The Web site that you see here today has been more than a year in the making and has involved a number of individuals. From concept to deployment, the single objective of the College of Business Web site Redesign Project has been to convey to visitors the outstanding accomplishments, distinguishing characteristics, and strategic priorities that define the CSU, Chico College of Business. Though it’s impossible to replicate the extraordinary experience that only a campus visit can provide to you, we think we’ve come close.

Background

In summer 2006, the College of Business (COB) conducted a review of its Web site, which included discussion sessions with an internal user group, an on-line Web site review exercise, and the creation of a web map of the current site. It was agreed that the Web site, as it had evolved over several years, was best characterized as an operational resource for COB staff and faculty rather than a useful forum for sharing information with an external audience. It was further agreed that a new site would be created from the ground up to dramatically improve the presentation and utility of the college’s web presence for prospective students, parents, alumni, and members of the Chico, North State, and global business communities.

In the fall of 2007, the College of Business Web site Redesign Project was launched.  The College of Business would take the lead on developing the messaging and overall organization of the site, while members of CSU, Chico’s Web Services would facilitate site design and architecture. Photographic images by the campus photographer, collected over the course of a three-year period, would be an important component of the new site.   

Site Characteristics

Over a six-month period, the project team created a Web site that provides visitors with well-placed, uncluttered text and graphics. Using redundancy, the site structure allows site visitors to find what they are looking for easily and quickly and in the manner that is most intuitive to each. All content has been written in language that is clearly understood by a non-academic audience, while also providing the level of detail desired by academic colleagues.

High-quality photographic images and rotating graphics provide interest without compromising the refined academic quality that is expected of a well-respected institution of higher education. The site has been carefully edited to include only the text and graphics that add value to the visitor’s experience, providing information that helps them to develop a clear understanding of the programs, accomplishments, and characteristics of the college. And, finally, site content aligns with and supports campus branding and communication goals.

Accessibility

This site meets all state and federally mandated accessibility requirements, and complies with Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The site also meets or exceeds the requirements of the Accessible Technology Initiative of the California State University.

Copyrights and Allowable Use of Graphics and Other Site Content

All content that was created for the CSU, Chico College of Business Web site is copyrighted by CSU, Chico. Examples include, but are not limited to, photographic images, text, and campus logos. Please feel free to display the material on your computer screen or another equivalent devise or make a single copy for your personal reference. However, distribution, modification, or the creation of derivatives of the material for public display or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited.

Continuous Improvement

This site is a work in progress. Ongoing user feedback will be important to continuous improvement of the site. Webmaster…

Site Development Team

Development, creation, and deployment of the site was accomplished through a collaborative effort between the College of Business and the CSU, Chico Web Services Team. Design, technical development, content writing, editing, and site architecture were completed by the following individuals whose extraordinary talent is matched only by their dedication to excellence.

Project Team Lead, Content Writer

Dee Hoffman Wills, Assistant Dean/External Relations, College of Business

Art Direction and Design

Laura Kling, Art Director and Designer, CSU, Chico Web Services

Site Architects

Roberta Roebuck, Web Application Developer, CSU, Chico Web Services
Anthony Dunn, Technical Lead, CSU, Chico Web Services

Editor

Casey Huff, Publications Editor and faculty member, CSU, Chico

Flash Development and Page Construction

Cavan Riley,  CSU, Chico Web Services

Photography

Jeff Teeter, Campus Photographer, CSU, Chico 
Brenden Price, Student Photographer
Anthony Dunn, Anthony Dunn Photography