Transcripts, address changes offered online

The Registrar’s Office recently made it more convenient for students to request transcripts and change their addresses by offering two new online services through the PAWS Web site.

Senior Secretary Pam Spires handles the address changes and said the system is flawless so far.

“Since going live on September 1, the new system has worked well because it streamlines the process.”

Senior Secretary Laverne Renfroe, who handles transcripts, said the updated system allowed for less data entry.

“Students no longer have to come by the Registrar’s office and deal with paperwork and a signature is no longer required because they must get access their secure Web site.”

Students requesting transcripts may access PAWS at paws.gcsu.edu, select Student and Financial Aid, select Student Records, then select Request Transcripts and then lastly, make your request.

Address changes can be handled similarly through the Update Addresses menu item from the Personal information menu.

According to Renfroe, there are four different ways that a request can be made: by fax, mail, coming into the office or by the secure Web site. These four methods are in place due to privacy issues put in place by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Renfore said that according to the FERPA, many people may think it is alright to simply call and make a request, but there is no way for staff members to guarantee who they are speaking with so a request cannot be made by telephone.

Some students have a confidentiality hold on their record, which they requested. If that is the case, requests must be made in writing with a signature, in person with an ID or through the secure Web site.

Requests that are sent via E-mail can be sent to another school or place of employment.

There is usually a four-day to two-week turnaround on transcript requests depending on the time of year the request is made.

The Web site for the Registrar’s office is currently undergoing changes to accommodate the enhancements made to better serve the GC&SU community.

Ana Edwards, associate director of Enrollment Management, said, “These services are among the many self-service options the Registrar’s Office has made available to enhance GC&SU’s student services. We are excited about the availability of the online services and hope that students will find them beneficial.”

If you have any questions, contact the Registrar’s Office at (478) 445-6286.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Sep 23 2005. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry