"Welcome to the Registration Office" or "What the hell do you want?!"

Actually, most of the offices here are that way. Even some of the departments. The admin here is terrible, but I can't really say that it's any worse than any other college out there. Probably not. I definitely know what you're talking about though.

Try looking at if from their persective: No one says, "When I grow up, I wanna work at the Registrars Office for a state college!"

When people wear their emotions on their sleeves, or their just plain unpleasant, so long as no superiors call them out on it, they're not going to provide you excellent service (with a smile).

I also agree that there are a lot of details that Western's site does not provide, leaving you to wander aimlessly at times.

i've experienced this same thing all throughout campus

This is so true. I've heard they have been rude from a lot of different people too. Goodie.

I actually have had really good experiences with the departamental offices like economics and accounting. But I do have to admit that the Registrars office needs to work on people skills.

Regardless of whether or not they grew up wanting to work in a Registrar's Office, that's no excuse for them to be jerks. I've experienced profound amounts of negativity from some of the administration here, but I can't remember which office(s) exactly. Although I've also had some positive encounters with the people working in these places. But again, I have to agree. I've worked in retail before as well, and I don't think it's that hard to just ignore any negative personal feelings and be friendly to customers.

Yeah, if they're unpleasant because they don't like working with people, then they should try being pleasant anyway, because funnily enough, smiling and being nice improves one's mood. 

absolutely.  I had the exact same experience.  I have found most of the desk people at Western to be pretty friendly, but those registration people really do have it in for new students. 

Yeah, they are not fun to deal with.  I avoid that office like the plague, but sometimes you just gotta to go.

I remember talking to a nice person at registration once. But I still felt like if I made a wrong move she would turn on me. Everyone else there has been pretty awful, and I'm not one to complain about service. Seriously, I never do.

I highly recommend fleeing downstairs to Student Services next time you have a problem. They're awesome and super nice and helpful.

I agree with what you're saying about the registrars office. I recently went in there to change a class from a letter grade to pass/no pass. The lady was so rude...but I just kept smiling. I have found using them as a last resort for anything on campus is the best, when I do go in there just going for the paperwork and that is it. Student Outreach Services, Academic Advising, Student Accounts, and the Financial Aid office are all really great places to go because you're bound to find the answer from one of those offices. That is what I do at least. :)

I have a question...how do you feel about the transcript/records section of the registrar's office?

There is no excuse for rudeness. Though Western's attitude for its students is that you have to find the information for your self. It's part of the university experience. get used to it. I think it is mostly here though, my last school was a two yr college and they were fantastic people!!! you don't have to be a b*****  just don't be like them, you are better than that

 I've had that same experience every time I've gone in. I stay civilized and polite, but their attitudes are just rediculous. They aren't even doing anything arduous, their jobs exist to serve students. But it's not just the lack of professionalism that annoys me, they've lost my change of major card TWICE. It's horribly frustrating. Then I'll go down there to ask about it and I get snarled at. Sorry I interupted your solitare game...

I am glad someone posted this; its nice to know I'm not alone and hopefully someone will see this and do something. Fingers crossed my change of major card doesn't get lost in its three foot trip to the filing cabinet next time.

I laughed so hard when I saw what this topic was about.  I am so glad that I am not the only one with these thoughts.  There are some offices and departments I love going into whenever I have a problem or question, but then there are a couple others that I try to avoid at all costs.  The registrar's office is one of those I dread going into.  Dread.  That does not create a positive experience for a student in case you were wondering.

If I have to change my schedule around or deal with something with regards to my major, they act like I'm taking up too much of their time the second I walk in the door and then treat my issue like I just breathed for the millionth time.  I understand that they have seen thousands of students with the exact same issues I have, but it would be nice if they could try to have a little compassion for what I have a question regarding.  Maybe it's not a big deal for them if a student rearranges their schedule, but for students it is a big deal.  Any of the other offices are scarily nice at times and will go out of their way to explain, answer, and solve any problems students need help with.

We're already scared to go in there because we are making what could be a big change or step in our college careers that the last thing we need to do is think that we made a mistake by leaving the office more scared and depressed than how we walked in.  Thank you so much for pointing this out as it has been a problem for as long as I've been here.

I agree 100% about the registrar's office... it's a rarity to see an employee so much as smile in that room. Other offices aren't as bad, but the people who work in the registrar's office seem to just be so upset all the time. I wonder why that is? I mean, they were hired for a reason. I do get frustrated when they tell me to just look something up online; just because the information's on the internet doesn't mean you can't share it in person when asked...

 I have had this exact same experience at the Registrar's Office. All the other offices have pretty friendly and helpful staff, but every time I've gone into the Registrar's Office, they just glare, no matter what I'm there for. They are SO unhelpful. If I ask a question they'll mumble a non-answer and if I try and get them to clarify, their response is oftentimes blatantly rude and mean-spirited...and still uninformative and unhelpful. Like, who put a stick up your ass. Someone should tell their boss or something...

Registrar's office is bad.

 They've always been rude to me, and treated me like I'm a complete idiot. I'm pretty fed-up with all of them.

Well okay, I'll reiterate that I did have a good experience once (haha...yeah, once). But! The point is you just have to go in and be as optimistic as you can, I think. I know chances are good things won't go well, but I know from experience that if you expect bad service, you'll get bad service. Just my two cents.

They are scary. But honestly, how many people do they deal with who come in and say, "I got all the classes I wanted; this is the greatest!"

I work in another office in Old Main; one time they had us student workers come over for breakfast with them [we were terrified], but they wanted us to know that they aren't as mean and bad as they seem. For what it's worth, they are nice; just completely gruff and scary in the office.. Just one of those things... I guess.. ?

The world may never know.

Yes, they are very rude and the more friendly you are, the more uptight they get. I say, if you don't like your job then quit.

faites que vous aimez

Yes, the registrar's office are so awful!! I attended WSU before coming to Western and it was amazing how kind and helpful they were. They were always patient with my questions, no matter how confusing or however many people were in line ahead of me. I get that some college kids can be mean and ungrateful to Western staff, but when it comes down to not wanting to walk inside Old Main because the people that work there are so rude...things need to change.

 that section, when you apply, to check what has been received and what hasn't... has never worked for me, or anyone that I know that has applied, including a friend who is currently waiting to hear back for spring quarter. He emailed the admissions office twice with no response. UGHHHH! Has this happened to anyone else? Or do you know how to get it to work?

Oh my goodness, I completely agree! I was just complaining about the registar's chronic unfriendliness the other day. They always glare at me and do their best to let me know that my extremely reasonable questions (that actually can not be answered online) are the reason they hate life. It doesn't matter how cheerful and friendly and polite I am, they always scowl at me and give me abrupt, incredibly unhelpful answers.

I've worked in retail for several years myself, and even when I disliked my job intensely (does anyone grow up saying, "I want to be a cashier" or "I want to be a stock person"?) I ALWAYS have been cheerful and respectful with all customers.

A uninanimously agreed on topic here? Where's the Western chapter of the Disgruntled Registrars Advancement Group? (I actually appreciate the discourse on these forums, but the sudden unity caught me off guard... a bit like the vice presidential debates when Biden and Palin argued all night, until it came to gay marriage, and there was an awkward lack of difference between their stances...)

The people in there have been great, but the fact that you have to go through the gatekeepers makes it one and the same.

last week I went in to talk to the transcripts department, and when I got through thr front door I got a snarling, "[sigh] Something I can do for you............" as though it was a terrible inconveniance. I said, "yes, I need to talk to someone about my degree applicatio---" I'm cut off with a talk to the hand sign, and a "just sit over there, someone will be out eventualy" as she shoos me to the far side.

Then a cheerful and most helpful person comes out and saves the day! Hooray! (but, I still felt daggers in my back as I was being helped by the other lady.)

YES!!!!!!!!!

I know, I can't believe how mean and grouchy they are!!! Agreed with some of the departments too... I don't get it. I've worked retail and customer service too, yea its hard working with people but THATS YOUR JOB. If you don't like your job, don't take it out on me, I'm paying your salary!!!!

I thought it was just me!

Financial Aid- Great
Scholarship Center- Great
Career Center- Ok (Dr Kriz makes up for any awkward moments with the secretary)
Admissions Office- Great (woot woot Jeanne!)
Registration- DARTH VADER!!!!!

=]

What's wrong with wanting to work for a state college when you grow up? Working with students at any level can be extremely rewarding, it's all in your attitude. If you hate yourself and your job and your life then you are probably just a miserable person that would be just as unhappy with a "fab" job as you would with anything else. Students are the backbone of this institution, and we should at least be treated with respect... heck I would go so far as to ask that admin and faculty be succinctly pleasant.
 

[/quote]

 ...I said, "yes, I need to talk to someone about my degree applicatio---" I'm cut off with a talk to the hand sign, and a "just sit over there, someone will be out eventualy" as she shoos me to the far side.

[/quote]

I've been cut off before, too!  It was really frustrating especially because when she cut me off to answer my question, she didn't even answer it right. That is, she thought the second half of my question was going to be something else.  So then i had to go back and explain to her what i was actually trying to figure out.  It took more time than it would have if she would have just let me finish the first time.

what a thing to compain about. there is going to be rude people wherever you go, better learn soon how to deal with them.

