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Web Redesign Effort Western Michigan University
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The Problem The size over 60,000 pages The content out-of-date, 60% never visited, incorrect, and lacks a consistent look and message The cost “It doesn’t cost anything to publish content to the Web”
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The Problem (cont.) The management structure no consistent process for determining who can publish and what gets published Conclusion we have created an organic Web structure that does not promote a single brand identity to prospective students and other key constituencies We have the Web we have now because we don’t have the resources to do more and the way we manage what we have
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The Need Priorities recruitment retention Two vehicles to aid this process branding initiative redevelopment of our public Web site
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The Solution The Web redevelopment process a comprehensive effort to update the production, management, and identity of our public Web site. As part of the effort, University Relations has contracted with mStoner Nationally recognized experts in university Web design and communication Our goal is to become a branded house not a house of brands
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The Solution (cont.) The key purpose of all publications should be to generate traffic to the WMU Website Students’ conclusions about an institution are based on the sophistication of the Web presence An up-to-date, frequently changing Web presence communicates that the university is friendly, responsive, and well-managed
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The Organization Sponsor Greg Rosine, VP Legislative Affairs Chaired by Thom Myers from University Relations and Keith Hearit from the Lee Honors College. Committee Leadership Web Policy Group: Senior WMU executives Web Management Committee: Technology experts coupled with experts in marketing and communication Key Working Groups: CMS & Technology, Information Architecture, Content
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Outcomes Student-focused students seek information about majors, not necessarily departments Transactional in nature—not an organizational chart students expect to conduct most transactions on the Web A common look (i.e., colors and design), common structure (i.e., templates) and common navigation
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Personnel Issues This effort will seek to streamline Web management across campus Web managers range from titles of associate deans to secretaries Job descriptions will be rewritten to include Web development WMU needs to invest personnel resources in this effort in order for it to be successful
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Technology Issues: The Nature of a Content Management System (CMS) A CMS allows an organization to develop a common look across an entire Web presence It is based on the concept of common templates A good CMS allows end users, with basic Microsoft Office skills, to publish to the Web A CMS allows for syndication, link updates, pages to expire, common source for news, create RSS feeds A consequence of a CMS is control People can only publish to the Web based on their role—and an approval process is built into the software
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Where are we now? Utilized temporary template for 2006-07 Focused primarily on prospective student- oriented sites first Updated over 57 different sites CMS Working Group: reviewed 3 CMS Internal Architecture: developing the “map” of the WMU site Develop a model of site and allows us to begin writing mStoner will develop templates will be student and prospective student tested
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