A New Look, But Not So New
A note from the Technology Manager
Believe it or not, our last "major" website update took place at the tail end of 2008. We've done some minor tweaks since then, of course, adding new tidbits here and there -- items like Counselor Chat, the various blogs and tons of video content -- but for the most part, the platform itselt hasn't changed all that much since then.
This year, we've decided to embrace a more streamlined concept in content management, allowing more of our internal subject-matter experts greater latitude when it comes to updating their corner of our virtual Career Center. While they have long had this option with our old system, this new release pulls some of the techno-mumbo-jumbo out of the equation. It also gives us a far more flexible platform to grow our website in new and radically different directions -- some that we've only just begun to think about.
Actually, this "new" website visually (and navigationally) should look and feel pretty similar to our last version. And that is intentional on our part, hopefully masking the amazing amount of backend transitioning that has occurred. Some navigational changes have been made based on your feedback (i.e. common tasks are more visible now), and the styles/fonts/colors have undergone subtle enhancements
But what you can't see is some of the effort that has already gone into the website after this one. In fact, this is the first time in our history that we've been working on two releases at the same time... a challenge we're quite excited to be tackling. Version 10, as planned, is a radical rethinking of our online delivery of services. From top to bottom, we are starting over with an eye toward mirroring our website to an individual student's progress in their career search, offerring tools and resources where appropriate and when most needed.
Of course, we'd love to have your insights into how this might work. I hope you’ll stay with us as we continue to grow and evolve our web site to better accommodate your needs.
My special thanks to:
- UITS Workgroup & Network Consulting
I know getting this new site up was a bit of techno-challenge. I continue to appreciate your patience as we move forward with our concepts. As I've said many times over the years... you guys rock!
- Lizzie, Jeff, Karen & Stephanie (aka the Website 9.x/10.x Redesign Team)
It's not often that you get to work on two websites at the same time. Thanks for the insights, the provocative thinking and your embracement of my Blue Sky thinking! - … and, of course, my wife: your eye for the web continues to make all of us look much more professional.
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Christopher H. Jansmann
Manager, Information Technology
Website Version 9.0 (May 15, 2012)
Our website continues to grow through interaction with its users. Have a comment or question? Let us know through our Technical Support form.