University of the Pacific students are now able to go to a single location for a wide array of services -- everything from enrollment, registration and housing to financial aid, billing and ID cards.

The new One Stop Student Center opened April 1 on the main floor of Knoles Hall.

“Students can go there to get any of their questions answered,” said Vice President of Enrollment Strategy Chris Ferguson, who has led the charge in creating the new space. “We wanted to make it easier for students to meet with different departments.”

The space has a lounge area with four offices that can be used to meet privately with students, including a large office that can accommodate a family or small group of people. 

Ken Mullen, vice president of business and finance, says it will provide a seamless and positive experience for students.

“Students will be able to get answers and support for many of their university business needs, and staff will have contact with one another more often to create an even better business environment in which students transact their university business,” said Mullen.

It’s welcome news for students such as senior Sarah Lopez ’22, who transferred to Pacific during the pandemic.

“Once we were back on campus it took a lot of time to get accustomed to where everything is. I didn’t know all the buildings’ names, so that added a layer of maneuvering because I was new to it,” said Lopez, who sees the new service as a time-saver.

“Having this one-stop shop really makes it so much more accessible and practical for all students,” Lopez said.

If the Knoles location does not have the capacity to help with a specific request, such as counseling services, staff will ensure students get to the right place. 

“We will have student workers who will walk the student or family member directly to the place they need to go,” said Ferguson. 

“That level of service and attention to detail is really lacking in higher education because most universities are designed around the employees, not the students,” said President Christopher Callahan. “This is an attempt to design around the students.”

The new setup will make navigating the campus easier for prospective students and families as well.

After checking in to the welcome center at Burns Tower, the pathway behind the tower leads directly to Knoles Hall and the one-stop shop.

A complementary digital directory where students can access all administrative services is also being developed.