University Website redesigned

The university is revamping its presence on the World Wide Web. The site first began six years ago when the Fresno State homepage was created for a special exhibit at the Fresno Metropolitan Museum. Two years later, in 1996, a redesign of the homepage was completed.

In the fall of 1998, President John Welty identified the need for upgrading Fresno State's Website in response to the changing needs of the university. The Web design team was then formed and began work in April 1999 under the direction of John Zelezny, assistant vice president for University Relations.

Members of the Web design team are coordinator Candace Egan (Academic Affairs), Kay Conner, Priscilla Helling, April Schulthies and Deeann Tozlian (University Relations), and Greg Gaither and Michael Juarez (Information Technology Services). After extensive research of university Websites from across the country, the Web design team focused on development of a new visual image and user-friendly navigation. The team's work has led to the development of a Web page design intended to be visually appealing.

The new site will provide a consistent and cohesive image representative of the quality of the university. The university's homepage design also incorporates several features intended to make navigation through the Website easy and efficient. These include audience paths that direct users to information tailored for groups such as Prospective Students, Current Students and Alumni. Direct links to information such as Academics, Athletics and the Library are also provided along with a shortcut feature that lists additional frequently used resources.

Also included is a navigation bar at the bottom of the screen that provides links to further campuswide information resources, including a search engine, Website directory and campus maps and tours. To view the latest examples of the homepage and the Prospective Student page, go to the test site at http://testwww.fresno.com/csufresno.edu.

As part of the redesign process, a new search engine will be developed. This search engine will enable users to find Web links for official campus homepages regardless of the server used. A registration process will be used to facilitate inclusion of homepages in the search engine. The registration process will be available online in July.

July 1 is the target date for the main university Web pages developed by the team to go online. Prior to that time, Web page templates and graphics files will be available. Additionally, in the fall an addendum to the Standards for Graphics and Communications manual will be provided containing policies and guidelines for the Web. Questions and comments about the new Web design should be directed to Candace Egan, Web design team coordinator, (559) 278-5070 or candace@csufresno.edu.