Over the past decade, Rutgers’ core universitywide website has continued to evolve. As an important next step in the university’s comprehensive communications program, the new Rutgers.edu increases the number of top-level universitywide webpages from 30 to more than 70. With so much happening at the university, the redesign allows information to be frequently refreshed and more prominently placed on top-level core webpages. The new Rutgers.edu, a multi-phase project, moves the university’s website presence to the next level and will

• provide a positive user experience,
• create a web presence that reflects the quality of Rutgers,
• feature more of Rutgers’ outstanding programs and people,
• tailor information for specific audiences.

In the initial phase of the project, University Relations analyzed the current website and held focus groups with prospective and current students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the public. This analysis was used to develop key recommendations, which have served as a foundation in developing the new Rutgers.edu. In phase one, the university also concluded that a content management system would be necessary to manage an increased number of core universitywide webpages.

As a result, in phase two, which is currently under way, University Relations has redesigned the look of the site, enhanced its functionality, and re-engineered the presentation of information using a content management system (CMS) that allows for easier content updates.

Phase three, also under way, includes redesigns, both visually and architecturally, and a transition into a CMS for the websites of the Graduate School of Education, Mason Gross School of the Arts, the School of Management and Labor Relations, and University Relations. This pilot work will include the creation of flexible templates that other schools and universitywide administrative units may be able to adapt for their own use.

For more information about the project, visit the project background. We invite you to preview the new Rutgers.edu and to send us your comments.

The New Rutgers.edu
The examples below compare the design, functionality, and information presentation of the university’s current core website to the new Rutgers.edu. The current website design debuted in 2007 and incorporated the Rutgers visual identity system, which was adopted in 2006. Set to launch in late-September, the new Rutgers.edu homepage will offer:

1. Easy access to campus sites
2. A coordinated “core site” menu
3. A quickfinder tool enabling access to new search tools and frequently visited websites
4. More space to feature Rutgers’ outstanding programs and people
5. Tailored information by audience
6. Highlighted news and events
7. Quick links to access key websites and initiatives

The New Rutgers.edu Homepage

The Current Homepage

Section Overview Page
The new Rutgers.edu allows key content areas to offer enhanced information geared to key audiences. For example, the new research section will be comprised of seven webpages, instead of one webpage. Additional webpages in this section will detail undergraduate and graduate research opportunities, honors and recognitions, faculty research support, and business resources. Multimedia content, such as photo galleries and video will also be featured throughout the new website. The expanded sections of the new Rutgers.edu will provide

1. Banner areas for attention-grabbing headlines and visuals
2. Related links for quick access to relevant information
3. Expanded information in main content areas, not just links
4. Frequently updated sidebar information
5. Highlighted stories about outstanding programs and people

The Current Research Page