University Magazine Summer 2001 - Saint Mary's University of ...

SMU on the WWW
Changes to SMU website
reflect changes
in the university
Over the last two years, we have
been thinking of ways to
make SMU’s main website
(www.smumn.edu) a better place.
Our university system now serves a
much greater community than it did
even just a few
years ago.
We began
the process of
redesigning the
website by defining
our current
model. Currently,
our site is divided
A. Eric Heukeshoven into eight general
Web Site Manager sections (Academics,
Activities/
Athletics, Facilities,
Faculty/
Staff, Admission, Alumni, General Info,
Twin Cities campus) that essentially ask
a visitor, “What are you looking for?”
After many discussions with a diverse
group of individuals and groups, we
decided to change our model from
“What” to “Who” – “Who are you and
how can we help?” With the “who”
question determining a visitor’s direction,
we find three groups as our primary
focus: Prospective Students,
Alumni & Friends, and News and Information
seekers.
The Prospective Student section
will focus on programs offered at
SMU, admissions, financial aid and
scholarships, and information about
the various SMU campuses and facilities.
With the general move towards
better Internet connections (broadband),
we plan to increase the
amount of audio/visual content on
our website. Prospective students
will, for example, be able to take a
series of “One Minute Walkthroughs”
of various
locations.
Alumni &
Friends will find a
wealth of information
to help
them stay connected
with
SMU. Plans for
this section of the
website include a
nationwide
events calendar, a
communications
section for email
addresses, mentoring
groups,
etc., links to
alumni publications,
and up-todate
pictures and
video from recent alumni events.
We know that many visitors to
our site are looking for general information.
The News & Information
section will highlight the mission and
history of SMU, offer links to directories
and contacts for faculty and
staff, as well as university publications,
press releases, sports information
and much more.
Just as important as changes in
organization and content will be a
fresh new look. Our goals in redefining
the website are to make it simple to
navigate, easy to read and fun to visit.
Once the new site is online, our continuing
mission will be to keep the
information fresh and ever-changing.
Bookmark the SMU website
today if you haven’t done so already.
Beginning this fall, you’ll want to
check back regularly.
SMILE, YOU’RE ON WEBCAM!
Live video gives visitors a 24/7 look at what’s happening on campus.
WELCOME TO ROB McCOLL
In January, the Public Information
Office welcomed Rob McColl to its
staff as web site technician. Rob
works on maintaining day-to-day
operations of the external web site.
He is also directly involved in our
efforts to bring the redesigned website
online. In addition to his web
duties, Rob is a skilled visual artist
and teaches as adjunct faculty in the
Art Department here at SMU.
WEBCAM IS 24/7
Is it raining in Winona? What’s happening
on campus today? See for
yourself … the SMU Live Streaming
WebCam is now online and waiting
for your visit. The WebCam features
live 24 hour-a-day video from a variety
of locations on the Winona campus.
Point your browser to
http://www.smumn.edu/webcam/ to
see what’s happening! ≠
16 SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE