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Team recognized with Best Practices award by Cindy Abole Public Relations Members of MUSC’s Student Accounting Office found a way to improve how students conduct business and access services both on-and-off campus.   The team was recognized by the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers (SACUBO) award for “Best Practices” for completely automating student services within one year.   Members of the University Student Accounting team celebrate winning the 2005 SACUBO Best Practices award. Student Accounting was selected as one of four finalists to showcase its best practice at the 2005 annual meeting in Miami, April 13. MUSC’s group took first place beating out other finalists in the competition including the University of Florida, University of Central Oklahoma and the University of Georgia.   For students, the award translates into savings in terms of time, dollars and effort. Students who are out of town because of rotations and clinical and research collaborations can conduct their business via a secure account over the Internet.   The University Student Accounting team who prepared the best practice submission and was instrumental in implementing these process improve-ments was comprised of Wendy Littlejohn, Joe Maggitti, Tina Chapman and MUSC’s Office of the Chief Information Officer staffer Michele Adelson. They collaborated with students to determine their business needs by surveying and communicating business and accounting service initiatives and imposing change.   “It’s been an amazing process,” said Susan Haskill, MUSC’s controller. “We’re proud of these results and number of people who were involved in making this a success. It took a lot of coordination of many people in the finance department, students and other staff. The goal was to enhance customer service for students by creating a convenient way to conduct financial business at MUSC.”   In 2003, the group accepted a challenge from Haskill to submit its business plan proposal for competition. Their sub-mission was selected among a group of 50 regional institutions.   SACUBO is one of the region’s most recognized business and finance organizations supporting colleges and universities. It was recognized for setting the bar when it comes to business and finance practices at institutions.     The group chose to focus its efforts on student accounting improvements and services. To begin, the group asked, “what can we do to help student accounting be more customer-friendly for students?”   The answer came in a 50-minute PowerPoint presentation entitled: “Modernization of Services to Accommodate Today’s Students.” The group looked at ways to provide electronic billing, direct deposit of financial aid, electronic checking, electronic signature for promissory notes, one-stop shop for exit interviews and streamlining other financial services into a more updated, fast and secure method.   It worked closely with Educational Computer Systems Inc. (ECSI), a company that specializes in helping colleges and institutions managing their student loan services, online interviews and other custom interfaces. The students responded positively.   “We’re excited to hear that the Student Accounting office, via the Revenue Accounting Division, is being considered for a much-deserved acknowledgment of their tremendous strides to improve student services,” said Alex Whitley, SGA president, in a support letter written to Student Accounting this past spring. “The positive changes that have occurred in Student Accounting over the last two years have made our lives much easier.”   “We’re very excited and proud of this accomplishment.” said Lisa Mont-gomery, vice president for Finance and Administration. “This award is a testimony to our commitment towards excellence and proficiency and what we provide to our students.”      So where does the university finance team go from here?      The group was challenged once again to compete in SACUBO’s 2006 Best Practices award.   “There’s always room for improve-ment,” Littlejohn said, citing advances in technology and practice, in addition to growing online capabilities. Other opportunities may also include expanding results internally to other business managers within different colleges and departments. “There’s also need for streamlining payroll processes and automation of other finance operational areas.”     Friday, June 10, 2005 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.