Transcript Committee Proposal for Western Idaho College Department of Student Life Web Site Student Affairs.com Virtual Case Study Competition Syracuse University Rommel Abad Ryan Ceresnak Michele Fischetti Brad Troy.

Committee Proposal for
Western Idaho College
Department of Student Life Web Site
Student Affairs.com Virtual Case Study Competition
Syracuse University
Rommel Abad
Ryan Ceresnak
Michele Fischetti
Brad Troy
Case Overview
As a committee, we were charged to
critique the current Western Idaho College
Department of Student Life Web site and
present recommendations to the VicePresident of Student Affairs.
Proposal Overview
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Institutional Mission
Student Life Philosophy
Purpose/Importance of Web site
Method of Evaluating Web site
Critique of Web site
Recommendations
Limitations
Conclusion
Summary of
Institutional Mission
To serve as a distinct and unique institution among
public institutions to provide undergraduate
education of the highest quality to a diverse student
population, which encourages students to develop
intellectual, humanitarian, and leadership skills
that will enhance their potential for service in all
areas of human endeavor.
Proposed Philosophy of
Student Life
The Department of Student Life at Western Idaho
College strives to provide an inclusive environment
that challenges and supports student learning through
co-curricular programming and leadership
opportunities that fosters the development of holistic
individuals.
Proposed Purpose of
Student Life Web Site
The Western Idaho College (WIC) Student Life
website will deepen an understanding and
appreciation of the mission and philosophy of
Student Life, while enhancing the campus learning
environment and providing exceptional services to
the campus and greater community.
The Importance of the
Student Life Web Site
According to Pew Internet Project Survey in
2002:
– 85% of students own their own computer
– 86% have gone online, compared with 59% of
the general population
– 49% of students first began using the Internet in
college
Jones, S. et. al (2002). The Internet Goes to College: How students are living in the future
with today’s technology. Pew Internet Project Survey Analysis: Mary Madden, Research
Specialist. http://www.pewinternet.org
The Importance of the
Student Life Web Site
According to the National Freshmen Survey in 1999:
– 63.5 of students used a personal computer
– 54% used the Internet for research and homework
– 52% of student communicated via e-mail
According to the National Freshmen Survey in 2001:
– 82% of students used a personal computer
– 74.5% used the Internet for research and homework
– 69.3% of student communicated via e-mail
Source: “The American Freshmen : National Norms” Published by American Council on Education and the
University of California at Los Angeles Higher Education Research Institute. 1999-2001.
Therefore College Students Are . . .
• Spending more time on the Internet
• Integrating the Internet into daily routine and
communication habits
• Using the internet to interact with others and with
information as they go about their studies
•Becoming more technology and Internet savvy
Jones, S. et. al (2002). The Internet Goes to College: How students are living in the future with
today’s technology. Pew Internet Project Survey Analysis: Mary Madden, Research Specialist.
http://www.pewinternet.org
Target Audience
In the development of a Web site, multiple
constituents should be considered.
•Students: inform students of services and activities to
help engage students in learning experiences
•Faculty: connect with students and connect curricular
and co-curricular activities
•Staff: encourage collaboration between departments
•Parents: help parents remain informed and engaged
•Community/General Public: support connection with
local community
Method of Evaluating Web Site
Innovative Student Affairs Web sites are
divided into five categories:
•Resource Information
•Service Delivery
•Information Dissemination
•Surveys and Research
•Student Learning
Seabreeze, J.R. (1997). Student Affairs World Wide Web sites. New Directions for Student Services. No.78
Basic Values for Student
Affairs Web Sites
When evaluating a web site, the following values
should be taken into consideration:
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Inclusive
Representative
Active
Informative
Interactive
Current
Convenient
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Community Building
Developmental
Learning Focused
Clarity
Accountability
Accessibility
Barratt, W. (2001). Models for Evaluating Student Affairs Web Sites. Sudent Affairs Online, 2 (Spring).
Committee’s Critique of
Current Web Site
Resource Information
• The Student Life Department pages provide little
information about services available
• There are no links to other departments, policies,
procedures, etc.
Service Delivery
• The site is not designed to provide direct services
to students and others, such as a Residence Life
Facility Work Order Request and Career Services
Job Postings.
Seabreeze, J.R. (1997). Student Affairs World Wide Web sites. New Directions for Student Services. No.78
Committee’s Critique of
Current Web Site
Information Dissemination
• The site does not share information about the
department with students and others, such as
virtual tours of the residence halls, dining, and
orientation schedules.
Surveys and Research
• The site does not provide opportunities for
students to offer feedback about the department.
• The lack of surveys is a missed opportunity for
the Division of Student Affairs to further learn the
needs of students.
Seabreeze, J.R. (1997). Student Affairs World Wide Web sites. New Directions for Student Services. No.78
Committee’s Critique of
Current Web Site
Student Learning
• The site is not dedicated to extend student
learning beyond the classroom and student life
programs, such as investigate academic and
career options, and begin the graduate school or
job search process.
Seabreeze, J.R. (1997). Student Affairs World Wide Web sites. New Directions for Student Services. No.78
Committee’s Critique of
Current Web Site
• The Student Life site is not student-centered, and
therefore fails to meet two of the basic values.
