July 13, 2004 issue
Service EMU offers one-stop shopping for students

By Ron Podell

 

Eastern Michigan University students may no longer be able to go to the bank, but they may feel like they've just hit the jackpot.

With Standard Federal's decision not to continue offering banking services at McKenny Union, the space has been converted to a Service EMU Center. The center, which had a "soft" opening July 12, offers one-stop shopping for students to handle their records, registration, financial aid and business services needs.

The mission of Service EMU is to provide quality professional service in the areas of enrollment, financial aid, billing and payments, in support of students' academic achievement.

STEP RIGHT UP: This ad highlights the new Service EMU Center, which offers one-stop shopping for EMU students to handle their financial aid, records and registration, and business services needs. The center had a "soft opening" July 12.

"Last fall, we had planned this for the new student center," said Bernice Lindke, assistant vice president for enrollment services. "When we found out the student union opening was placed on hold (until fall 2006), we already had momentum going for this project. We will have a couple years experience with this (in McKenny Union) before we operate in the new student center."

The same student services, as well as advising, will continue to be offered at Pierce Hall. But Lindke said many basic questions can be answered adequately at the Service EMU Center, thus freeing up Pierce Hall staff to concentrate on more in-depth processes students may need help.

Gretchen Schonfeld, the center's manager, and three current employees, will staff Service EMU. The staff has been cross-trained to handle questions about all services offered at the center.

"A heartfelt thank-you goes out to all of our trainers over the past six weeks," Schonfeld said. "We have done a lot in a short amount of time, and everyone has put a lot of thought and preparation into giving us the tools we need to be successful."

Courtney McAnuff, vice president for enrollment services; Jim Vick, vice president for student affairs; and John Beaghan, interim vice president for business and finance; contributed start-up money from their budgets to get the service center operational, Lindke said. In addition to the counter area, three kiosks have been set up to allow students to register, review their financial aid or pay their bills online.

In addition to providing important services conveniently to students, Lindke expects Service EMU will benefit McKenny Union businesses with more student traffic. The service center will be open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays during the summer term.

A grand opening of the EMU Service Center is expected sometime in the fall, Lindke said.

Standard Federal decides to leave

Even though Standard Federal ceased banking services after its lease expired June 30, the University opted to keep the ATM machines at six campus locations. ATMs are located in Pray-Harrold, Eastern Eateries, Hoyt Hall, Rec/IM and at two spots in McKenny Union.

MONEY, PLEASE: Trish Krumwiede, a customer service representative with University Health Services, withdraws cash from the Standard Federal ATM machine in McKenny Union.

"That was our choice. We did it for consistency and to keep a banking presence until we get a new student center," Vick said. "We can't get a new bank in McKenny Union for two years and then tell them to leave."

First of America was the first bank in McKenny Union after the union was renovated. First of America opened a service center Aug.1, 1993. First of America eventually became National City Bank in 1999. After National City chose to leave, Michigan National Bank moved in during 1999. Standard Federal Bank acquired Michigan National in 2002.

"The relationship with the banks has been very positive," Vick said. "They have been good partners. We enjoyed working with them. It was a business decision on their part at the end of their lease."

Even though it has ceased operation of its counter in McKenny Union, Standard Federal will have representatives on campus this fall during orientation and the first few weeks of school to enroll students in its ATM banking services, Vick said.