Anna Baynham &
Crystal Shelwood
Blue & White Flash / Staff Writers
Some students say they are having problems getting mail and that the post office at Jackson State University needs revamping.
The objectives of Jackson State University Postal Services, according to the information posted on its website (http://10.14.12.245/auxenterprises/postalservices/), is to service each member of the University community in an efficient and courteous manner; stay abreast of the extensive changes in postal regulations; maintain financial stability; and, utilize the most efficient and effective methods of mailing to reduce the University’s postage expenses.
However, some students have complained that these objectives are not being met for many of the students served by the JSU post office each semester. Complaints range from poor customer service, late package pick up, unfriendly workers, to not knowing who to contact if problems such as not being able to open mailboxes arise.
Postal Services Manager Marcus Crowley was very surprised when told about some of the student complaints about poor service stating that each employee must meet certain criteria for the position in which they are applying. Crowley also stated that he does reprimand employees for all customer complaints.
“I am aware of the problems some students are having with the mailboxes. I am trying my hardest to actually get new mailboxes,” said Crowley.
He added, “I have an open door policy. Students may come to my office at any time, feel free to call, or e-mail me any questions, comments, or concerns regarding services.”
Shanta Young, a box rental clerk in the Post Office, stated that mail problems are not due to JSU Postal Services, the problem comes from students.
“The students must realize the process of them getting their mail. We have to get it, sort it, process it and then insert it. This takes time and we only have five employees. We only get the big packages during certain times,” said Young. “The students never have proper information when they come in like their I.D., key, or mail slip. Now we did have some problems with students not getting mail due to miscommunication within our department when issuing out the P.O. boxes.”
Some students still feel that the post office needs to improve its customer service.
“We are just trying to get our mail. They never open on time, and they automatically want you to know what to do. They don’t think about the freshmen. They are no better than financial aid,” said Cedric Colston, a senior graphic design major from Shaw, Miss. “If I had to rate them, I would give them a 5 out of 10.”
Carrington Wilson, a freshman biology/pre-physical therapy major from Grambling, La. agreed.
“The receptionist has attitude. I had to change my box three times and people are always receiving the wrong mail, so the service could always be better,” said Wilson.
Crowley, who has been managing JSU Postal Services for two years, does have plans to renovate and hopefully begin package pick-up at 10 a.m. instead of 3 p.m. He also wants students to understand that the Central Receiving warehouse at JSU does not drop off the packages delivered by FedEx, UPS, etc. until 3:30 p.m. The post office must then scan the packages into the computer system before they can be picked up.
Crowley encourages all students and others who are having issues with JSU Postal Services to call (601) 979-2139 or email him at marcus.r.crowley@jsums.edu.
I agree that the postal service can do way better because I still have not received my mail that was sent in september. I was also told that student’s evelopes were being ripped open and resealed. I recommend that we have less of young people working in the back and we need way more POSITIVE ATTITUDES!