Web Strategy and Development Blog

Redesigned kinesiology website: A fresh look for active programs

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The redesigned kinesiology website recently launched. It’s the latest outcome of the Academic Website Project.

Academic websites have a tremendous influence on the college search process. Redesigns provide new content, design and photo/video elements.

Three specific areas we improved on kinesiology were:

Photography

Students in kinesiology undergraduate programs
All five of kinesiology’s undergraduate degree programs have hands-on learning opportunities for students.

Kinesiology has eight overall degree programs. However, the department lacked current photos.

Through several photo sessions, we gave the kinesiology website an appearance overhaul.

Getting new photos creates an accurate depiction of their programs.

Respiratory therapy students during a class.
The respiratory therapy program includes a clinical portion.

Clear application/admission language

We made it easier for future students to major in a kinesiology program.

Each program sub-site has prominent call-to-action (CTA) buttons that aid recruiting efforts. For undergraduate programs:

  • First, apply to Missouri State
  • Then, declare your major (to a kinesiology program)

The application/admission process is a bit different for graduate programs, but the concept we used remained the same.

Track options

Four of kinesiology’s five undergraduate programs include track options or emphasis areas, which are specific areas of focus within the overall program.

We wanted to make these options better known.

Track options/emphasis areas now have feature blocks that provide more information about that specific area and its outcomes.

Site credits

  • Project lead and content: Kai Raymer, content strategist in web strategy and development
  • Photography: Bob Linder, Kevin White and Jesse Scheve, visual media
  • Videography: Carter Williams, student videographer in web strategy and development
  • Design: Abby Isackson, graphic designer in editorial and design services
  • Editors: Sara Clark, director in web strategy and development and Nicki Donnelson, assistant director of university communications
  • Implementation: Student coders Alyson Jones and Nikki Jenkins along with Brian Heaton, content management programmer/analyst, in web strategy and development
  • Client: Dr. Sarah McCallister, kinesiology department head

Web Press open lab relocated through January 4, 2019

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The Web Press open labs for Friday, December 7, 2018, through Friday, January 4, 2019 have been relocated to Meyer Alumni Center suite 601.

The Web Press open lab sessions beginning Friday, January 11, 2019 will return to Cheek 100.

The regularly scheduled time of 2-4 p.m. remains in effect.

Please contact the Web Help Desk at 417-836-5271 or webpress@missouristate.edu if you have any questions.

Template version 2018.11.0 released

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Added

  • Dynamically generated changelog to documentation section
  • New patterns:
    • Degree plan
    • Job description
    • Religious lives of women profile
    • Homepage alert

Changed

  • Location of image and script assets from deprecated external folders to currently-managed msuwds folder
  • Blog and calendar feeds to use new loader animation
  • File structure of course and degree patterns

Fixed

  • Visible search button artifact on global masthead

Redesigned Doctor of Pharmacy website: Connecting one program at two schools

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The redesigned doctor of pharmacy website recently launched. It’s the latest outcome of the Academic Website Project.

Academic websites have a tremendous influence on the college search process. Redesigns provide new content, design and photo/video elements.

Three specific areas we targeted for improvement on pharmacy were:

Content

Top part of Doctor of Pharmacy's Admission and Application Requirements page.
The admission and application requirements page details how students qualify for, and apply to, the program.

The previous pharmacy website only had a handful of pages. We built the new site from the ground up, which meant creating and formatting content for pages like:

Most users access a website to solve a problem.

Creating these pages helped answer crucial questions such as how to apply and how to finish the program, and how to get financial help.

Through reverse transfer, you can even complete your Missouri State bachelor’s degree while you’re in the program.

We kept duplicate content to a minimum. Most links refer back to the UMKC website, which lessens the chances for content becoming outdated.

Clarity

Details about collaborative program on Doctor of Pharmacy homepage.
The intro message on the Doctor of Pharmacy website notes that it’s a collaborative program.

Pharmacy is a collaborative program between the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) and Missouri State.

You’re part Kangaroo, part Bear.

You take UMKC pharmacy courses at the Missouri State site in Springfield. UMKC provides the scholarships and financial aid.

You have access to Missouri State student resources and services, but you end up with a UMKC Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree.

We wanted to make this unique partnership clear throughout the site.

Multimedia

The Careers and Outcomes page includes a video detailing what you can do with a pharmacy degree.

We shined a new light on the program with photo sessions, video packages and Spotlight stories.

Photos of students in the Doctor of Pharmacy program.
New photography highlights degree options and where graduates of the program can work.

Site credits

  • Project lead and content: Kai Raymer, content strategist in web strategy and development
  • Photography: Kevin White and Jesse Scheve, visual media
  • Videography: Carter Williams, student videographer in web strategy and development
  • Design: Veronica Adinegara, senior graphic designer in editorial and design services
  • Editors: Sara Clark, director in web strategy and development and Andrea Mostyn, director of university communications
  • Implementation: Student coders Alyson Jones and Nikki Jenkins along with Brian Heaton, content management programmer/analyst in web strategy and development
  • Client: Paul Gubbins, Associate Dean Vice Chair and Professor of UMKC School of Pharmacy

Missouri State seeks director of web strategy and development

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Missouri State University is accepting applications for a director of web strategy and development for marketing and communications administration.

Responsibilities

  • Manage and lead web strategy and development
  • Provide system-wide leadership in planning, organizing, and directing the design, functionality, and security of the university’s web site
  • Oversee the coordinated development, communication, and implementation of web projects, policies, and procedures
  • Oversee accessibility of the university’s web site for all users
  • Assure the web strategy and development department:
    • Collaborates with web developers and web users to understand and meet the information needs of users
    • Provides research and adoption of effective design strategies
    • Provides resources and consulting services

Benefits

Salary is commensurate with education and experience. Pay Grade: 47.

Reimbursement for out of the area relocation expenses is negotiable.

Benefits include group health insurance, life insurance, retirement, tuition waivers, wellness programs and professional development opportunities. Learn more about benefits.

Visit the complete posting

Desired skills and experience

Education

A bachelor’s degree and three or more years of experience in an information technology field or design discipline using state-of-the-art technology is required.

A bachelor’s degree in an information technology field or a design discipline utilizing state-of-the art technology is preferred.

Experience

At least three years of technology project management experience or three years of experience developing web sites that addressed issues of design, architecture, integration, security, and accessibility is required.

Experience at an institution of higher education is preferred.

Skills

  • The ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse constituencies with varying levels of technical knowledge is required.
  • Effective interpersonal, organizational and team building skills are required.
  • Strong creative, verbal, and written communication skills are required.
  • Strong and current technical skills are required.
  • The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
  • An understanding of accessibility issues related to disabled users is preferred.

Effort

Extended periods of time working at a computer workstation are required.

Other

The 24-hour scope of university operations requires this position to be available evenings, nights, and weekends to respond to calls regarding questions or problems with the university’s website.

Successful candidates must be committed to working with diverse student and community populations.

Employment will require a criminal background check at university expense.

EO/AA/M/F/VETERANS/DISABILITY/SEXUAL ORIENTATION/GENDER IDENTITY EMPLOYER AND INSTITUTION.