An inside look of the new Jasper Central.
BARBARA VASQUEZ / THE QUADRANGLE
By Barbara Vasquez, Asst. Production Editor
Manhattan College recently introduced students to the brand new Jasper Central that is to act as a one-stop shop for students to access all student services in one place.
Located in room 3.60 of Thomas Hall, Jasper Central is a newly implemented office combining student accounts, bursar services, financial aid and registrar all in one convenient location, right in the middle of campus.
Previously, the space in Thomas Hall was dedicated solely to the financial aid office, while bursar services and registrar were both located across the quad in Memorial Hall. With the newly combined offices, students are able to conveniently deal with any problems they may have.
Vice president of enrollment management, Karen Vahey, Ed.D., recalled her time as a college student needing to go from building to building in order to do something as simple as register for a class, all because student services were inconveniently separated.
“Things like that were still happening here all these years later, and so in an effort to really provide better service, we created the center [Jasper Central],” Vahey said. “Students should focus on academics, your athletics, your clubs and not have to worry about a campus run around.”
Jasper Central has been a few months in the making, according to Vahey and her colleagues. Originally called “One-Stop,” the office was first thought of towards the beginning of the fall semester, and President Milo Riverso, Ph.D., was a big driving force behind the combination.
“Jasper Central was a vision that President Riverso had, and he really drove the idea of improving customer services [for the students],” Vahey said. “He really set the vision for this.”
Jasper Central has merged the existing staff from the previous service offices and will cross-train them so that everyone in the office is knowledgeable and able to offer help in any area needed. This was one of the biggest changes from how things were run previously and could create a whole new level of ease to fixing any issue students may have.
Werner Habermann, senior assistant director of financial aid, spoke of his hopes for Jasper Central.
“The vision is for our students to come in and see one person, and have whatever their issues are handled solely by that one person,” Habermann said.
Christina Cardinale, assistant director of student accounts and bursar services, shared more on what the experience of utilizing Jasper Central might look like for students.
“You are going to find that there are a lot more individuals in the office that are going to be more knowledgeable of all of your questions,” Cardinale said. “Whether you’re looking for a transcript, whether you’re looking for what forms you need to submit to have your financial aid processed, or whether you’re looking for how to enroll in a payment plan. One person is going to have all the answers for you rather than having to ping pong between the three offices.”
Jasper Central is revolutionary for staff as well. Cardinale spoke more of times where she was better able to help students due to the fact that contacting and updating colleague Habermann was easier than ever.
“It’s convenient for the students and it’s convenient for us as well.” Habermann said.
Carla Fraser, associate registrar advisor, testified that Jasper Central was a good choice for MC.
“It’s definitely a step in the right direction, combining everybody together, working all together,” Fraser said. “In the two weeks we’ve been together [at the time this article was written] we’ve already seen students walking out happier.”
Cardinale, who is an alumnus from MC, thinks that the experience of everyone working at the office will also add to the ease and experience for students.
“Not only do we have knowledge about Jasper Central, we have knowledge about the college, the history, the culture and you don’t find that in all of the departments that you go into,” Cardinale said. “You’re going to find that it’s really a unique twist to the skill set that we bring.”
The office will continue to expand and improve with future implementations of more technology and feedback systems, as well as ongoing staff development.
“You’re [ students] our customers and we’re here to serve you,” Vahey said. “Whatever we can do to make your lives better, we’ll do.”