The redesigned hospitality and restaurant administration website recently launched as part of the Academic Website Project. It was the second academic website to receive a mobile-happy makeover, making it adaptive to smartphones and tablets.

Sophisticated color palette, welcoming photos

Designer Veronica Adinegara chose the blue and gray color scheme because it evokes the department’s professionalism and sophistication. She selected photos (many of which were supplied by the department) that underscore the connection between the HRA curriculum and students’ real-world experiences in private clubs, restaurants, hotels and other hospitality environments.

Consistent message of success

The office of University publications had already created successful recruiting pieces for HRA, which served as inspiration for the written content. Many of these words and ideas – particularly the focus on leadership and internships – were identified as being key to student recruitment. These ideas are incorporated throughout the site.

Streamlined organization

One challenge was making the available degree options clear to prospective students. All students are eligible for the BS in hospitality and restaurant administration, which offers opportunities to specialize in certain areas. Students who have already completed an AAS degree in either hospitality or culinary arts are also eligible for the BAS program.

During the redesign process, distinct program pages were created that illustrate the differences between the BS and BAS programs. A new Advisement page was also created, which gathers resources for both programs.

Site credits

• Project lead and content: Lucie Amberg, new media specialist, Web and new media
• Design: Veronica Adinegara, senior graphic designer, University publications
• Photography lead: Kevin White, senior photographer, photographic services
• Editor: Nicki Donnelson, public relations specialist, University communications
• Implementation: Micah Meadows, Web and new media student team member, with oversight from Lucie Amberg, Brian Heaton, content management programmer/analyst, and Sara Clark, director of Web and new media