Trying to relay your questions and what you need can be hard, but I think the virtual front counter gives students a better understanding of the process to more efficiently register and get things done.
Registering for classes can feel overwhelming, which is why last fall the Registrar鈥檚 Office at 福利天堂专注精品福利 introduced a virtual front counter, which allows students to chat live with a staff member.
Political Science major Olivia Anderson, 鈥26, works as an office assistant in the office and knows firsthand how intimidating it can be.
鈥淚t can be difficult to sometimes even get to the Registrar鈥檚 Office,鈥 she said. 鈥淭rying to relay your questions and what you need can be hard, but I think the virtual front counter gives students a better understanding of the process to more efficiently register and get things done.鈥
The idea for this newest technology evolved when administrators noticed a drop off in post COVID office visits.
鈥淪ince we鈥檝e come back to campus and the 鈥榥ew normal,鈥 it took us time to digest and process how things have evolved,鈥 said Joseph Wolk, registrar. 鈥淭he way we work has changed, the way we communicate has changed.鈥
In an effort to make things more accessible, things have moved online including transcript requests and E-diplomas.
鈥淲e鈥檙e always trying to think of ways to make the experience as stress-free as possible,鈥 Wolk said.
Students can access the virtual front counter by visiting . It is available Monday through Thursday from 10a.m. to 2 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. and in April, additional morning hours will be offered to help with spring registration.
Once accessed, students are greeted by a friendly face from the registrar鈥檚 staff ready to answer their questions.
鈥淥ne of the biggest benefits is that a person can share their screen with us so we can see exactly what their question is about. It allows us to respond quickly and efficiently,鈥 Wolk said.
For this reason, calls work best using a computer vs. cell phone, as it allows students to share their screen.
Another positive, Wolk said, is you don鈥檛 need to schedule an official appointment, you can just log on within the offered hours. 鈥 He added that the site is not just for students.
鈥淚f you have a specific question for the registrar, this is a way for the BSU community; faculty, staff advisors, anyone who needs support can use it,鈥 he said.
The registrar is the first to use this type of technology on campus, but Wolk anticipates other departments will follow.
鈥淪ince we launched, it鈥檚 been so well received. We are hoping to make it part of the culture in terms of student-support options,鈥 he said.
Anderson agrees and says she would love to see others on campus offer something similar.
鈥淲e are a larger campus and sometimes it can be hard to get to places at times. I think all departments should offer something like this, it could be really helpful for students,鈥 she said.
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