Reminds me of the terrible people at the College Store.

Everyone who works at this university is rude and couldn't care less about the students!!!! Its true- all the departments are rude, the registrar's office, AND the students advising office!!! I mean, the student advising office should be the LAST place that you xpect to get treated like s***. And the fact that you say that they always tell you to look online is SO true!!!!! That happens to me all the time!! Its like they think I'm completely ignorant. If I wasn't already finishing my junior year, I would have seriously considered transferring somewhere else because I can almost say that I hate this university. I love the students that go here and most of my professors have been very good, but the way this university/corporation operates just enrages me. Particularly the way they drain money out of you through overpriced textbooks, misellaneous fees, and PARKING TICKETS. I almost feel like just my parking tickets alone helped fund that brand new building (next the Comm building) which, by the way, has put the university in debt and caused us to lose our football team.

Anyway, couldn't agree with you more and I'd almost like to write a letter to the President concerning a few of these topics. Just a thought.

Yeah! I called to ask if they had a book, and gave him the author, and before I could finish explaining, because I thought it MIGHT be helpful I gave him a few details, he snarled back something along the lines of "YEAH, I know who that is, he's a nobel prize laureate, and NO, we don't have it." So I asked if he knew when it would be in, and I received a simple "No."

So yeah, definitely not ever shopping there unless I have to.

Which brings me to my next point: I think there's a possibility that potential incoming students talking to the registrar's office could be completely turned off by their attitudes and decide not to come here. Okay, so that probably won't happen very often [edit: well, there's one almost-example in the post above me]. But it should be part of their job to be polite. I think the administration should actually look into what is OBVIOUSLY a problem and perhaps hire new people.

I have experienced this as well. It really frustrates me because I'm paying a large amount of money to attend school here, but if I ever need information I either have to deal with these people, or go on a goose chase across campus to get what I need. Oftentimes, the registrar sends me on the goose chase anyway because they don't feel like telling me the information they know, since it is "someone else's job". I was telling my roommate the other day that Western should hire students to man the desks--it'll help with the budget crunch, and they will be people who are happy to have a job, and therefore kind to the students.

You'll notice that I said I have a good ten years dealing with rude, pushy, and incompetent people. However, that's the point: I delt with them. i didn't get testy or rude. I'm obviously not the only one who feels this is an issue, so though you may feel indifferent, you should realize that there is a level of politeness that customers service personel are expected to be able to demonstrate. Otherwise, they should be in other careers.

I definitely have to say that besides the registrars office the financial aid office comes in close second on the jerk-ometer. The student workers are cool, but I always get the vibe that the older employees feel like Im asking them to pull out their own wallet to fund my education when I've had questions about financial aid arrangements...

I just want to comment on what I am reading from you guys. I am very sorry you have had the experiences you have had with some of our offices. I am not certain that all of the incidents could have been avoided but perhaps some could have been more positive. I just wanted to let you students know that we do appreciate you, we respect you and we wish you only the best in life. Western has some of the best young people that I have had the pleasure to meet and this fact is a common belief amongst us staff members. We are here for one purpose and that is to serve the needs of our students. We value that opportunity.

 GUILT PWNED!

[quote= from lyashem] I actually have had really good experiences with the departamental offices like economics and accounting. 

Thank you for this compliment.  I try hard to be polite and helpful to students, but I never know if I'm successful.

Hello to all you Students out there, who have visited the Registrars Office and have had less than "Great" experiences and to those of who haven't had the opportunity to visit us yet.

 I offer a few words; Contrary to popular belief we really are not mean Ogers, mean spirtited ( or as some posters here have referred to myself and others who work her as more "inappropriate names")  Just "real people" Just as the "Guidelines for Particiapation" rules in this forum states. We are "real" people with "real" feelings.And I felt some of you did not quite follow those guidelines.

 While those of you who posted here thought your visit with us was less than you expected, and perhaps you did not recieve the personal attention you desired, or recieved the answer you were expecting or wanted. I, myself personally strive to porvide the best service I can under circumtstances sometimes less than ideal. What you may think as Rude and Brusk, we interpret as being efficient ( under those less than Ideal circustances I was referring to) escpecially during those very busy times here in the RO

For what is worth to you out there, I felt a lot like you did after your expereince here, while reading these posts, perhaps that was your intent.

I propose we call a truce! I promise to "bend over backwards" to accomodate you and give you the best experince possible during your next visit to this office. And to all of you who have been or (in your persception) were offended by me personaly I apologize!

Of course I can only speak for myself, there are several of us who man the front lines here in the RO. I would personlaly like to Thank You for being here!  After all! if it weren't for you students I would be out of a job!  So God Bless You All!

