Obtaining a passport can be time-consuming and aggravating at times, but the Ashland University Global Education department is offering a solution to this problem.

Nov. 18 from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. in the Eagle’s Landing, the Global Education department will be sponsoring “Passport One-Stop Shop.”

This event is open to all those looking to travel abroad, including but not limited to anyone interested in mission trips, faculty-led tours and studying abroad.

Passports are usually tricky to apply for, but both the Ashland Post Office and Gerald’s Photos will be available to assist students in receiving a passport. With this convenient service, Global Education Director Rebecca Parillo believes that many of the barriers usually associated with obtaining a passport may be eliminated.

“It’s one-stop shopping,” Parillo said. “But it’s definitely not an event where you can just show up.”

Ashland Post Office Worker Kim Dellinger expressed the importance of having a passport not just for pleasure but for career-related purposes.

“In the past, most people would use a passport once or twice in their lifetime for that ultimate vacation,” Dellinger said. “But a passport is becoming more important in our work life as well as our leisure life.”

Students must bring several required documents. A copy of the passport application form DS-11, proof of citizenship, proof of identity and two identical photos are among the necessary documents. The passport application can be found online at travel.state.gov.

For those who don’t know what serves as proof of citizenship and identity, a birth certificate and driver’s license will do. Students and faculty are encouraged to bring $10 to have their photos taken on the spot by Gerald’s Photos. Along with these documents, $135 is needed to cover the application fee.

According to Parillo, this service is being held to encourage traveling in general. Whether or not students show up will decide the future for this event.

“It’s good to have your passport, even if you’re not planning anything,” Parillo said.

For those interested in traveling abroad, this event is one of many being offered the week of Nov. 15. Along with this event, the Global Education department will be sponsoring “Market Your International Experience” Nov. 16 in the Career Development Center.

Having a passport is going to be an asset for students looking to become a part of the business workforce.

“Most businesses in America are both domestic and international, where having a passport is almost a requirement for employment,” Dellinger said.

With this service available, not having a passport won’t be an excuse for avoiding the opportunity to go abroad.

“This important document isn’t going to be what’s holding you back from traveling,” Parillo said.

For students, faculty and staff who plan on traveling abroad, “Passport One-Stop Shop” will get you one step closer to your destination.