Description of Request

Submitted By: Desiree Dalke, Director of Allied Health Programs, Gallatin College

Gallatin College Allied Health programs have submitted a request to reallocate room 169 in the Swingle Annex for instructional use to support their expanding programs. This request arises from a combination of accessibility concerns and the need for additional space due to program growth. Previously, while Swingle Annex was occupied by University Health Partners, room 169 functioned as a conference room. However, with the building now reassigned to new occupants, room 169’s accessibility has become restricted. The room is only accessible through a locked door located within Gallatin College’s instructional space, which houses expensive medical equipment. This arrangement poses security and logistical challenges for shared conference room use. Gallatin College is also actively working in partnership with Great Falls College to bring the Physical Therapy Assistant program to campus as part of an accreditation process. This initiative, coupled with the ongoing growth of their existing Allied Health programs, has created an increased need for additional instructional and overflow space. It should be noted that there is a large conference room on the second floor of the Swingle Annex that remains accessible to all occupants and can be scheduled via Outlook. This ensures that the building retains access to a shared meeting space, mitigating concerns about the loss of room 169 as a conference room. Given the accessibility limitations of room 169 and the availability of an alternative conference room within the building, staff recommends approving the proposed change in use of room 169 from a shared conference room to instructional space for exclusive use by Gallatin College Allied Health programs. This reallocation supports program growth and operational needs while maintaining access to shared meeting resources within the building.

Resolution

Date: December 6, 2024

Space Management Committee has approved the change in use of Swingle Annex 169 from a conference room to an instructional lab for use by Gallatin College Allied Health programs.