• Interactive and Developmental
There is no mention of how students can become
involved through the department such as a
Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader, etc.
Barratt, W. (2001). Models for Evaluating Student Affairs Web Sites. Sudent Affairs Online, 2 (Spring).
Committee’s Critique of
Current Web Site
• The Student Life site is not user-friendly, and
therefore fails to meet two additional values.
• Active and Current
– The site contains dead links (Career Services)
– One site is “Under Construction” (Residential Life)
• The Athletics page states an issue surrounding the
institution’s mascot, therefore fails to meet the
Inclusive value.
Barratt, W. (2001). Models for Evaluating Student Affairs Web Sites. Sudent Affairs Online, 2 (Spring).
Our committee presents the
following recommendations to
further enhance the Student Life
Web site and each office in order
to provide students excellent
services to optimize their
learning and developmental
outcomes.
Recommendations for
Web Site
• Within the Department of Student Life Web Site, each
office should maintain their own web page.
• Each page should include pertinent information about
that office.
• Each individual office page should also include the
following information:
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Mission & Values of the Office
Statement by the Director
Office Location and Hours
Pictures and Contact Information of Staff and Students
Traditions of the Office
Policies and Procedures of the Office
Downloadable Services (ie. Forms, information sheets, etc.)
Recommendations:
Office of Residence Life
•We recommend that this page include the following information
and services:
–Descriptions, rates, pictures, floor plans, virtual tours of residence
halls, and online housing lottery processes and procedures
–Downloadable and electronic work request forms, and RA
applications
–Outline of Judicial Process
–Resident Director and Resident Assistant Directory
–Topical resources on such topics as:
•Transitioning to Residential Living
•Roommate Conflict Issues
•Coming Out to Your Roommate and/or Floor
–Links to applicable offices: Dining Services, Computing Services,
Judicial Affairs, LGBT Student Services
Recommendations:
Orientation Program
•We recommend that this page include the following information
and services:
–How to become an Orientation Aide
–Summer/Fall Orientation Information
•Dates
•Online Registration
•Schedule
•What to Bring
•Family Programs – purpose, schedule, etc.
•Local Hotel Information, Directions to WIC, Campus Map
–Frequently Asked Questions about the Program
–Links to applicable offices: Admissions, Residence Life,
Financial Aid, Academic Advising, and Registration
Recommendations:
Athletics Office
•We recommend that this page encompass all of Recreation
Services offered at WIC, and include the following information
and services:
–Intramural League team rosters, forms, and schedules
–Gym/Fitness Facility Hours, Policies, Staff, Online
Facility/Equipment Reservation
–Intercollegiate Athletic Team info, coach contacts, team
rosters, game schedules, online ticket sales/link to Box
Office
–Information and Schedules for Fitness, Wellness, Dance,
& other Classes Offered in the Athletic Facilities
–Links to applicable offices: Wellness and Health
Services, Advising
Recommendations:
Career Services
•We recommend that this page include the following
information:
–Job Postings
–Topical Resource Pages on Such Topics as:
•Resume Writing
•Interviewing Skills
•Job Hunting
–Career Resources Library listings
–Career Fair and Programming Information
–Online Career program/interview registration
–Alumni database
The recommendations presented
by our committee include the
five categories of an innovative
Web site, as well as the basic
values for a Student Affairs Web
site.
Effective Implementation
“No web page is better than an outdated web
page” (Komives, 1997).
• Senior staff members should take the lead and
create support for online initiatives (Ausiello, K.,
Wells, B., 1997)
• Provide ongoing staff training in information
technology
• Yearly assessment of web site
• Consistent design and guidelines
• Despite high costs, continuous investments in
technology is worthwhile in the long run
Effective Implementation
Involving Students
• Involving students in the development of the
web site:
– Form a committee consisting of students to solicit
feedback
– Utilize student workers, such as a webmaster to
update information, schedules, calendars, etc.
– Create faculty relationships by providing project
opportunities for Information Technology majors
(I.e. Internship credit)
Limitations
When implementing and utilizing online services, there
are a number of limitations that should be considered:
• Web sites are seductive alternatives to using time
productively
• The increased use of technology limits student interaction
and spawns isolation
• It is more difficult to control the quality of information
provided on a Web site
• Not all persons have equal opportunity to access technology
• It is difficult to ensure that a Web site will remain secure and
avoid hacking
Treuer, P., (1997). Current and Emerging Applications of Technology to Promote Student
Involvement and Learning. New Directions for Student Services. 78(summer), 17-30.
The Future:
Innovations
• In addition to the recommendations thus far, we
believe the following are future innovations to
further enhance the Web site in serving the
constant changing needs of students:
– Create forums for students, such as chat rooms and
online discussions geared toward leadership and
career development
– Create customized web portals to enhance student
engagement (I.e. MyUCLA web site)
Conclusion
It is our hope that this proposal provides
you a firm guideline to upgrade the
Department of Student Life Web site at
Western Idaho College. We feel our
research into this project incorporates
literature pertaining to this area of study
and considerations of the environment of
the institution.
THANK YOU