Leveraging Technology to Improve Efficiency in Financial Operations

Barrett Warren, Melissa Stillwell, Erin Verpil, Jessi Davis, and Amy Mosley

Student Affairs Business and Finance (SABF) leveraged technology to enhance efficiency in financial operations. The monthly reconciliation process, which was once a manual, time-intensive task presented a few challenges. To make the process more efficient, the team conducted a survey of 13 Business Operations staff across 22 departments to identify key barriers. Guided by the feedback, the unit explored cost-effective solutions and implemented Power BI to automate and streamline budget reconciliation. This effort reflects SABF's commitment to operational excellence and demonstrates how data-driven tools can support smarter decision-making and improved service delivery.

Improving Access: The Impact of Self-Scheduling on Student Clinic Appointments

Dr. Fred A. Kam, Alice Konstant, and Mari Johnson

Staff and students frequently encountered barriers such as limited appointment availability and long delays due to phone or front-desk constraints. In response, a self-scheduling portal was launched to improve access, flexibility, and convenience. This system allows patients to book appointments at any time, with regularly updated clinic hours reflecting current provider availability. From January to December 2024, appointment bookings reached an all-time high, underscoring the system’s success. By reducing scheduling barriers and streamlining the process, this initiative supports the Auburn University Medical Clinic’s mission of delivering high-quality, compassionate care in a student-centered environment.

Football Game Day

Nicholas Wiard

This poster highlights student conduct referrals at Auburn University during home football games in Jordan Hare Stadium, emphasizing the role of Student Affairs Student Conduct in promoting campus safety, respectful behavior, and student development. From 2014 to 2024, referral data reveal patterns in common violations such as possession of alcohol, public intoxication, and use of tobacco or nicotine products. Notably, consistent enforcement, such as police pat downs, was associated with reductions in alcohol possession and other violations, reinforcing the importance of consistent enforcement. Moving forward, data-driven strategies, including preventive education and visible enforcement, are critical to fostering and sustaining a culture of safety, compliance, and well-being during Auburn football games.

Parent & Family Programs

Kevin Simmons, Katie Ann Edgeworth, and Lady Cox

Parent and Family Programs at Auburn University play a vital role in connecting families to campus life and student success. Through monthly newsletters and the Family Digest, families receive timely updates on key events, deadlines, and helpful resources to support their Auburn students. Signature events such as Fall Family Weekend and the newly introduced Spring Family Fling Brunch offer opportunities for meaningful engagement. The Parent and Family Association Board of Directors, composed of dedicated Auburn parents from across the nation, further strengthens this connection and contributes strategic recommendations. Together, these efforts foster a vibrant, informed, and involved Auburn Family community.

Melton Student Center Reservations

Sydney Riley, Adam Woodfin, and Andrea Conti-Elkins

This poster highlights the comprehensive event support services provided by the Melton Student Center Reservations and Event Operations Office. From intimate gatherings to major campus conferences, the team offers tailored solutions including audio-visual enhancements, customized room setups, furniture arrangement, and live-streaming capabilities. With a focus on collaboration, creativity, and precision, reservation specialists help bring every event vision to life. Looking ahead, the launch of the “Focus On You” professional development initiative will further empower student employees at the James E. Foy Information Desk to enhance workforce competencies.

What do students think about Student Counseling & Psychological Services (SCPS)?

Kristee H. Treadwell

This poster presents findings from the SCPS Client Satisfaction Survey, administered each fall and spring semesters to students receiving individual counseling services. The survey, conducted electronically, invites students to share feedback on their experiences accessing and engaging with SCPS services. Students consistently reported high satisfaction, particularly in areas related to overall value, perceived benefit of services, and improvement in academic functioning. Additionally, students expressed satisfaction with wait times for intake and initial counseling appointments. These results underscore the continued impact of SCPS in supporting students' mental health and academic success and highlight the importance of using student feedback to inform service enhancements.

Fraternity & Sorority Experience on Auburn University Campus

Lindsay Holdren

This poster presents findings from the Fraternity and Sorority Experience Survey (FSES), administered during the Fall 2024 semester to assess the experiences of Auburn University students involved in fraternity and sorority life. The survey gathered insights across ten thematic areas. Responses from student members highlighted the vital role fraternity and sorority organizations play in shaping the college experience, promoting academic success, cultivating leadership, and fostering a strong sense of community and personal growth. The data-driven insights are intended to guide future improvements and enhance the impact of fraternity and sorority life on campus.

Student Involvement in Student Affairs

Brad Smith

This poster showcases the broad impact of Student Involvement within Auburn University’s Division of Student Affairs. Guided by a mission to engage, educate, and empower students, Student Involvement offers diverse pathways for leadership, service, programs, media, and organizational participation. These opportunities not only enhance campus life but also contribute significantly to student growth, skill development, and community engagement. Signature service initiatives such as Auburn University Dream Makers, Beat Bama Food Drive, and IMPACT connect students with meaningful community engagement opportunities. In 2023–2024, over 17,000 students participated in at least one student organization, fostering peer connection and collaboration. Additionally, student governance groups such as the Black Student Union, International Student Organization, and Student Government Association ensure student voices are heard and represented. Together, these opportunities demonstrate Auburn’s Student Involvement commitment to cultivating student success beyond the classroom. They support the development of well-rounded graduates equipped with the leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in diverse professional and civic environments.

Veteran Success Program (VSP)

Mike Smith

The Veteran Success Program, led by the Veterans Resource Center (VRC), is designed to expand academic and professional support for student veterans through an eight-month mentorship initiative. The VRC service-driven team advocates for the military-affiliated community while fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by veterans transitioning to civilian and academic life, the VRC ensures tailored support systems are in place to ease this shift. Each year, student veterans are paired with field-specific mentors who guide them through at least eight targeted conversations aimed at easing the transition to private enterprise after graduation. These discussions are structured to address key areas such as career planning, workplace expectations, skill translation, and networking strategies. Students and mentors consistently highlight the program’s value, citing meaningful growth and enhanced career readiness. Participants report increased confidence in navigating post-graduation pathways and a stronger sense of connection to the Auburn community. VSP stands as a vital resource supporting veterans’ success both at Auburn and beyond.

The Wellbeing Improvement Survey for Higher Education Settings (WISHES)

Jenny Larson, Karen Wright, and Corie Baldwin

Findings from the WISHES survey highlight both the progress made and the continued need for intentional efforts to support student wellbeing. While many students reported positive experiences in areas such as social connection and campus involvement, challenges remain—particularly related to mental health, academic stress, and access to basic needs. These insights underscore the importance of a holistic approach to student support, one that integrates physical, emotional, and academic wellbeing. Moving forward, results from WISHES will guide strategic enhancements across Student Affairs, helping to shape policies, programs, and services that promote a healthier, more inclusive campus environment for all students.

Staff Perspective and Student Affairs Strategic Planning

Vanessa Harrison, Rachel Odomes, Susan Osayande, and Caitlin Bates

Staff perspectives reflect a strong sense of dedication to student success and overall satisfaction with the work being done across Student Affairs. However, the findings also reveal several opportunities for growth. Staff emphasized the need for increased funding and staffing to keep pace with expanding responsibilities and student needs. There was also a call for more intentional cross-departmental collaboration to break down silos and enhance service delivery. Additionally, expanding professional development opportunities and structured mentorship programs were identified as critical to supporting career growth and long-term retention. Addressing these areas will not only improve the staff experience but also enhance the division’s ability to deliver high-impact student support.