University to Launch Redesigned Web Site Within Academic Year

A redesigned Georgetown Web site will be launched by the end of this academic year, according to university spokesperson Julie Bataille.

“This redesign is an effort to modernize the university’s Web presence, reflect Georgetown’s online presentation when compared to peer institutions and respond to increased demands for online content from our stakeholders,” Bataille said.

It has been seven years since the Web site has undergone a major update — the last redesign was completed in 2002.

“We have much greater needs and expectations today in terms of delivering information online than current presentation and technology allow,” Bataille said.

The new Web site will include platforms for enhanced navigation and functionality. It will be easier to access information as well as use multimedia. The redesign of the university’s Web site will include a new home page and links to other pages. The specifics of what will be changed have yet to be decided.

“We’ve just begun consulting with a wide range of people including students, faculty, staff, alumni and board members to get their perspectives and ideas for the site and will have updates throughout the process as it progresses,” Bataille said.

Many students said they have mixed emotions in regard to the elements of the Web site that have already been redesigned and launched.

James Heine (COL ’13) said he is indifferent to the new site. “I bookmark the parts of the site that [are] important to me,” Heine said.

Kelly Russo (MSB ’10) said she was initially frustrated with the lack of functionality due to the Web site’s reconstruction. “In the summer, the [McDonough School of Business] e-mail link disappeared.” Russo said. The problem has since been fixed.

Matt Bakios (SFS ’12) said that he is growing more accustomed to the Web site, despite the recent changes.

“At first, I didn’t like the My.Georgetown site — I wasn’t used to it, and kind of hated it,” Bakios said. “But now it’s growing on me, and I really like the convenience of Blackboard. Until the old e-mail is completely phased out they should have a link to it on the homepage though.”

In addition to concerns with the Web site’s redesign, some Georgetown students are upset that the Web site they have been using for years has changed.

Chris Scribner (COL ’10) said that the changes on the Web site are noticeable.

“I don’t like how you can’t get to MyAccess easily. I find the new Web site offensive,” Scribner said.