They smile, wave and call out to perplexed passers-by - all while being viewed from a room smaller than most Manzanita dorm rooms. They are the new breed of bank tellers at ASU's new credit union, using new technology to connect ASU staff and students to their hard-earned dollars.
The Arizona State Savings and Credit Union completed a total renovation last week, moving into the space formerly occupied by the Memorial Union Theatre. Express Remote Teller windows were added in the renovation, the first of their kind in Arizona.
The machines are operated by a bank teller sitting in a secure room within the bank. Tellers speak to customers through a series of video monitors and microphones.
"It tripped me out," said Carlos Perta, a business management senior. "They look pretty neat."
Perta used one of the bank's traditional ATMs, which are still fully operational in the MU basement. Still, he said he would definitely be willing to give the new remote teller system a try.
"There's still a live person in there, so I don't think it would be a problem. They're cool," he said.
Brent Fisher, a staff member for the School of Music and a member of the credit union, was not as impressed.
"I'd still just go to the [regular] teller," Fisher said. "They (remote tellers) seem to work fine, but I don't think people will really use them. The novelty will wear off after a while."
The complete renovation, which began on April 19, more than doubled the size of the credit union.
According to MU staff, the space had not been used regularly as a theatre in several years. Old equipment and a seating capacity of only 225 made it difficult to use.
This project is the first in a line of major renovations and expansions for the MU.
"We're very excited to see how the credit union turned out," said Becky Sojak, MU communications coordinator.
She said that the MU has needed some work since its last major renovation in 1990, when the third floor and the basement's MU stage were added.
"The growth within the building reflects the growth of the student and staff population on campus," she said. "The new MU will be more accommodating of the campus' needs."
Cher Mikkelsen, credit union branch manager, was happy to be moved into the new space.
"The MU was very generous to offer us the cinema," she said.
The project took only three months to complete. Mikkelsen attributed the speedy construction to a good construction company and fantastic cooperation from the MU staff.
In addition to new television monitors with power point screens about ASU events, general information, trivia and credit union services, the branch houses works of art from students and alumni, which will change approximately every 90 days. The furniture, carpet and lighting are also brand new.
Still, the centerpiece of the renovation is the addition of the new Express Remote Tellers.
"People walk by and are like, 'What is this?'" said Cindy Lyons, senior teller at the branch and one of the remote teller operators. "We wave or smile or call out to people to get their attention and let them know that we're here to help. Some of them just wave back and keep on going."
Jill Schiefelbein, a communication junior, said she wasn't sure if people would feel comfortable using the new machines. "It will decrease the lines. I think they're pretty interesting."
For those still on the fence, all those brave enough to try the new teller technology this week will receive a special treat - a lollipop.
Reach the reporter at david.klee@asu.edu.
