Bevill State Develops One-Stop Centers
January 12, 2017
Bevill State Community College (BSCC) will begin the introduction of one-stop centers on its campuses to enhance the student experience. In a bond request and development project approved by the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) on Dec. 14, 2016, BSCC will begin the one-stop projects on its campuses, at a cost of just over $4.6 million.
“In the Bevill State 2017-2020 Strategic Plan, the College established a goal to develop one-stop centers on each campus, which will co-locate student services such as financial aid, admissions, records, placement testing, advising, etc. The intent is to reinvent the student experience in a way to drive stronger student enrollments, retention and completion,” BSCC President Larry Ferguson said. “We want to make sure that students can easily and readily access the supports we have in place to ensure they are successful. This past year we worked closely with the Chancellor, ACCS Board of Trustees and key community leaders to make this goal a reality. In December, the board granted final approval for us to move forward. We are eager to get started this spring with our facilities’ plans to achieve this very worthwhile objective.”
The ACCS Board of Trustees voted to approve the BSCC plans for remodeling on the Fayette and Hamilton campuses, and construction and remodeling for both the Jasper and Sumiton campuses. First Bank of Jasper was awarded the RFP for the bond meaning that funding will remain local to the BSCC service area. There will be no increase to BSCC student fees as a result of the one-stop developments.
“I am excited to see Dr. Ferguson and his team moving ahead with this part of the College’s Strategic Plan. As the father of three college-aged students, I well understand that navigating the admissions and financial aid aspects of college can sometimes be a confusing process for parents and certainly students,” Alabama Senate Majority Leader Greg Reed (R-Jasper) remarked. “So having one location where parents and students can get their questions answered is a smart step. Bevill State has made tremendous strides under Dr. Ferguson’s direction, and as a legislative leader, I will continue to do all I can to support and further the College’s mission of providing high-quality and affordable educational programs for the people of west Alabama.”
The new centers at BSCC will allow students to receive financial aid and admissions assistance, along with a number of other services, in one convenient location. Currently, these departments are placed sporadically on all campuses. This is a critical project in continuing to improve retention and completion rates for students. One-stop centers are being implemented on college campuses nationwide as a way to streamline student services.
For more information contact Tana L. Collins at 800.648.3271 ext. 5742 or by email at tana.collins@bscc.edu. Please visit our website at www.bscc.edu.