2008 Woodie Awards
Updated Web site to debut
By: Beth Prusaczyk
Issue date: 11/9/06 Section: News
Webster University is set to unveil an updated Web site Nov 9.
Dan Perkins, director of interactive media and marketing, said the delay was due to spring 2006 registration, which began for seniors Nov. 6.
"That allowed us to get past the first three days of registration, which are historically the highest traffic days for the Web site," Perkins said.
Perkins said those in interactive media and marketing are excited to launch an overhauled Web site that provides a fresh look for the university. The new site will also make it easier for people to navigate and find the information they desire. He said the changes include a new home page and new content behind almost every link on the home page.
"In many cases, we've created and updated content two and three clicks beyond the home page," Perkins said. "At that point, we have linked to existing content in the old design, until we have time to build out the rest of the site."
Besides a new look, the home page now has new links ? one for prospective students and one for current students, Perkins said. When current students click on the link, they will have access to 20 or 30 of the most important pieces of information within the entire Webster University Web site. He also said these pieces of information will change as needed.
"For example, registration is now a key link on this page," Perkins said. "As we move closer to graduation, the information that students will need to know about commencement will be highlighted on this page."
The new graduate admissions site launched in July 2006, making it possible for prospective students to apply online. Perkins said since the launch, they received more than 1,000 applications online within the first three months.
According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, in 2005 colleges and universities nationwide received an average of 49 percent of their applications online. Webster is now entering the online application world.
Perkins said the new undergraduate admissions site is expected to release within the week, but there are some issues with the launching.
"Since we collect information and application fees from prospective students through the online application, we have to take extra precaution to insure that all of those processes work properly," Perkins said.
Perkins said the new Web site was a joint effort.
"It has been a true team effort between information technology and marketing to create a Web site that better manages and delivers the vast amount of content that is needed to tell the story of a worldwide university," Perkins said. "There's still much work to be done, but this is an important first step."
Dan Perkins, director of interactive media and marketing, said the delay was due to spring 2006 registration, which began for seniors Nov. 6.
"That allowed us to get past the first three days of registration, which are historically the highest traffic days for the Web site," Perkins said.
Perkins said those in interactive media and marketing are excited to launch an overhauled Web site that provides a fresh look for the university. The new site will also make it easier for people to navigate and find the information they desire. He said the changes include a new home page and new content behind almost every link on the home page.
"In many cases, we've created and updated content two and three clicks beyond the home page," Perkins said. "At that point, we have linked to existing content in the old design, until we have time to build out the rest of the site."
Besides a new look, the home page now has new links ? one for prospective students and one for current students, Perkins said. When current students click on the link, they will have access to 20 or 30 of the most important pieces of information within the entire Webster University Web site. He also said these pieces of information will change as needed.
"For example, registration is now a key link on this page," Perkins said. "As we move closer to graduation, the information that students will need to know about commencement will be highlighted on this page."
The new graduate admissions site launched in July 2006, making it possible for prospective students to apply online. Perkins said since the launch, they received more than 1,000 applications online within the first three months.
According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, in 2005 colleges and universities nationwide received an average of 49 percent of their applications online. Webster is now entering the online application world.
Perkins said the new undergraduate admissions site is expected to release within the week, but there are some issues with the launching.
"Since we collect information and application fees from prospective students through the online application, we have to take extra precaution to insure that all of those processes work properly," Perkins said.
Perkins said the new Web site was a joint effort.
"It has been a true team effort between information technology and marketing to create a Web site that better manages and delivers the vast amount of content that is needed to tell the story of a worldwide university," Perkins said. "There's still much work to be done, but this is an important first step."
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