University of Memphis students, tired of waiting in line forbooks and financial aid, can rest their tired feet while completingbanking transactions at the First South Tiger Banking Center.
"There'll be no teller lines and no queuing," said Tim Baker,Tiger Banking Center manager. "We've created more of a personalatmosphere here. We want the students, faculty and staff at TheUniversity to be more comfortable and not feel rushed."
The Tiger Banking Center, the first on-campus bank at The U ofM, was created to be a customer-friendly institution with high-techamenities that appeal to people with hectic schedules -- likecollege students.
The 3,000-square-foot bank on the second floor of the UniversityBookstore has an Internet Caf� with free high-speed Internetaccess. Customers can log on and check their e-mail or bank balanceby using one of several laptop connections or the freestandingcomputer. The bank also has two ATMs for customers who don't wanthuman interaction.
However, the facility does have tellers available for customersin need of a friendly face when cashing a check or making adeposit. In fact, the folks at First South would rather customerstake advantage of the sit-down atmosphere whenever possible.
"We're here to serve the financial needs of the campuscommunity," Baker said. "We want to meet their financial needs nowand in the future."
Meeting the financial needs of The University campus communitygoes farther than daily banking transactions. The Tiger BankingCenter has a wide range of financial features for customers atevery end of the financial spectrum.
The bank offers a special Tiger Checking Account only availableto U of M students, faculty and staff. The Tiger account featuresfree online banking, a free check card and free checking. The bankalso has checks with The University of Memphis logo.
"We don't want students to see First South as a bank for justtheir immediate needs, like opening a checking account," said AnneMathis, senior vice president of marketing. "We want to students tostay with us after graduation because we're their bank."
Cultivating lasting relationships with customers is a large partof business for any bank, however First South has started in aplace where many banks don't think to look.
Baker and Mathis are meeting potential customers where theylive, literally.
"We've planned several meetings with the (resident assistants)in the dorms and from there we plan to meet with students in thedorms and discuss their financial concerns," Mathis said.
First South has planned seminars for college freshmen juststarting out, seniors who are planning careers, U of M faculty andstaff planning for retirement and everyone in between, Bakersaid.
"We'll cover everything from budgeting and checking 101 to moreinvolved financial topics like mortgages and retirement planning,"he said. "We want to be very in tune to The University's needs andthat includes everyone in the campus community."
One step the bank is taking toward meeting everyone's needs isto start two advisory boards. The boards will serve as a voice forthe campus community in communicating its needs to First South.
Because the board is still in the planning stages, First Southhas yet to begin recruiting. However, Baker said there will be anadvisory board for students and one for faculty and staff.
Currently the Tiger Banking Center, like many students, is stilladjusting to life on campus. Operating hours are still in flux,Baker said.
The bank's hours will mirror those of the campus bookstore forthe first few weeks. Hours will later be adjusted to suit customertraffic.
"We've had several nights where we unlocked the doors and letcustomers in after our scheduled closing time," Mathis said. "Wewant to be known as more than 'the bank on campus.' We want to bethe bank that works with The University."
