By Jeanine Poggi

In an attempt to eliminate what many have dubbed the “Hofstra shuffle,” the University added an integral position to their Campus Life staff.

When students have questions or concerns they often do not know where to go for help, Jim Cusack, the new director of Campus Life services and ambiance said. His job is to find the answers, guide students in the right direction and cut down the red tape they often encounter on the way.

Since appointed on March 1, Cusack has aided students in registration, advisement, housing, graduation and deadline problems, he said.

“I can’t promise to give all the answers,” he said. “But students will now know where to go for help.”

Cusack is not here to replace the roles of other departments, but to enhance them.

“I don’t want to be the first stop,” Cusack said. “But I hope to be the last.”

As an alumnus he understands the problems students face everyday and works to treat students with the respect they deserve, he said. He is an outsider looking in and a neutral ear to listen.

Cusack is not here to address specific problems, but for students who have been directed and redirected numerous times to different departments. Often a problem starts in one place and ends up going through a chain of people and places, said Holly Seirup, vice president for campus life.

“I’ve gotten the go around millions of times,” sophomore financing major, Jay Paul said. “No one at this school has any direction to make decisions in their own department and they always need to talk to three or more people so it takes forever to get approved. Everyone here is afraid to help out. It’s great they are finally doing something about it.”

Seirup said they are there when students don’t know where to go and they just want to throw up their arms and give up. Campus Life can get in touch with departments and set up meetings for students.

“We can’t get students more financial aid or change their registration date,” she said. “But we can point them in the right direction.”

Recently Campus Life has been trying to send out more mass emails to keep students thoroughly informed.

“When students come and ask ‘how do I get a tutor,’ something we feel we fully advertise for, obviously something is missing,” Seirup said.

Cusack’s new job is part of President Stuart Rabinowitz’s plan to enhance student services and improving campus life, Seirup said.

The idea was first presented by the first year task force, she said and the president thought it was a great idea.

Junior math major Elise Cacippo who works in Freshman Advancement said her department always works hard to help students get answers.

“I think every department needs to do this,” she said. “Having someone to go to will hopefully eliminate the shuffle the university is known for even in those college guides.”

While there has not been an overload of work so far, Cusack is anticipating an increase in the fall when new students, or “lost souls,” as he calls them, arrive.

So far many of the responses have been from commuter students who are not on campus long enough to find the answers they need, Cusack said. He recognizes the difference between the need of commuter students and residential students. Commuters do not have the advantage of reading signs and flyers in residential halls and facilities.

On the whole students have been satisfied and appreciative with the job he’s doing and he has received emails and notes thanking him for his help.

“Even if we don’t have the answers,” he said. “Students seem to be thankful that we are here.”