One Stop Shop eliminates runaround

In the building where the former print shop once ran now sits a newly-renovated space holding the Student Access and Success Center, a one-stop shop for student enrollment management services for both current and prospective students.

In less than 40 days over the summer break, the facilities department transformed the facility, which now holds the University College, career development and undergraduate admissions among other offices. Dr. Mary Hendrix, vice-president for student access and success, said the building is soon to hold more offices in the coming weeks.

"Financial aid and scholarships, the registrar's office and student assessment will move in the next few weeks," she said. "This is a critical time for them, and we did not want to disrupt their operations."

The idea of creating a one-stop shop for enrollment has been in the making for at least five years, and was suggested by frustrated students.

"Student surveys for many years have indicated we need to stop the 'run-around' they experience in locating our various offices and accomplishing the tasks necessary to get enrolled in their classes," Dr. Hendrix said.

Now students have one designated location for their enrollment needs, located in close proximity to the Journalism building, Hall of Languages and the Sam Rayburn Student Center.

"What is most appealing is that current and future students will not have any difficulty parking at this facility," Dr. Hendrix said.

The renovated space maintains an industrial feel with stained concrete floors, brick walls and black ceiling space in the lobby. The carefully chosen furniture is cohesive with a modern look. Students and families have ample seating in a waiting room adorned with artwork from students from the university.

There are also several workstations along the walls where students can access their myLeo accounts or begin setting up their class schedules while in the lobby.

"I absolutely love it. It's spacious and students have access to the resources they need right here in this building," Sharon Johnson, associate vice president for student access and success said. "They like the ambience. If they have to wait to see an adviser they have a comfortable space."

For students that do not have a chance to make it by the Student Access and Success Center in person, an online option will be available soon.

"We will be unveiling a one-stop shop portal on the university website that will serve students regardless of their classification and location," Dr. Hendrix said.

Although the convenience of having multiple offices consolidated into one building meant the death of the printer that once occupied the space, the majority of students will benefit from the change.

"I like it," Kenrick Baker, junior criminal justice major said. "It's cool. You feel like you're at home."

The formal open house for the One Stop Shop will be Friday, Oct. 9, and a contest will run in the near future for students to have a say in officially naming the new facility.