August 2006
In the ‘good-old-days’ your first days at the university were overwhelming at best
Imagine yourself as a wide-eyed freshman with a map in your hand detailing the first steps of your four year voyage. On the list of to-do's: schedule classes, hand in financial aid forms, meet with your advisor, get a student ID card and start mapping your career path.
You look at the map and realize that you have to trek through five different buildings to complete the tasks. And the University is on a 200-acre campus.
These are days of the past for the busy students of Fairfield University.
Dubbed a ‘one stop shop’, the new Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J. Center is serving its customers for the first time this 2006/2007 academic year. It is the new home for the offices of: undergraduate admission; graduate and continuing studies admission; marketing for academic programs; financial aid; the registrar; career planning; academic and disability support services; and the StagCard.
With the start of school just days away, a steady buzz fills the spacious hospitality lobby of the Kelley Center with new and returning students and their families. Visitors are greeted by a smiling face at the reception desk and captivated by information booths, plasma screens and interactive kiosks displaying registration information and University news and events.
A building to support a simpler process.
“We’re demystifying the process and improving the student (and parent) experience,” explains Judith Dobai, Assoc. Vice President of Enrollment Management. “The design team focused special attention on the flow and connection of student resources and student wayfinding.”
Hospitality areas are blended amongst meeting rooms, interview zones and offices for comfortable transitions between stops. Related student service departments are in proximity to each other and clearly-marked to ensure the visitor’s path is easy and quick.
Students are excited about the new concept and are looking forward to the convenience of quick-access services. Take Laura Marciano, a junior at Fairfield University "I think it's great to see a new building that adds to the overall aesthetics of the campus. It's very convenient to have everything in one place, especially when you may be searching for information between classes. I look forward to utilizing the Kelley Center."
“It is a part of our core principles for designing buildings: put people first,” explains Don Slaght, Executive Vice President of Workstage. “When you put yourself in the user’s shoes, you are able to intuitively plan the space so that the traffic flow and frequent stops are smooth.” A strategy that has paid off for many of Workstage’s clients and now Fairfield.
The Kelley Center is boosting productivity and collaboration of staff. Erin Chiaro, Director of Financial Aid for the University describes that his new workspace is helping to break down barriers across departments. “We are able to share information quickly, efficiently and effectively serving our students; Fairfield’s number one priority.”
The Kelley Center is a strategic tool to recruit and retain students. Its consolidated set of student services is balanced with a modern, open expression giving a feeling of community and comfort. Fairfield is hoping that comfort and convenience will improve the student experience, ease the transition for adult learners returning to school and encourage prospective students to attend the University.
Next Newsletter:
- Get under the hood - see how the building technology ensures the building will consume less power, provide healthier indoor air
- Fairfield University dedicates Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J. Center honoring its namesake and former president
Fairfield University Dates to Remember
September 6
First Day of Class
September 30
Undergraduate Preview Day
October 5
Kelley Center Dedication
Finding Your Way
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About Fairfield
Fairfield University is a comprehensive Jesuit higher education institution that prepares undergraduate, graduate and continuing education students for leadership and service in a constantly changing world. For more information visit: www.fairfield.edu
About Workstage
Workstage is a research-driven design build developer focused on delivering the world's most flexible, people-centered, and sustainable buildings.Since that inception, Workstage has been named one of America's top ten most innovative developers, developed more than 40 High Performance Buildings, received the prestigious national AIA Honor Award for design excellence, and has built some of the world's most sustainable buildings. For more information visit: go.workstage.com
