Published at the Editor's Weblog, the blog for the managing editor of the Lee Clarion.
President Paul Conn said Thursday that a new dorm may be in Lee's near future, but only if another one is demolished.
"We're thinking about building a Brinsfield Row type of complex for men," he told students at the presidential open house event.
Conn said that the new dorm would be constructed on the gravel parking lot behind Keeble Hall. He said that the university wanted to move more men toward the south end of campus, near the religion building.
"The reason we've kept that gravel is because we're considering putting a men's dorm on it," he said, noting that the university would only move ahead with those plans if Hughes Hall was torn down. He said the school had not decided to do that yet.
Conn also said that the new science and math building would likely remain without an official name.
"We don't have a name," he said. "It's probably going to just be called the science and math complex."
Conn said that both wings would have names, however.
"The one wing that's being built now is going to be called the Medlin wing," he said.
The wing would be named after Don Medlin (for whom Medlin Hall is named).
Medlin was an avid supporter of a new science building, he said, adding that Medlin's daughter had been a science major at Lee herself.
"He was a member of our board, he was a farmer from Missouri," Conn said.
Medlin's family had asked what it would take to get the new science building named for him, he said.
As far as the other wing?
Conn said he still isn't sure, but that he's open to suggestions.
"Feel free to offer them," he said. "Send them in to Ask The President."
Friday, February 27, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
"Patience" is the show of the year!
Published at the Editor's Weblog, the blog for the managing editor of the Lee Clarion.
If you have yet to see the opera theatre production of "Patience" at Lee this weekend, cancel all of your other plans.
The show is a winner in every respect. The cast is motivated; the timing is quick; the story is simple, fun and engaging; and the music is upbeat and delicious to the ears.
While it's difficult to review a show with two leading casts, the most winning (and lovable, might I add) performances in the show come from Tyler Steele and Paul Whitehead. Both were top-notch all throughout.
Nothing about the show is dull. Sets, costumes, choreography... every piece of the opera was fantastic.
Even the "rapturous maidens" and the officers of the Dragoon Guards played humorously significant roles, focused and funny.
The only trouble the show had was a technical lighting delay at the beginning of the first act when I attended Friday evening.
The delay, however, was well worth it.
If you see one show this year, see this one. I cannot give a higher recommendation than the one I give for "Patience."
If you have yet to see the opera theatre production of "Patience" at Lee this weekend, cancel all of your other plans.
The show is a winner in every respect. The cast is motivated; the timing is quick; the story is simple, fun and engaging; and the music is upbeat and delicious to the ears.
While it's difficult to review a show with two leading casts, the most winning (and lovable, might I add) performances in the show come from Tyler Steele and Paul Whitehead. Both were top-notch all throughout.
Nothing about the show is dull. Sets, costumes, choreography... every piece of the opera was fantastic.
Even the "rapturous maidens" and the officers of the Dragoon Guards played humorously significant roles, focused and funny.
The only trouble the show had was a technical lighting delay at the beginning of the first act when I attended Friday evening.
The delay, however, was well worth it.
If you see one show this year, see this one. I cannot give a higher recommendation than the one I give for "Patience."
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Lee senior running for state representative
Published in the Lee Clarion.
Lee University senior James Gann Jr. announced his bid to become state representative of the 8th District of Tennessee to a small gathering of friends at the Curtsinger Music Building on January 30.
The 8th District includes the town of Gatlinburg and Gann’s hometown (Walland) and is divided between Blount and Sevier counties.
“I’m a bit young, but at the same time it’s good to have some youth, some vigor,” Gann said. “I believe that I can relate to younger voters as well as the baby boomer generation.”
In order to officially join the race, Gann must receive 25 signatures of support on a petition for office that will not be available until the first day of 2010.
Gann, a 21-year-old vocal music education major, said he would be 23 by the time of the election in November 2010.
He said that many might criticize his age and lack of experience.
“Your age doesn’t necessarily matter,” Gann said. “I know a lot of 40 year olds who act like 16 year olds and I know some 16 year olds that act like 40 year olds.”
Gann said he planned to run as a Republican to replace incumbent representative Joe McCord.
Long-term plans
A Facebook group promoting Gann’s campaign has 25 members, but his plans don’t end in Tennessee. A second group titled “Jamie Gann for President” has 43 members.
