Oct. 21, 2003

Customer Service Kudos

University Honors Frontline Staff, Campus Customers

By Greg Licamele

Customer service took center stage Oct. 8 as departments and employees were honored for their dedication to the GW community. As part of the University’s Strategic Plan, customer service plays a critical role in executing the University’s mission.

“Our goal, as service providers of this University, is to do everything we can do to provide the optimal learning environment by making this University user friendly for our student, faculty and staff customers so that they may devote most of their attention to knowledge and academic excellence,” said Dr. John F. Williams, provost and vice president for health affairs.

Three “champions of customer service” were nominated by faculty, staff and students. Three additional awards also were handed out — the “Secret Shopper Award,” was given as a result of office visits to test courtesy, efficiency, appearance and professionalism; Student and Academic Support Services (SASS) employee of the year; and a customer service enhancement honor.

The six awards given were:

• Student Choice Award: Zoe Dansan of the School of Engineering and Applied Science

• Staff Choice Award: Christopher Megill of Telecommunications

• Faculty Choice Award: Ziad Al-Khoja of the Marvin Center

• Best Customer Service Enhancement Award: CLLC-Housing Services, Banner Applications and Interactive Multimedia Applications Group for the online housing system

• Secret Shopper Choice Award: Interactive Multimedia Applications Group

• SASS Employee of the Year Award: Gilma Cockram

The award ceremony began a day-long celebration of customer service across campus departments and offices. It also coincided with National Customer Service Week around the country.

“What started out as a relatively small initiative is now a University-wide initiative,” said Lou Katz, executive vice president and treasurer. “This is very important to the institution.”

Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu

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