Easier access to content, better organization and a new look and feel. These were on Mount Saint Vincent University’s list of requests when a new website was being planned. The Mount worked closely with ISL and recently launched a new website to better meet the needs of potential and current students.
“Keeping our content fresh and relevant is crucial; having the ability to update whenever we need to is a huge benefit,” explains Lauren Leal, Communications Advisor, Mount Saint Vincent University. “Our goal is to have the website be timely and updated given it’s a tool that students use every day and an important source of information for potential students.”
With evidence suggesting that an increasing number of prospective students were surfing the Web and making their initial decision of where to apply based on a university’s homepage—a website redesign became part of the University’s strategic plan.
Website Redesign
In late January 2009, the Mount contracted Internet Solutions Limited (ISL), a Halifax-based web marketing and development company, to design and build the new website. ISL also assisted the Mount’s web redesign team in leading a number of discovery sessions and focus groups with students, faculty and staff. Information gathered at these sessions, paired with ISL’s research and knowledge of website best practices, is reflected in the design and architecture of the new site.
Content reduction and migration was one of the biggest challenges for the Mount. The previous website contained over 10,000 pages, and many of these pages had not been viewed in months. In consultation with the Mount’s key internal stakeholders, they were able to review the content and determine what should be migrated to the new site.
“We were successful in reducing the content by 75%, introducing a new web design and structure and launching the site within 10 months,” explains Sonya Horsburgh, lead on the Mount’s web development team.
The Power of a CMS
The new website has a simple, modern green and white color scheme, and a content management system (CMS), allowing for real-time content updates. The new homepage is dominated by a large graphic banner that links to university mission and vision statements, distance education offerings, and the athletics and recreation page.
Visitors to the site will find links to information pertaining to prospective, current, mature and international students, alumnae, parents, guidance counsellors, and prospective employees. News headlines and event listings, as well as links to the Mount's Facebook page, Twitter account, YouTube channel, and Flickr gallery are also on the homepage.
“Today’s students are the first generation to grow up on the Web,” says Malcolm Fraser, President of ISL. “They have high demands online and this was the right time for the Mount to rebuild their website. We are very excited to have been a part of such a great project.”
While it was a complex project, the website is helping the Mount change the perception in the marketplace - representing a warm and welcoming place to obtain a higher level of education. The new website is described by some users as inviting, innovative and modern.
When the website launched on November 17, there was immediate feedback from students and other stakeholders. One Mount student tweeted: “The new website is AMAZING. I am so proud of my school! Best university!”
For those looking to attend university, a website is a key research tool. Mount Saint Vincent University’s new website, now offering a great user experience, is an important part of the University’s recruitment of new students and staying connected with current students, faculty and staff.
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