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This new post operates in the Office of
Public Relations, in close cooperation with
the Office of Information Technologies and
with the Web Task Force and Marketing Council.
It is charged with managing the content
of Rider's Web site, through the development
of policies, recommended practices,
collaboration with subject-matter leaders,
and by instituting strategic initiatives.
Initial
focus is on rebuilding the upper levels
of the Web site. In order to address
strategic needs, the office will perform
actual construction of relatively few pages.
Rather than "doing pages"
for our many content providers, we will
offer suggestions, templates, new features,
and overall structural planning.
To support the broad objective of Effective
Web Communication, desired characteristics
of the Rider Web site include:
-
accuracy
and relevance of content
-
currency
- up-to-date in today's real-time
Internet world
-
ease
of navigation - without it,
the best message may be lost
-
coherence
- the whole site should fit together
in pursuit of the University's strategic
needs
-
appearance
- reflect University theme and identity
-
visitor
orientation - not us looking
outward
-
respect
for academic expression
A
major design principle pursued is "Content
is Paramount - Simplicity
Works." Rider has a powerful
message - our commitment to excellence and
success. Cutting edge technology cannot
substitute for the message, and may even
detract from it. The fun of working with
such technology can appropriately be enjoyed
on pages more personal in nature.
The
Rider Web site was originally created in
1997, and has since grown rapidly.
It is currently being analyzed, with a series
of organizational and content improvements
being introduced. The first step was the
posting of an interim new Home Page in Spring
2000, followed by a series of new features
and promotion of common themes. Much existing
content is being progressively unfolded
to a new organization and appearance. Major
further revision will occur in 2001.
An
exciting challenge which will require teamwork
and mutual understanding, but that's part
of the Rider approach! Information
and tools for Rider page authors is now
available.
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