Students who returned from spring break and needed advising or tutoring assistance discovered they could turn to a one-stop location on the 2000 level of the Colvard Building. The offices of Multicultural Academic Services, University Center for Academic Excellence, University Advising Center and University College now reside together in 24,000 square feet of renovated space.
“Under the leadership of Provost Joan Lorden, our goal was to bring some of our support and enrichment programs in closer geographic proximity to other student services, such as financial aid, the Registrar’s Office, the Dean of Students Office and the Career Center,” said Cindy Wolf Johnson, associate provost for academic services.
“We see this new concept as a way to build a stronger message of support to our students, which in turn will aid our retention and graduation rates,” Johnson continued. “For example, if a student is advised to consider tutoring, he or she can simply go next door in the same location. If questions come up regarding financial aid status, then the Office of Student Financial Aid is close by.”
Another goal is to strengthen the working relationships of personnel who comprise nearby offices to assist students to more effectively make decisions regarding their academic degree and career options, stated Johnson.
Student reaction to the concept has been very positive.
Keishla Sheffield is a senior communication studies major who assists with the check-in process; she said students have commented on the convenience of being able to talk to an advisor and then take advantage of other available resources, such as tutoring and mentoring. Plus, they like “how new everything looks.”
Johnson noted the space for these departments is expanded but not by a large amount. The added windows provide a feeling of increased openness with “more room to breathe” as previous spaces were tighter.
In addition to administrative offices, the 2000 level has meeting rooms that advisors and mentors can utilize, as well as learning and computer labs and a resource library. In the main reception area, there are meeting rooms that students can use for group study sessions, too.
Renovations for the 2000 level started in fall 2014, and personnel from the four offices moved in during spring break.
Students and others who plan to visit the offices of Multicultural Academic Services, University Center for Academic Excellence, University Advising Center and University College should enter through the main entrance across from King Building and continue through to the central check-in location immediately on the right (Room 2200).