Fairfield University’s new official website, complete with a bright color scheme and revamped layout, was launched Friday, January 21 after more than a year of work.with vibrant animated pictures, the result is in quite an eye-catching and lively site.
Additional tabs, information and links have been added, making www.Fairfield.edu more user-friendly than in the past.
“We implemented a new content management system which changes how the website is built and maintained.” said Laura Johnson, the university webmaster.
This content management system enables individuals of various departments and offices to keep their specific field’s web pages updated and working.
To do this, the university enlisted the help of an interactive marketing agency, BigBad. This Boston-based agency collaborated with a university web committee to enhance both the site design and content.
While the site is now easier for users to navigate, the behind-the-scenes work in creating and maintaining these 5,000 web pages proves to be more complicated.
“The goal of the project was to create a site that reflects the dynamism that is Fairfield University; [it] expresses the university character and brand; incorporates best practices in technology and enables the institution’s web presence to grow as Fairfield grows.” stated Martha Milcarek, facilitator of the university web committee.
This new website is part of a continuing effort to keep the university technologically advanced. Fairfield’s other website, Stagweb, has also undergone new renovations.
Recently, Stagweb was made available 24 hours a day.
In the past, site access would be closed for two hours each night for updates, posing a problem for students studying abroad in different time zones. Stagweb also received a new look and layout that students find appealing.
The website was closed for construction briefly and then debuted to Fairfield’s inner community.
This leaves time to work out initial kinks before external promotion. So far, students are pleased with the improved site.
“I always thought Fairfield’s website was kind of pale compared to a lot of other school’s websites,” said Katie Neugebauer ’08. “The new website really makes the university stand out.”
“It’s so much easier to use and I like that it highlights distinguished students and faculty,” she added.
“It’s good that the university is trying to keep up with changing technology. Minor shutdowns for construction are worth it in the end,” said Neugebauer.
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