George Mason University this week launched a bold new website featuring improved navigation, a stronger focus on what makes Mason a home for experiential learning, and better alignment with the university's brand profile.
Mason's history of innovation, impact, accessibility and commitment to service are the focus of the site, which is characterized by sharp imagery, emphatic statements and exciting stories that illustrate what it means to get a Mason education.
"The goal is for us to more effectively communicate our brand, the type of university we are, the values we stand for," said Mason President Ángel Cabrera, "that we are a world-recognized research university; that we are ideally located at the heart of a thriving, globally connected community; that we are uniquely inclusive and diverse; that we offer an abundance of opportunities to our students."
Cabrera thanked the offices of Communications and Marketing and Information Technology Services, which led the project, and the many students, faculty and staff who provided input during the two-year process that culminated with this week's launch.
Gregg Banse, the university's web services manager, has overseen the project for the Office of Communications and Marketing. He said the new site is more user friendly and easier to navigate, with greater emphasis on academics, admissions, and pertinent details that prospective students demand.
The Admissions and Aid top level page is one of the first sections to roll out in the web site overhaul. TThe rollout is expected to be complete in 2017. At that time, all the parts of the web presence will be under the gmu.edu main page, managed by one content management system and incorporate key elements of the brand profile that was launched in July 2014.
"We're working to create a unified voice in messaging," Banse said. "Also, we want to make sure the user gets what they need, regardless of who owns the content."
That means checking for and eliminating duplicated information and streamlining what remains, giving the entire site a unified feel while still providing a way for each department, school or college to let its own personality shine through.
One key addition is the areas of study section, which lets a prospective student identify a topic he or she is interested in and see what the degree options are for that topic.
The web overhaul will include more robust faculty profiles.
"Students we've talked to about the site say they're looking for a good sense of what to expect when they go into one of these programs—a key part of that is who the faculty are," Banse said. "In some cases like performing arts, a key piece to the student is ‘Where has this person performed?'"
The new site also features a comprehensive university-wide events calendar with the option for customized views.
Of course, such a large undertaking requires time for a complete rollout.
The top level pages—the home page, admissions and aid, the About Mason section, and research—are all part of the first phase, with the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, Volgenau School of Engineeringand School of Dance coming online shortly thereafter this fall, Banse said.
A public forum will be held to detail the rollout for the fall and beyond. A time and date will be announced soon. Meanwhile, questions and comments about the new site can be sent to webproj@gmu.edu.