We’re officially live! We’re so excited about the launch of the new USFCA site, but what’s next? Here are some updates from us and things to keep in mind about our new site as we head into the fall semester. Read More

Mark your calendars for the official soft launch of the newly redesigned USFCA website! Read More

Evan Elliot, senior writer on the OMC content team, can’t wait to see the redesigned USF website. He’s especially excited about the words.

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You might be wondering, what kind of content are we including into the redesign? What if we want to update our content? Here are some ways you can help us: Read More

Fun Facts:

• Grew up on both sides of the coast, California and Florida.
• I like to make DIY bath products to use in the home. It’s fun to customize and add your favorite scents.
• Zelda games — I love them, and named my dog after the princess in the game.
• Sandwiches are probably my favorite food.

What is your role at USF?
Web Producer. I partner with people around the university to make changes to the myUSF and usfca.edu websites.

What are you most excited about for the redesign?
My favorite thing about the redesign is the ability to start fresh. You have the chance to review existing content and rethink certain aspects. It’s the perfect opportunity to replace outdated content with what’s relevant now. Sometimes something as small as swapping out an old image or reformatting text can make a huge difference.

Can you talk more about the new program finder feature on the redesign?
Picking a program can be a tough decision, and when you’re faced with a long list of options, that can be overwhelming. While seeing a full listing of programs will still be possible, the program finder will also provide an interactive way for prospects to discover our programs based on their interests or career goals.

There was a lot of research that went into creating the database of search terms that can be used to match with our program offerings. By looking at other university program finders, our existing program pages, and by talking to programs directly, we were able to create an extensive spreadsheet of options. The provost will be reviewing our first pass of search terms, and from there we can continue to build upon the list as we connect with more programs around the university.

What do you hope comes out of the redesign project?
I think this is a good opportunity to connect with people throughout the university. Web content can grow stale over time, and it’s important for us to know who we can work with in order to ensure we’re putting the best content out there.

The usfca.edu web redesign project is moving along steadily on schedule and on budget. We are hitting our project milestones and the following are a few of the phases we have completed: 

• Messaging, Voice & Tone: Create a first-rate, intuitive, modern, and visually compelling website that engages prospective students, alumni, donors, employees, employers and visitors; communicates the university’s mission and brand; and communicates USF’s features of distinction within the current higher education landscape.
• Analytics Dashboard Strategy: We’ve built a custom google dashboard to track website key performance indicators for the website as well as key admission metrics (ex. Clicks out to common app, clicks out to slate RFI forms, sign-ups for tours and events, and clicking on the program finder).
• Visual Design: Global designs for the new website were approved.
• Functional Requirements: Describes all the components and features of the new website and what they will do.
• Content Plan: Gathering new content that will focus on student voices, stories, outcomes.

Here are a few more milestones we are aiming to achieve as we move closer to the official launch: Read More

With the redesign underway, our team is hard at work and currently gathering content for brand new features for the website. The new website will include a program finder tool that allows prospective students to search by program name, career, or areas of interest. We are currently gathering content for this feature by reaching out to program chairs and directors of programs. Another component that will be included is a new map feature that will showcase the impact USF is making around the Bay Area.

The redesign will also include new content areas in the website: Value of a USF Education, Faculty and Student research section, and Global USF.

• Value of a USF Education: Highlight both the quantitative and qualitative outcomes of a USF education, showcasing alumni success stories
• Faculty and Student research: Emphasis on research and scholarly activity as well as interdisciplinary collaboration, where both lead to innovation.
• Global USF: Showcasing how USF engages with the world. Highlighting global learning programs and experiences, where our students are from, and where students and faculty go and do research. 

As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions about this or other phases of the project.