CCC debuts a new, more user friendly Web site

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Coconino Community College has created a new user-friendly, more simplistic Web site for students and faculty to use. The redesigned site launched Jan. 27. CCC decided to change the look of their site due to the challenges students and faculty face when trying to find important information.

"We found students had difficulty locating application and registration functions in the current web site design," said David Hakanson, chief technology officer.

CCC knew that change needed to come so they created a new student-focused site design. The new design reduces clutter by relocating the tools that faculty and staff use to the Intranet, its internal site, keeping the public site neat and clean. This reorganization allows for simplicity and ease, so that students are able to find important information about the college and its departments. For the past few weeks, the site was in preview mode to allow students and faculty a chance to view it and give their feedback.

"The new site allows for more quality control, allowing people to review web pages before they go live," said Rick McDonald, director of online and media services. "Our goal is to allow departments to have an easier time managing their Web sites, while also making it easier for students to find the information they need."

Built on Microsoft SharePoint, giving CCC both the image and feel of a more sophisticated design. The Information Technology department at CCC is hoping to allow such dynamic content as blogs, wiki's, and electronic portfolios to be accessed within the next three to five years. They are also working on a mobile view that will be a service provided in the future.

This new site design has had very positive feedback, and the IT department hopes to continue this response. Their team knows that to keep a good site going it is important to be continually looking for ways to improve it. This is why the team has created a feedback icon on every page so that students, faculty, and staff are able to make suggestions.

"I don't think we are finished," said McDonald, "It will be a continuous process to try to make the site better."

It's user-friendly appeal does not only help in searching for information but it also allows faculty and staff the ability to upload the latest in news, graphics, and events. This new feature will allow the marketing department the ability to keep students, faculty, staff, and the Flagstaff community up-to-date on upcoming events.

CCC's IT department created this innovative site to fit the college's mission, "As a learning-centered college, we enrich lives by embracing diversity and transforming the future through quality education." One of the key elements is the sites community & visitors tab, which gives community members access to information on college activities, events, and CCC's foundation. Under this tab there is a feature for alumni to make suggestions and comments.

CCC would like your input on the new site design. Improvements to the site will be a continual process to be sure that students have access to up-to-date information.

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