Ogeechee Technical College was named recently as one of 16 colleges and universities nationwide recognized by “University Business” magazine’s Models of Efficiency program.
    The Models of Efficiency program recognizes innovative approaches for streamlining higher education operations through technology or business process improvements.
    OTC earned the recognition for solving an issue in the school’s Student Affairs Center. The Center was being overwhelmed with nearly 25,000 student visits a year and an outmoded sign-in system.
    During busy times, more than 300 students came daily to the center, which houses key services, such as admissions, financial aid and the registrar. Students signed in on a clipboard with staff scrambling to help them and no information on how long their wait would be.
    Ogeechee Tech found a way to change that. For about $15,000, they purchased a touch screen kiosk and server that allows students to sign in electronically.
    They are placed in a virtual line and issued a ticket stamped with their wait time. A TV monitor calls students by number, and the appropriate employee, from the correct department, is alerted at their desk via electronic message.
    The new plan has dramatically improved student satisfaction ratings and eased the burden on employees. It has already saved the school an estimated $18,000 to $20,000 in efficiency and productivity improvements in little more than a year.
    “Employees don’t know what they’d do without it,” said Ryan Foley, vice president for Student Affairs.
    In addition to Ogeechee Tech, other schools recognized include George Mason University, the University of Virginia and Texas A&M University.
    “Efficient business operations translate into better experiences for students and administrators alike, and the Models of Efficiency program aims to encourage schools to prioritize service,” said Tim Goral, editor-in-chief of University Business. “Ogeechee Technical College stands out for developing a very effective solution to a challenging situation.”
    Models of Efficiency is an ongoing recognition program. Schools can participate in upcoming rounds by visiting www.universitybusiness.com/moe.