The Golden Student Success Center (GSSC) at Eastern New Mexico University will have its grand opening on Aug. 28. The state-of-the-art building will feature:
- Great study spaces and computer work stations.
- Traditional library holdings, book and journals.
- Good food and coffee.
- Flexible group meeting spaces for projects and brainstorming.
- Fast Wi-Fi and other cool technology.
- Tutoring and study help.
- Advising and Financial Aid satellite offices during busy times.
- And much more!
Here is what you need to know before the GSSC opens this fall:
Melveta Walker, Director of the Golden Library
Your role with the GSSC:
I have been involved in the planning of the GSSC from its very inception. Dr. Steven Gamble, Dr. Jamie Laurenz and I talked about this concept about 9-10 years ago. As with most major endeavors like this, the number of participants grew and the focus grew, shifted, grew some more, shifted until the final product is the magnificent, successful facility we hope to enjoy for many years to come.
Which aspect of the GSSC are you the most excited about?
I am most excited about the inclusion and expansion of all of the new services being included for our students' engagement and success.
How will the GSSC help students? Faculty and staff?
We hope to make the atmosphere even more friendly, welcoming, comfortable, accommodating and helpful and eliminate as many barriers to student success as possible.
Why is the GSSC important?
The GSSC will combine so many of the necessary resources students need to interact with to become successful students and world citizens: books, staff, faculty, peers, tutors, assistance, food, etc. The facility is not nearly as important as the successful use of the resources contained therein.
Use one word to describe the GSSC:
Destination. Heart. Pulse. Magnificent.
Ryan Roark, Director of Extended Learning
Your role with the GSSC:
My role with the GSSC has been to plan and guide our distance learning support services for students and faculty members. I have been working closely with Melveta Walker and Betsy Chavez to ensure that all GSSC employees work as one big team to make sure students and faculty have the best support we can possibly provide. As the head of Distance Learning, my role is to serve, support, and lead my team so that they have the resources, skills and structure needed to support every student and faculty member who needs our help. I feel very blessed to work with such a great group of dedicated professionals.
Which aspect of the GSSC are you the most excited about?
I am really looking forward to all of the interactions that are going to happen between students, staff and faculty members. The design of the space includes so many little places to meet and collaborate. It's the collaboration within the new space that I'm most excited about.
How will the GSSC help students? Faculty and staff?
Everyone will be able to walk up to the front desk and get help from one of our guides. Ask a question, and they will either help you directly or guide you to where help is available. This is a much more user-friendly approach than we are currently employing.
Why is the GSSC important?
I think the GSSC is going to do some very positive things for the campus. For one, it is going to greatly simplify our support mechanisms. The GSSC is also going to be space where our wonderful campus culture is visible for everyone to see. It will be the "front door" for ENMU: the place where students, staff, faculty members and the community first encounter ENMU and where we welcome them inside.
Use one word to describe the GSSC:
Unity.
Betsy Chavez, Coordinator of GSSC Services
Your role with the GSSC:
I work with Library and Distance Learning staff and the Alignment Committee. My position is to coordinate the services that will be brought into the GSSC that will assist students. I will train and supervise the Greyhound Guides. I also supervise ENMU Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction and retention initiatives, including the Early Alert System.
Which aspect of the GSSC are you the most excited about?
Working together with all staff to build a strong culture of customer service to everyone that enters the GSSC.
How will the GSSC help students? Faculty and staff?
By providing information and guiding them to where they are needing to go for resources. Our goal is to enhance the service that ENMU already provides to whomever we come in contact with.
Why is the GSSC important?
Everyone needs to have a place to seek knowledge, better themselves and know that the GSSC is another place to get that type of fulfillment and service any time of the day.
Use one word to describe the GSSC:
Astounding.
