One-Stop-Shop preparation gathers speed as grand opening approaches

As the Oct. 9 grand opening approaches, Student Access and Success is wasting no time moving into their new home on the east side of campus.

Student Access and Success has spent the last few months renovating the old campus printing facility on the east side of campus into the new One-Stop-Shop building. They have, however, made the most progress in the last few weeks, moving in the departments of financial aid, admissions, career development, and others.

The One-Stop-Shop was commissioned by the university to have one central location where students would have access to the services that would help them be successful in their time at Texas A&M University-Commerce.

According to Dr. Mary Hendrix, vice president of Student Access and Success, the center is right on track for its big opening next week. Dr. Hendrix explained that the only departments left to move in are the Registrar and the Office of Student Assessment. Once those offices are set up, the One-Stop-Shop will be fully staffed and completely ready to serve the student body.

Although the official grand opening is set for Friday Oct. 9, there is going to be a special grand opening just for students on Thursday Oct. 8.

"This is their building and we want them to know how much we appreciate their input in asking for this facility," Ricia Montgomery, assistant to the vice president, said.

So far, student reception of the center has been fairly positive.

"From what I've seen, it's a pretty nice addition to the campus," Kerry Hendricks, sociology major and a frequent visitor to the One-Stop-Shop said. "I think it's nice to have all these services all offered in one place."

As a repeat user of the center, Hendricks had more to say, other than that it is a good idea.

"I like that there is actually a help desk," Hendricks said of the facility's ease of use. "Instead of having to wander around in search of the office you're looking for, there is a desk with people all willing to help you find what you need."

Recently, the televisions at the One-Stop-Shop came online for the first time. Jeric Griffin, one of the student workers there, has been charged with learning and operating the software system that controls what appears on the televisions in the main lobby. Griffin is currently at work preparing a series of screens that will highlight campus events and provide inspirational quotes to students.

The grand opening for students will be held Thursday Oct. 8, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. The grand opening for faculty and staff will be held on Friday Oct. 9, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Both of these events will include free t-shirts, chips, salsa and ice cream for all in attendance.