Open forum showcases new Bison Connection
Running from building to building in search of the correct office will no longer be a problem for students at NDSU.
Bison Connection, known formerly as the One Stop Shop, was discussed at an open forum Tuesday.
Members of the Bison Connection task force said the service area is scheduled to open in October 2007.
Brandon Hall, a student representative of the Bison Connection committee said there would be the services offered from the Office of Registration and Records, Student Financial Services and the Business Office.
“The Bison Connection will remove the barriers for students and make things easier,” Hall said. “There will also be less running from building to building.”
Students will be able to talk with well-trained people about any questions regarding campus connection, scholarships, financial aid and more.
“I think it is a good idea for all three of the offices to be in one location,” said Carrie Peters, account technician for the Business Office. “I think students will really like it, and it will be much more convenient.”
Also available to students will be a 24-hour self-service computer kiosk where students can check their Blackboard, e-mail and Campus Connection accounts.
Students will be able to drop or add classes, look at FAFSA status, print and process payments at the kiosks.
“We are focused on students being self-serving,” Hall said. “There will be boxes with different type of forms for students to pick up and drop off and a printer station. We do, however, want to stress that there will be people there to help with any questions.”
Four service stations will be set up for students to check on financial aid and scholarships as well as any other questions.
One question asked in the forum was if there were any extra costs to students for the Bison Connection.
“There is no outside cost to students; it is all part of the renovation for the Union,” said Viet Doan, enrollment manager for technology services and chair of the Bison Connection Committee. “I am excited to see and be able to provide a higher level of service. It has worked at other campuses so hopefully it works at ours.”
Wendy Clarin, manager of the Bison Connection, said they are excited but a little worried about the uncharted territory and traffic flow but hope there will be no problems.
Bison Connection will be located where the copy shop and check cashing stations are currently located.