New Web Site Launched

Misericordia University announced today a completely redesigned, ADA compliant web site as well as a new Internet domain name for the institution.

The new site, now known as www.misericordia.edu, offers an entirely new "look and feel" and navigation system that will assist students, parents, alumni and staff in locating important information about Misericordia University.

A team of MU staff and faculty, led by the Information Technology department, developed the site using survey information, usage data from the old site, and research into other colleges and universities.

"We believe we’ve created a site that is convenient for all of our diverse users," says Jim Roberts, director of Marketing and Communications. "Information is now presented according to audience needs as opposed to the previous site which was designed around the college’s internal organizational structure. Our most popular destination links are now on the home page as well as selections for particular user groups. The old site, although cutting edge for its time, had been in place for several years and needed an upgrade."

MU developers stressed easy and open access to information as a priority. As a key part of the process, they consulted with Denis Anson, an Occupational Therapy professor at MU and noted expert on web site compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In many cases ADA compliance is overlooked in web site development.

"Our goal was to provide important information about the college and college resources to all persons, including those with visual or hearing impairments," says Val Apanovich, director of Information Technology. "Our college has a 77-year history of providing access to quality academics, and we wanted to reflect that tradition while infusing new technology and design into our web site," he adds.

Other highlights of the site include an enhanced news and events page with the ability to download news and athletic results daily to a personal digital assistant (PDA), a centralized college calendar, virtual tour, and the ability to apply online.

Misericordia University also conducted research into the new domain name. Students, staff and faculty made suggestions, and the name was changed from www.miseri.edu to www.misericordia.edu. "The new web site needed a new identity," says Roberts. "Although it takes a few extra keystrokes to type, www.misericordia.edu makes better use of our college’s name and more accurately represents our organization on the World Wide Web."

Misericordia contracted with Epix Internet ServicesTM, Inc. to program the dynamic database that runs the site as well as craft the new "look and feel." The dynamic database allows for easy updating by the various college departments.

David Johndrow served as MU"s web project manager and plans more enhancements to the web site over the next 6-18 months. "We want to keep pace with emerging technology and keep our various audiences linked to the college. We know the web is one very effective way to do that," says Johndrow.