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News

New center a welcome aid

Students, employees say newly built facility makes using student services more efficient, faster

by GRANT MELHOFF 
The Daily Cougar

The beginning of each semester is always hectic, as students scramble to pay their tuition, secure financial aid or finish registration.

The University Welcome Center was designed to ease students back into school by offering them a one-stop shop for various student services. Administrative officials are hoping the facility's move to the inside of the parking garage at the corner of Calhoun Road and University Drive from the Ezekiel W. Cullen Building last semester has been a positive change.

"As the center was developed and designed, we worked with student groups on the layout to make sure that they thought it was something that would be easy for students to use and easy for them to find ... We even worked with student government and student leaders on the look of the space," Vice President for Plant Operations, Dave Irvin told The Daily Cougar in August.

The Welcome Center houses many commonly used student services formerly located in E. Cullen, including Student Financial Services and Registration and Academic Affairs. It also serves as a "front door" to the University for alumni and prospective students.

"This is just a part of the University's response to help better serve the students' needs," Director of the Welcome Center Brooke Durbin, director of the Welcome Center, said. "It's also like an epicenter for showcasing the University as it grows in the future."

The center's spacious layout was designed to help combat the long lines and wait times commonly found in E. Cullen.

Finance junior Chintan Patolia said she has noticed a difference in how easily and efficiency she can get information.

"It's definitely more efficient," Patolia said. "Before, if you were in the wrong place, you had to waste a lot of time moving from line to line. Now, each department can easily communicate back and forth to better help you out."

Marketing senior Jason Gibson said he approves of the Welcome Center's location near the front of campus.

"The location was worse before the move. You used to have to walk all the way to the middle of campus to get anything done," Gibson said. "Now, I can stop in and get what I need done on my way in to class."

Staff members are also adapting to their new surroundings.

"It's fabulous. They did a great job designing this building," Assistant Director of Customer Service Janette Carson said. "It has done a lot for our morale."

Melissa Mayorga, manager of Admissions, agreed.

"The environment makes a big difference on the students and the staff," Mayorga said. "It's much brighter and everyone seems to really enjoy it."

Since the Welcome Center's opening Sept. 25, there has been a large increase in visitors taking campus tours, Durbin said.

While the Welcome Center is the new face for these student services, the old offices in E. Cullen continue to operate. The remaining staff now serves a supportive role, aiding in various areas, including document processing.

"Without them we wouldn't be able to fully help the students," Durbin said. "They are our lifeline and are an integral part of what is going on in here."

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