The front office of a school or university is the first point of contact for visitors, parents, and students. It is often used for gaining access to the building or campus and contains receptionists, staff, and teacher mailboxes. The atmosphere varies depending on the level of education, with junior high schools being more chaotic and universities projecting a quieter, more sophisticated air. Admissions offices in universities often have waiting areas resembling formal living rooms.
In the business world, the front office is that part of a company or business that deals first and foremost with the public, be it customers, clients or in the case of a school, students and parents. In most elementary, middle, and high schools, the school front office is typically located at or near the front of the building, and recent changes in security expectations usually require all visitors to enter the school through this portal to control access. In most cases, the school’s front office at this level also continues to contain the deputy’s office where necessary disciplinary actions are carried out. Locating a school or university front office is a little more problematic. Early in a student’s career, the admissions office would have been the front office of the school; thereafter, the registrar’s office will serve as the main office for most student visits.
The school front office is the destination for visitors, parents and teachers in every elementary, middle or high school. This area is often to be used simply to gain access to the building or campus and anyone not considered staff or a student may be required to show identification, access a visitor’s register and wear a badge indicating that as a visitor. A receptionist and other staff have their desks in this area and often greet visitors from behind a long counter. Parents arrive to pick up or drop off children and visiting speakers for regular school or class meetings are first met and greeted here by administrative staff. Staff and teacher mailboxes are also often found in this area.
The main offices and other personnel offices such as that of social workers and school nurses are also located here. These offices, however, are somewhat removed from the initial entrance hall and have doors that can be closed for private discussions. The general atmosphere of a junior high school front office is one of controlled, cheerful chaos. The decor is often based on student art projects with seasonal themes. The noise level depends on the school’s use of bells, announcements from offices and the volume of ringing telephones.
A college or university school front office usually projects a quieter, more sophisticated air. Depending on the status of the academic institution, an admissions office waiting area can resemble a formal living room with leather chairs and floor lamps. After being greeted upon arrival and seated, visitors are typically taken to a private office to review financial aid packages and other formalities of acceptance and attendance at that school. This layout explains the popularity of small cottages or houses that are modified by colleges for the purpose of serving as the school’s front office.
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