New USU Web Site Launches Dec. 22

Utah State University's Web site will sport a new look and feel beginning December 22.

 

A completely new design and much-improved navigational features culminate nearly a year of behind-the-scenes work, under the direction of University Webmaster Ben Renard-Wiart.

 

The project was initiated following university-wide discussions regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the current site.

 

"The new Web site will offer more intuitive navigation and better access to university information," Renard-Wiart said. “Accessibility and usability also are improved.”

 

“This redesign is a positive reflection of Utah Sate University and one that enhances the university’s overall image,” said John DeVilbiss, executive director, Public Relations & Marketing. “In the electronic world, this is the university’s front door and it should be as appealing and inviting as possible.”

 

Once inside, the internal structure of the Web site is equally important as its look and feel.

 

Renard-Wiart, who joined Public Relations & Marketing in February to direct the University Web Communications unit, said his objective is to create and maintain a better consistency across the main levels of the university Web site.

 

He said the unveiling of the new site is only “the first stone” of the university’s Web structure foundation. This first phase has focused on the top levels of the university Web site and a few offices. In the months ahead, he said, additional administrative office Web sites will be updated and merged into the new design.

 

A different navigation bar with fewer links replaces the current bar on the top of the Web site (the one including Webmail, directories, etc.).

 

“We are asking Webmasters, staff and students updating Web pages to make the change on these links as they can during this transition period,” he said. “We are also deploying a new Web server. For people currently on the Web server who haven’t switched yet to the new one, don’t worry. The current Web server will stay available for now, and we will redirect the links correctly.”

 

He said it is not unusual if some links are broken during this process. Anyone experiencing linkage issues on their Web site after the Dec. 22 should contact Renard-Wiart.

 

If anyone has questions, please contact Renard-Wiart.