FAQs: Frequently asked questions about UNC Asheville’s Web site redesign
Why are we redesigning the site?
The university’s Web presence represents our single, most effective communication vehicle, and one that reaches a worldwide audience. Currently the UNC Asheville homepage receives more than 9,000 visitors per day, which means close to 3 million visitors every year. The current site has been largely unchanged since 2002.
What are the desired outcomes of the redesign?
An updated “core” Web site, which would include the homepage as well as dozens of the second-tier of pages, will showcase the unique experiences we provide for our students, the impacts of our faculty’s teaching and research, and our involvement with communities in Western North Carolina. By telling those stories on our Web site, we will improve our ability to recruit and retain the best and brightest students and faculty, maintain strong relationships with our alumni and friends, and build a broader understanding of our leadership in liberal arts education. All those strategies will enable us to achieve the objectives of our strategic plan.
What are the principal goals of the redesign project?
We want to create a site that embodies the culture and brand of UNC Asheville and sets it apart from other universities. Fresh and engaging content, easy navigation and the use of the latest interactive technology and multimedia will enable us to show the world the kind of university we are. We also want to use the new site to create a sense of community, a sort of gathering spot for students, faculty and staff so that everyone is participating in telling UNC Asheville’s story. It’s an investment that will pay dividends for years to come by clearly defining our university’s image and illustrating our value to the state.
What will the redesign involve?
A university-wide advisory team comprising faculty, students, staff and alumni will work with Communications and Information Technology staff to examine the current site and its architecture and usage, review best practices from other university Web sites, and solicit input from the campus community.Initially, the redesign will focus on the current homepage and a number of high-profile second-tier pages that communicate critical messages not now being addressed. A key goal of the project will be to ensure that visitors can quickly and easily find the information they need when visiting the Website.
The initial project will NOT involve the redesign of ALL pages within the university site. For example, Athletics, the library and existing sites for various centers and institutes, will not be a part of the redesign. However, our goal is to ultimately offer templates, standard header designs and perhaps a content management system to enable all departments and divisions to align their pages with the look and feel of the “core” Web site.
Who is working on this?
Chancellor Anne Ponder has appointed a universitywide Web Redesign Advisory Team to give recommendations and guidance to Communications and Information Technology staff. The team also will work with an agency under contract with the university to provide assistance in design and architecture and best practices in Web communications.
How long will this take?
We aim to have a redesigned site ready for testing during the holiday break in December 2009, with final implementation at the beginning of the spring semester 2010.
What about new technologies like podcasts, news feeds and video?
All Web-based technologies will be considered to ensure the most effective and attractive presentation of the new Website.
How can I participate in the redesign?
The Web Redesign Advisory Team will seek input and feedback from the university community throughout the redesign project, and will offer regular updates on progress on the redesign Website at www.unca.edu/redesign. We want students, faculty and staff to be active participants in the planning stages, as well as the development of design concepts, site architecture, programming elements, usability evaluation and the actual launch.
The Web Redesign Advisory Team will frequently report to the campus community regarding progress on site, usability research and opinions about current and future site plans. For example, prototypes of possible page designs will be posted for comment on the Web site redesign blog. Members of the campus community are encouraged to contact any member of the Web Redesign Advisory Team with comments or questions.