Ellingsburg University Expanded Web Presence: Portal Implementation Created By: Jaci Czarnecki Maria Duckett Sarah Morris Allie Timberlake New York University

Expanded Web Presence Ellingsburg University plans to upgrade their university website to create a sleek new interface for the university population. In addition to creating a site that includes an improved design and branding elements on each page, Ellingsburg will employ the use of web portals for their constituents. These portals will allow each student, faculty member, staff member, and alum to create a more personalized web environment. Ellingsburgs mission calls for a unique experience for each member of their university community. From campus traditions to the residential program, all who pride themselves as Spartans will have the opportunity to further individualize their Ellingsburg experience through the enhanced web options.

As Ellingsburg students and staff move toward a more technologically enhanced era, it is important to incorporate more modern tools for communication, information gathering, and learning. Web portals allow for this type of interaction by enabling the users to select and design features that are of personal interest and pertinence. In general, web portals are effective because they are: User-friendly - Single logon allows user access to individualized information (i.e., academic, financial, and other personal records) Personalized web content - Users select interest-based web features such as academic calendars, sporting events, and local weather. Increased campus communication - Links provide direct access to selected campus resources like campus directories, career services, and university maintenance offices. Why a customized portal?

Implementation In designing and implementing the web portal, University staff understand the importance of eliciting constructive ideas, opinions and feedback. As a result, the Development Team has decided that there should be a group of no more than ten University representatives, from all sectors of the university community, working to implement the project. These individuals should include representatives from: Academic Affairs Administration Student Affairs Administration Faculty Students Information Technology Professionals

Evaluation Once the portal has been implemented, the Development Team intends to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the project while simultaneously assessing user satisfaction by conducting three sets of focus groups in conjunction with an online satisfaction survey. The evaluation will be executed according to the following timeline: Three focus groups will be conducted: 1) prior to university wide implementation 2) 1 month after implementation 3) 3-6 months after implementation The online user satisfaction survey will appear as a pop-up in conjunction with the 1 month focus group.

Technology Based Systems In creating the portal initiative, the Development Team has identified four technology based systems that are essential components for implementation. The systems will be accessed through a single sign-on found on the Ellingsburg University homepage. The Team agrees that by locating the portal access directly on the current University web presence, it will facilitate the use and customization of the portal by students, faculty, staff, and alumni. University affiliates will use their University ID and password to pass through the initial sign on. They will then be linked to the portal and consequently, to the following technology based systems: Webmail Blackboard Web advisor - Academic Records - Financial Statements - Other personal information Research tools

Individualized Portal Creation To more fully explain the benefits and personalization behind the portal concept, please participate in the following interactive example: Meet Suzy. Suzy is a resident student at Ellingsburg University who is setting up her portal for the first time. She studies biology and enjoys swimming and theatre. As she goes through the three simple steps to customize her portal, she is sure to incorporate her interests and needs to create a personalized hub of information online. These are the steps that Suzy must take: 1) Sign on to the portal through the university homepage using her net ID and password. 2) Select each channel to choose her preferred options and features. These options and features will be in addition to the three standard features: , About Ellingsburg, and Blackboard. 3) Customize layout, font, and background of portal via (Edit) links.

Ellingsburg University About UsAcademicsAdmissionsAlumniAthleticsServices 1600 North Rd. Ellingsburg, NH 00210Campus Directory My Ellingsburg User Name: sjones Sign On (click here) Fast Facts About Ellingsburg University Small, liberal arts university steeped in tradition 3,200 students, 6 residence halls, 3 dining halls, and 1 gymnasium Student-faculty ratio is 4:1 Individualized instruction, collaboration among all our students, and leadership For more information, contact our Admissions Office at (314) Annual Winter Fest THIS WEEK! Monday – Snow Sculpture Competition in the quad at 3 pm Tuesday – Hot Chocolate and Ice Age in Smith Hall at 8 pm Thursday – Snowball fight on the football field at 4 pm Friday – Snowflake Formal in Percy Hall at 9 pm Password: *******

Ellingsburg University Please choose from the following list of options to customize your portal. Academics Campus Life Campus Resources News & Events Other Features FAQ

Ellingsburg University Academics Please choose from the following list of Academic options to customize your portal. Major 1: Biology Major 2: Minor 1: Minor 2: Office of Academic Affairs Web Advisor o Bursar o Course Catalogs o Financial Aid o Registrar o Student Schedule o Unofficial Transcripts Blackboard Bookstore Centers and Institutes Faculty Grants Faculty Publications Library & Databases o Hours & Location o Due Dates/Online Renewals o Research Assistance Partnerships and Outreach Faculty and Institutional Research Initiatives Advising Computing & Computer Services First Year Experience Academic-Year Internships Study Abroad Academic Support Services o Peer Tutoring o Language Labs o Writing Center Faculty Grants Faculty Publications Library & Databases o Hours & Location o Due Dates/Online Renewals o Research Assistance Partnerships and Outreach Faculty and Institutional Research Initiatives Advising Computing & Computer Services First Year Experience Academic-Year Internships Study Abroad Academic Support Services o Peer Tutoring o Language Labs o Writing Center Campus Life Main Menu

Ellingsburg University Campus Life Please choose from the following list of Campus Life selections to customize your portal. Student Handbook o Student Conduct Codes Student Activities Undergraduate Student Government Commuter Student Services Service Learning Options Religious Life Special Programs Offices Office of Multicultural Affairs Campus Life Center Arts & Performances on Campus Athletics o Club Sports o Intramurals o Division Teams Room Reservations Event Planning Office Campus Maps Housing Options Residence Life Judicial Affairs Dining Services Dining Menus Health Services Counseling Services International Programming Fitness Centers: Hours of operation, location, schedules, membership Computer Facilities Room Reservations Event Planning Office Campus Maps Housing Options Residence Life Judicial Affairs Dining Services Dining Menus Health Services Counseling Services International Programming Fitness Centers: Hours of operation, location, schedules, membership Computer Facilities Campus Resources Main Menu

