We’ve all memorized the number (844-4244) and called it at least once for a bizarre question throughout our college careers, but do we really know what’s on the other end of the line?
Aug. 18, the phone lines and staffers will transition to the new Student Center.
Melissa Irvin Howell, a representative for the Office of the Dean of Students, said they planned to begin the shift from the first floor of Foy beginning Aug. 11, so phone lines would be up and running by the time fall classes began.
This go-to place for questions, known to many as the Foy Help Desk, underwent minor renovations this summer in preparation for its move.
The most significant was the change in name to the Student Center Help Desk. According to the Office of the Dean of Students, the desk will experience few changes in set-up, other than location.
Students will continue to staff phone lines, and the number will even remain the same, so no need to re-program your cell phone.
Stephanie Morgan, a senior in biomedical sciences, is glad the help desk is continuing its service.
“I call the desk because it’s free, and I know I can get a quick and accurate answer on just about anything,” Morgan said. “It can be kind of frustrating when you call and the line is constantly busy, but I’m sure they’ve thought of ways to reduce this with the new set-up.”
The help desk has been nationally recognized by Oprah and Matt Lauer. Lauer named the help desk as one of five top numbers to have in your cell phone during the Today Show in 2007.
The help desk employs 25-30 students to work two-hour shifts answering pressing questions. On an average day, the workers handle a combined 500-600 calls from callers nationwide.
“We have a good deal of students call for phone numbers and directions, but a lot of our callers are not from Auburn,” said Jay Lockwood, a senior in finance and current help desk employee. “People call with some crazy questions, but I’d say 80 percent of our calls deal with phone numbers.”
Foy Student Union has specialized in providing answers to student queries since the 1950s and will continue its tradition answering questions about campus or general knowledge for years.
