When Wendy and Brandi approached Web Services to help them redesign and rework University Notes I knew we were entering a sensitive area.  Everyone on campus approaches “UNotes” differently - some read it “cover to cover,” others flip through the photos, and still others head straight to Marketplace to find deals on everything from used cars and workout equipment to baby strollers and ride share opportunities.  They had done their homework, though.  They did plenty of research and had great ideas of their own.

So we’re happy to introduce USI Today.  It’s surely different and - as you’ll soon understand - better.  You no longer have to wait for that virtual paperboy to toss Friday’s weekly edition at your doorstep.  USI Today contains current university headlines updated as the news happens.  Campus snapshots will change daily.  Announcements, new employee listings, and the calendar of events will reflect the latest university happenings.  You’ll need to keep tabs on Marketplace, because it’ll be changing faster than you can say, “1973 Dodge Dart (like new).”

A couple of new items I’m sure will be extremely popular are the feature article and the UBlog.  Each week USI Today will feature a fellow employee or faculty member whose life outside the office or classroom just might surprise you.  The UBlog represents one more way for you to share your opinions, publicize an event, or highlight the goings-on in your corner of campus.  Wendy is already seeking out guest bloggers and she’d be happy to hear from you.

Most everything you are familiar with in University Notes is still there.  Items such as “FYI,” “Accomplishments,” and “Names in the News” have been consolidated into “Announcements” and “New Employee Welcome” -  accessible via the slide menu on the bottom left hand side of the home page.  We intend to continue archiving “issues” on a weekly basis and supplying a printable PDF version for those of you who don’t care to drag your computer monitor to your favorite recliner.  You’ll still receive a weekly reminder email in your inbox just in case the week gets away from you, but you’ll also have the opportunity to suscribe to our RSS feed and have the latest employee news delivered to your Outlook inbox or your feedreader of choice.

We hope you take some time to get comfortable with USI Today and we’re eager to hear your feedback, so that we can continue to deliver university news to you in the fastest and most effective way possible.

POSTED BY: ED SCHARF, Web Services.