our mission. Information about future phases of this project will be forthcoming as details are finalized.

SMHS Space Optimization Project – Phase 1

The SMHS is beginning Phase 1 of a school-wide initiative to optimize the use of space throughout the Grand Forks building.

Phase 1 focuses on expanding the Student Affairs & Admissions office and creating a new dedicated entrance to better serve students and visitors. To accommodate this project, the following relocations will occur:

1. The Department of Indigenous Health (E263) will relocate to the INMED suite (E251) to make room for Technology Resources. This is expected to occur around late-November.
2. Technology Resources (Suite E202) is expected to move into the former Indigenous Health suite (E263) around December 1.
3. Student Affairs & Admissions (Suites W101/103) will temporarily relocate to Suite E202 during portions of construction and return to its newly expanded and renovated space upon project completion (early 2027). To accommodate this move, faculty and staff within the W116 suite will be reassigned to other locations. Affected programs include Geriatrics, Genomics Core, and Biomedical Sciences, with locations to be determined. SMHS administrators are working closely with those departments to ensure a smooth transition.
4. The Center for Rural Health space, which will include a new dedicated entrance. Construction timeline is to be determined.
5. A new Welcome Desk to provide a warm welcome for our students, guests, and visitors is currently in design to be located in the unused cafeteria space on the SMHS first floor.

Project timeline

The Student Affairs & Admissions expansion is projected to be completed in early 2027. Engineering assessments have been completed, and final bid documents are being distributed to contractors.

Specific move dates and construction schedules will be communicated as they are finalized and may be subject to change.

What this means for you

If your department is directly affected by one of these relocations, your department chair, director, or manager will provide additional information regarding the move timing and workspace assignments.

If your department is not listed above, Phase 1 is not expected to impact your workspace. As planning continues, we will evaluate additional opportunities for space optimization and communicate any future phases or changes in advance.

Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and support as we work to ensure our facilities continue to support our mission.

If you have any questions regarding these changes, please contact your immediate supervisor or Michael Nord, SMHS Assistant Director of Facilities, Space and Safety at michael.k.nord@UND.edu.