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Monroe Office Helps ULM Improve Their Image and Increase Enrollment
 The University of Louisiana at Monroe is a top Pharmaceutical school located in Monroe, Louisiana. Offering 95 degree programs, the school has an enrollment of over 8,000 students. The teacher to student ratio is 18:1. The school offers a unique combination of academic excellence and financial affordability.
THE CHALLENGE
Under the leadership of President Cofer, one of the University’s primary objectives was to reclaim their campus. While the school had an outstanding academic infrastructure, the physical infrastructure of the University needed improvement. Increased recruiting competition from other Universities highlighted the importance of improving the overall image of the campus.
Over the past few years the University made a tremendous improvement in the exterior condition of the campus. Now it was time to improve the interior image of the buildings.
One of the biggest initiatives was to furnish the Clark Williams Student Success Center. Aimed at improving retention and graduation rates, this new facility provides computer laboratories, study rooms and tutoring centers. Throughout the center, students can take advantage of the latest technology. So, it was important that the layout and style of the furniture match the progressive goals of the center.
Jason Robique, Facilties Planning Officer and Shane Preatorius, Facilities Coordinator for Academic Affairs are responsible for maximizing space utilization along with upgrading classrooms and offices. His goal was to deploy a solution that not only looked great but that would be easy to maintain. To do this, he needed furniture systems that were standardized across facilities and durable.
THE SOLUTION
ULM’s first call was to Stuart Dailey at Monroe Office Equipment (MOE). The company had been providing office furniture and equipment to the university for over 70 years. Together they developed a strategy to meet the schools objectives:
Modernize the Design
“We want parents and students to feel like they are getting a quality education,” said Shane. While the school has outstanding academics, the first impression that prospective student’s families get is critical.” ULM competes with other local and regional schools for students. Similar to the new design consistency on the interior of the buildings, it was important to have design consistency inside.
“Its hard for a parent or student to feel good about a school when they get a bad first impression,” commented Shane. “When a student has to spend time looking for a good desk, it also hampers the learning process.”
MOE worked to implement furniture that synchronized with the overall image of the school. As a result, both the exterior and interior of the buildings communicate professionalism and confidence.
Serve the Users
Furniture layouts either help or detract from the learning experience. While a modern image is important, the utility of the furniture and layout was also critical. Getting this right requires an analysis of both the room and the needs of the users.
“We went through each office, classroom and common area to determine the optimal furniture layout,” said Shane. “Then we met with the faculty to ensure that their goals were achieved as well.”
The end result was very positive. Not only was the furniture customized for each room, it also helped enhance the learning environment.
Standardize the Brands
While each department has unique needs, Shane wanted to create standards for furniture across the University. “In addition to a common image, we also wanted a minimum standard of quality so that the furniture would last and withstand rigorous usage.”
Over the years, the University had accumulated a variety of furniture based on the specific choices of individual departments. As a result, there was not a standard for look or quality.
Together, Shane and Stuart decided to standardize on KI furniture. Even though each department had different needs, you are now able to feel the consistency as you go between rooms and buildings.
Outsource the Service
Properly maintaining office furniture helps extend its useful life. It also helps sustain a professional image. Shane worked with Stuart to develop standards for furniture maintenance.
“Probably the best thing about MOE is their service,” smiled Shane. “They are very accommodating and worked to get things right--even beyond what we expected.” MOE provides ongoing warranty service for the furniture to ensure that the school maintains its professional image.
THE RESULTS
The results have been very positive. “We have really improved the look of our campus with the furniture,” said Shane. At the same time, the school has optimized its use of space while providing a comfortable learning environment for the students.
“Now we can say that the interior of the buildings conveys the same image of excellence as the exterior.” Shane also feels that MOE has provided the school with fair pricing and five star service. “MOE goes out of their way to be helpful and I really appreciate it. I’d recommend them to anyone needing furniture.” |
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| CHALLENGES: |
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Reclaim the Campus |
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Improve Retention Rates |
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| STRATEGY: |
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Modernize Facilities |
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Standardize Furniture and Equipment |
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Outsource Service |
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| RESULTS: |
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Improved Image |
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Happy Faculty |
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Increased Retention |
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| BENEFITS: |
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Five Star Service |
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Excellent Quality |
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Fair Pricing |
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Modern Look |
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Optimized Space and Comfort |
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ABOUT MONROE OFFICE EQUIPMENT
Monroe Office Equipment provides total office solutions to companies throughout northeastern Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma including office equipment, furniture, and supplies. We have been helping businesses in northeastern Louisiana make their offices more productive since 1923. While the technology we deliver continues to evolve, our core philosophy has stayed the same: treat others the way we wish to be treated.
While many big-box companies have lost their personal touch, we work to deliver excellent service with a smile. That’s why we have structured our company to respond to your needs with fast, personalized service. Located in Monroe, we are positioned to deliver outstanding service to our clients.
Our partnerships bring some of the world’s most innovative technologies to northeastern Louisiana, helping our local businesses compete on national and international levels. We bring these solutions to you, and we back them with local training and support to help improve your business.
To learn more about how you can benefit from a relationship with Monroe Office Equipment, contact us today. |
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