MCLA Launches New Web Site
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) recently launched its newly redesigned Web site, which can be found at www.mcla.edu.More than new graphics and updated pictures of the campus, this site is geared toward a new generation of Internet-savvy prospective students. New features include a rotating selection of stories on the home page about MCLA and its programs, faculty, staff, students, alumni and more.
“Web sites have become the primary tool used by prospective students during their college search,” said Denise Richardello, vice president of enrollment and external relations. “Our Web site now serves a critical function. It needs to be one that is easily navigated with more than just facts and figures. It needs to have information students are looking for, and be attractive at the same time.”
According to MCLA’s chief information officer, Mark Berman, a major challenge with any Web site is keeping it up to date.
“The Content Management System, or CMS, used in the new MCLA Web site allows faculty and staff to easily update information on the site, keeping the public informed about what is going on at the College,” Berman said.
Amy Stevens, MCLA’s Web communications manager, said that the new Web site was more than just a new front page and new colors.
“Over the past five years, use of the Internet in choosing a college or university has risen from a mere 30 percent to a startling 98 to 100 percent,” Stevens said. “This means that prospective students are creating their first impressions of a college based on our Web presence -- making judgment calls about how easy it is to work with us based on how easily they find what they're looking for. Our new Web site was designed to put these students, their parents, and our alumni members first.”
The new site follows year of success for MCLA’s Web services, which saw more than 750,000 visitors to the MCLA family of Web sites. This redesign will build on that and strengthen the College’s ability to tell its stories, while fitting the needs of prospective students and their families.
According to officials at the Office of Admission, prospective students not only access facts via the Web site, but also utilize it as a tool to register for Open House programs, apply for admission and also to communicate with college staff and faculty.
For more information, go to www.mcla.edu.
