Mastering the Web
by Bob Edwards
When most people need to find information, they turn to the internet first—and often exclusively. Prospective students and their parents are no exception.
Increasingly, an individual’s first impression of Western Kentucky University is formed by a visit to the WKU website. If he or she doesn’t like what they see there, they may never get to our physical location to see the results of our campus beautification efforts or experience what we call the “WKU spirit.”
WKU recently commissioned a survey of high school juniors and seniors in Louisville, Lexington and Northern Kentucky. More than 80 percent cited college Web sites as their main source of information, ranking well above high school counselors, campus visits and mailings. Such survey data proves how critical a resource the WKU website has become to WKU’s continued success and growth.
With this in mind, the office of University Relations conducted an audit of University Web pages, finding many that contained outdated information and broken links. This can be a quick turnoff to computer-savvy students (and parents) of today.
But don’t panic—University Relations can help!
On Sept. 23, members of the University Relations staff held the first of several meetings designed to open regular communication with those across campus assigned the task of maintaining college and departmental Web sites. In addition, the University Relations Web manager, Bruce Davis, has designed a template that can be used to bring a consistent look to the opening pages across campus departments. This template, which can be tailored to individual departments, can be easily updated—and Bruce can help you get started.
Enhancing the effectiveness, appearance, and usability of the WKU website is truly a campus-wide effort. This support group of campus Webmasters will help ensure that WKU will make a good impression on those visiting via the Web. If you are responsible for a departmental website and haven’t been contacted by University Relations, please e-mail Media Relations Director Bob Skipper at bob.skipper@wku.edu.
Bob Edwards is the assistant vice president for University Relations.
Home
Commentary
Professional Activities
University Libraries
Archive
Editorial Staff