The new www.wcu.edu features a fresh look and feel, improved usability, and a greater focus on prospective students and other external audiences. The redesign also includes the implementation of RedDot, a content management system that will make the site easier to manage and maintain.

In addition to improved navigation, users should notice a wider use of photography and color across the new site, as well as a set of rotating features that showcase the unique spirit, people and programs of WCU and, in the process, distinguish the university from its peers said Newton Smith, director of Web services.

One of the most prominent features of the new site is the "audience gateways" for current students, recently accepted students, parents, counselors, faculty and staff, alumni, and community members so that these groups can conveniently find their most important information in one place. The gateways can be accessed from every page of the new site.

The university’s top tier pages--About, Admissions, Academics, Student Life, Giving, Alumni, and News and Events—are the first pages to be brought into the new design. The remainder of the WCU Web site will follow as soon as the content can be developed. The Office of Web Services is in the process of establishing priorities for site redesign with the Web Advisory Council in consultation with Provost Kyle R. Carter. Academic programs and areas affecting admissions and recruitment will take precedence.

"We're excited about unveiling the new Web site,” said Smith.  “We hope everyone is pleased with this phase of the redesign, but there is still a lot to do. It's going to be a little like remodeling a few rooms while you're still living in the rest of the house since the top tier pages represent a fraction of the total pages on the university site that will still need to be redesigned and re-edited.”

Following today’s launch, representatives from mStoner will visit campus in November to train approximately 30 Web managers across campus who will, in turn, train others.

On the heels of today’s Web site launch, WCU’s new, integrated events calendar is scheduled for launch in the coming weeks. An exciting addition to WCU’s Web presence, the new calendar will allow users to conveniently view and search for current and future university events.

To learn more about the WCU Web site redesign project and content management system, visit http://www.wcu.edu/it/webredesign/index.html or contact Newt Smith, director of Web services, at 227-2411 or smithn@email.wcu.edu  .