Wayne State will soon introduce its next communications campaign aimed at increasing the university’s student enrollment and strengthening its academic reputation. Prior to the unveiling of the new campaign, expect to see a redesigned Web site with a different style and better functionality.
The Web Communications unit from the Office of Marketing and Communications formed a committee in 2007 to help determine how the university’s Web site and its home page can become an easier, more useful tool for students, faculty and staff.
“We pulled together a committee from around campus to develop needs, wants and ideas for the new home page,” says Nick DeNardis, manager, Web Communications. "Many students that we interviewed expressed interest in seeing a more interactive Wayne State Web site that would be more competitive with the sites of other universities their friends might be attending."
“The new design,” according to DeNardis, “both expresses the university brand and better utilizes the space and information on the home page.”
Fewer clicks, easier access
When the recontructed site debuts, it will offer easier access to Pipeline—the most-used item on the home page.
Another change will be the search button, which is the second most-used feature on the home page. The search tool will have higher visibility and a quick-search option to find results faster.
Overall, the home page will conveniently allow you to get from point A to point B with fewer mouse clicks.
Aesthetic appeal
The new design of the university’s Web site has been carefully crafted to appeal to prospective students and their parents and help current students quickly locate information on programs, news and events. The new home page will support the communications campaign and more accurately personify the spirit of the university’s campus and community.
"This campaign was created with the help of many people across campus—students, faculty and staff," says Michael Wright, associate vice president, Office of Marketing and Communications.
"One of the primary goals is to enhance our reputation. Wayne State is a great educational institution, but it’s much more than that. It is an institution where students graduate with a level of preparedness that assures they are ready to hit the ground working."
The improved Web site, presented to and approved by the President’s Cabinet, Council of Deans and Board of Governors, will launch in early July. The campaign will follow. You will learn more about the campaign in future editions of Life@Wayne.
Tell us what you think
The Web site was launched several days after this story was originally published. Now that you've had the opportunity to see it for yourself, what is your opinion on the new design? Post your comments in Viewpoints.