A description of the group reads as follows:
…I officially announce that I will be running for President of the United States in the election of 2024. At one time, this group was a bit of an inside joke among my close friends, however it has turned serious. I do intend to run for President with the full intention of winning the election….
Gann called the group a political joke but said that he does want to make a bid for the presidency one day, though it may not be in 2024.
“It is my dream to be able to make a difference in the nation,” Gann said.
Gann said that he feels social media is a viable way reach voters, especially the younger generations.
“I’ve seen so many other politicians on Facebook as well,” he said. “Zach Wamp has already created a page for his gubernatorial bid so I was kind of following that lead.”
Support from friends
Before announcing his bid, Gann spoke with Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry Tom Doolittle about the possibility of seeking office.
“He was really a big source of encouragement,” Gann said. “When I actually told him that I had decided to run he was really excited about it.”
Doolittle said he prayed with Gann for God’s guidance and assistance.
“I related to him that our country needs committed Christians in political offices,” Doolittle said. “I supported him in his quest, because I realized that James has the proper motives and the willingness to work hard for the benefit of others.”
Gann said a lot of his friends had been supportive of his decision.
“Some of them seemed to be surprised that I was going at it at such a young age,” he said, “but some of them were like ‘Yeah, I knew you’d do it all along, I was just waiting for it.’”
Not everyone’s as excited, however.
“I have a few friends who are Democrats that are a little uneasy about the fact that I’m running as a Republican,” he said.
Political involvement
Gann first became involved in politics at the age of 12 while working with Senator Bill Frist on petitions, gathering hundreds of names to fight partial birth abortion.
“The issue of abortion is really close to my heart.” he said. “When I saw how horrific it actually was…that became one of my key [concerns]. How can someone support such an inhumane act?”
Gann said his stand against abortion and his deeply rooted religious beliefs led him to the Republican party.
Lee University College Republicans Chairperson Cameron Pruette said that Gann wasn’t involved in the campus organization.
“He has no connection; I don’t think he’s ever been to a meeting,” he said.
Pruette said that the College Republicans would consider supporting Gann in the future, depending on his policies, but that the group had been unable to contact him.
“We actually tried to talk about him last week,” Pruette said. “We weren’t even sure he was a Republican. We really don’t know anything about him, we just know he’s running.”
Gann is actively involved in opera theater at Lee. He said singing in front of an audience has helped him overcome a fear of addressing crowds.
“When you’re on a stage doing a recital or in an opera, you’re not just singing a bunch of notes. You’re actually having to convince [the audience] that you believe what you’re singing about,” he said. “When you’re talking to people you have to convince them that you really believe what you’re telling them and that you’re qualified to be talking about certain issues that are controversial.”
Despite his venture into politics, Gann said music will always be a retreat.
“I’ll be able to use music to calm down,” he said. “I know a lot of times if I’ve had a stressful day I’ll find myself going to the piano and just playing something relaxing.”
And if his bid for office doesn’t succeed, Gann said he could envision teaching music in a university setting.
Getting the vote
Gann said he’s unaware of any competition in the race at this early point, but he feels like he’s ready for the job.
“Even though it will be a challenge, it’s one that I’m willing to step up to,” he said.
The real work will begin next summer, after graduation, Gann said.
“I’ll not only be going door to door, but stopping by little corner stores, the local diner, the community center where people are playing bingo or table tennis and just talk to them,” he said.
The next step right now is to begin raising campaign finances, Gann said, noting he was hoping to raise around $400,000. He said he’s considered asking former state senator and “very close friend” Raymond Fenny to serve as his campaign manager.
Shaun Maness, a sophomore theater major, is serving as Gann’s public relations adviser for the campaign.
The two first met in fall 2007 when they became roommates after Gann didn’t “see eye to eye” with his original roommate.
“I was one of the first people he told about his plans to run,” Maness said. “He just wanted to share with me his goals and his dreams of representing the state of Tennessee, the 8th District.”
Maness said that since Gann’s announcement the two have discussed plans and strategies for the months to come.
“My immediate reaction was pretty optimistic,” Maness said. “I was thrilled for Jamie. I think it was the best move he could have made in his life right now.”
Gann said his chance for success may depend on who McCord is supporting in the race.
“I would definitely love to have his support, but even if he chooses to support another candidate I still feel that the task is not impossible,” Gann said.
Even if he should lose, Gann said he’ll be thankful for the challenge and experience that he gained.
“Losing is not the end,” he said. “Even Abraham Lincoln made several bids for a senate seat in Illinois and lost, but then he went on to become one of our greatest presidents, even if he was shot in the back of the head, which, I hope that doesn’t happen. That is a very sad thing. But that’s happened a lot through history, it might be a little bit discouraging, but it’s not the end, so whatever comes, I welcome it.”
In the end, Gann said that he was excited about the fun times to come on the campaign trail.
“I hope that there will be a lot of prayer involved in this,” he said. “Of course, in that area we can never have enough help and support and prayer…It is difficult, but it’s not an impossible challenge.”
Lee University senior James Gann Jr. announced his bid to become state representative of the 8th District of Tennessee to a small gathering of friends at the Curtsinger Music Building on January 30.
The 8th District includes the town of Gatlinburg and Gann’s hometown (Walland) and is divided between Blount and Sevier counties.
“I’m a bit young, but at the same time it’s good to have some youth, some vigor,” Gann said. “I believe that I can relate to younger voters as well as the baby boomer generation.”
In order to officially join the race, Gann must receive 25 signatures of support on a petition for office that will not be available until the first day of 2010.
Gann, a 21-year-old vocal music education major, said he would be 23 by the time of the election in November 2010.
He said that many might criticize his age and lack of experience.
“Your age doesn’t necessarily matter,” Gann said. “I know a lot of 40 year olds who act like 16 year olds and I know some 16 year olds that act like 40 year olds.”
Gann said he planned to run as a Republican to replace incumbent representative Joe McCord.
Long-term plans
A Facebook group promoting Gann’s campaign has 25 members, but his plans don’t end in Tennessee. A second group titled “Jamie Gann for President” has 43 members.
A description of the group reads as follows:
…I officially announce that I will be running for President of the United States in the election of 2024. At one time, this group was a bit of an inside joke among my close friends, however it has turned serious. I do intend to run for President with the full intention of winning the election….
Gann called the group a political joke but said that he does want to make a bid for the presidency one day, though it may not be in 2024.
“It is my dream to be able to make a difference in the nation,” Gann said.
Gann said that he feels social media is a viable way reach voters, especially the younger generations.
“I’ve seen so many other politicians on Facebook as well,” he said. “Zach Wamp has already created a page for his gubernatorial bid so I was kind of following that lead.”
Support from friends
Before announcing his bid, Gann spoke with Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry Tom Doolittle about the possibility of seeking office.
“He was really a big source of encouragement,” Gann said. “When I actually told him that I had decided to run he was really excited about it.”
Doolittle said he prayed with Gann for God’s guidance and assistance.
“I related to him that our country needs committed Christians in political offices,” Doolittle said. “I supported him in his quest, because I realized that James has the proper motives and the willingness to work hard for the benefit of others.”
Gann said a lot of his friends had been supportive of his decision.
“Some of them seemed to be surprised that I was going at it at such a young age,” he said, “but some of them were like ‘Yeah, I knew you’d do it all along, I was just waiting for it.’”
Not everyone’s as excited, however.
“I have a few friends who are Democrats that are a little uneasy about the fact that I’m running as a Republican,” he said.
Political involvement
Gann first became involved in politics at the age of 12 while working with Senator Bill Frist on petitions, gathering hundreds of names to fight partial birth abortion.
“The issue of abortion is really close to my heart.” he said. “When I saw how horrific it actually was…that became one of my key [concerns]. How can someone support such an inhumane act?”
Gann said his stand against abortion and his deeply rooted religious beliefs led him to the Republican party.
Lee University College Republicans Chairperson Cameron Pruette said that Gann wasn’t involved in the campus organization.
“He has no connection; I don’t think he’s ever been to a meeting,” he said.
Pruette said that the College Republicans would consider supporting Gann in the future, depending on his policies, but that the group had been unable to contact him.
“We actually tried to talk about him last week,” Pruette said. “We weren’t even sure he was a Republican. We really don’t know anything about him, we just know he’s running.”
Gann is actively involved in opera theater at Lee. He said singing in front of an audience has helped him overcome a fear of addressing crowds.
“When you’re on a stage doing a recital or in an opera, you’re not just singing a bunch of notes. You’re actually having to convince [the audience] that you believe what you’re singing about,” he said. “When you’re talking to people you have to convince them that you really believe what you’re telling them and that you’re qualified to be talking about certain issues that are controversial.”
Despite his venture into politics, Gann said music will always be a retreat.
“I’ll be able to use music to calm down,” he said. “I know a lot of times if I’ve had a stressful day I’ll find myself going to the piano and just playing something relaxing.”
And if his bid for office doesn’t succeed, Gann said he could envision teaching music in a university setting.
Getting the vote
Gann said he’s unaware of any competition in the race at this early point, but he feels like he’s ready for the job.
“Even though it will be a challenge, it’s one that I’m willing to step up to,” he said.
The real work will begin next summer, after graduation, Gann said.
“I’ll not only be going door to door, but stopping by little corner stores, the local diner, the community center where people are playing bingo or table tennis and just talk to them,” he said.
The next step right now is to begin raising campaign finances, Gann said, noting he was hoping to raise around $400,000. He said he’s considered asking former state senator and “very close friend” Raymond Fenny to serve as his campaign manager.
Shaun Maness, a sophomore theater major, is serving as Gann’s public relations adviser for the campaign.
The two first met in fall 2007 when they became roommates after Gann didn’t “see eye to eye” with his original roommate.
“I was one of the first people he told about his plans to run,” Maness said. “He just wanted to share with me his goals and his dreams of representing the state of Tennessee, the 8th District.”
Maness said that since Gann’s announcement the two have discussed plans and strategies for the months to come.
“My immediate reaction was pretty optimistic,” Maness said. “I was thrilled for Jamie. I think it was the best move he could have made in his life right now.”
Gann said his chance for success may depend on who McCord is supporting in the race.
“I would definitely love to have his support, but even if he chooses to support another candidate I still feel that the task is not impossible,” Gann said.
Even if he should lose, Gann said he’ll be thankful for the challenge and experience that he gained.
“Losing is not the end,” he said. “Even Abraham Lincoln made several bids for a senate seat in Illinois and lost, but then he went on to become one of our greatest presidents, even if he was shot in the back of the head, which, I hope that doesn’t happen. That is a very sad thing. But that’s happened a lot through history, it might be a little bit discouraging, but it’s not the end, so whatever comes, I welcome it.”
In the end, Gann said that he was excited about the fun times to come on the campaign trail.
“I hope that there will be a lot of prayer involved in this,” he said. “Of course, in that area we can never have enough help and support and prayer…It is difficult, but it’s not an impossible challenge.”
Upcoming tools provide PR pros with goldmine of data
Published at Social Disclosure, a PR & Social Media blog.
Facebook’s Lexicon feature is about to get a radical turn around, making the fun-to-play with tool into a serious data cruncher for anyone, especially public relations professionals.
The new Lexicon (which can be tested in Beta here) allows users free access to Facebook’s treasure trove of users and much of their statistical information as well.
In the current version users can search two terms and see the differences of how often those terms appeared in wall posts across the site. The newest rendition, however, splits the data by gender as well as age.
In addition, a new demographics trends page can sort users by country while an associations page suggests related terms and shows the popularity of each on a timeline of colored bubbles.
There’s also a sentiment page, which shows references for how often users write “I love” or “I hate” in addition to the search term, tracking the feelings of the general population over time.
The new pulse page shows other common interests from the profiles of the people who have written about the search term, and finally, the new maps page explores how many users from each state were discussing the term.
So while Facebook has provided a bunch of cool new toys for its fans to play with, the company has also given an invaluable gift to public relations professionals.
Consider typing in the title of your company and finding out what common interests (ranked from greatest to lowest) fans have. If 103 users who talked about “Social Disclosure” happen to like cooking, why not occasionally cater (pardon the pun) to their tastes also?
Or what about sentiment? Release a new product lately, or just make major job cuts? Sentiment delivers a look at your company’s popularity at any given time. These are tools that help public relations professionals to understand and relate to their markets better.
Facebook should consider adding the new set of Lexicon tools to the Pages feature available for corporations on the site. As many PR directors already use corporate identities to relate to fans, being able to tap directly into the interests and feelings of those most loyal is definitely nirvana.
Facebook’s Lexicon feature is about to get a radical turn around, making the fun-to-play with tool into a serious data cruncher for anyone, especially public relations professionals.
The new Lexicon (which can be tested in Beta here) allows users free access to Facebook’s treasure trove of users and much of their statistical information as well.
In the current version users can search two terms and see the differences of how often those terms appeared in wall posts across the site. The newest rendition, however, splits the data by gender as well as age.
In addition, a new demographics trends page can sort users by country while an associations page suggests related terms and shows the popularity of each on a timeline of colored bubbles.
There’s also a sentiment page, which shows references for how often users write “I love” or “I hate” in addition to the search term, tracking the feelings of the general population over time.
The new pulse page shows other common interests from the profiles of the people who have written about the search term, and finally, the new maps page explores how many users from each state were discussing the term.
So while Facebook has provided a bunch of cool new toys for its fans to play with, the company has also given an invaluable gift to public relations professionals.
Consider typing in the title of your company and finding out what common interests (ranked from greatest to lowest) fans have. If 103 users who talked about “Social Disclosure” happen to like cooking, why not occasionally cater (pardon the pun) to their tastes also?
Or what about sentiment? Release a new product lately, or just make major job cuts? Sentiment delivers a look at your company’s popularity at any given time. These are tools that help public relations professionals to understand and relate to their markets better.
Facebook should consider adding the new set of Lexicon tools to the Pages feature available for corporations on the site. As many PR directors already use corporate identities to relate to fans, being able to tap directly into the interests and feelings of those most loyal is definitely nirvana.
Monday, February 9, 2009
What's it like, sitting in the choir loft?
Published at the Editor's Weblog, the blog for the managing editor of the Lee Clarion.
Chapel latecomers are doomed to sit in the "choir loft" behind the stage.
...And it really isn't that bad.
I was a little late to the opening service of convocation tonight, which meant I faced the long walk to the platform of public worship. So let's look at what really goes on there:
1. Song lyrics are completely backwards. If you've ever wanted to focus more on worship and less on technology, the loft might be the best place to do it. But if you're a stickler for precision singing, you'll have to learn to decipher what "nevaeh" and thirty other words say as quickly as the tempo demands.
2. The opposite-facing speakers make music and ministers alike sound like they're being piped through tubes. My request is for some speakers facing the chapel lofts. Otherwise, it can be a bit more difficult to hear what's going on.
3. The view is magnificent. If you've never looked out at a crowd of 2,000 worshipers before, you have to experience the chapel loft at least once. You can spot everyone in the entire Conn Center, from the crest of the balcony, to inside the light booth, to the facial expressions of the drummer on stage. It's like a 200 megapixel photo, filled with beautiful detail. It's a sight often unseen but wholly worth it.
4. Looking to become popular? One false move in the choir loft could lead to instant fame in chapel history. Or if you want your friends to notice you and analyze your every move (did he sit or stand?), it's a great place to be. Just remember that while you're able to see everyone in the Conn Center, everyone there can see you as well.
So if you've never been banished to the stage balcony, try it out for once. Trust me, it's an experience worth having.
Chapel latecomers are doomed to sit in the "choir loft" behind the stage.
...And it really isn't that bad.
I was a little late to the opening service of convocation tonight, which meant I faced the long walk to the platform of public worship. So let's look at what really goes on there:
1. Song lyrics are completely backwards. If you've ever wanted to focus more on worship and less on technology, the loft might be the best place to do it. But if you're a stickler for precision singing, you'll have to learn to decipher what "nevaeh" and thirty other words say as quickly as the tempo demands.
2. The opposite-facing speakers make music and ministers alike sound like they're being piped through tubes. My request is for some speakers facing the chapel lofts. Otherwise, it can be a bit more difficult to hear what's going on.
3. The view is magnificent. If you've never looked out at a crowd of 2,000 worshipers before, you have to experience the chapel loft at least once. You can spot everyone in the entire Conn Center, from the crest of the balcony, to inside the light booth, to the facial expressions of the drummer on stage. It's like a 200 megapixel photo, filled with beautiful detail. It's a sight often unseen but wholly worth it.
