In response to evolving student behaviors and preferences, Michigan State University’s (MSU) Residence Education and Housing Services is piloting a desk centralization project aimed at improving efficiency and resource allocation within residence halls. By consolidating Service Centers, the initiative seeks to optimize operations while maintaining essential services for students.

“Over the last few years, we’ve seen less engagement with the Service Centers and a substantial increase in the number of packages,” says Associate Director for Business Operations Christopher Stone-Sewalish. “Centralization allows us to efficiently manage services while providing cost savings for students.”

Implementing the Pilot at Brody Hall 

Brody Hall serves as the primary testing ground for the centralization project. The residence hall now features a centralized Service Center handling loaner keys, access cards, and other essential items, while a separate center is dedicated exclusively to package distribution.

“We’ve found success in streamlining these operations,” says Assistant Director for Residence Hall Operations Jay Makowski. “This model ensures students can access what they need without confusion.”

Brody’s central location and high student traffic due to dining facilities and academic spaces made it an ideal site to pilot the program. The project aims to assess the effectiveness of centralized services in reducing redundancy and improving the student experience.

Addressing Staffing Challenges

A major factor driving the centralization initiative is the declining number of student employees. Post-pandemic shifts in student schedules and priorities have made it difficult to staff multiple Service Centers consistently.

“We’re seeing fewer students working in these positions because of competing priorities like classes and study groups,” says Stone-Sewalish. “This approach helps us manage those challenges while still meeting student needs.”

By consolidating services, MSU can allocate staff more effectively while ensuring students continue to have access to essential resources.

Future Plans and Student Feedback

The Brody pilot is the first step in a multi-year plan to implement centralized services across all residence hall neighborhoods. Each neighborhood will be evaluated individually to ensure the solution fits its specific layout and student needs.

“We’re about a year and a half into what will likely be an eight-to-ten-year project,” says Stone-Sewalish.

Unused spaces from former Service Centers are also being considered for repurposing to enhance community engagement.  

“These spaces could become community areas or drop-in spaces for our residential education team,” says Makowski. “It’s all about fostering a sense of connection and community.”

Student feedback will play a pivotal role in guiding the next phases of the project. Surveys conducted by students and the university will provide valuable insights into what works and what needs improvement.

“Every neighborhood has unique needs,” says Stone-Sewalish. “We want to ensure that whatever we implement is authentic to the space and works best for students.”

Charting a Path Forward

The desk centralization project represents MSU’s commitment to improving efficiency and enhancing the student experience. By streamlining services and reimagining how resources are allocated, the university aims to create a more supportive and accessible campus environment.