Handling Sub Responses

Just a reminder...If someone has graciously agreed to sub for one of your shifts, please send a short "thank you" message via the listserv.  This not only shows your gratitude toward the person giving you a helping hand, but it also lets all your co-workers know the shift is taken and that they need not reply to your request.  Your "thank you" confirmation seals the deal and avoids mix-ups.

Besides, do any of us ever get tired of hearing the words "thank you?"

Gate Counts

Feeling a little tired after your shifts at BUSP these days?  If so, your reasons are legitimate.  Did you know that our three entrances are equipped with people-counting gizmos? Well, they are.  Here are some of our recent stats:

On Nov. 14 (Wed.) we had 5,023 people in the IC.
On Nov. 26 (Mon.) we had 5,460 people in the IC.
And...(drum roll, please)... on Nov. 28 (Wed.) we had a total of 5,936 people using BUSP.

No doubt about it, when you're standing behind our service desk you're sharing your energy, expertise, and pretty smiles with a great many people.

STRESS!!!

No doubt about it, the life of an IU student isn't all roses and partying.  Chances are, you're up to your neck in projects and papers right now.  And final exams are just around the corner.  We like seeing you healthy and happy at BUSP, so if you're feeling a little stressed, check out Anna's blog post on our website.  You just might find a bit or two (or a lot) of information there that can be helpful to you.

I-Core Anecdote

Carol told him all our rooms were full, but she would be happy to add his name to the wait list.  He told her that wasn't good enough, because his group really needed a room.  Then he asked her if she would take a bribe.  She added his name to the wait list.

R.I.P. Big Stapler

The Big Stapler has stapled its last.  A new one has been ordered, but it will be a few days before it arrives.  You'll have to deliver the sad news to our guests.

Scheduling...Your Final Reminder

Scheduling for Spring Semester will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27.  Call (812-855-8552) or come see Terry to schedule your hours.  Remember, the earlier you schedule, the greater your chances of getting the hours that are perfect for you.  No scheduling will be done by e-mail. 

Caught in the Act

Angela was Caught in the Act of remaining calm and keeping her cool, when the demanding guest in front of her was so upset by malfunctioning technology in one of our group rooms.

Charles was Caught in the Act of passing along a fun idea that may benefit each of us.  (More on this later.)

A Reminder

This seems the appropriate time to remind you of how grateful we are for your presence in our lives. Christina, Jeri, Matt, Melanie and I thank you for your good energy and the fine work you do.  We are so thankful that you are a part of the BUSP family.  Enjoy the holiday!       --Terry

Temporary Halt to Room Reservations

Beginning next Monday, rooms 154, 156, 158, and 160 will not be reservable.  As of the 19th, these rooms will be treated the same as the others and be available for users on a first-come, first-served basis.  This will open the rooms up to the max for our guests' use during peak group project time (including I-Core) and finals prep. This will also make our lives a little bit easier as we enter one of our busiest periods.

Room reservations for 154, 156, 158, and 160 will resume at the beginning of spring semester.

The New & Improved IUCAT

IUCAT is scheduled to look and act differently when you return from Thanksgiving break.  Have you ever been searching for something commonplace on IUCAT and had obscure listings pop up first?  The common entry you were looking for is generally there, you just have to scroll down to find it.  It can be frustrating!  This shouldn't happen to you anymore since the new IUCAT performs relevance-based searching.  In addition to offering you better results, it promises to be easier to use. And you'll be able to fine tune and tailor your searches.

Want to see it?  Click here for a sneak preview of the new and improved IUCAT.  But what if you don't fall in love with it at first sight?  For a while, you'll be able to switch back to IUCAT Classic with just a click. 

Spring Semester Scheduling

Scheduling for spring semester will begin after Thanksgiving break at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 27.  Call (812-855-8552) or come see Terry that day or soon after.  Scheduling cannot be done by e-mail.  The earlier you schedule, the greater your chances of getting the perfect work hours. 

Leaving?

If you'll be graduating, away with an internship, or leaving BUSP for any reason at the end of this semester, please send Terry an e-mail and let her know.

Thanks!

See the Red

Room reservations are a hit, and BUSP is booked fairly solid on some days.  A close call yesterday has prompted this reminder:  If a guest wants a room and the only available keys have red tape on them (rooms 154, 156, 158, and 160), be sure to check the reservation book for possible bookings.  Red tape on a key means check the red reservation book.  We can only check out the key to the guest inquiring at the desk if the two hour check out time does not coincide with a scheduled reservation. 

What if the room is open most of the time, but a reservation cuts short the two hour loan to the guest at the desk?  If the guest has told you that his/her group won't need the room for the full two hours, get your supervisor.  Let your supervisor make the judgment call. (For example...the only open room has a reservation that begins at 5:00.  It is now 3:30, and a group in front of you wants to check out the key.  They tell you they'll only need the room for about an hour.  Here's what you do:  Get your supervisor.) 

Thanksgiving Break

Halloween costumes and festivities are now a thing of the past, so it's time to turn attention toward Thanksgiving, right?  IU has become benevolent (and smart) this year and scheduled no classes for the full week of Nov. 19-23.  BUSP will be open part of that week, but you are only responsible for your shifts through closing time on Friday, Nov. 16.   Your BUSP shift responsibilities resume at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 25.  If you are scheduled to work Friday the 16th and/or Sunday the 25th and want that time away, please post sub notices around a week ahead of time. 

By the way, if you sub for someone on Sunday, the 25th, you will receive one full hour of credit added to your time bank for each hour you sub, instead of the usual half hour added.  This is a good opportunity to give your time bank balance a boost if it's on shaky ground.