A one stop shop
Students at NDSU won’t have to dread running all over campus to get the semester started out right.
Countless trips to various buildings on campus to take care of minor tasks won’t be necessary with the addition of Memorial Union’s One-Stop Shop called Bison Connection.
“This is going to meet student’s needs,” said Wendy Clarin, support service manager. “Not many campuses have taken the step to have a one stop shop for students.”
Clarin and Dean of Student Life Janna Stoskopf presented the plans for Bison Connection at the student government meeting Sunday Feb. 11, in the Dakota Ballroom.
“After comparing other school designs and asking for student feedback, our group of eight committee members created a completely original version,” Stoskopf said.
Bison Connection will house outlets for registration and records, financial services and the business office, stretching between the Varsity Mart and Copy Shop.
Bison Connection will house outlets for registration and records, financial services and the business office, stretching between the current location of the Varsity Mart and Copy Shop.
The Copy Shop, Corner Mart, Information Desk, Coffee Shop and other shops will be relocated across the hall.
“We really want to eliminate running around for the students,” Stoskopf said. “We have a wellness center for that sort of thing.”
Oct. 1, 2007 is the estimated completion date. Registration for Fall 2007 will have a makeshift area serving as a temporary Bison Connection located in the Memorial Union.
Students share mixed feelings about the one stop shop.
“It should be convenient for students,” said Bryan French, a senior majoring in sociology.
Shawna Zubke, a junior majoring in zoology expressed her concern of the small area being crowded with huge lines at times. “I’ve been sent all over campus when I first started here but now it’s not that bad,” Zubke said.
Clarin said the intent would be to try and move students through as quickly as possible.
“Well-trained representatives from each office will be hired to provide full time staff and after hours assistance to students,” Clarin said.
She added there will also be extensive training for any student staff so all questions can be answered and proper help offered.
A bison card center and eight self-kiosks will be provided in addition to the office outlets. Webpage development help will be offered in the kiosks on weekends and after regular school hours.
“A more student accessible schedule is the idea behind having the kiosks open in evenings and weekend hours,” Clarin said.
Open forums will be held on a regular basis providing updates for the project said Stoskopf.
For additional information on Bison Connections visit the Web at www.ndsu.edu/memorial_union/ or Contact Janna Stoskopf at janna.Stoskopf@ndsu.edu