The cost to remodel a University of Montana dorm has doubled due to price increases for materials both locally and nationally.
Aber Hall, an 11-story residence facility on the north side of campus, will be home to administrative offices typically found in the Lomasson Center during construction for the new Food Zoo cafeteria.
The Montana Board of Regents unanimously approved the cost hike during its July meeting on Thursday.
âThis item sets a record for facilities, I am appearing three times in front of the board in nine months â kind of indicative of the construction climate weâre dealing with right now,â said Ron Muffick, director of operations and administration with the Montana University System.
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University of Montana 2021 graduate Asia Chhon stands outside of Main Hall in her graduation regalia on April 18. Chhon plans to wear a stole from her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta and a stole featuring the design of the Cambodian flag.Claire Shinner / Montana Kaimin
Asia Chhon has a few things to finish up before she walks across the University of Montanaâs stage on May 1: a 10-page proposal for her development studies project; a capstone lobbying for medicated assisted treatment in Montana; the last few weeks of her internship with court advocates for minors.
And she wants to make sure itâs all done before her family members come up to Missoula for her graduation. All 35 of them.
Rianna Bowers, a freshman at UM, tested positive for COVID-19 on Oct. 2. Â
She thought it was just a cold. So she went to Curry Health Center and ended up receiving a positive COVID-19 test. She wasnât a close contact, though, so when it came back positive, Curry tested her again. The second test came back positive as well.Â
Bowers was sent back to her dorm room and told to pack what she would need and wait for a call from the University. Within an hour, UM dropped off a car for her to transport her things to Aber Hall, which was then being used as COVID-19 housing.Â