Ellingsburg University Campus Resources Please choose from the following list of Campus Resources to customize your portal. Campus Phone/ directory Administrative Departments Student Affairs Offices/Contacts Human Resources Post Office Campus Shuttle Schedule Research Maintenance Campus Police/Safety Accounts Payable Office for International Students Career Services o Student Employment o Professional Job Seekers Maintenance Campus Police/Safety Accounts Payable Office for International Students Career Services o Student Employment o Professional Job Seekers Main MenuNews & Events

Ellingsburg University News & Events Please choose from the following list of News & Events to customize your portal. News: Ellingsburg Today Press Releases Alumni News Faculty Government Agendas Faculty Government Decisions Student Government Agendas Student Government Decisions New York Times Front Page The Chronicle Front Page On-campus events calendar: today, tomorrow Off-campus events calendar: today, this week, this month Lexis-Nexis CNN Events: University Wide Events Calendar Academic Year Calendar Administration Calendar Alumni Event Calendar Arts & Performance Calendar Athletics Calendar Club Event Calendar Student Government Calendar Faculty Calendar Financial Aid Calendar Food Services Calendar Health Center Calendar Housing Calendar Lecture (speaker series) Calendar Library Calendar Events: University Wide Events Calendar Academic Year Calendar Administration Calendar Alumni Event Calendar Arts & Performance Calendar Athletics Calendar Club Event Calendar Student Government Calendar Faculty Calendar Financial Aid Calendar Food Services Calendar Health Center Calendar Housing Calendar Lecture (speaker series) Calendar Library Calendar Main MenuOther Features & FAQs

Ellingsburg University Other Features & FAQs Please choose from the following list to customize your portal. Other Features: University History University Mission University Traditions University Directory University Slide Show Student Profiles Weather Search Engine Horoscope Online Chat/Bulletin Board Links to Transportation Fun Facts about Ellingsburg FAQs: What is my username and password? Your first initial and the first 7 letters of your last name. Your password is your student ID number. Do I have to access the portal? Since is a major means of communication on campus, you must access the portal to activate your . The rest of the portal is customized to your preferences and if you choose to, you may utilize it only to check and send e- mail. FAQs: What is my username and password? Your first initial and the first 7 letters of your last name. Your password is your student ID number. Do I have to access the portal? Since is a major means of communication on campus, you must access the portal to activate your . The rest of the portal is customized to your preferences and if you choose to, you may utilize it only to check and send e- mail. Main MenuEnter Completed Portal

Ellingsburg University Welcome Suzy! 3 new messages About Ellingsburg: University Information & Traditions Friday, Feb. 25, 2005 Fun fact of the day: Academics Campus Life Campus Resources FAQs Other Features (Edit) 26º F Sunny Blackboard WebAdvisor Biology Department click here for calendar of upcoming events Tuesday, February 22- 6pm- Careers in Marine Biology, Grey Building, Room 101 Friday, February 25- 7pm- Grand Opening of New Lab Facilities, Grey Building Lounge News & Events News Ellingsburg Today New York Times Campus Events Ellingsburg Ellingsburg Players Present: Guys and Dolls February 7pm in the Logan Theatre. Tickets $5 Auditions Cabaret February 26 and in the Logan Theatre. Prepare a song and be ready to dance! Athletics Swim meet schedule (all meets are at 5pm) 2/23 Ellingsburg v. Spartansburg (H) 2/25 Monroe v. Ellingsburg (A) 3/1 Ellingsburg v. Harvard (H) 3/15 NCAA Trinity Student Activities- events for the week (click for future events) Tuesday, February 22-7pm- Napoleon Dynamite Student Union Wednesday, February 23- 8:30pm- Open Mic Night, Coffee Shop Friday, February 25- 9pm- Hawaiian Luau Dance- Student Union Cafeteria Menu Specials Tacos Vegetarian Chili Salmon Student Government Announcements Thursday, February 24- 7pm- Campus Open Forum- Come out and voice your campus concerns. Student Union Research Career Services Tuesday, February 22- 4pm- Resume Writing Workshop- Office of Career Services Friday, February pm- Internship Fair- Student Union Campus shuttle schedule Campus phone/ directory

Conclusion As is evident through our demonstration, Ellingsburg students, faculty, staff, and alumni could benefit greatly from the implementation of a University web portal. The personalization options available through web portals facilitate communication, interaction, and education and ultimately serve as a gateway into campus life and information. By encouraging campus-wide communication through the features like the campus events calendars, academic updates, and student services program listings, the web portal connects students to the University community. This connection creates a bond between the University and the student body, thus increasing student satisfaction and positively affecting the retention rates of our students. Ellingsburg University prides itself in maintaining an individualized campus environment for all of its affiliates. The institution has consistently strived to establish University features that distinguish these values and the incorporation of a University web portal further supports this goal. Finally, as society moves toward a more interactive and technological era, it is essential that institutions of higher education follow suit. Therefore, Ellingsburg University needs to remain current with advancements in technology. A personalized web portal is the ideal way to attain this end while preserving the institutional character.

References Frazee, J. (2001). Charting a smooth course for portal development: San Diego State University. Educause Quarterly. 3(24), Retrieved on February 21, 2005 from Olson, F. (2002, August). The power of portals: More colleges create web portals that can be customized to help students and professors. The Chronicle of Higher Education. 48(48), A42. Zazelenchuk, T., E. Bowling. (2003). Considering user satisfaction in designing web- based portals. Educause Quarterly. 26(1), Retrieved on February 21, 2005 from