The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) is set to enhance its academic program pages with the launch of Dynamic Program Pages, a collaborative initiative by the Office of Web & Digital Strategy, Enrollment Management, and Marketing. Scheduled for full rollout between November 25 and December 20, 2024, this initiative aims to improve consistency, enhance the user experience, and provide prospective students with accurate and accessible information.
Purpose and Vision
The Dynamic Program Pages project centralizes the management of academic program pages to ensure they align with UIS’s marketing materials and provide clear, up-to-date information. This transition not only enhances the professional appearance of the pages but also supports student decision-making, fostering an increase in applications and enrollment.
“Our goal is to provide students with seamless access to information while reducing the administrative burden on faculty and staff. This project is a step toward a more modern, cohesive digital presence for UIS.”
Jessica Baumberger, Director of Web & Digital Strategy
Benefits of the Transition
Key benefits of the Dynamic Program Pages include:
- Automatic Updates: Annual updates to program pages will occur automatically, minimizing manual edits.
- Unified Design: Pages will feature consistent formatting and professional design, which will improve usability and navigation.
- Improved Information Access: Prospective students will find clear, reliable details to aid in their decision-making process, showcasing deadlines to apply, course and catalog links, careers, requirements, accreditation, related programs, etc.
Support for Faculty and Staff
To ensure a smooth transition, the project team has implemented a comprehensive communication and support plan:
- Content Migration: Existing program page content has been preloaded into the new system. Faculty and staff can request updates via email at web@uis.edu.
- Training Resources: Web training materials and instructions for submitting future updates will be made available on the Web & Digital Strategy website.
- Communication Campaigns: A series of announcements, newsletters, and online resources will guide stakeholders through the changes.
Key Messages and Stakeholder Engagement
UIS leaders are prioritizing transparency and collaboration throughout the transition. Stakeholders will receive detailed instructions on how to utilize the new dynamic pages, and will alleviate the challenges of manual updates.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the updated program pages to be able to guide students to pertinent information.
Looking Ahead
The rollout of Dynamic Program Pages signifies UIS’s commitment to innovation and academic excellence. By modernizing its digital presence, UIS continues to position itself as a leader in higher education, delivering value not only to its prospective students but also to the broader campus community.
For additional information, faculty and staff can visit the Web & Digital Strategy website or contact the team at web@uis.edu.
Dynamic Page FAQs
What are dynamic program pages?
Dynamic Program Pages are centrally managed web pages for academic programs that streamline updates, provide consistent design, and ensure accuracy for prospective students.
Why is UIS transitioning to Dynamic Program pages?
This initiative is designed to improve the user experience for prospective students, align program pages with marketing materials, and simplify content management for faculty and staff.
What are the benefits of the Dynamic Program pages?
Benefits include automatic annual updates, consistent formatting, a professional appearance, and better access to accurate information for prospective students.
What if I notice an error or outdated information on the new pages?
Share corrections or updates by filling out the Academic Program Website Update form. The Web & Digital Strategy team will handle all edits.
Can I still edit my program page directly?
No, program pages are now centrally managed. Future updates should be submitted to the Web & Digital Strategy team.
What kind of updates can I request?
You can request updates related to program overview, learning outcomes, accreditation, related careers, and program specific requirements.
How will bi-annual updates work?
The dynamic pages will be automatically updated bi-annually with data from a centralized document, reducing the need for manual edits.
Will the formatting of program pages be consistent?
Yes, all program pages will follow a unified layout and structure to ensure a professional and cohesive appearance across the website. However, the theme will be based on the current website theme for that unit.
What if my program has unique requirements that aren’t addressed by the dynamic system?
For any program specific requirements you would like to feature, we are advising units to create a page with the requirements information specific to your program (do not duplicate catalog content) and email the link to the page to web team to add to the centralized document.