Elevating CU Denver's Graduate Experience: A Website Redesign Success Story
Nov 30, 2023In an era where digital engagement is paramount, universities must adapt to meet the evolving needs of their students. Recognizing this imperative, CU Denver embarked on a transformative journey with the CU Denver Graduate Website Redesign project, spearheaded by the Office of Information Technology's (OIT) Project Management Office under the capable leadership of Desiree Shroyer Project Management Professional.
The initiative stemmed from a strategic vision to bolster CU Denver's online presence, particularly targeting prospective and current graduate students. The pre-existing website encountered hurdles in effectively communicating the university's graduate programs' value and engaging its intended audience. The project set out to surmount these challenges by crafting an innovative, user-centric, and aesthetically captivating website aligned with the university's overarching objectives.
Central to the project's triumph was the unwavering collaboration and dedication exhibited by the project team and stakeholders. Esteemed subject matter experts and content owners from various departments such as Internal Affairs, Graduate Education, Graduate Recruitment, Academic Planning and Institutional Effectiveness, and Marketing & Digital Strategy rallied around a shared vision. Many of them navigated this detailed project terrain for the first time, setting a precedent for excellence in project management within CU Denver's OIT PAC team.
The launch of the revamped Graduate Website marked a watershed moment, featuring 48 meticulously updated webpages. Key enhancements included intuitive navigation menus, streamlined search functionality, and innovative tools aiding prospective students in program selection. The content architecture was redesigned for logical organization, facilitating easy information retrieval. Sections dedicated to current graduate students, faculty, and staff were introduced, offering tailored resources and quick access to pertinent information. Moreover, the website underwent improvements in accessibility, visual aesthetics, and brand alignment.
The culmination of these efforts resulted in a resounding success, significantly elevating the online experience for both prospective and current graduate students. The comprehensive redesign, coupled with robust maintenance plans, ensures the website's sustained relevance amidst evolving user needs. The collaborative spirit between project teams and stakeholders proved instrumental in realizing the project's objectives, setting a benchmark for excellence and innovation in digital initiatives within CU Denver.
The CU Denver Graduate Website Redesign project stands as a testament to the university's commitment to excellence, innovation, and student-centricity. As CU Denver continues its journey of academic excellence, the redesigned website serves as a beacon, guiding prospective and current graduate students towards a transformative educational experience.