Aside from the construction of new buildings on campus, Binghamton University officials are also rearranging existing spaces to make the campus’ layout more accommodating to students.
The Office of Student Affairs, located in the New University Union behind M&T Bank, has now become a “hub” of student services and organizations on campus.
In previous years the space was home to the Office of Student Affairs alone. But by the end of September, offices dealing with student life, including the XCEL Center, Off-Campus College and the Office of Student Conduct (formerly known as Judicial Affairs), among others, will be moved into the Student Affairs office.
Brian Rose, vice president for Student Affairs, explained that the goal of the new “hub” is to have a primary point of contact for students so they are no longer “ping-ponged” around by different departments.
“We are trying to make it easier for students to find help when they need it,” Rose said, adding that the office is located in the New University Union because it is an area through which students normally travel.
Dean of Students Elizabeth Droz said that all of these offices should be working together because they have a common goal.
“All of these areas work with students to form leaders and provide leadership roles,” she said.
According to Rose, the move has been in the works for nearly a year. The idea came from student feedback and questionnaires, many of which reflected frustration from students and faculty when it came to getting help.
Rose said he wanted to have an environment that promoted teamwork and flexibility to serve the student body. There were no additional expenditures for this change, rather they just “reshuffled the deck” in how space was organized and how money was allocated, he added.
According to Droz, it’s extremely important that students who need help know where to go. She said staff members within Student Affairs and the other offices are working toward facilitating that kind of communication.
“There are a lot of things we can do behind the scenes for students,” she said.
The office is currently open for students and faculty to use. Rose said he hopes the office will be “joyfully busy,” and according to Droz, it is. She described the atmosphere as extremely pleasant and welcoming, and said that from what she’s seen thus far, the concept of caring and following through is really appreciated by parents, faculty and students.