Previously, when EKU sophomore Sasha Carrasco visited student accounting, financial aid and the registrar for assistance, she found it time-consuming to get in each of the separate offices.
“My experience was great, but finding the separate offices was difficult at first,” said Carrasco, a biology major from Richmond, Kentucky. Getting everything in order for this semester, however, was different for Carrasco. With the grand opening of the Big E Central office, Carrasco and other EKU students were able to get accounting, financial aid and registrar services all in one location for a streamlined experience.
When asked what made her visit to Big E Central better than her previous visits to the separate offices, Carrasco said, “Even though the office was packed, I was in and out within 30 minutes with all of my questions answered!” During her visit, she received scholarship advice, help with her bill and help with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). With the combination of financial aid, student accounting and the registrar, Carrasco said it was quick and efficient to get the help she needed.
Recognizing the past frustrations students experienced in trying to resolve financial and academic issues, Bethany Miller, associate vice president of student success, proposed the idea of Big E Central in July 2021. The concept was to provide a one-stop shop for students to address their most important academic and financial concerns. Big E Central officially launched on August 15, 2022.
“It is important for Big E Central to streamline these services to ensure that students have an easier time accessing their financial and academic information,” said Sara Sims, director of Central Student Services. “Big E Central is continuously assessing and improving the collaborative services of these three offices so students can resolve their issues in one central location with reduced processing and wait times. Every day, we are learning more about the EKU campus community needs, refining our services and working to improve the student experience.”
Big E Central is employed by eight counselors to assist students with walk-in visits, phone calls, emails and virtual appointments, as well as student workers. The counselors’ knowledge on a variety of topics concerning financial aid, student accounting and the registrar, give them the ability to provide students with comprehensive, up-to-date information to help them succeed. With fewer steps needed for students to resolve financial and academic issues and having information about all three services in one location, Big E Central has already helped thousands of students within their first semester of being open.
Students who need assistance with financial aid or student accounting, or need to visit the registrar, can stop by Big E Central at Whitlock 210, call 859-622-2361 or email BigECentral@eku.edu. Learn more about Big E Central at www.eku.edu/bigecentral.