4. Looking to become popular? One false move in the choir loft could lead to instant fame in chapel history. Or if you want your friends to notice you and analyze your every move (did he sit or stand?), it's a great place to be. Just remember that while you're able to see everyone in the Conn Center, everyone there can see you as well.
So if you've never been banished to the stage balcony, try it out for once. Trust me, it's an experience worth having.
Would you befriend Physical Plant on Facebook?
Published at the Editor's Weblog, the blog for the managing editor of the Lee Clarion.
Physical Plant wants to be my friend on Facebook.
No offense, but why does the school's maintenance hub have a sudden interest in me?
"This site is for current and future student workers of Lee University Physical Plant," the profile's description reads beneath a picture of the building's emblazoned front window.
Last time I checked, I've never been employed by Physical Plant, despite the honor of knowing several of the department's employees.
Lee's Campus Safety department is also getting in on the social networking action. If you so desire, you can befriend Campus Safety.
The real concern here, however, is that these departments are creating profiles (which are reserved for actual people) rather than groups (used for organizations) or pages (used for businesses) on the site.
Campus Safety has already racked up 186 friends, while Physical Plant has reached 36. Not to mention "Joe Calling," the fictional but powerful profile created for the Center for Calling and Career, which impressively tops the 1,000 mark when it comes to friends.
While it's impressive that "Joe Calling" takes the time to wish every friend "happy birthday" on their Facebook wall each day, what these departments don't realize is that profiles have certain limitations, not meant for businesses.
In fact, usage of profiles for campus departments may actually be against Facebook's terms of use:
By using or accessing the Facebook Service, you represent, warrant and agree that you will not...use your profile (as opposed to a Page) for any commercial purpose.
After all, do 186 people really want their latest party photos showing up in the Campus Safety news feed? For those raucous individuals on campus, such an act could be similar to voluntarily offering to go to jail.
And seriously, what does it mean if Campus Safety pokes me?
But maybe Lee's increased presence on Facebook is a good thing.
Take "Lee Univ Alerts," for instance. 876 students have signed up to get emergency and weather alerts... through Facebook. I thought that was why we had Twitter.
So please excuse me while I ponder my current requests and wait for a friend request from the records office. Say hello to a whole new level of creepy.
Which brings me back to my original question, would you befriend Physical Plant, or even Campus Safety on Facebook? Hit up the comments.
Physical Plant wants to be my friend on Facebook.
No offense, but why does the school's maintenance hub have a sudden interest in me?
"This site is for current and future student workers of Lee University Physical Plant," the profile's description reads beneath a picture of the building's emblazoned front window.
Last time I checked, I've never been employed by Physical Plant, despite the honor of knowing several of the department's employees.
Lee's Campus Safety department is also getting in on the social networking action. If you so desire, you can befriend Campus Safety.
The real concern here, however, is that these departments are creating profiles (which are reserved for actual people) rather than groups (used for organizations) or pages (used for businesses) on the site.
Campus Safety has already racked up 186 friends, while Physical Plant has reached 36. Not to mention "Joe Calling," the fictional but powerful profile created for the Center for Calling and Career, which impressively tops the 1,000 mark when it comes to friends.
While it's impressive that "Joe Calling" takes the time to wish every friend "happy birthday" on their Facebook wall each day, what these departments don't realize is that profiles have certain limitations, not meant for businesses.
In fact, usage of profiles for campus departments may actually be against Facebook's terms of use:
By using or accessing the Facebook Service, you represent, warrant and agree that you will not...use your profile (as opposed to a Page) for any commercial purpose.
After all, do 186 people really want their latest party photos showing up in the Campus Safety news feed? For those raucous individuals on campus, such an act could be similar to voluntarily offering to go to jail.
And seriously, what does it mean if Campus Safety pokes me?
But maybe Lee's increased presence on Facebook is a good thing.
Take "Lee Univ Alerts," for instance. 876 students have signed up to get emergency and weather alerts... through Facebook. I thought that was why we had Twitter.
So please excuse me while I ponder my current requests and wait for a friend request from the records office. Say hello to a whole new level of creepy.
Which brings me back to my original question, would you befriend Physical Plant, or even Campus Safety on Facebook? Hit up the comments.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Critiquing Lee University's new Web site
Published at the Editor's Weblog, the blog for the managing editor of the Lee Clarion.
