The phrase “one-stop shop” is used in regards to nearly everything in the modern day world. Websites, apps, and even some television networks have claimed the term to describe themselves as simply having everything a person could want. Before the dawn of the digital age, the phrase was more commonly used to describe businesses that offered a variety of services in one convenient location. That’s exactly what the Center for Academic Success’ [CAS] One-Stop Service Center aims to provide; a safe-haven for students to ask questions and receive guidance.
The One-Stop Service Center started around fifteen years ago, shortly after Kean University reached university status. Becoming a university allowed the school to expand the enrollment and campus, calling for a “help desk” of sorts to assist students. That help desk evolved into the One-Stop Service Center. At One-Stop, a student can find everything they need and more, along with face-to-face help with a One-Stop employee.
Lauren Foley, a junior photography major and academic instructional mentor [AIM] who works at the service center says, “My favorite thing about working for the One-Stop Service Center is my ability to help everyone in such a short amount of time. The students are so grateful.”
On the first floor of the CAS, smack-dab in the middle of all the daily college chaos is the One-Stop Service Center. At first glance, it seems like a bunch of students in blue-collared shirts sitting behind an over-sized desk, but it is much more than that.
“I like to refer to the One-Stop as a ‘Do-All, Serve-All’ center” says Tyler Boscia, another AIM employee and senior management major. The One-Stop Service Center supplies a plethora of forms for the following issues:
- Change of major
- Change of address/or name
- Graduation applications
- Registration petition for credit overload and course time conflict
- Course work at another institution
- Grade re-calculations
- Pass/Fail audit request
- Social Security number correction
- NJ Residency petition
Kean University is the fourth largest university in the state of New Jersey and at times, the campus can be a little overwhelming. With so many buildings and offices, it is easy to become discouraged when trying to accomplish simple tasks. This is the purpose of One-Stop, it acts as a surrogate to many offices that otherwise might be impossible to find or too busy to access. Meryl Hays, a service center specialist, states, “The most rewarding part of my job is helping students in need.” Along with supplying the forms, One-Stop can accommodate students with completing whatever process in question, whether it is receiving tuition payments or registration.
The One-Stop Service Center has a reputation of having the “best hours on campus.” Open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and even Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, feel free to visit One-Stop in the first floor lobby of CAS or contact 908-737-0300.
