New Web site debuts Monday

Those who find IUB's home page -- http://www.iub.edu -- useful will find the revamped version more functional with its added links and features. The enhanced version is due to hit the Web Oct. 7 and will include extra outlets to important academic information as well as links to community Internet sites for upcoming events, job and volunteer opportunities, important societal issues, economic information and much more. \nAfter extensive research, involving over 100 staff, faculty, administrators and students beginning last November, IUB officials decided it was time for a virtual makeover. The refurbishing is the first alteration the site has undergone in two years.\n"I'm pleased that the new IUB Web site has been developed and want to thank all of those who worked on it," said IUB Chancellor Sharon Brehm in a statement. "I hope that the site will be useful to both those on campus and those not on campus who want to learn more about us. \nBloomington is a great and wonderful place, and this new Web site will help us all better appreciate this wonderful academic environment even more."\nThe site, which gets up to 3 million hits per month, is one of the most visited Web pages on the University system. Also included in the revamp is a virtual tour of campus which is to showcase many of IU's highly noted landmarks, historic architecture and other important locations.\n"The new IU Web site is beautiful and at once highlights the academic mission of this splendid institution," said Carolyn Calloway-Thomas, associate professor of communication and culture in a statement. Calloway-Thomas chaired the Web Advisory Committee that worked closely with Associate Vice President Perry Metz, Campus Web Manager Thom Atkinson and the Office of Communications and Marketing. Together, they sat through interviews, reviewed online surveys and sat in on discussions and functionality testing upon approving the changes.\n"I believe that the site will be more accessible and helpful to people who want and need to know what we do at IU," Calloway-Thomas said.\nAngela Tharp, assistant director of the Office of Communications and Marketing said the changes will help viewers realize the vitality of the Bloomington campus whether affiliated with the University or just perusing the Web.\n"We're extremely excited to unveil the new Bloomington site," Tharp said in a statement. "I'm confident the improvements we've made will engage our constituents in a way they haven't experienced before and give newcomers a true sense of what our vibrant campus is all about.\n"It will also allow us to better showcase the wealth of academic and artistic resources we offer to both our affiliates and members of the surrounding community"