BU Offices Play Pivotal Roles in Student Success

Photo provided by Rampage student photographer Malique Gordon.

Bluefield University offices encompass a range of roles, guiding students through the admissions process, their college journey, and to graduation with easily-accessible support services.

Located on the second floor of Lansdell Hall, the Admissions Office works with students before they join the Bluefield family.

“Our role on campus is to help prospective students discover Bluefield University and walk with them through every step of the enrollment process,” said Brooke Osborne, director of traditional admissions. “Admissions plays a vital role because we are responsible for bringing in the students who make up Bluefield University.” 

Once a student becomes part of the BU family, it can be overwhelming to navigate all the paperwork in the admissions process. However, BU streamlines this process by combining multiple offices in one central hub, Bluefield Central, located on the third floor of Lansdell Hall in Suite 304.

“Bluefield Central is a one-stop administrative office for students,” said Katrina Allen, student accounts manager. “It brings together key student service offices in one location: Financial Aid, the Registrar’s Office, and Student Accounts.”

Allen added that the Financial Aid Office helps students “understand, walk through, and apply for financial aid.” That office, she said, estimates the cost of attendance and guides students through the various financial aid options available.

The Registrar’s Office manages registration, academic records, academic credits, grades, and class scheduling, according to Allen. It handles transcript requests and guides students through the graduation process. The Registrar’s Office also supports students seeking veterans’ education benefits, including the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon.

“Student Accounts helps with billing statements, payments, and online account review via my BU portal and Meadow Pay,” Allen said. “Students can pick up work-study checks or credit-balance refunds.”

The Academic Center for Excellence and Careers (ACEC) is located on the lower level of Rish Hall. The ACEC supports student academic success by providing disability services and tutoring.

“Navigating the rigors of college can be a huge challenge for any new student. Even an upperclassman may have certain coursework that requires help,” said Wayne Pelts, assistant director of ACEC. “Recognizing that one needs help is a good thing. Doing something to get that help is an even better thing.”

He continued, “Here at Bluefield University, we provide individual academic coaching where we meet one-on-one with students. This can be a one-time meeting or something that occurs more often, even every week.”

Student tutors are also available to assist students in the ACEC.

“If a student had an IEP or a 504 in high school,” Pelts said, “once we are provided that documentation, we would determine what is most appropriate on a college level and then create the paperwork for the student to have specific academic accommodations.”

Comprising approximately 60 percent of the student body, student-athletes find much needed support from the Athletic Training Department that serves BU’s 16 intercollegiate sports.

“We are Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC) — health care professionals trained to prevent, diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate injuries and medical conditions that may arise with our athletic teams here on campus,” said Steven Baldwin, assistant athletic trainer. “We cover practices and games, travel with our teams both near and far, and we see both the best and worst of times in our athletes’ lives as they navigate their college career.” 

BU is dedicated to the safety of everyone on campus, as well, guided by Gary Ruth, director of Campus Safety, headquartered inside Cruise Hall.

“Campus Safety is committed to providing a safe living, learning, and working environment for every student, faculty member, staff, and visitor, in keeping with our values as a Christ-centered college,” Ruth said.

While most offices are at the forefront in dealing with students, others offer support indirectly, such as those that manage the university’s finances.

“As VP for finance and administration, I am responsible for the budgeting and financial management of the university,” said Daniel Osborne, “and I provide oversight for the areas of the Business Office.”

The Business Office includes the controller, accounting, and accounts payable, human resources, student accounts, and financial aid. Beyond finances, the Business Office oversees information technology, facilities, and operations, which includes maintenance, campus safety, and food services.

“The office of VP for Finance and Administration would serve students who wish to appeal decisions or actions done in the Business Office, Human Resources, Student Accounts, Financial Aid, Information Technology, Maintenance, Campus Safety, or Food Services,” Osborne added, “after they have exhausted measures with appropriate department managers.”

Related to finances is fundraising, and the Advancement Office works behind the scenes to get donations to support the school.

“The Advancement Office exists to further the mission of the University through partner, donor, and alumni engagement,” said Bryan Worrall, vice president for advancement. “We tell the story of the University in the context of relationships. We invite our partners to consider how they can think about and use the resources God has given them to accomplish meaningful work. Whether it be funding scholarships or helping restore and renovate parts of campus or something else, we couldn’t fulfill our mission to become a Christ-centered learning community developing leaders to transform the world without the investment of many people.”

Another office that offers immense support indirectly is the Office of Academic Affairs.

“The Office of Academic Affairs plays a central role in supporting all academic functions on campus,” said Burma McChesney, director of academic services. Located in Suite 114 in Lansdell Hall, Academic Affairs:

• supports undergraduate and graduate academic programs,
• supports faculty through ongoing development, ensuring access to resources, information, and training,
• oversees academic policies to ensure they are current, compliant, and aligned with institutional standards and accreditation requirements,
• oversees faculty evaluation processes,
• coordinates faculty meetings and workshops,
• coordinates the Honor Convocation and the Honor Code Signing Convocation, and
• partners with the Registrar’s Office to plan and execute undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies.

“While much of our work happens behind the scenes, it directly impacts students every day,” McChesney said. “The Office of Academic Affairs supports both faculty and students and works to create a learning environment where students are challenged, supported, and prepared for life beyond the classroom.” 

BU offices play a crucial role in supporting students, preparing them for success in college and beyond.