Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Web InFusion project?

The Web InFusion project is the university's effort to refresh its Web presence.

What are the goals of the project?

• Provide a new look for the university's Web pages that are consistent with the university brand.
• Create a focus on content and Web site functionality. The Web will be structured around how users use the Web site, not necessarily how the university is organized.
• Update Web site content. Not only will the new look match the university brand, but the language used on the pages will be consistent with the brand.
• Implement a Web content management system (WCMS). The WCMS will allow content owners to focus more on their content and less on its presentation. The WCMS will provide a consistent look throughout the site, content updating processes, easy-to-use updating of content and many other features.
• Provide flexibility and timeliness in Web site maintenance. Content owners will have the option to maintain their own content via the university's new WCMS or allow the Web Communications staff to make the updates.
• Create pages relevant to specific audiences. Students and faculty and staff will have their own "home" pages with content tailored to those specific audiences.

How long will the project take to complete?

The project began in April 2009. Initial deployment is scheduled to take place in May 2010 with a minimum of a new marketing site, student home page and faculty and staff home page. With thousands of pages on the ODU site, completion of all project goals will last well beyond that date.

Who is involved in the project?

The project is a cooperative effort between the Marketing and Communications office and the Office of Computing and Communication Services. A steering committee comprised of members from across the university community will provide an advisory role in the project.

 

How will the cooperative effort work once the site is complete?

Web Communications, housed under Marketing and Communications, will be the public "face" of the ODU Web site. Web Communications will be responsible for the design and content (words, images, multimedia, etc.) of the site as well as working with departments to create/update their Web sites. Web Communications will also manage the university's master calendar.

 

OCCS will administer the Web content management system (WCMS) and maintain the servers and other necessary software and hardware to ensure the smooth operation of the Web site. OCCS will also develop and maintain any Web applications/programming as well as any interfacing with existing systems such as BANNER.

What will the new site look like?

The new site design has gone through many revisions since the initial concepts were created in early 2009. Final site designs are scheduled to be unveiled in January 2010.

Who is creating the new design?

The university has retained the services of the Educational Marketing Group (EMG) to provide consultation, recommendations and assistance with the branding and marketing initiative. Web design is a part of that agreement. Input from EMG, Marketing and Communications, OCCS and focus groups of students, faculty and staff will be combined in creating the final product.

When will my department/unit switch to the new design?

Once the information architecture has been established, the Web team will begin contacting departments for the neceesary information. The focus of the new site is on usability and content, so your department may not necessarily be "migrated" as has been done in the past. The Web team will work with all areas of campus to explain how the new Web structure will affect each area.

Will all ODU sites look the same?

Not necessarily. Multiple templates will likely be developed and your template selection will be based on your position within the brand architecture. Academic departments will have a consistent look but that look may be different from the consistent look that enterprise centers will have, for example.

Can I redesign my site in the meantime?

You should continue to update your content. However, you should not make large scale cosmetic changes to your site as they will become irrelevant once you are migrated to the WCMS. OCCS will not be initiating any site redesigns until the new Web's deployment.

What can I do to prepare for the migration?

You can take a detailed and objective look at your current content. Is it relevant? Is it current? Do I own this information or is another unit or department truly responsible for it? These are some of the questions that the redesign team will be using to evaluate your content as the new site is constructed and your content is migrated to the WCMS.

How can I update my content?

For now, you will continue to use ODUEdit. Once your content is in the WCMS, you will use the WCMS to update your content. For those departments who do not wish to maintain their own content, update requests will be processed through Web Communications, who will perform the updates.

My site doesn't use the ODU template. Will I be migrated?

The information architecture committee will determine content needs and content will be obtained from departments and units as it is required. This content will be entered into the WCMS. If some of your content is identified as necessary for the new site, you will be asked to maintain that content in the WCMS. Web Communications will then reach out to departments and units not currently on the template system to bring them into the WCMS. The goal is to deliver a consistent experience for the user across the ODU Web.

My department has special Web applications. Will migration "break" those applications?

The OCCS Web team will work with your department during your migration period to ensure a smooth transition for any specialty applications that currently reside on your site.

How can I comment or make a suggestion?

There is a project blog that contains a running dialogue of the project's progress. Blog comments are enabled and you are encouraged to provide feedback on any or all of the entries posted there.