You can stop by the RO anytime between opening and closing and find me here. I am looking forward to your next visit!

 P.S I'll be the one wearing the flak jacket and a great big smile!

I think most of us can agree that efficiency in the registrar's office is great and is key to helping Western and it's students meet deadlines, but I think you can be efficient without being rude or standoff'ish.

I don't think anyone, especially students, are asking the registrar's office to "bend over backwards" either. A little friendliness or pleasentry isn't asking much.

Sorry if any of the above comments hurt anyone's feelings in or outside the office. I've been here 4 years now, and I recognized the "hostile" attitudes the first day I had classes. It just seemed weird...especially because of what you said above - "you wouldn't be in the job without us students"

Thanks for being open and honest and I think everyone appreciates the effort.

Sorry if our complaints were hurtful, truce sounds great. 

How is this comment relevant?

Maybe this conversation is a little awkward, and maybe some things were said that felt hurtful, but we all have an opportunity to grow and learn to work together because of the brave steps that a student took to speak out. Not all of the criticisms worded were constructive, but the responses I see above say that the message was received and there is willingness to work together. 

So, yeah we could improve the way we handle our frustrations, but to put our heads down and ignore the tension won't do any good for us or the students and staff that will follow in our footsteps.

Hey, I actually had my first interaction with the Registrar staff this afternoon.
 

I was cautious about the listed complaints, so I came right in, explained my exact purpose, and quoted the instructions from the website (for my specific pursuit).

The woman was friendly, asked me for my ID number, had me sign a sheet of paper, said I was all set, and wazaam! Amazingly efficient service!

I will fully admit that it was simple for me, since I didn't come in with any questions that were not elaborated online (and I know how  Western's site can leave you baffled).

But I will say that there was nothing unfriendly about any of them..

My first post on this thread was clearly pathetic in retrospect, and I remember someone else in this thread implied that pleasant attitudes are rewarded with pleasant service. They were right.

I will say that everytime I go into the History Department I get a positive hello from Willie Smith who sits at the desk.  She even calls me by name.  For one person out of all the students and faculity she sees everyday to call me by name is great.  The other 2 places that I never get a rude response is from the VA office and the Library.  I enjoy going there and just stop in to say hi.  Just to make there day because they work hard and are always freindly.

Well, as I said I am only "one" of a few who work the front lines here. And perhaps not all of us have  "hostile" attitudes?  So I can only speak for myself....

Despite not having had great experiences with that office in the past, I had a question for them this past week and they had completely changed their attitudes.  I took the advice on here about trying to be extra nice to them, but it seemed like they were already in better moods. Multiple people in the office were very helpful and explained what I needed to know and directed me to the right people.

I'm not saying that this one experience makes up for the rest of the less pleasant ones, but it definitely helps lessen my negative memories towards them regarding the past.  If they continue this friendliness, students will be thrilled and will be able to walk into the registrar's office without any hesitation.

Thank you staff of the registrar's office for being very friendly and helpful this past week.  Keep up the good work!

The thing is, with any office, restaurant, store, etc you go to, you may find that you get bad service from certain individuals.  Yes, it does reflect poorly on the place as a whole, but you must keep in mind that there are most likely people who work there that are exceptions to the overall feel of the place.  I've worked somewhere in the service industry before where I wold be embarrassed by the attitudes of my co-workers.  I always felt that I had treated each and every customer with the utmost respect and patience, but it was clear that those around me didn't even make an effort.  So, I'd certainly like to hope that no one on the forum would be as bold as to assume that everyone who works at the Registrar's Office is mean and rude.  I'm sure there are people who work there who are quite the opposite (like Chapmal4).  Sure, I certainly haven't gotten the most pleasant service from the Registrar's Office, but because of that, you can just assume that everyone who works at the Registrar's Office is evil and mean-spirited.

I hate being treated like a number.

It is the most embarrassing/shaming thing to me to have to drop/W-out a class. Last year I went in to the Registrar's to W-out a class after being completely stressed out and just realizing I couldn't handle the large credit load I was attempting to take. I was so embarrassed and I went into the empty office not knowing exactly what to do. The lady at the desk just shoved the little half-slip at me and told me to fill it out. I did so slowly kinda trying to explain myself. She ignored me, took the paper and said- "K, its done". I just got up and walked out. I didn't expect a session with Dr. Phil, but a little encouraging smile or just acknowledgement that I was even there would have been nice.

There are plenty of places on campus that do have nice admin, for example, the Finacial Aid Office, but I think the Registrar Office just need to take a lesson in customer service.

PS- I work for Sodexo and we are trained more intensely in smiling at the the customers, etc and we aren't even helping them with their life decisions.