Some changes are being made that could provide improved services to the students of Youngstown State University.
Jack Fahey, vice president for student affairs, is working to restructure the offices in Meshel Hall. They’ll be able to take care of business at a one-stop center.
It may seem like a small change, but in addition to increased efficiency for the university, students will have one less headache when trying to pay their bills.
Students won’t have to wait in line at the financial aid window before waiting again across the hall at student accounts.
The university is also hoping to hire much needed staff to help the one counselor we have assist more than 14,000 students.
One benefit of these changes appears to be a future boost in retention rates, a problem plaguing YSU’s enrollment levels for years.
In 2009, the statewide average retention rate for open public universities was 67 percent. YSU saw only 62 percent of its students return for their second year in 2011.
The biggest asset to come from reorganization is saved expenditures, and perhaps YSU’s wisest move was to hold onto them. Strategic hiring decisions are essential during trying financial times, and we agree wholeheartedly that counselors to service our student population are essential.
However, Fahey needs to be forthcoming with a solid timeline as to when students can expect streamlined services. We have faith it will develop; we’re just hoping it doesn’t become the next first-year experience.