Graphic by Valerie De La O.
A revamped and redesigned website is in the works to help with student frustration and rapid growth at Dixie State University.
“I think it’s hard to view what majors are available or just overall it’s a tricky website to navigate,” said Evelyn Gomez, a senior criminal justice major from St. George. “I always find myself just searching things in the search bar. Something as little as the calendar I have to search for because I can’t find it.”
Aaron Campbell, director of web services, said changes in the university and the re-branding has created confusion around the website because some pages display accurate information and others don’t.
“Students are the central focus of the redesign— prospective and current students,” said Ryan Hobbs, director of distance and digital learning. “One of the main purposes of the redesign is to better inform future and current students about university offerings, resources, events, etc.”
DSU has hired EKR to redesign the website. Campbell said EKR has received award-winning recognition and won Best of State for website design.
“Current students will be able to find what they need more directly,” Campbell said. “Exploring and discovering more about the school will be more convenient than ever.”
The redesign process will not cost as much as expected, Campbell said.
Campbell said, “EKR is developing an inexpensive and easy to use treasure trove of assets the web services team and content editors around campus will be able to utilize for maintaining a well defined Trailblazer standard.”
Gomez said something that would be beneficial to current students would be receiving an email about website maintenance so that students are aware of changes that are happening and things can be easier to find on the website.
Campbell said there will be a form on the new website students can fill out that gives feedback about the new designed website, which is projected to launch mid-April. He said his hope is that prospective students, in addition to current students, will have a good experience using the website and will feel confident in wanting to be a future Trailblazer.