By EMILY BUSH/ Staff Writer
Editor’s Note: Staff Writer Emily Bush is employed at the One-Stop Center. Any options, advice or suggestions or not necessarily the opinions of the One-Stop Center.
The One-Stop Center is a great place on campus that can solve almost any problem you have. Handling financial aid, enrollment, registration and more, the One-Stop makes everyone welcome to ask their questions and feel secure.
However, there are some things that you need to know in order to make your visit to the One-Stop more efficient for both yourself and the people who work there. With that in mind, here are a few things that you should do before calling in, visiting in person, emailing, or using the Live Chat function.
- Have your student ID number ready. Knowing your student ID number or having it written down close by helps specialists find you in the system easier. Make sure to have it when a specialist asks or attach it to your email/live chat.
- If your parent calls in, have a FERPA pin set up with their name on the list. A FERPA pin protects your student account from people who want your information. Specialists are only allowed to share information with you and whoever is listed under your FERPA pin, so if you do not have one, we cannot speak to your parents regarding your private information. You can learn how to set one up here.
- Have a specific question/problem to address. Writing down some questions or information about your situation will help the call or visit stay on track and help to find a solution more quickly.
- If you email, send it from your Patriot email. Specialists like to keep conversations over email secure, and the best way to do so is through your Patriot email. All communication with the One-Stop will take place through that email, so make sure to monitor it closely.
- Have a photo ID ready for an in-person visit. In order to ensure that we are speaking to the correct person, have your UT Tyler-issued photo ID or a government-issued ID to verify your identity.
- Do some research online. Some of the information asked after waiting in long queues could have been found on our official website. Make sure to utilize the search function on uttyler.edu and see if you can find a solution or more information.
- Be patient during high-volume periods. Around major due dates and the first few weeks and last weeks of the semester, the One-Stop can get really flooded. Remember to stay calm and consider the options that specialists give you.
Now that you have a checklist, you can get the most out of your time with the One-Stop Center. If you ever need help, call 903-566-7180 or email . You can also come in-person at STE 230 in the University Center or use the Live Chat function on the official website.