Lee University's Web site recently underwent a massive revision. While the transition to a new design and updated framework is far from complete, it's already easy to critique the change.
While much of the site has changed for the better, some of it has changed for the worse. And at the same time, there remain technologies that could be utilized more effectively by Lee's web team.
So here's my view of a student's perspective of the new Web site:
PROS:
1. Thankfully, the Flame logo now reflects the look of Lee's brand with the Flame in the center of "Lee University"
2. The site now shows two images instead of one; the larger image is still open to student photography contest winners.
3. A new search bar makes the previous A-Z index obsolete.
4. The new breadcrumb navigation is a must-have.
5. The messy consortium of colorful buttons lovingly called "Lee Today" has been replaced by one single colorful square in the lower-left corner of the page.
6. Overall, the new look feels a lot cleaner and is more modern and exciting.
CONS:
1. Simple links to the campus map, privacy statement, index and web feedback have been removed. Links to the emergency plan and Datatel have been added. In my opinion, it was a mistake to remove easy access to the map, which isn't even on the "quicklinks" list.
2. The number of "current visitors" to LeeUniversity.edu has been hidden. While not necessarily important or life-enhancing, the statistics were fun to look at.
3. It's no longer possible to search the news archive exclusively.
4. The student e-mail button on the "current students" page has been replaced by a small hard-to-find text link.
5. The university calendar is now separated across several pages, still without any visual representation of the calendar.
6. Because the site is built to be easily updated, it's much more structured and can feel almost claustrophobic at times, filled with boxes and grids.
WHAT'S MISSING:
1. A blog. The university should put together an informative and frequently-updated blog not to promote press releases but to encourage interaction and conversation among the publics of the university with the institution and administration.
2. Embracing social technologies. The university should support the use and integration of sites like Facebook and Twitter to woo prospective students as well as to communicate effectively and efficiently with current students.
3. Enhanced mail. Squirrel Mail, here's a message: 20 megabytes doesn't cut it anymore. The school e-mail system for students is archaic in style and functionality. Switching to a solution like GMail seems more suited for the academic use intended.
Lee University's Web site recently underwent a massive revision. While the transition to a new design and updated framework is far from complete, it's already easy to critique the change.
While much of the site has changed for the better, some of it has changed for the worse. And at the same time, there remain technologies that could be utilized more effectively by Lee's web team.
So here's my view of a student's perspective of the new Web site:
PROS:
1. Thankfully, the Flame logo now reflects the look of Lee's brand with the Flame in the center of "Lee University"
2. The site now shows two images instead of one; the larger image is still open to student photography contest winners.
3. A new search bar makes the previous A-Z index obsolete.
4. The new breadcrumb navigation is a must-have.
5. The messy consortium of colorful buttons lovingly called "Lee Today" has been replaced by one single colorful square in the lower-left corner of the page.
6. Overall, the new look feels a lot cleaner and is more modern and exciting.
CONS:
1. Simple links to the campus map, privacy statement, index and web feedback have been removed. Links to the emergency plan and Datatel have been added. In my opinion, it was a mistake to remove easy access to the map, which isn't even on the "quicklinks" list.
2. The number of "current visitors" to LeeUniversity.edu has been hidden. While not necessarily important or life-enhancing, the statistics were fun to look at.
3. It's no longer possible to search the news archive exclusively.
4. The student e-mail button on the "current students" page has been replaced by a small hard-to-find text link.
5. The university calendar is now separated across several pages, still without any visual representation of the calendar.
6. Because the site is built to be easily updated, it's much more structured and can feel almost claustrophobic at times, filled with boxes and grids.
WHAT'S MISSING:
1. A blog. The university should put together an informative and frequently-updated blog not to promote press releases but to encourage interaction and conversation among the publics of the university with the institution and administration.
2. Embracing social technologies. The university should support the use and integration of sites like Facebook and Twitter to woo prospective students as well as to communicate effectively and efficiently with current students.
3. Enhanced mail. Squirrel Mail, here's a message: 20 megabytes doesn't cut it anymore. The school e-mail system for students is archaic in style and functionality. Switching to a solution like GMail seems more suited for the academic use intended.
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