LETTER: Bureaucracy blues at USU

To the editor:

Have you ever been sent to several staff members with one simple question? All I wanted to know was if Utah State offered an Associates Degree. A one word answer would have suited me just fine: yes or no. Almost nobody on the USU staff can or will answer my question. I am not quite sure if this indolence is a problem with basic policy knowledge, or if the staff has a general lack of concern for the very students who are supporting their salaries.

I went to my advisor with this issue, the person hired to assist students, who sent me to the registrar. Although very friendly, the registrar once again ushered me on to someone else…ironically, back to my advisor. Even the Student Services office sent me on my way, question unanswered.

The University has overemphasized its willingness and ability to help students achieve their personal academic success. The very motto located on the Student Services website reads “Let us do all we can to help the student be successful.” They go on to say that they place a high value on helping their students and that if they can do so in any way to email them. Obviously they understand their responsibilities, and communicate a desire to fulfill them. This is where the action ends. A beautifully worded goal is completely useless without the proper steps that lead to its success.

There should be managers monitoring phone calls and making sure questions are being answered. Regular meetings should be held to refresh staff’s memory of their goal. I hope that the Utah State University staff will read this letter and consider its message. Next time a student calls or contacts them with a question, I challenge them to solve the problem. Do not pass them off to the next person in line. Be considerate, be helpful, but most of all… do the job that they are getting paid for. To voice your opinion on the subject contact Gary Chambers, in charge of USU’s student services at: gary.chambers@usu.edu

Dayna Griffiths