By Steve VivonaLast July St. John’s University unveiled its new Web site (www.stjohns.edu), a streamlined
user-friendly Web space designed to bring all the various elements
of the University site together with one consistent look and feel,
according to Adam Bell, Director of Web Development and Technology.
“Everybody (in the University community) has the same features, the
same tools, the same functions,” he stressed.
Mr. Bell noted that St. John’s has always had a strong presence
on the Web and as students and prospective students have become
increasingly more Web savvy, “This is a perfect medium to get them
involved.”
Recruitment is a paramount initiative for the new site as well.
Mr. Bell stressed that the site is often a student’s first exposure
to St. John’s. “The Web site has many arms and legs and has the
ability to reach the places a TV ad or print ad would never reach.
We have people coming in from all over the world every day.”
Mr. Bell noted that the Graduate School has had online
interactive chats for international students interested in learning
more about St. John’s. The number of people attending these chats
has increased dramatically, and it gives the students an
opportunity to have their questions answered in real time with a
St. John’s representative.
Mr. Bell cited ease of use as one of the many practical
advantages of the new site. Pages load quickly and people can find
what they need in a timely fashion. “We’re getting people through
the site faster to their selected locations. There is now a
structure to the site. We’ve built a hierarchy so that now people
can always find the homepage and other areas throughout the site
rather than having to go back to the homepage for every new link or
page,” they wish to visit.
The new University site is now fully compliant with the
Americans with Disabilities Act, which gives websites the same
mandate as other public and private institutions, giving those with
disabilities equal access. Thanks to special software imbedded in
the site those with hearing loss or vision loss that want to visit
the site using assistive technology can now do so. “We’re one of
the first schools in the country to really address this issue
through our redesign,” Mr. Bell said. “We’re opening doors that
were never open before.”
The new site was “definitely designed to incorporate one look,
one feel, one brand and one message,” Mr. Bell pointed out, adding
that there are key words and phases placed throughout the site
reflecting the new University positioning statement as well as its
new logo.
Mr. Bell credited the entire University community for being so
open to the process. At the outset of this project he opened up a
dialogue with all the schools and departments of the University,
interviewing hundreds of people and soliciting their opinions and
input. He stressed the overwhelming need to hear their concerns and
questions before moving forward and was grateful for their
assistance.
Mr. Bell applauded the administration for their support of the
new site and his efforts. “They put the word out that this is a
project we need everyone to cooperate with. This is where the focus
should be.” He added, “We’re building something that will be around
for another 10, 20, 30 years and we need to lay the foundation. It
couldn’t have happened without their support and the support of
Information Technology, who have been tremendous throughout the
entire process.”
One major goal of the site is to give prospective students a
feel for the St. John's experience, Mr. Bell stressed. "We want
them to get a feel for what St. John's is all about and pick up
some important information at the same time."
Mr. Bell hopes that when prospective students visit the new
site, “They’ll know we care about the people who come here.”