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Something's New at ORU!
In an earlier edition of this newsletter, we shared a story about the Athletics Department's $10,000 gift to Student Affairs, to be used for refurbishment of dorm kitchens and the commuter lounge. After finding out that the needed work would actually cost $16,000, Athletics gave an additional $6,000 to make up the difference. The work will be completed in time for the fall semester.
The president told the students about the Alumni Foundation's campaign for 1999: to build up academic programs. He talked about the many benefits that alumni will help fund this year, including an honors program, travel funds for students taking part in academic competitions, off-campus study opportunities, and improved academic/career advisement. The biggest round of applause from students came when the president said that library holdings would be increased. (Attention, alumni: Our goal is to raise $1 million by Dec. 31, and our corporate donor has agreed to match the first $500,000. The students are counting on us!)
Last month, students met in focus groups to share concerns about ORU and to suggest ways to improve services on campus. With this information, and with input from the Student Satisfaction Inventory, ORU's vice presidents have decided to do the following:
What used to be the circulation desk on the third floor of the LRC will now be "information central." If a student has a question, he can ask it at this desk. Those staffing the desk will answer the question personally or will find the answer for him.
Expressing a determination to streamline registration even more, the president said that everyone involved with registration--faculty and staff--will receive special training prior to August. A handbook is also being prepared for easy reference.
Students who need to drop or add a class will soon be able to do so via Internet or ORU's Intranet.
Suggestion boxes on campus will become more visible. An electronic suggestion box will be created so that students can e-mail their ideas.
"Fill out this form" is a phrase that strikes fear in the heart of many. ORU is going to make a concerted effort in the next few months to review and revise all its forms, making them shorter and easier to fill out.
New students won't have to guess what's expected of them during those hectic days of orientation. The catalog and the Student Handbook will be mailed to them before they arrive, so they can read up on course descriptions, policies, and services offered.
A common complaint at ORU is the lack of good communication with commuters and graduate students. There's a new commitment to finding ways to share information with those who live off campus.
Did you ever arrive at Student Accounts at 4:35, only to find that the office was closed? Office hours all over campus are going to be reviewed and adjusted where feasible.
"I'm married to principles, not methods," the president said. "But methods need to be reviewed from time to time." Then he said those magic words: dress code and curfew. Thinking that he was going to announce changes, the students began to clap and cheer. But the actual announcement concerned the formation of a blue ribbon task force, composed of student leaders and administrators, which will review those two policies and make recommendations to the president.
ORU is in the midst of a customer service training program. The decision to take this step came out of student and alumni comments regarding service on campus. All faculty and staff are attending these sessions (see the summer issue of Excellence magazine for details). All new employees will also receive this training during their orientation. Refresher courses for longtime employees will also be offered.
"Are you tired of getting the 'campus run-around?'" the president asked. "We're going to adopt the Wal-Mart theory of 'one-stop shopping.'" Because it will cost $1.5 million to move all student service departments (Admissions, Registrar, Student Accounts, Financial Aid) to one central location, this will not happen overnight. But, the president said, "I have faith, and I have a heart to make changes. But first, we need to raise the necessary funds.
"I'm extremely appreciative of your input," he told the students. "I think we're on the right road for ORU."
