by
abouldin@bellsouth.net (Charles Andrew Bouldin)
The University of the South, commonly referred to as Sewanee, operates a web site at www.sewanee.edu. This site serves a variety of purposes. It introduces prospective students to the University’s academic programs, physical setting, and unique social atmosphere. Alumni and "friends of Sewanee" may use the Homepage to contact the alumni office, make donations, or communicate with former professors via e-mail. In addition to recruitment and alumni uses, the Sewanee Web site contains general information such as job openings; a student and faculty directory; and links to class, student, faculty, organizational and alumni Homepages.
This page will be examined on the bases of clarity (written and visual), speed to download, services provided, and visual pleasantness. Clarity will be evaluated by how well the Web site communicates its message to the computer user. Well-written text should be support by flattering and relevant visual effects. The Web site should not be so complex that it requires too long a time to download. Even though several variables affect downloading time, a site’s sponsor should try to simplify his or her site to save the Internet traveler’s time. Providing meaningful services or options is important for any Web site, whether it is a commercial, governmental, organizational, or educational page. Finally, a site should be visually pleasing: the chances that the computer-user will revisit a site are much greater if the site is tastefully executed.
The Sewanee site was chosen for this evaluation because it is an exemplary example of a collegiate Homepage. Its text and visual aids are clear, and after one has finished taking the on-line campus tour, the Internet traveler feels as if he or she has actually visited the University. The photographs are clear and support the text. This page also offers a good balance between offering photographs and download time. Pointless graphics, which slow downloading, are thoughtfully excluded from the site.
The services provided by this page definitely go beyond a list of majors and a campus directory, although both are included. Visitors may examine admissions criteria, take a "campus tour," read about the two colleges that comprise the University, learn about middle Tennessee, and link to official and unofficial Sewanee servers. The unofficial servers are of particular interest. Avoiding "canned" promotional material, The University of the South links to some students who share negative opinions about the University. In fact, the alternative "underground" newspaper’s web site is even linked. Of course the University provides the typical disclaimer to these, but it is refreshing to hear students’ opinions.
There are some areas of this Web site that need improvement. The electronic fact book is a nice idea, but it seems a bit short on facts. A brief history of the school’s interesting heritage, especially its ties to Oxford and Cambridge, would be a welcome addition. News releases are good means of providing on-line readers information; however, they are not included on the Homepage. Overall, though, the site is a very enjoyable visit and provides meaningful information in a concise format.