June 29, 2009 — Today the University of Miami launched its redesigned Web site, which will significantly enhance the online experience enjoyed by users throughout the UM community as well as external visitors.
The product of extensive research, benchmarking and analysis, design, and development, the new site is a joint project by University Communications and Information Technology.
Among the key features of the new site:
• The primary navigation has been improved by being reorganized by content rather than audiences. Secondary navigation is based on key constituencies.
• Its streamlined and aesthetically appealing design highlights the University’s new visual identity.
• A higher degree of interactivity, with more dynamic news, feature, and video content.
The home page has been dramatically revamped to highlight key institutional messages and vibrant photography as well as the latest news and events. The UM News Center, accessible from the home page, includes a robust mix of news, features, and multimedia content.
The new site and its content have been developed using the Expression Engine content management system (CMS). To find a suitable solution to meet the needs of the University’s Web presence, more than 60 content management solutions were compared on 163 distinct feature and functionality items. Several core business and feature requirements were used as selection and rating criteria for initial evaluations.
A cross-functional, University CMS Search Committee was formed, and at the end of the research and evaluation process, it selected Expression Engine.
The Web site launch, which is limited to the University’s top-tier site, is just the first phase of building out the University’s new Web presence. Over time, more pages will be redeveloped using the new CMS and design.
During any major overhaul of a Web site as large and comprehensive as UM's, additional fine-tuning is likely to take place. Anyone who has direct responsibility for creating and maintaining Web pages that were a part of the redesign should review their pages to be sure the pages display properly and that the content is current. If you are experiencing problems, contact Web Development and Support at 305-284-3071,
e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or click the "Send Technical Feedback" button at the bottom of every Web page.
