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Printer-Friendly ModeBank relocation completed
August 24, 2007 —
The TCF Bank at SVSU has been relocated from the first floor in Wickes Hall to The Student Center, and has now become Independent Bank. The move reflects the final steps of the bank relocation that began nearly four months ago.
According to Director of Construction Gerald Stuart, the new bank is 32 feet long and 32 feet wide, which is also the amount taken from the Cardinal Cage. Construction took approximately six weeks to complete, which allowed it to officially open on June 25.
Transactions such as cashing checks, making withdrawals, and depositing cash could not be conducted at the bank in Wickes Hall. The location was also in a congested area that had to share space with the Financial Aid, Registrar, and Cashier Offices. According to Vice President for Administration and Business Affairs James Muladore, this was a key reason for moving the bank.
"The original branch space was essentially two desks in an open area and not very conducive for students to conduct private banking business," Muladore said. "The [new] branch is constructed just like a real bank branch because that is what it is. It is more comfortable and private for both bank staff and student and staff customers."
The bank in the Student Center can now do anything a normal bank would be able to do, including issuing official checks and money orders. Students will not have to use the ATM machine to deposit cash or withdrawal money.
Marketing senior Paula Owens, who worked at the bank in Wickes Hall and now works at the new bank, says she approves of the change.
"I think it's a nice change," she said. "Basically it's just a lot more convenient for students."
Owens also enjoys the fact that they're now a full-service bank, as well as the amount of room they're given to work in. She also sees the summer opening as a positive factor.
"It's been nice opening in the summer," she said. "It's been a nice chance to settle in and get used to the new branch."
The bank will now have four employees on at a time as opposed to the two or three that worked in the bank in Wickes Hall. It's expected to be busier due to the fact the bank is closer to housing and dining.
Muladore said SVSU partnered with Great Lakes Bancorp in 1995 to initiate student transaction card programs.
"The purpose of the card system was, and remains to provide a means of conducting various functions electronically, such as banking and the transfer of financial aid funds to student accounts, access to ATM machines, identification for University services such as the Zahnow library, meal plans and laundry for residential students," he said.
Great Lakes Bancorp sold many of their branches this year, including the one at SVSU. Muladore anticipates that the move will help the approximate 4,500 SVSU students that have accounts with Independent Bank operate more freely, and finally give them the chance to bank with ease.
