A refresh to the UWindsor.ca homepage will present a new image to visitors and is the first step in renewal of the University’s website, says the director of web communications.

“What we rolled out Wednesday represents the latest iteration of our content management system,” says John Powell. “As well as introducing an updated design to showcase the new logo, the site marks the introduction of version 7 of our open source software, Drupal.”

He says the new homepage, designed by Rob Aitkens of Public Affairs and Communications, directs attention to the most current information for prospective students and members of the public.

“The homepage is our front door and we want to make sure it is open to the world,” Powell says. “It is important to us that it always features those messages most relevant to newcomers.”

Vlad Pavlovic, a computer consultant in Information Technology Services, conducted the reprogramming of the system. He says he was excited by the launch of the new-look site.

“The biggest advantage of the new version is its support for accessibility,” says Pavlovic. “I also think that I have built a better user interface, both for visitors and for those people on campus who manage sites.”

Departmental sites have taken on the new style and colouring, but their formal migration to Drupal 7 will not begin until later this year, Powell says.