Committee Proposal for Western Idaho College Department of Student Life Web Site Student Affairs.com

1
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

2
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 Vice-President of Student Affairs.

3
Proposal Overview

• Institutional Mission
• Student Life Philosophy
• Purpose/Importance of Web site
• Method of Evaluating Web site
• Critique of Web site
• Recommendations
• Limitations
• Conclusion

4
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.

5
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.

6
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.

7
The Importance of theStudent 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 todays technology. Pew Internet Project
Survey Analysis Mary Madden, Research
Specialist. http//www.pewinternet.org
8
The Importance of theStudent 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.
9
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 todays technology. Pew Internet Project
Survey Analysis Mary Madden, Research
Specialist. http//www.pewinternet.org
10
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

11
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
12
Basic Values for Student Affairs Web Sites
When evaluating a web site, the following values
should be taken into consideration

• Inclusive
• Representative
• Active
• Informative
• Interactive
• Current
• Convenient

• Community Building
• Developmental
• Learning Focused
• Clarity
• Accountability
• Accessibility

Barratt, W. (2001). Models for Evaluating Student
Affairs Web Sites. Sudent Affairs Online, 2
(Spring).
13
Committees 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
14
Committees 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
15
Committees 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
16
Committees 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).
17
Committees 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 institutions mascot, therefore fails to meet
  the Inclusive value.

Barratt, W. (2001). Models for Evaluating Student
Affairs Web Sites. Sudent Affairs Online, 2
(Spring).
18
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.
19
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
• 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.)

20
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

21
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

22
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

23
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

24

• 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.

25
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

26
Effective ImplementationInvolving 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)

27
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.
28
The FutureInnovations

• 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)

29
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.

30
THANK YOU